Old Dubai Charms, English Only

Overview

This walk starts at the Al Seef Heritage Hotel Dubai, Curio Collection by Hilton, near the main entrance, and spends its full two hours and 45 minutes on foot and water through Old Dubai. The tour is listed on GuruWalk, and the guide waits under the canopy by the hotel sign wearing a cap and a visible Dubai Tour Guide License, so finding the group is straightforward.

The route works through the historic district in a clear order. It passes the Museum of Illusions, follows the creek that once carried the city's trade, then winds into the Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood, also called Bastakiya, with its wind towers and narrow alleys. From there the group crosses Dubai Creek by abra, the local ferry, to Deira, where the Gold Souk, Spice Souk and Perfume Souk follow one another. The walk finishes at the Gold Souk Extension.

One reviewer said it was the best way to start a stay in Dubai. The tour runs in English only and is free to book, with guests paying the guide what they think the walk was worth at the end. Families fit in too: one reviewer noted the guide made a point of including children on the walk.

Itinerary

1. Meet at Al SeefMeet the guide near the main entrance of the Al Seef Heritage Hotel Dubai, Curio Collection by Hilton, under the canopy by the hotel sign. The guide wears a cap and carries a Dubai Tour Guide License in a black holder.
2. Pass the Museum of IllusionsThe route passes by the Museum of Illusions without entering.
3. Walk along Dubai CreekThe walk follows the creek, the historic waterway that was once the center of the city's trade.
4. Explore Al FahidiThe group wanders the narrow alleys of the Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood, also known as Bastakiya, past wind towers and traditional architecture.
5. Cross the Creek by AbraThe group crosses to Deira on an abra, the local ferry.
6. Tour the Deira SouksIn Deira the walk covers the Gold Souk, the Spice Souk and the Perfume Souk, ending at the Gold Souk Extension.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points will help you get the most out of this walk before you set off.

• Language and pace. The tour runs in English only and lasts two hours and 45 minutes, so plan for a fair amount of standing and walking. Reviewers described it as informative and entertaining.
• Finding the guide. Meet near the hotel's main entrance, under the canopy where the sign is visible. The guide wears a cap and displays a Dubai Tour Guide License in a black holder, which makes the meeting point easy to spot.
• The abra crossing. Part of the route crosses Dubai Creek by abra, the local ferry. One reviewer described riding the abra across the creek on the way to the gold and spice souks as part of a walk they thoroughly enjoyed.
• Kids are welcome. One reviewer mentioned children on the walk and said the guide went out of his way to include them.
• Bring questions. Reviewers praised the guide's knowledge of Dubai's history. One said he was willing to answer any questions, so come with what you want to ask.
• Paying the guide. Booking is free and guests pay the guide what they think the walk was worth at the end. There is no fixed charge set in advance.

Common issues. The listing shows only the first few stops of a route that has nine in total, so the full plan is longer than the outline suggests. The walk is on foot through narrow alleys and includes a creek crossing by abra. There is no hotel pickup; the meeting point at Al Seef is where the walk begins.

Ratings At A Glance

Frequently Asked Questions