Private Tour
Private Old Dubai Walking Tour: Forts, Souks, and Boats
Overview
Available languages
2 hours
Mobile ticket
Journey with us on this private two-hour walking tour to explore the city as you have never seen it. We will guide you through the middle east markets, traditional houses, and historic by lanes of the old city. You will go back in time to see what life was like on the sleepy banks of a pearling and fishing village. The tour includes a visit to a Fort, a boat ride across the creek, and visits to the famous textile, spice and gold souks (markets).
Along the way, you will hear the story of the men and women who transformed this regional trading outpost into the global juggernaut that it is today. Elements of Emirati culture will be seen up-close as we explained the nuanced ways that the traditions still thrive.
Far away from the glass skyscrapers of modern Dubai, this tour will introduce you to the real, and fascinating, heart and soul of the town. You simply cannot miss this side of Dubai!
Additional Info
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
Local Resident Certified Professional Guides (Some of who are award winning)
Private Abra (Wooden Boat) Ride Across Dubai Creek
An Authentic Way to Experience the Middle East
Coffee and/or Tea
Most in-depth personalized interactions
Gratuity
What To Expect
Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood
Featuring heritages homes transformed into cafes, museums, art galleries and hotels - a close look at Dubai's first settlement
Dubai Museum & Al Fahidi Fort
Dubai Museum is currently closed for renovation. We will understand the museum, the wall of Old Dubai and the Al Fahidi Fort from the outside.
Options
Private Old Dubai Walking Tour: Forts, Souks, and Boats
Reviews
120 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Must do tour in Dubai!
cmartini82,
Oct 24, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This private walking tour was the absolute highlight of our trip to Dubai. If you want to see the authentic, historical soul of the city, you must do this! Ricardo was incredible—so knowledgeable and passionate about the history. Because it was a private tour, we could go at our own pace, ask tons of questions, and get a truly personalized experience. We loved stepping back in time while walking through the beautiful old alleyways and seeing the historic forts. But the best part was the two most "classic" Dubai experiences: riding a traditional Abra boat across the Dubai Creek and exploring the bustling souks. The sights, sounds, and smells of the Spice Souk and the dazzling Gold Souk were unforgettable. I can't recommend this tour enough. It's an immersive, fascinating, and fun way to see a side of Dubai that many visitors miss. Five stars!
Old Dubai Tour is a must experience for everyone's vacation!
342mms,
Aug 29, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Pri is the best tour guide! She really made it a lot of fun and is very knowledgeable. Everyone we met during this tour was so hospitable and polite. We loved the private boat tour across the ocean water. Beautiful! This was our favorite excursion. 😊
Make This Tour Your First Stop in Dubai!
VirginiaSB1930,
Aug 27, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We enjoyed every moment of our tour despite the summer heat! Our guide Ricky made the tour both interesting and fun. Thanks to his valuable insights and historical context, he brought Dubai's past to life and gave us an excellent understanding of Dubai's evolution from a small pearl diving port to the modern city it has become. The tour was well paced and covered a lot in a short amount of time. This tour should be the first stop on any first time visitors' trip to Dubai!
Wonderful tour of Old Dubai
Kristen G,
Jun 10, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Francesca was fantastic! She was so welcoming and knowledgeable. We learned so much and she was so great with our kids. They had a wonderful time too which is never easy on a tour. We highly recommend taking this tour with your family to Learn about the history and culture of the city. This was a great activity to start our first day in Dubai.
Fawzy - Best man!
Arnel1406,
May 29, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a great trip with Fawzy. The tour guide was very well informed and has responded flexibly to our wishes. We'll be back!
Fantastic way to spend an afternoon in Dubai
ghallowell,
Apr 9, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Pri was amazing! The tour covered the historical part and the souks with a boat trip. Lots of varied and interesting information, without being too in-depth. Would highly recommend.
Ricardo is the best and this tour was fantastic!
Alex H,
Mar 16, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00We had an incredible time. Our guide, Ricardo, was a blast to spend 2.5 hours with. Very personable, friendly and extremely knowledgeable. He is a true master of his craft. This was one of the highlights of entire vacation. We only regretted not booking more time with him. He’s fantastic!
Great Way to Explore Old Dubai!
200ashokg,
Mar 7, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had an amazing time with Dubai by Foot exploring Old Dubai. The tour was informative, well-paced, and full of interesting stories about the city's rich history. Walking through the souks and riding the abra felt like stepping back in time. A must-do experience for anyone visiting Dubai!
Great guide. Very interesting walk.
ianp231,
Mar 6, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Interesting walk to see another side of Dubai, especially the spice and gold souks. But the highlight of the walking tour was Dana, our guide, who made the walk SO good. Can't recommend her highly enough.
Amazing Experience with Ricky
524sangitag,
Mar 3, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had an amazing experience with Dubai by Foot on the Old Dubai Walking Tour! Our guide Ricky was fantastic – so knowledgeable and passionate about the city's history. He shared fascinating stories as we explored the Al Fahidi District, wandered through the souks, and enjoyed a scenic abra ride across the creek. The tour was well-paced, informative, and a great way to discover the cultural side of Dubai. Highly recommend.
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