Follow in the footsteps of Dubai’s early settlers. This culture-themed walking tour will take you around Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood and Dubai Creek. Here’s what to know before you start.

Start point: Al Fahidi Street in Bur Dubai
End point: Radisson Blu Hotel Dubai Deira Creek
Estimated duration: Three to five hours
Best time to walk: Morning and early afternoon
Directions to starting point: The easiest way to get to Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood is by taxi. Hail one from any roadside or book one by calling +971 800 88088
Major landmarks: Arabian Tea House, SMCCU, XVA Gallery, Textile Souk, Gold Souk, Spice Souk, Radisson Blu Hotel Dubai Deira Creek and Al Shindagha Museum

Top tips:

Bring a water bottle and a hat
Wear a long-sleeved shirt or bring a light cotton scarf while exploring the historic areas
Carry cash if you plan on shopping at the city’s souks

Arabian Tea House, Gastronomy

Tea and tales at Arabian Tea House

Start your walking tour at Arabian Tea House on Al Fahidi Street in Bur Dubai. Fuel up with a cup of local karak chai, a strong tea blend with a dash of milk and spices. Turn left to enter the labyrinthine lanes at Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood.

The district showcases the traditional way of life in Dubai from the mid-19th century until the 1970s. Wander through its narrow lanes to discover creative art spaces, museums and cafes housed in converted homes made from gypsum, coral and limestone. Look up to spot buildings topped with distinctive wind towers.

Ramadan SMCCU Gastronomy

Culture 101 at SMCCU

Continue in the direction of Dubai Creek towards Al Musallah Road to reach Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Centre for Cultural Understanding (SMCCU). With the aim of offering visitors a greater understanding of local culture and traditions, SMCCU is often the first port of call for visitors. The centre offers a wealth of information and also hosts a full schedule of activities. Sign up for a traditional Emirati breakfast, lunch or dinner, or simply wander around and admire the venue, located in a carefully restored wind tower house.

Turn left to follow the sandy lane buttressing the simple but elegant Diwan Mosque, part of the Ruler’s Court complex, and stop by XVA Art Hotel. The Instagram-worthy space features a stunning courtyard and contemporary art gallery, as well as a popular vegetarian cafe.

History uncovered at Al Shindagha

Turn left towards Ali Bin Abi Taleb Street and follow the winding path to the Textile Souk, which recalls Dubai’s historic trading past. Walk along the warren of small shops and stalls and engage in friendly bartering for colourful fabrics and souvenirs.

Once you’re done shopping, turn right onto 34th Street and follow 3A Street to reach Al Shindagha Museum and learn more about the city's maritime history in evocative detail. Next door is the Perfume House, where visitors can discover the legacy of Emirati perfumery. Also nearby is Saruq Al-Hadid Museum, which displays a range of artefacts unearthed from a centuries-old archaeological site in the depths of the desert. Walk among some of the reclaimed relics, an impressive haul of over 900 objects discovered from the site.

Dubai Creek

Past to present at Dubai Creek

Walk back towards 3A Street to the Bur Dubai Abra Station by Dubai Creek. This waterway continues to reflect Dubai’s historic roots, back when early settlers relied on it for their livelihood. Visitors can queue for a short trip across the creek to Deira on traditional wooden boats, known as abras, for just AED1.

The Dubai Creek waterway was extended as part of an ambitious 3.2km canal project. Marking a new era in the city’s urban transformation, Dubai Water Canal winds its way from the creek to the Arabian Gulf through Business Bay. Return another day to follow this scenic route onboard the Dubai Ferry.

Authentic souk shopping

A short, breezy ride later, and you’re on the other side of Dubai Creek. Now cross Baniyas Road and follow Old Al Baladiya Street for one kilometre before turning right into the original Gold Souk district, where all that glitters is definitely gold. Haggle with the shopkeepers over delicate handcrafted pieces and ornate wedding jewellery sets or better yet, craft your own bespoke jewels. The vendors here are some of the best in the business and can offer competitive rates.

With a little more time on your hands, follow your nose to the Perfume Souk for a quick lesson in oud and bakhoor.

dubai heritage walking tour spice souk

Spice trails at Deira Spice Souk

Retrace your steps to make your way to the Spice Souk. The souk is easy to find – just turn right onto Baniyas Road and follow the aroma of cardamom, turmeric, dried lemons and rose petals. The spice market’s alleys feature an array of local vendors and storefronts piled high with bulging sacks of spices. Interacting with the vendors is part of the fun, and friendly bargaining is often welcomed with a smile.

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Emirati flavours at Radisson Blu Deira

Turn left to Old Baladiya Street to reach Baniyas Road and, as you pass the iconic Deira Twin Towers, admire views of the creek with its traditional dhows. Walk towards Radisson Blu Hotel Dubai Deira Creek – this old Dubai accommodation first opened in 1975 and is the city’s first five-star hotel.

After a long day of exploring, treat yourself to a traditional Emirati meal at the hotel’s Aseelah restaurant. Try the hearty lamb harees, where coarsely-ground wheat is mixed with tender meat and spices, and the fish machboos that sees locally-caught sustainable fish served with Arabic rice.

Heritage walk in Old Dubai