Old Dubai and New Dubai Guided Full or Half-Day City Tour

Highlights

Inclusions

Itinerary

1. Transfers are only provided from centrally located hotels and residences in Dubai city. (Deira, Bur Dubai, Sheikh Zayed, Marina and other nearby locations). The pick-up/drop-off timing on Sharing transfers can be modified as per the trip schedule by 30 to 60 minutes, depending on traffic conditions and your location.

   35 min

2. In Half Day Tour (Information & Photo Stop): Zabeel Palace is a majestic royal residence located in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. It serves as the official home of the ruling family of Dubai, specifically the office of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the ruler of Dubai. The palace is an iconic symbol of Dubai's opulence, featuring intricate Islamic architecture, expansive gardens, and grandiose interiors. Situated in the heart of the city, Zabeel Palace stands as a testament to the emirate's wealth and modernity, blending traditional design with contemporary luxury. While it's not open to the public, its towering presence and impressive grounds make it a notable landmark in Dubai.

   20 min

3. In Half Day Tour (Information & Photo Stop): The Dubai Frame is a striking architectural landmark located in Zabeel Park, Dubai. Standing 150 meters tall and 93 meters wide, it offers panoramic views of both old and new Dubai, symbolizing the city’s rapid transformation from its historic roots to its modern, futuristic skyline. Shaped like a giant picture frame, it serves as a visual representation of Dubai’s past, present, and future. Visitors can explore the Frame’s museum and exhibition areas, which showcase the city’s evolution, and enjoy breathtaking views from the glass-floored observation deck. The Dubai Frame has quickly become one of the city's most iconic attractions, blending cutting-edge design with rich cultural heritage.

   30 min

4. In Half Day Tour (Visit): Bastakiya, also known as Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood, is one of the oldest traditional districts in Dubai, offering a glimpse into the city’s past before its rapid modernization. Located in the heart of Bur Dubai, this charming area is characterized by narrow winding lanes, wind towers, and traditional courtyard houses made of coral stone and gypsum. The neighborhood was once home to Persian merchants and traders who settled in Dubai in the late 19th century. Visiting one of the old houses in Bastakiya, like the restored Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding, gives visitors a chance to experience authentic Emirati architecture and heritage, with interior designs that reflect the simple yet elegant lifestyles of Dubai's early residents. Bastakiya stands as a preserved piece of history amidst the fast-paced urban development of modern Dubai.

   45 minAdmission included

5. In Half Day Tour (Visit): An Abra ride across Dubai Creek is a quintessential Dubai experience, offering a unique and scenic way to cross the historic waterway that divides the city. The abra, a traditional wooden boat, has been used for centuries by locals to travel between the districts of Deira and Bur Dubai. The ride provides a peaceful yet picturesque journey, with views of the bustling souks, traditional dhow boats, and the modern city skyline in the background. For just a small fare, passengers can enjoy a short but charming trip that connects Dubai’s past with its present, all while experiencing the city’s vibrant waterfront atmosphere. The Abra ride offers both a cultural immersion and a refreshing break from the city’s fast-paced energy.

   30 minAdmission included

6. In Half Day Tour (Visit): The Spice Souq in Dubai is a vibrant, aromatic market located in the heart of the historic Deira district, along Dubai Creek. This bustling marketplace is a sensory delight, filled with colorful displays of spices, herbs, and traditional remedies from all over the world. The air is thick with the rich scents of cinnamon, saffron, cardamom, and dried flowers, inviting visitors to explore its narrow alleyways. Alongside the spices, you'll find a range of incense, oils, and exotic teas. The Spice Souq offers a taste of Dubai's trading history and is an ideal place for both tourists and locals to haggle over goods and experience the city's ancient commerce roots. It’s a must-visit for those wanting to immerse themselves in Dubai's rich cultural heritage.

   20 min

7. In Half Day Tour (Visit): Dubai's Souqs, especially the Gold Souq and Spice Souq, are bustling, traditional marketplaces that offer a fascinating blend of history and commerce. Located in the heart of Dubai’s old districts like Deira, these souqs are a true reflection of the city’s trading heritage. The Gold Souq is famous for its dazzling array of jewelry, with hundreds of shops showcasing intricate gold designs, diamonds, and precious stones. Meanwhile, the Spice Souq captivates with its vibrant colors and rich aromas, offering a variety of spices, herbs, perfumes, and incense. Walking through these narrow alleys, visitors are transported back in time, experiencing the lively barter system and the traditional way of shopping, all while enjoying the blend of modern Dubai’s skyline in the distance. The Souqs are a must-visit for anyone wanting to experience the cultural heartbeat of the city.

   20 min

8. In Half Day Tour (Drive Through): The Jumeirah Mosque is a stunning example of Islamic architecture, known for its intricate white sandstone design and welcoming atmosphere for non-Muslim visitors. Located in the Jumeirah area, it offers guided tours that showcase Islamic culture.

   Passes by

9. In Half Day Tour (Drive Through): The Etihad Museum, situated near Jumeirah Beach, is a modern tribute to the UAE’s founding, featuring interactive exhibits and displays about the country’s unification in 1971. Both sites provide unique insights into Dubai’s cultural and historical heritage.

   Passes by

10. In Half Day Tour (Visit): The Islamic Art Center in Dubai showcases a rich collection of traditional Islamic art, including intricate calligraphy, pottery, textiles, and sculptures. Located in the Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood, it offers visitors a chance to explore the beauty and history of Islamic craftsmanship through exhibitions and workshops. The center serves as a cultural hub, highlighting the artistic legacy of the Islamic world in a contemporary setting.

    30 minAdmission included

11. In Half or Full Day Tour (Information & Photo stop): The Burj Al Arab is one of Dubai’s most iconic landmarks, often referred to as the world’s most luxurious hotel. Shaped like a sail, it rises 321 meters above the Arabian Gulf, standing on an artificial island just off the coast of Jumeirah Beach. Known for its opulence, the hotel boasts lavish interiors, including 7-star service, grand suites, and high-end restaurants. While it is a hotel, the Burj Al Arab is also a symbol of Dubai’s ambition and innovation, representing the city’s blend of tradition and modernity. Its striking silhouette against the Dubai skyline makes it a must-see attraction, even if you're not staying there.

    30 min

12. In Full Day (Drive to & Photo Stop): The Museum of the Future in Dubai is an innovative cultural institution that immerses visitors in futuristic experiences. Opened in February 2022, it features seven floors dedicated to exploring the future of science, technology, and innovation. The museum's design is a torus-shaped structure adorned with Arabic calligraphy, symbolizing a vision of a futuristic world. It offers immersive exhibitions on topics like space exploration, ecological restoration, and human well-being, aiming to inspire and educate visitors about the possibilities of tomorrow.

    20 min

Cancellation

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts, for a full refund.

Reviews

Ratings come from 2 reviews collected by our booking partner. They are travellers' own words, in the order they were written — never reordered to flatter the experience.

Know before you go

How it compares in Dubai

• Its from-price is 29% below the median of the 1294 city tours we list in Dubai.
• Its length is typical for the group.
• By number of reviews it ranks 599 of 1294.
• The operator lists free cancellation on it.

About Dubai

Dubai rises from desert and Gulf shore as a city of soaring towers, vast malls and beaches, with older trading quarters strung along its creek.

The Burj Khalifa, built to be the tallest building in the world, soars above Downtown, where the Dubai Fountain dances on a lake at its feet and the Dubai Mall spreads out beside it. Along the coast, the sail-shaped Burj Al Arab, the palm-shaped island of Palm Jumeirah and the towers of Dubai Marina define a skyline raised within living memory.

Top-ranked sights in Dubai: Burj Al-Arab Jumeirah, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Marina.

See all 7898 experiences in Dubai