Aladdin Souks Tasting Walk

Dubai Aladdin Tour: Souks, Creek, Old Dubai and Tastings

★ 4.9 4,582 reviews

3 hours.

from $27 per person

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Duration: 3 hours
Meeting point: Sharaf DG Metro Station (Al Fahidi)

Overview

This three-hour walk through Old Dubai begins at the Al Seef Heritage Hotel near Dubai Creek and works its way through the historic districts until it finishes at the Gold Souk in Deira. Along the way it takes in Souk Al Seef, a private abra crossing of the Creek, the Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, Dubai Museum inside Al Fahidi Fort, and the old souks on the Bur Dubai and Deira sides of the water.

The tasting element is a proper part of the route rather than a bolt-on. The listing includes shawarma or falafel, freshly squeezed juice such as pomegranate, coconut, orange or sugarcane (with soft drinks on the premium option), plus Arabic coffee, mineral water and tea. Travellers reviewing the tour repeatedly describe the food as plentiful, and one described it as closer to a hearty meal than a snack, with extra stops along the way for dates, ice cream and sweets.

Small cups of spiced tea and a plate of fried dough sweets on a cafe table

What sets it apart is the shopping angle. A briefing before you enter the souks covers what things should cost and how vendors operate, and dedicated shopping time is built into each market stop. More than one reviewer highlights the bargaining guidance they picked up in the markets as a real benefit. Admission to all heritage sites and museums on the route is included, and groups are capped at fifteen travellers. It suits anyone who wants the Creek-side old town explained properly, with food along the way, rather than a purely scenic stroll.

What's Included

Included

Private Traditional Abra Boat Ride: Exclusive, scenic cruise om Dubai Creek with priority boarding
Pre-Market Briefing: Vital tips on real product values and vendor tactics before entering the souks
Admission fee - All-Inclusive Entry: Hassle-free admission tickets and fees to all heritage sites and historic museums
Snacks (Shawarma / falafel and Freshly squeezed Juice (pomegranate, coconut, orange, or sugarcane and soft drinks ( if premium option selected))
Expert Local Guide: Your trusted insider who protects you from tourist traps and overcharging
Built-in Comfort Breaks with dedicated shopping time in each market
Coffee and/or Tea (Arabic coffee and mineral water)

Not Included

Gratuities

Itinerary

Meet at Al Seef
Souk Al Seef
Dubai Creek and Al Fahidi
Dubai Museum and Old Souk
Abra crossing
Spice Souk and finish

Meet at Al SeefThe tour starts at the entrance of Al Seef Heritage Hotel (Bayt 1), Curio Collection by Hilton, on Al Seef Street. The nearest metro is Sharaf DG station on the green line, and taxis can drop at the hotel.
Souk Al SeefThirty minutes at Souk Al Seef by Dubai Retail, with admission included. Before entering the souks the guide runs a pre-market briefing covering real product values and vendor tactics.
Dubai Creek and Al FahidiFifteen minutes at Dubai Creek, then twenty minutes in the Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood. A further fifteen minutes passes by the Museum of Illusions without entering.
Dubai Museum and Old SoukThirty minutes at Dubai Museum inside Al Fahidi Fort with the entry fee covered, followed by thirty minutes of shopping time in the Old Souk.
Abra crossingA private traditional abra boat ride across the Creek with priority boarding, departing from Bur Dubai Abra Station (five minutes) and arriving at Deira Old Souk Abra Station (ten minutes).
Spice Souk and finishThirty minutes in the Dubai Spice Souk, passing by the Gold Souk along the way. The tour ends at the Gold Souk in Deira, and the guide can point you to the metro station or taxi stop from there.

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$21.78
MAGIC LAMP Tour, Hotel Pickup$22
Abra Ride, Street Food Walk$24
Souks And Museums Walk$25
Aladdin Souks Tasting Walk (this tour)$27
Premium Walk, Hotel Pickup$32

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points will make this walk easier, based on the listing and on what travellers report back.

Comfortable shoes. The route covers ground on both sides of the Creek, from Al Seef to the souks of Deira, and the listing builds in comfort breaks along the way. One reviewer advises comfortable walking shoes, and the same traveller suggests a small hand fan for the heat.
Heat management. This is an outdoor route in Old Dubai. A reviewer describes a very hot day and credits the guide with building in stops inside buildings and in shade. Water and Arabic coffee are provided on the tour itself.
Shopping time. Dedicated shopping time is built into each market stop. One reviewer describes being given price ranges and bargaining guidance before buying. Another recommends leaving time after the tour to shop, since the guide shows you and explains everything as you go.
Group feel. The tour runs with a maximum of fifteen travellers. Reviewers describe a relaxed group atmosphere, with guides answering questions throughout and moving at a pace that suited the group.
Food and drink. Shawarma or falafel and freshly squeezed juice are included, with soft drinks on the premium option, plus Arabic coffee, tea and mineral water. Reviewers repeatedly describe the tastings as plentiful, and one described them as closer to a full meal than a snack.
Getting there. The meeting point is the entrance of Al Seef Heritage Hotel (Bayt 1) on Al Seef Street. The nearest metro station is Sharaf DG on the green line, and the tour finishes at the Gold Souk in Deira, from where you can reach the metro or a taxi stop.

Common issues. The walk is not wheelchair accessible, and infants must sit on laps. The tour requires good weather and a minimum number of travellers; if either condition is not met, you will be offered a different date, a different experience or a full refund. Gratuities for the guide are not included in the price.

Common Questions

What Is Included In The Price?

Admission to all heritage sites and museums on the route, a private traditional abra boat ride on the Creek with priority boarding, shawarma or falafel with freshly squeezed juice (pomegranate, coconut, orange or sugarcane), Arabic coffee, tea and mineral water. Soft drinks come with the premium option. The pre-market briefing on prices and vendor tactics is part of the tour, and gratuity for the guide is not included.

Where Does The Tour Start And End?

It starts at the entrance of Al Seef Heritage Hotel (Bayt 1), Curio Collection by Hilton, on Al Seef Street in Al Hamriya. The nearest metro station is Sharaf DG on the green line, and taxis can drop you at the hotel. It ends at the Gold Souk in Deira, and the guide can direct you to the metro station or taxi stop at the finish.

Does The Tour Include Hotel Pickup?

The listing does not state hotel pickup for this product. If you want pickup and drop off, check the booking page for the options and wording that apply to your booking.

How Long Is The Tour And How Much Walking Is Involved?

It runs for three hours and covers Al Seef, the Creek, Al Fahidi, Dubai Museum at Al Fahidi Fort and the souks on both sides of the water. The listing builds in comfort breaks, and one reviewer describes the pace as leisurely and not rushed. Wear comfortable shoes.

Is It Suitable For Children Or Travellers With Limited Mobility?

Most travellers can participate and infants can join if they sit on laps. However, the tour is not wheelchair accessible, which matters given the amount of walking and the abra crossing. The group is limited to a maximum of fifteen travellers.

What Is The Cancellation Policy?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the start are not refunded or accepted, and the cut-off is based on local Dubai time. The tour also requires good weather and a minimum number of travellers; if it is cancelled for either reason you will be offered a different date or experience, or a full refund.