This half-day Dubai city tour runs from around 8:30 am to 2:30 pm and covers both the city’s modern landmarks and its older quarters in one guided outing. A driver-guide takes you from Downtown Dubai’s newer sights to the creek-side neighborhoods of Old Dubai, with an experienced guide on hand throughout.
Pickup and first stop (around 8:30 am)
Your driver collects you from your Dubai hotel and the tour begins at Zabeel Palace, the residence of Dubai’s ruling family, for a photo stop at the gates. From there you continue to the Dubai Frame, the landmark structure that frames views of both old Deira and the new Downtown skyline in a single picture.
Old Dubai: abra ride and the souks
From here you head into Old Dubai for an abra ride across Dubai Creek, the traditional wooden boats that have carried passengers between Bur Dubai and Deira for generations. On the other bank, you walk through the Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, also called the Bastakiya Quarter, visiting one of its restored courtyard houses before browsing the narrow lanes of the Gold Souk and the Spice Souk.
Art and heritage along the way
From the souks, the tour heads to the Islamic Art Centre, where displays cover centuries of Islamic art and design. A scenic drive follows past the Etihad Museum, the modern Jumeirah Mosque, and the Pointe, with stops for photos where the route allows.
Coastal landmarks before drop-off
The last stretch of the tour runs along the Arabian Gulf coastline, past Burj Al Arab, the Al Qasr Hotel and Atlantis, The Palm, before you are dropped back at your hotel around 2:30 pm.
Add more inspiring attractions or fun-filled experiences, with entry tickets to Burj Khalifa, AYA Universe Dubai, Aquaventure Water Park, IMG Worlds of Adventure, and Dubai Dolphinarium to name a few. You can also go on a thrilling evening desert safari.
