Our most recommended things to do in Al Bastakiya

Dubai: Frame Tickets, Creek, Souks & Blue Mosque Guided Tour

1. Dubai: Frame Tickets, Creek, Souks & Blue Mosque Guided Tour

Embark on an adventure of Dubai in the comfort of an air-conditioned minivan, discovering many of the city's highlights with a licensed guide. See the Palm Jumeirah, the Blue Mosque, Dubai Creek, and more up close. Visit the iconic Dubai Frame at your own pace, marveling at its grandeur. Begin your tour with pickup from your hotel. Start by stopping by The Pointe, Palm Jumeirah, our first attraction, and witness the magnificent view of Atlantis, The Palm Hotel. Next stop at Burj Al Arab, capture your images with the world luxury hotel Burj Al Arab in the backdrop from the photo stop. Then, be driven to Al Farooq Omar Bin Al Khattab Mosque, popularly known as the Blue Mosque. The mosque’s design, inspired by the Blue Mosque in Istanbul, combines Andalusian and Ottoman architecture and can accommodate about 2000 worshippers at the same time. Visit the Dubai Creek and enjoy an Abra Ride (ancient water transport system) to cross the Creek. Stroll through the Gold and Spice Souks, lined with shops and stalls selling exquisite gold and spice items. Next, head to Al Khayma Heritage House at Al Fahidi Historical District. Enjoy Emirati hospitality with a welcome tea/coffee. Explore the old Emirati lifestyle as you tour the traditional house, learning more of UAE’s journey, starting with the desert from the tents to reaching Mars. Before concluding the house visit, explore the traditional Emirati bedroom with its antiques, observing the architectural expansion of the authentic house from the tent replica at the restaurant to Arish palm front houses finally to the megastructures. Then move to the last stop of the tour—the Dubai Frame. Witness the 150-meter building that replicates the shape of a photo frame. With 2 lofty towers connected by a glass bridge, you can see Old Dubai on one side and modern Dubai on the other. After the tour concludes, be dropped back to your selected location.

Dubai: Discover Dubai's Creek and Souks with Street Food

2. Dubai: Discover Dubai's Creek and Souks with Street Food

Delve into the rich history of Dubai's Al Fahidi district on a guided walking tour. Admire the views of Dubai Creek on a traditional abra boat ride, savor local street food, sip Arabic coffee at the Al Khayma Heritage House, and visit the Coffee Museum and Coins Museum. Meet your guide at the Al Khayma Heritage House and sip on a hot cup of Arabic coffee with dates, snacks, and tasty street food. Then, make your way to the Coffee Museum and discover the cultural importance of coffee in the United Arab Emirates. Stroll along the Al Seef promenade and marvel at the quaint mosque. Navigate the narrow alleyways of the Al Fahidi district while admiring the architectural splendor of historic buildings contrasting with modern constructions. Pass the Grand Souk and hop aboard a traditional abra water taxi for a sightseeing journey around Dubai Creek. Soak in the panoramic views of huge trading ships and the towering skyscrapers of the Dubai skyline as you sail. Arrive at the Spice Souk and experience the enticing smells and vibrant colors of the plethora of spices and ingredients on offer. You can also try your hand at haggling with local merchants. Finally, step inside the Gold Souk and marvel at the array of fine jewelry, silver, and precious stones. Bid farewell to your guide and leave Dubai with a greater understanding of its traditional culture and history beyond the glitz and glamour.

Dubai: City Tour with Creek, Souks, Mosque, and Burj Al Arab

3. Dubai: City Tour with Creek, Souks, Mosque, and Burj Al Arab

Start the tour with hassle-free pickup from your hotel or selected location to the first stop by The Pointe, Palm Jumeirah- view of The Atlantis hotel. Palm Jumeirah is the largest man-made island in the world. Next, relax in the serene atmosphere of the Blue Mosque. Marvel at the architectural beauty, which was inspired by the Blue Mosque of Istanbul. As you calmly wander amid the magnificent domes, learn more about Islamic customs, culture, and architectural significance from our knowledgeable travel guides. Your next visit Gold and Spice Souks, where you'll have plenty of opportunities to shop, the souks are renowned for its wide collection of gold jewelry, while the Spice Souk brims with aromatic spices, herbs, nuts, oil, saffron, and so on. Hop on the Abra water taxi, the city's oldest mode of transportation, to cross the Creek. Next the Al Fahidi Historical District, enchants you with a whole different traditional side of the currently alluring Dubai lifestyle. Continue your journey to Al Khayma heritage house, where you can treat your taste buds to authentic ethnic Emirati cuisine, and hear more about their lifestyle. Visit the interior of the Burj Al Arab to experience luxury by visiting the most iconic 7-star luxury hotel in Dubai. Enjoy the warm Arab hospitality with a refreshing drink at the luxurious hotel lounge. Listen to the stories about the history and the foundation of Burj Al Arab. Be escorted to the 180-meter-tall hotel atrium, which is considered the world’s tallest atrium, surrounded by magnificent golden columns. Visit the hotel’s most expensive Royal Suite. While you explore the hotel, stop by to capture photographs of the marvelous architectural backgrounds. While at the hotel, visit the experience suite, a specially curated space with digital interactives that lets you relive historical moments. Before you prepare for your return to your hotel on your own, savor some dates and coffee as you conclude your visit to the Burj Al Arab.

Dubai: Old Town, Walking Tour, Souks, Museum & Street Food

4. Dubai: Old Town, Walking Tour, Souks, Museum & Street Food

Explore Dubai with a guide and learn more about the history and the impressive architecture of the old city. Visit Dubai Museum, pass the Coffee Museum, see the oldest mosque in Dubai, and try street food as you stroll through the typical souks. Start in the bustling area of Al Seef and make your way to the Al Fahidi District to admire the oldest houses in Dubai. Learn more about the local currency with free access to the Coins Museum. Soak up knowledge about the Emirati lifestyle with a visit to Dubai Museum. Pass by the Coffee Museum before going through the Arabian Tea House, a famous restaurant that provides local food. Admire Dubai's oldest mosque as your guide shares religious facts with you. Spend free time at the Grand Souk to taste the street food, tea, and camel milk chocolate. Cross to another side of Dubai by traditional Abra to the Spice and the Gold Souk which is one of the largest markets in the world, where the tour will finish.

Dubai: Old Town, Local Markets and Creek Tour with Boat Ride

5. Dubai: Old Town, Local Markets and Creek Tour with Boat Ride

Delve into the rich history of Dubai's Al Fahidi district on a guided walking tour, admire the views of Dubai Creek on a traditional abra boat ride, sip Arabic coffee at the Al Khayma Heritage House, and explore the Dubai Spice Souk and Gold Souk on this combo experience. Meet your guide at the meeting point and sip on a hot cup of Arabic tea or coffee with dates, snacks, and camel milk chocolate. Then, make your way to the Coffee Museum and discover the cultural importance of coffee in the United Arab Emirates. Visit the Coins Museum, then stroll along the Al Seef promenade and marvel at the quaint mosque. Navigate the narrow alleyways of the Al Fahidi district while admiring the architectural splendor of historic buildings contrasting with modern constructions. Pass the Grand Souk and hop aboard a traditional abra water taxi for a sightseeing journey around Dubai Creek. Soak in the panoramic views of huge trading ships and the towering skyscrapers of the Dubai skyline as you sail. Arrive at the Spice Souk and experience the enticing smells and vibrant fragrances of spices from around the globe. Continue through the Dubai Museum (currently closed for renovation) to the Textile Souk, home to products from several civilizations. Next, visit the Gold Souk right next to the Spice Souk. Prepare to haggle with the merchants for the purest gold and admire the various designs of this precious metal. The tour concludes at the end of the Gold Souk.

Dubai: Al Khayma Camp Experience with BBQ Dinner & Transfers

6. Dubai: Al Khayma Camp Experience with BBQ Dinner & Transfers

Relax as you enjoy a hassle-free pick-up from your hotel and head out for a one-of-a-kind desert experience to the red dunes of Dubai. A surreal experience awaits you at Al Khayma Camp, which could make your time in the desert memorable. Upon arrival, receive a warm welcome at the camp with refreshments at the exclusive sitting area. Whether you come with your family or your friends, the environmentally friendly camp is sure to provide you with an unforgettable experience. Unwind at the lounge as you sip in the Arabic Coffee and munch on Luqaimat desert before exploring the camp further. Take a stroll around while you explore the beauty of the camp. Collect memories by engaging in activities such as camel feeding and riding while in the desert. As the evening falls, soak in the beauty of crimson orange rays of the setting sun and capture the beauty on your camera. The evening in the camp calls for some entertainment activities and delicious treats. Feel like you are on a culinary tour as you relish the traditional BBQ dinner that includes authentic dishes from Emirati, Moroccan and Arabian cuisines, catered by Michelin Bib Gourmand 2022 rated Al Khayma Heritage Restaurant. Continue the fun as the music plays, marking the start of a cultural night filled with Bedouin & Arabian entertainment such as Tanoura, Khaleeji Dance & Fire show. If you prefer, you may take a stop at the shisha station as well! Give a perfect end to your day by enjoying an evening under the stars, spotting the brightest star through a high-power telescope. When it's time to say goodbye, wrap up all your memories and hop on to the vehicle to enjoy a drive back to your accommodation.

Magical Dubai 8-Hour Tour with Burj Khalifa Experience

7. Magical Dubai 8-Hour Tour with Burj Khalifa Experience

Explore Dubai's traditional and modern sides with a local guide on a full-day tour. Stay cool throughout the day in an air-conditioned vehicle and enjoy included entrance tickets to several attractions, as well as a hotel pickup and drop-off. After your pickup, start your tour with a quick view of the Dubai Creek before discovering the heritage area of Bastakaya with its Arabian wind towers. Then, visit the beautiful Al-Fahidi Historical Neighborhood, dating from the mid-19th century. See traditional houses built from stone, gypsum, teak, sandalwood, fronds, and palm wood. Discover the alleys, pathways, and public squares that separate the houses, making the district naturally diverse. Cross from Bur Dubai to Deira Dubai by traditional water taxi, or abra. Then walk through the spice and gold souks to marvel at the variety of goods on offer. Continue to the Jumeirah Mosque and Burj Al Arab, known for its distinctive silhouette resembling a billowing sail. Enjoy free time for tea or coffee at Madinat Jumeirah Souk, an authentic re-creation of an ancient marketplace with a traditional Middle Eastern ambiance. Then, head to the crescent-shaped manmade Palm Jumeirah Island. Stop in front of Atlantis The Palm Hotel, the centerpiece of Palm Jumeirah. Palm Jumeirah is the most scenic artificial man-made island on earth and boasts facilities such as world-class accommodation, private villas, residential apartments, beaches, water sports activities, and restaurants. Next, visit the Atlantis Aquarium. Experience the unique beauty of Dubai from the Dubai Marina Walk, called by many a small Manhattan due to the many skyscrapers. Find lots of restaurants serving a variety of foods in front of the Marina Canal, where boat, yacht, and dhow rides are available. Enjoy a drive along Sheik Zayed Road, lined with more skyscrapers, and stop at the Dubai Mall to experience the fine dining and shopping on offer, and enter Burj Khalifa, a magnificent steel structure rising 828 meters and the tallest building in the world. Have free time at the Dubai Mall until the evening to watch the dancing fountain. This is the world’s largest dancing fountain and is synchronized with classical, Arabic, and international music. At the end of the evening, be dropped off back at your hotel.

Dubai: 5-Day Hop-On Hop-Off Bus, Dhow Cruise, & Desert Tour

8. Dubai: 5-Day Hop-On Hop-Off Bus, Dhow Cruise, & Desert Tour

Discover the best of Dubai with this 5-Day Hop-on Hop-off sightseeing bus ticket which also includes a traditional Dhow Cruise, entry to the Lost Chambers Aquarium, Madame Tussauds, Ambassador Lagoon and a Desert Sunset Tour. Travel in air-conditioned comfort and explore landmarks via two different routes with audio commentary in 12 languages. The Red Route will take you to Dubai’s most iconic city sights and landmarks, while the Blue Route explores the beaches of Jumeirah. Red Route Burj Khalifa Dubai Mall Museum of the Future Bastakiya Village – Old Souk Heritage Village Gold & Spice Souk Dubai Creek Dubai Frame Blue Route Atlantis the Palm Ain Dubai Media City Dubai Marina JBR The Beach Souk Madinat Burj Al Arab Included in this ticket is a 1-hour Dhow Cruise where from the historic Dubai Creek, you can enjoy views of landmarks including the Al Fahidi Fort. The ticket also includes free entrance to both The Lost Chambers at Atlantis, Dubai’s biggest Aquarium and the Ambassador Lagoon, an Atlantis-themed aquarium at Atlantis the Palm. Enjoy a panoramic tour to see the desert at sunset with the included Desert Sunset Adventure. Experience a traditional welcome at a desert fort and interact with camels, falcons and horses, and get a temporary henna tattoo. Special Summer Offer: Receive free admission to Madame Tussauds with purchase of the 5-Day Hop-on Hop-off ticket option. Get impossibly close to your favourite stars, join immersive interactive areas, and take photos with incredible lifelike figures. A world of celebrity fun awaits you!

Dubai: Emirati Cooking Class at Al Khayma Heritage House

9. Dubai: Emirati Cooking Class at Al Khayma Heritage House

Experience an Emirati cooking class and upon arriving at Al Khayma Heritage House, try the local dates and gahwa coffee before touring the place, admiring its rich heritage and architectural beauty. Don’t miss this opportunity to make traditional Emirati cuisines by taking part in a cooking class option, either a breakfast class, machboos class or longer cooking class where you can learn how to cook machboos, regag bread and luqaimat. Being eco-friendly, this tour supports the notion of responsible tourism, showcasing handmade and eco-friendly elements done by various skilled craftsmen.

Dubai: Premium Walking Tour with Water Taxi and Emirati Food

10. Dubai: Premium Walking Tour with Water Taxi and Emirati Food

Enjoy a guided tour of Dubai’s famous sights, including the Al Fahidi Historical District, Al Seef street, and the Gold Souk. Take the chance to try some traditional tea and coffee at Al Khayma Heritage Restaurant and ride the Abra water taxi down Dubai Creek.  Be welcomed with Arabic tea at Al Khayma Heritage Restaurant, where later you will also try luqaimat (Arabic sweet dumplings), Ragag (traditional Emirati homemade bread), and camel milk ice cream. Later, explore this Michelin Bib Gourmand-awarded restaurant further and learn more about the Arabian culture and lifestyle. Admire traditional interiors and architecture. Listen to your expert guide as they tell stories on how UAE has developed from a desert with tents to reaching Mars. Explore the Emirati bedroom with its antiques, admiring the architectural development from the tent replica at the restaurant to traditional Arish buildings made from the leaves of date palms to the megastructure. Try your hand at henna painting while indulging in a traditional Arabic makeover. Then, head towards the Al Fahidi Historical District. Wander alongside the water on Al Seef street and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere with local stores. Stop at the Coffee Museum, and celebrating an important part of Arabic culture. See a nearby mosque and admire the architectural style. Take a trip on the Abra water taxi along Dubai Creek. Watch the ships and buildings of Dubai’s skyline pass you by. Leave the water taxi and enter into the Gold Souk, exploring the collections of gold jewellery.

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What people are saying about Al Bastakiya

Overall rating

4.6 / 5

based on 14,648 reviews

This was an amazing tour, Mahmoud is very knowledgeable of the area and the history, took us around, we got coffee and dates and then a juice and a small sandwich falafel or kebab, the juice was fresh and delicious, same with the falafel. Mahmoud also explained the different spices and gave us tips how to negotiate in the markets.

The tour was excellent and personalised, Mahmoud provided interesting facts about UAE, also about the history of Dubai. He is very friendly and open minded and has good english and italian :) The Market was amazing, it eas good that he came with us and recommended good shops. Thanks for everything, highly recommended !

It was AMAZING ... what a great Tour Guide and driver we had, and the organization was incredible ... I would recommend it to any single/couple/family traveller. They were amazing on time, their language skills are great and it was such a nice taste of DUBAI

The tour to the old Dubai was amazing. The history of Dubai was quite interesting to know about. Mr. Mahmoud was a great guide and easy to converse with. Had a really good time !

Highly recommended. Lamin explained everything well and spread a lot of fun with his good humor.