Dubai , United Arab Emirates

Dubai City Tour; Old vs New Dubai

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(5 reviews)

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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About this experience

Take a Full-day tour of both old and modern Dubai. With a pickup from your hotel, Hop inside your air-conditioned Vehicle and travel to your first stop. Ride an ‘abra’ water taxi across Dubai Creek. Then visit the traditional bazaar Deira Spice Souk and the Gold Souk, Shopping can be done - subject to time.

Enjoy the incredible views of Downtown Dubai and Burj Khalifa. The ‘much photographed’ Jumeirah Mosque is another stop on this tour. Next, Continue to Jumeirah Beach to take photos with the famous Burj Al Arab in the background - the luxury hotel noted for its ‘sail-shaped’ design.

Next Stop, Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum House Located in the historic Al Shindagha district near the end of Dubai Creek, the Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum House is one of the oldest buildings in the city and a piece of Dubai’s history.

Last Stop, Atlantis. Enjoy the waterfront views of Dubai Marina from Palm Island. Stop at Dubai’s Marina Walk.

Available options

Dubai City Tour; Old vs New Dubai

Pickup included

What's included

The Palm

Kite beach (Photo Stop)

Air-conditioned vehicle

Spice Souq Dubai

Jumeirah Mosque (Photo Stop)

Dubai Marina Walk (Photo Stop)

Dubai Museum at Al Fahidi Fort

Hotel pickup and drop-off from select central Dubai hotels

Museum of The Future (Photo Stop)

Gold Souq

Bottled water

Le mar beach (Photo Stop)

Burj Al Arab (Photo Stop)

Downtown Dubai

Dubai frame (Photo Stop)

Old Dubai

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Take a Full-day tour of both old and modern Dubai. With a pickup from your hotel, Hop inside your air-conditioned 4x4 Land Cruiser or Tahoe and travel to your first stop. Ride an ‘abra’ water taxi across Dubai Creek. Then visit the traditional bazaar Deira Spice Souk and the Gold Souk, Shopping can be done - subject to time.

Enjoy the incredible views of Downtown Dubai and Burj Khalifa. The ‘much photographed’ Jumeirah Mosque is another stop on this tour. Next, Continue to Jumeirah Beach to take photos with the famous Burj Al Arab in the background - the luxury hotel noted for its ‘sail-shaped’ design.

Next Stop, Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum House Located in the historic Al Shindagha district near the end of Dubai Creek, the Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum House is one of the oldest buildings in the city and a piece of Dubai’s history.

Last Stop, Atlantis. Enjoy the waterfront views of Dubai Marina from Palm Island. Stop at Dubai’s Marina Walk which is one of the prettiest places in the city, as the colorful lights from the high-rise apartment buildings twinkle on the waters of the man-made canal. A 7km pedestrian walkway, lined by restaurants and shisha cafés, makes for a pleasant evening stroll. At the end of the tour, you’ll be dropped off at your hotel.

What's not included

Food and drinks

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 3.0

1 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 5.0

4 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Specialized infant seats are available

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

About Dubai

Dubai is a city of superlatives, known for its futuristic architecture, luxury shopping, and vibrant culture. It offers a unique blend of traditional Arabic heritage and modern innovation, making it a captivating destination for travelers.

Top Attractions

Burj Khalifa

The tallest building in the world, offering breathtaking views from its observation decks.

Architecture 1-2 hours AED 149-500 (USD 40-140)

Dubai Mall

One of the largest shopping malls in the world, featuring a vast array of retail stores, dining options, and entertainment venues.

Shopping Half day to full day Free entry, activities vary in cost

Palm Jumeirah

A man-made island shaped like a palm tree, featuring luxury resorts, residential areas, and the iconic Atlantis The Palm resort.

Architecture Half day to full day Varies by activity

Old Dubai (Al Fahidi)

The historic district of Dubai, showcasing traditional Emirati architecture, museums, and cultural experiences.

Historical 2-3 hours Free to explore, museum entry AED 3 (USD 0.80)

Dubai Creek

A historic waterway that divides Dubai into two main sections, offering traditional abra rides and access to souks.

Cultural 2-3 hours AED 1 (USD 0.30) for abra ride

Dubai Marina

A modern waterfront district featuring luxury yachts, high-rise buildings, and a vibrant dining and nightlife scene.

Waterfront Half day to full day Free to explore, activities vary in cost

Must-Try Local Dishes

Al Harees

A traditional Emirati dish made from wheat and meat, slow-cooked to a porridge-like consistency.

Main Course Contains meat, not suitable for vegetarians.

Machboos

A spiced rice dish cooked with meat, typically chicken or lamb, and flavored with saffron and cardamom.

Main Course Contains meat, not suitable for vegetarians.

Luqaimat

Sweet dumplings made from a batter of flour, yeast, and cardamom, deep-fried and drizzled with date syrup.

Dessert Vegetarian, contains gluten.

Kahwa

A traditional Arabic coffee flavored with cardamom and served with dates.

Drink Contains caffeine, can be prepared with or without sugar.

Popular Activities

Dune bashing Skydiving Hot air ballooning Skiing at Ski Dubai Beach lounging Spa treatments Yacht cruises Shopping

Best Time to Visit

November to March

This is the best time to visit Dubai, with pleasant weather ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing. The city hosts numerous events and festivals during this period.

20-30°C 68-86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Arabic
Widely spoken: English
English: Widely spoken

Currency

United Arab Emirates Dirham (AED)

Time Zone

GMT+4

Electricity

220-240VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Very safe

Dubai is generally very safe, with low crime rates and a strong police presence. However, travelers should still exercise caution and be aware of their surroundings.

Important Precautions:

• Use licensed taxis or ride-hailing apps
• Be cautious when using ATMs
• Avoid sharing personal information with strangers

Getting there

By air

Dubai International Airport • 5 km from city center
Al Maktoum International Airport • 50 km from city center

By bus

Al Ghubaiba Bus Station, Gold Souk Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

Modern, efficient, and air-conditioned. Uses a contactless payment system (Nol Card).

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Careem

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Downtown Dubai Jumeirah Deira Dubai Marina

Day trips

Abu Dhabi

140 km from Dubai • Full day

The capital of the UAE, offering a mix of modern architecture and traditional heritage sites.

Hatta

115 km from Dubai • Half day to full day

A picturesque mountain area with a dam, heritage village, and outdoor activities.

Musandam Peninsula

200 km from Dubai • Overnight

A stunning coastal area known as the 'Norway of Arabia' for its fjords and clear waters.

Festivals

Dubai Shopping Festival • January-February Dubai World Cup • March Dubai Food Festival • February-March

Pro tips

Visit popular attractions early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and heat.
Use the Nol Card for easy and discounted access to public transport.
Bargain when shopping in souks, but do so politely and respectfully.
Try traditional Emirati dishes at local restaurants for an authentic culinary experience.
Book tickets for popular attractions, such as the Burj Khalifa, in advance to avoid long queues.