Explore the Backstreets of Old Dubai with an Insider

based on 176 reviews

Duration:4 hours (approx.)
Location: Dubai, United Arab Emirates

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CHILD (Age : 7 to 11)

ADULT (Age : 12 to 75)

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Upto 24 hours in Advance.

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Dubai’s historic and humble beginnings tell a story like no other. We’ll start the day by marching the streets of old Dubai stopping by several enchanting sights and witnessing the city’s dynamic history woven by its people.

We'll learn about the emirate’s history as we wander its streets and the aromatic spice and shiny gold souqs. We’ll meet shop owners and learn the secrets behind some of the world’s most expensive traded items. We'll hop on a traditional wooden abra boat and cross over the magnificent Dubai Creek. We’ll visit the Grand Mosque in Dubai, originally built in 1900, where we’ll enjoy an introduction to Islam’s core beliefs and the mosque’s beautiful architecture. We’ll explore the historic Al Fahidi neighborhood with its merchant houses and their incredible windtowers, and enjoy gahwa or Arabic coffee, a quintessential symbol of Emirati hospitality. By then, I guarantee our stomachs will be grumbling loud enough to guide us themselves to one of Dubai’s best eats.

WHAT'S INCLUDED

WHAT TO EXPECT

1. Dubai Creek
The wooden abra boats plying the busy Dubai Creek are one of Dubai's most iconic scenes to witness. Guests will enjoy an unforgettable experience on a private abra ride and capture the city from the water as we time-travel from its past to its present.
2. Dubai Spice Souk
Dubai's Spice Souk is an incredibly aromatic network of shops and eateries that sell everything from saffron to chocolate dipped dates. To navigate the bustling souk, the best way is to learn about the origins of the spices at first from your guide and shop-owners before you cruise your way around the market.
3. Dubai Gold Souk
We'll walk through Dubai's oldest market, the Gold Souk, a place buzzing with eager shoppers there to explore its 300+ shops and covered walkways. We'll stop to learn about the world's obsession with this shiny yellow metal, especially during festive occasions.
4. Textile Souk
The Textile Souk is a labyrinth of traditional Arabian souvenir stores with plenty of fabrics, scarves, and I heart Dubai t-shirts. Here, your guide will introduce you to the national dress worn by both men and women, and demonstrate how each garment is worn.
5. Grand Bur Dubai Masjid
We’ll visit the Grand Mosque in Dubai, originally built in 1900 and devoted to the study of the Quran, where we’ll enjoy an introduction to Islam’s core beliefs and the mosque’s beautiful architecture.
6. Dubai Museum & Al Fahidi Fort
Guests will stop outside the now-closed Dubai Museum, originally built back in 1787 as the premises of the monarch. The fort was once upon a time Dubai's tallest structure, and served to protect its inhabitants from any potential threats. Guests will be able to capture snaps of the structure from outside and learn about its purpose.
7. Al Fahidi
Our last stop will be a fantastic meal at a traditional restaurant where we'll break bread together. The guide will pre-order several dishes so that guests can experience the various flavors and spices used to marinate, and answer all your curious questions.
8. Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood
We'll wander through one of Dubai's historic neighborhoods where its merchants once lived in now-restored homes. Your guide will explain the brilliance behind the architecture of these structures, particularly its windtowers, designed to keep inhabitants cool.

ADDITIONAL INFO

• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
• Children must be accompanied by an adult
• Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking, as our meal is pre-ordered, is non-vegetarian, and is served on a sharing platter basis. A vegetarian option is available on request.
• It is recommended that you bring bottled water, sunglasses, hat, and sunscreen.
• It is recommended that you wear light fabric clothing (especially during summer) and comfortable shoes
• This tour includes moderate physical activity. Guests should be in good health, able to walk slightly longer distances at a comfortable pace, and able to participate in periods of standing.
• A minimum of 2 people is required for the tour to move forward.
• Minimum numbers apply. There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if the minimum of 2 people is not met. In the event of this happening, you will be offered an alternative date or a full refund.
• Garments for entry to the mosque (also provided complimentary at the mosque).

CANCELLATION POLICY

Posted By : davidsU5233UH
Had a great morning visiting a bunch of people doing various in old town
Learnt a lot about culture and finished with amazing lunch. Nada was excellent and I thoroughly recommend this tour. In previous tours there was lots of pressure to buy stuff at various activities but within tour none at all which was very refreshing
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-04-30 18:04:33

Posted By : sethsean
I set up a private tour with Nada during our 20-hour layover in Dubai. We did the Old Dubai tour, had lunch, visited the Jumeirah Mosque for their 2pm tour and then saw the Museum of the Future, many of the skyscrapers and the Dubai Mall. I cannot recommend Nada highly enough. She is a kind, funny and very smart woman who has so much knowlege about Dubai and loves to share it. We learned so much from her and had such a wonderful day wandering the souks, the alleys of Old Dubai and the more modern sections of the city. A real treat was having Emirati specialties at Al Khayma restaurant for lunch. We were sorry when our day was over and we had to say goodbye to Nada.
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-04-16 14:48:02

Posted By : Lydiaperaic
One of the best guides we had. Nada not was informative and knowledgeable, she radiates a good feeling aura that was irresistible and rubbed off onto the rest of us, even when some of us were late. Best experience in Dubai, out of 10 I rate “Wander with Nada” 11.
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Posted On : 2024-01-08 06:29:42

Posted By : D3422VYbarbarad
This visit with Nada to old Dubai was very informative, she gives a lot of explanations about the way of life, the habits and customs, the traditions and answers all your questions... Visit to the different souks, boat (abra) in the cove of Dubai, old neighborhoods and typical and traditional restaurant…
To recommend with eyes closed! Thank you Nada for this great discovery!
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2023-12-27 08:47:24

Posted By : Vacationer531279
Nada was a fantastic guide - knowledgeable and passionate. It was a small group which made it great!
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Posted On : 2023-10-24 04:03:42

Posted By : cfs1618
We took a wonderful tour of Old Dubai with Nada yesterday. I shall not go into detail about the places we visited as you could read the descriptions in Nada's webpages. But I'd like to say that Nada's tour was an informative, fun, and memorable experience. Nada is very pleasant and professional, and ever ready to answer the myriad of questions that you may throw at her. Dubai has plenty of modern and wonderful attractions like Burj Al Arab and Dubai Mall. But no visit to Dubai would be complete without a visit to Old Dubai, the historical and soul of the place. And I cannot think of a better person to help us complete that experience than Nada. Oh yes, I almost forgot to mention that the tour culminated in a wonderful lunch at a heritage restaurant. Thanks, Nada.
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2023-10-23 23:09:11

Posted By : Trek02323342137
Nada is the best tour guide! She took me to spots I would not have found by myself and also she told me about so many background informations about the city and its culture like the traditional architecture, clothing and crafts. Also she is an amazing photographer which was super nice since I traveled solo and could not take pictures of myself ;)
I wished I could have stayed longer and take more tours with her. Truly one of the highlights of my stay in Dubai. 10/10
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Posted On : 2023-06-08 02:48:54

Posted By : kathleens187
I originally planned to take this tour in March 2020 as part of an African safari trip--which obviously didn't happen. When I had the opportunity to go to Dubai at the end of March 2023 I knew I wanted to book Nada's Old Dubai walking tour based on other reviews--and it was worth the wait! It's all true; Nada is lovely, personable, and highly knowledgeable, and wants to make sure you have a great time in Dubai. She was quick with communication, answering all email questions I had in advance, and provided so much helpful information, including about best ways to get to the meeting point and how best to navigate immigration on arrival. On our tour, I particularly enjoyed the perfume museum and spice souk, and we had great conversations about so many different topics; she really brought the history and culture of Dubai and the area to life for me. Also, I like to cook, and wish I could have bought and taken home so many more delicious spices!! If you only have time for one tour in Dubai, 100% you should book it with Nada.
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Posted On : 2023-04-06 20:12:21

Posted By : NCCNottingham
Another get trip with Nada. Lots of info about the history of Dubai which was really interesting. Good to get info from a local. Spice smelling, gold hunting and eating great food was all on the menu! Very enjoyable few hours spent. Nada is very helpful and easygoing. Would highly recommend this trip!
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Posted On : 2023-02-08 08:38:48

Posted By : grantl765
We found this tour through an amazing coincidence - our good friend was Nada's sister's mid-wife in New Zealand and when she heard we were visiting Dubai, made the connection for us, and we are so glad she did. We had a wonderful day, going into places and meeting people we would ever have found on our own. Nada is incredibly knowledgeable and gave us so many insights into life in the UAE. Going well beyond her role as a guide, she has also given us great advice and assistance for our ongoing trip to Abu Dhabi. We cannot recommend Nada highly enough.
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Posted On : 2023-01-27 10:29:04