Local Boat, 2-Hour Tastings

Authentic Old Dubai, Souks, Tastings & local boat Guided Tour

★ 4.9 666 reviews

2 hours, free cancellation.

from $21.78 per person

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Duration: 2 hours
Meeting point: Sharaf DG Metro Station (Al Fahidi)
Cancellation: Free cancellation

Overview

This two-hour guided walk starts at the Arabian Tea House in the Al Fahidi historical district of Bur Dubai and works its way through the old quarter, across Dubai Creek by traditional abra, and into the souks on the other side. Along the way you get a spices experience, entries to old houses and the heritage area, a stop at Baba's Cave, and a spread of tastings: traditional Arabic coffee, saffron tea, chocolate dates, local sweets, traditional iced tea and bottled water. The operator is 1001 Nights Experiences.

The route is built for people who want the older side of the city rather than the towers. Reviewers describe it as a look at a part of Dubai that feels completely different from the new districts, with guides who share their own perspectives and keep the pace moving. Several travellers mention the boat crossing and the souks as the highlights, and the tour is open to most travellers who can manage a walk.

Be aware that it is a walking tour with several stops packed into two hours, and the souks involve persistent sellers. One reviewer advises avoiding eye contact if you do not want to be approached, and haggling when you do buy. The tour is not wheelchair accessible, though pushchairs are fine.

What's Included

Old Houses Entries
Access to heritage Area
Traditional Abra boat ride
Baba's Cave Entry
Spices Experience
Coffee and/or Tea (Traditional Arabic coffee + Saffron Tea)
Snacks (Chocolate Dates + Local Sweets)
Bottled water (water)
Soda/Pop (Traditional Iced tea tasting)

Itinerary

Meet at Arabian Tea House
Souk Al Seef
Al Fahidi heritage walk
Dubai Creek and Baba's Cave
Abra boat crossing
Old Souk and Spice Souk

Meet at Arabian Tea HouseThe meeting point is in front of the Arabian Tea House on Al Fahidi Street in Bur Dubai, opposite Musalla Post Office. The nearest metro station is Sharaf DG, and taxis can reach the street directly.
Souk Al SeefA 10-minute stop at the Souk Al Seef waterfront retail area.
Al Fahidi heritage walkTwo stops of 10 minutes and 15 minutes inside the Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, including entries to old houses and access to the heritage area.
Dubai Creek and Baba's CaveA 5-minute stop at Dubai Creek, followed by a 15-minute stop at Baba's Cave with entry included.
Abra boat crossingA 5-minute ride from Bur Dubai Abra Station on a traditional abra across the creek. The tour also passes Dubai Museum and Al Fahidi Fort with a short stop.
Old Souk and Spice SoukA 5-minute stop at the Old Souk and a 10-minute stop at the Dubai Spice Souk, which includes the spices experience.

A wooden abra boat loaded with passengers crossing the calm water of Dubai Creek

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points will help you get the most out of this tour.

Lots of walking. One reviewer warns that there is a lot of walking, so wear comfortable shoes. The route covers the heritage district, the creek crossing and two souks within two hours.
Souk sellers. Travellers say shopkeepers in the souks will approach you, especially if you make eye contact. One reviewer's advice is to haggle if you decide to buy anything.
Tastings included. Arabic coffee, saffron tea, chocolate dates, local sweets, traditional iced tea and bottled water are all in the ticket. Reviewers mention a spice shop with lots of samples along the way.
Heat and weather. The tour requires good weather, and if it is cancelled for poor conditions you are offered a different date or a full refund. Bottled water is included, which helps on hot days.
Group feel. The tour can take up to 100 travellers, though reviewers describe guides who answer questions and take time to explain each part of the trip. The listing notes that most travellers can participate.
Getting there. Meet in front of the Arabian Tea House, opposite Musalla Post Office on Al Fahidi Street. Sharaf DG is the nearest metro station, and the listing notes the tour is near public transport.

Where this tour sits among 8 tours in Old Dubai Street Food Walks listed here (from-price per person, USD)

Emirati House, 3-Hour Walk$16
Historic Creek Walk, Pickup$18
Local Boat, 2-Hour Tastings (this tour)$21.78
MAGIC LAMP Tour, Hotel Pickup$22
Abra Ride, Street Food Walk$24
Souks And Museums Walk$25
Aladdin Souks Tasting Walk$27
Premium Walk, Hotel Pickup$32

Common issues. The tour is not wheelchair accessible, though pushchairs are allowed and service animals can come along. Cancellations must be made at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. The listing does not state whether hotel pickup is offered, so check the booking page before assuming anything about transport to the meeting point.

Common Questions

What Is Included In The Price?

The ticket covers entries to the old houses, the heritage area and Baba's Cave, the traditional abra boat ride, the spices experience, Arabic coffee and saffron tea, chocolate dates and local sweets, bottled water, and a traditional iced tea tasting.

Where Does The Tour Start?

In front of the Arabian Tea House on Al Fahidi Street in Bur Dubai, opposite Musalla Post Office. The nearest metro station is Sharaf DG. The listing does not state whether hotel pickup is provided, so check the booking page for details.

How Long Does The Tour Last?

The tour runs for two hours.

Is It Suitable For Children And Pushchairs?

Pushchairs are accessible and most travellers can participate, according to the listing. It is not wheelchair accessible.

What Is The Cancellation Policy?

Cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made within 24 hours of the start are not refunded or accepted, and cut-off times follow the local time in Dubai. If the operator cancels for poor weather, you get a different date or a full refund.

What Should I Bring?

Comfortable walking shoes are the main thing, since one reviewer notes there is a lot of walking. Bottled water is included in the ticket.