Dubai

Dubai city tour: Old & New Dubai Abra ride, Palm Island, Souks

Badge of ExcellenceDubai, United Arab Emirates

5 hours 30 minutes
Pickup offered
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English

Overview

Discover the landmarks of Dubai old and new on a half-day guided city tour. Traveling by air-conditioned vehicle, get to know modern Dubai, seeing Dubai Marina, the Burj Al Arab, and meg-tall Burj Khalifa, the world’s highest tower. Plus, delve into historical Dubai with visits to Al Bastakiya, Dubai Museum, and the Gold and Spice Souks, plus an ‘abra’ water taxi ride on Dubai Creek. Hotel, port, and central pickup and drop-off included.

See top Dubai sights including the Burj Khalifa and Burj Al Arab
Visit Dubai Museum and ride an ‘abra’ boat across Dubai Creek
Learn about Dubai’s history and culture
Air-conditioned transport, museum entrance fee, plus hotel, port, and central pickup and drop-off included

Why Travelers Choose This Tour

Short stops mean that this tour fits as much as possible into one morning—ideal for first-time visitors.

What's Included

Air conditioned vehicle with Professional guide English speaking
Hotel pickup and drop-off (Please see the important note)
Photopstop outside Atlantis the Palm
Abra boat ride across the creek
Tour is a complete tour of Dubai that covers both old and modern Dubai.
Drivealong and photostop at Palm Island - eighth wonder of the world
Photostop for Burj Al Arab - the luxury 7 star hotel
Blue Mosque visit - Mosque of Jumeirah
Musuem of Future (Outside photo stop)
Dubai Skyline , Downtown Dubai
Photostop Burj Khalifa - worlds tallest building
Drivealong and photostop the Zabeel Rulers Palace
Dubai Frame photo
Deira creek - Abra boat water taxi ride included
Ancient cooling systems - the wind towers
Al Fahidi drive through
Walking through the famous Dubai gold souk
Walk through the Aromatic spice souk of Dubai
Fresh chilled mineral water

Food and drinks
Souvenir photos - The souks one must BARGAIN - Check price only during tour. BUY IN HURRY YOU LOSE
INDIVIDUAL GUEST PICKUP :- If the booking is for one person the guest will be requested to come to a close by common pick up hotel which will be one of the centrally located hotels. If the guest request to have pick up from the hotel of their stay will be charged USD 8 per person and they can pay locally. This is only applicable for those guest staying at centrally located hotels. However, if there is more than one booking from the same hotel we will pickup up from the same hotel. The agency do not accept any claim or compensation in this regard.
Entry inside Burj Al Arab, Burj Khalifa, Dubai Frame, Ski Dubai

Meeting and Pickup

Pickup points

Select a pickup point

Start time

08:00 AM

Pickup details

If the number of guests are 2 or more, we do pick up from all hotels in the Emirates Dubai. Please remember Dubai is a city with many hotels are next to each other - therefore we stop at a known place and guide you to the vehicle. The locations included in our pickup area are Deira area, Bur Dubai, Downtown including Burj Khalifa areas, all around Sheikh Zayed road, Barsha, T-com, Media city, Dubai Marina, Palm Jumeirah, Jumeirah Beach Residents and Jumeirah Lake Towers, Outside city limit participants and individuals (one person bookings) pickup locations and their pickup points:- Ghusais, Riu deira, Nahada, Muhaishna and other emirates report at Ibis Al Rigga or Hyatt Place Al Rigga, Silicon Oasis, Discovery garden, DIP, Jebel Ali, Studio city, J.village, Arabian raches, Dubai Land international city and all outskirts locations must report at the Marina mall main entrance. IMPORTANT:- Since we are not charging supplements for booking with one person, therefore hotel pickup is not offered; whereas we suggest a close by hotel or come to common pickup point as mentioned above. Our apologies unable to bear the relocation cost or accept claims as the products sold at a very budget price.

What To Expect

After pickup from your Dubai hotel, travel by air-conditioned vehicle to your first landmark: Dubai Marina, where high-rise residences frame an artificial waterway.

View the palm-dotted Dubai Marina Walk, and admire the Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR), where cloud-piercing residential towers gaze over the Arabian Gulf. Continue to palm-shaped Palm Jumeirah island, and view the upscale boulevards of villas here before snapping photos of the sail-shaped Burj Al Arab hotel.

Call at the Blue Mosque, modeled on Istanbul’s Blue Mosque, and enjoy a guided interior tour (subject to prayer times and festival closures) to admire its Ottoman-inspired architecture. Marvel at the Burj Khalifa, the planet’s tallest building, and Dubai Mall, and pass landmarks including the Dubai World Trade Center and royal palace on route to old Dubai.

Here, discover the wind towers and courtyards of Al Bastakiya, Dubai’s oldest quarter, and chart the city’s history at Dubai Museum. Take in the Heritage Village and Souk Al Kabeer, and ride an abra across Dubai Creek to Deira’s souks. Stroll through the traditional Gold Souk and Spice Souk, perhaps purchasing goodies (own expense) on route.

Your tour then finishes back at the original start point.

Burj Al Arab

15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Dubai Gold Souk

20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Palm Jumeirah

30 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

Al Fahidi (Pass By)

Sheikh Zayed Road (Pass By)

Dubai Spice Souk (Pass By)

Zabeel Palace

15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Dubai Frame

10 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included

The Al Farooq Omar Bin Al Khattab Mosque And Centre

30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Free pickup and drop off offered from almost 500 hotels in Dubai. Dubai Museum is closed on Friday . Inside museum visit is not possible on Friday's, however you can see the forts from outside and we will take you thee for a photostop. On friday some of the shops inside spice and gold souk will be closed.
Not wheelchair accessible
Hotel pickups commence between 8am - 930am approx. All days except Fridays, the 8 AM pickup start from new Dubai and transfer to old Dubai.
No pickup is offers from Arabian ranches, Jebel Ali, Silicon Oasis, Dragon mart area, Mirdif, Al Nahda, Muhaisnah, Ghusais, Mamzar, Naif, Sabka, Al Ras these places are far from city limit.
Tour operators buses are prohibited by law to pickup the guests from residence.
INDIVIDUAL GUEST PICKUP :- If the booking is for one person the guest will be requested to come to a close by common pick up hotel which will be one of the centrally located hotels. If the guest request to have pick up from the hotel of their stay will be charged USD 8 per person and they can pay locally. This is only applicable for those guest staying at centrally located hotels. However, if there is more than one booking from the same hotel we will pickup up from the same hotel. The agency do not accept any claim or compensation in this regard.
Infants must sit on laps

Luggage transfers are not included in the tour prices, if any luggage must be informed in advance supplementary charges apply
Infant seat available, charges apply
Infant seats available
Most travelers can participate
If the booking is for one person guest are requested to contact us at least 24 hrs prior to the tour - so that we will be able to let the guest know which is their pickup. The agency will not be held responsible - if you are not aware of your location or if you are unable to join the tour
Tour is offered only tourist . The tour is restricted to people holding UAE residence visa - due to insurance issues.
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 100 travelers

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.

Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.

Traveler Photos

Reviews

4.5

893 reviews

Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews

Reviews by Viator travelers.

We perform checks on reviews

Showing 1-10 of 893 reviews

Tour was perfect for 1st timer

Steve_M, Apr 2024

Whiskey was a great guide. Tour was perfect for 1st timer with short time to see many things. Highly recommend.

Great Tour

annrit222, Apr 2024

Whisky was terrific, great guide if we come back would use him again Loved that we got to see an overall look at Dubai Whisky made this tour for us

Interesting trip

NORA_T, Apr 2024

This tour is worth recommending, you’ll learn a lot about Dubai. Our guide Whiskey is very knowledgeable. And very patient. You get your money’s worth with this tour..

Good introduction to Dubai

Rosaria_T, Apr 2024

This tour is perfect as an introduction to Dubai. You can then decide where you would like to visit in more detail. Tour guide Whisky and driver Mustaffa were great. Many opportunities for photos. It was a small bus group and my husband is recovering from knee surgery but he was able to do the tour as there is not too much walking. Thanks Viator for a great first experience using your tours. This tour was booked the day before the tour. We have others booked further along our holiday journey.

Dubai tour

Stella_W, Mar 2024

Great tour with Whiskey. Pickup was on time a clean comfortable bus with a safe driver. We enjoyed the information and stories. Highlights were the old souk with spices and gold. We visited all the places stated on the tour and highly recommend whiskey and this tour if you’re visiting Dubai.

Great tour for history and attractions

Ann_B, Mar 2024

Seeing and hearing the history of Dubai was a great experience. Visiting major attractions was also a great experience. We were able to visit more sites than if we didn't take the tour. I would recommend doing this tour if you want to visit the majority of tourist attractions and learn the history of old and new Dubai in a short period of time

Recomended for your first time in Dubai

Joo_C, Mar 2024

Everything accordind to plan and expectations, is more than enough to make an excellent tour. However, tour guide Whiskey add some more to it, beeing what we need and knowing everything for all questions, for the these excelent 4 hours. Recomended highly for a first time in Dubai.

Informative

Milorad_S, Mar 2024

Whiskey our guide was great and the tour is excellent for first couple days in Dubai to see all new and old

Keep it up Viator.

DAVINDAR_S, Mar 2024

The travel guide was very nice and had all the knowledge of places we visited and he shared the same with us.

Best excursion for those with limited time in Dubai

Sharon_W, Mar 2024

Whiskey was and excellent guide. This tour is ideal for those who are doing a short layover or as your first orientation to Dubai. If you have a longer time in the City this will help you decide on sites you want to return to and spend more time exploring.

Fun in Dubai

Francine_C, Mar 2024

Our tour guide was Whiskey and he was excellent! Enjoyed his wonderful explanation of sights and his great attitude. The driver was great also.

Response from Host, Mar 2024

Hello Mr. Francis Greetings from ABC Tours Dubai. Your positive remarks about our Dubai tour and guides mean the world to us! Thank you for sharing your wonderful experience. We're thrilled to have been a part of your program in Dubai are delighted that you enjoyed the tour. Your words motivate us to keep delivering exceptional experiences and exploring the beautiful and evergreen city of Dubai. We can't wait to have you join us again for more unforgettable moments.

Excellent value good...

Yvonne_L, Mar 2024

Excellent value good communication, hotel pick ups and drop offs included, our tour guide Whisky was brilliant, lots of interesting info and laughs. Would not hesitate to recommend This tour perfect for an insight into old and new Dubai.

Response from Host, Mar 2024

Hello Yvonne, Greetings from ABC Tours Dubai, we are absolutely thrilled to hear you had a fantastic time on our Dubai city tour! Thank you immensely for taking the time to share your experience. It's incredibly rewarding to know that you enjoyed the tour of Dubai city and its insights with us. We strive to offer maximum information and visits to the major tourist spots in Dubai on our tour. Your kind words mean a lot and inspire us to continue providing exceptional experiences to all our visitors. We look forward to seeing you back in Dubai with us.

Fantastic

Helen_B, Mar 2024

Great introduction for first time visitors to Dubai, our guide Liji was excellent and very knowledgeable. I would definitely recommend this tour.

Response from Host, Mar 2024

Hello Ms Helen Greetings from ABC Tours Dubai. Your positive remarks about our Dubai tour and guides mean the world to us! Thank you for sharing your wonderful experience. We're thrilled to have been a part of your program in Dubai are delighted that you enjoyed the tour. Your words motivate us to keep delivering exceptional experiences and exploring the beautiful and evergreen city of Dubai. We can't wait to have you join us again for more unforgettable moments.

Could be better

kanchan_k, Mar 2024

New Dubai attractions like Frame,Kings palace outside,burj khalifa from far was shown but old Dubai except gold souk nothing was covered.We wanted to see heritage village which showed real old Dubai but was not covered at all.Stops could have been longer because 15 minutes is too short.Overall I will give it 3 out of 5.It felt more like hop on hop off bus.

Response from Host, Mar 2024

Hello Kanchan, We are grateful for your kind feedback. We have your excellent feedback with us, and this tour is old and new Dubai tour you did with ABC Tours not the Hop off tour company. You can review them on their website. Our Dubai tour is one of the exceptionally tailor-made tours which covers both old and new Dubai. Perfect for stopover tours and for all those who which to see the city of Dubai at a glance that include Dubai Frame, the palace, Jumeirah beach & Burj Al Arab, the Atlantis, Burj Khalifa/Downtown, crossing the 2 old towns of Dubai on an Abra boat. Walk through the spice market and gold souk etc. We understand you expected time for shopping however please note that this is not a shopping tour we intend to educate tourist about the history, culture, traditions and modern developments of our beautiful city. You are being taken to most of the tourist highlights so you are aware of where to go during your stay in Dubai unlike the Hop off /on tour bus.

Dubai 2024

REYNALDO_G, Mar 2024

verry good tour , the guide is very helful and explain very well , very recomended to go this tour thank a lot for this tour

Response from Host, Mar 2024

Hello Sir Greetings from ABC Tours Dubai! We are grateful for your kind feedback and recommendations. We are glad that you enjoyed the Dubai tour with us and learnt more about the city of Dubai, its inceptions and modern developments. We look forward to welcoming you back with us once again soon.

Great half day excursion

Amanda_M, Mar 2024

Very enjoyable trip and our tour guide Whiskey was fantastic as was the driver. Was great to hear about and see old and new Dubai. Would definitely recommend

Great Introduction to Old and New Dubai

Marlene_L, Feb 2024

Great trip for first time travellers to Dubai. Quick visits to lots of places for photo opportunities. The Gold and Spice souqs were really interesting. We were very relieved that the tour did not include shopping stops but instead focussed on sharing the sights with us.

Very pleased

Laveda_M, Feb 2024

This tour was amazing. First, I didn't realize that it was going to be a private tour. The driver picked us up promptly and took us to our tour guide. She was extremely nice and patient. She was very informative. I'm so happy that I chose this particular tour.

Great experience!

Bernardka_K, Feb 2024

The guide, who explained lots of facts and also answered our questions. It was great and very educational.

Great tour, good value, excellent guide

Carol_J, Feb 2024

This tour was as described, we got to see, briefly, many sights. We generally had fifteen minutes for a short walk aound and photos then on to the bus for the next stop. It was a small group of eleven. Whiskey was our guide, he was very well informed, friendly and helpful.

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