I've guided Dubai city tours for years, and the question I get most is: "Can we see both Old and Modern Dubai in one day?" The answer is yes – but you need to plan it right. Here's the exact itinerary I use, with timings, entry fees, and the spots most tourists miss.
Dubai City Tour: Morning in Old Dubai (8 AM - 12 PM)
Start early – Old Dubai is best before the heat kicks in. Here's the route that flows naturally without backtracking:
Stop 1: Dubai Creek Abra Ride (8:00 AM)
- What it is: Traditional wooden boat crossing between Bur Dubai and Deira
- Cost: AED 1 per person (yes, one dirham – it's the cheapest activity in Dubai)
- Time needed: 15-20 minutes
- Tip: Take the abra from Bur Dubai Abra Station to Deira Old Souk Station for the best view of the creek
The abra ride is genuinely one of my favorite parts of Dubai. You're surrounded by dhows (wooden cargo ships), the skyline in the distance, and it costs less than a coffee. For photography tips during your city tour, check out our guide to taking the best photos.
Stop 2: Spice Souk & Gold Souk (8:30 AM - 10:00 AM)
- Where: Deira side, 5-minute walk from the abra station
- Cost: Free to explore (bring cash for purchases)
- Time needed: 60-90 minutes
Spice Souk tips:
- Look for saffron (much cheaper than back home – around AED 30-50 per gram)
- Frankincense makes an authentic souvenir
- Don't buy the first price – expect to negotiate 30-40% off
Gold Souk tips:
- Prices are based on daily gold rates plus making charges
- Ask for the "gold rate" first, then negotiate the making charge
- Window shopping is fine – no pressure to buy
Stop 3: Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood (10:15 AM - 11:30 AM)
- Where: Bur Dubai side (take abra back, AED 1)
- Cost: Free to walk around; Dubai Museum AED 3 entry
- Time needed: 60-75 minutes
This is where you see what Dubai looked like before oil money. The wind-tower houses, narrow alleyways, and art galleries are a complete contrast to the skyscrapers you'll see later. The Dubai Museum inside Al Fahidi Fort is worth the AED 3 entry – it covers Dubai's transformation from fishing village to global city.
For more about Dubai's fascinating history, see our guide for history lovers.
Lunch Break & Transit (12 PM - 1:30 PM)
Two options:
- Traditional lunch: Arabian Tea House in Al Fahidi – traditional Emirati food in a courtyard setting (AED 80-120 per person)
- Quick lunch: Grab shawarma from a street vendor (AED 10-15) and save your appetite for Dubai Mall later
Transit to Modern Dubai takes 20-30 minutes via taxi or metro. The Dubai Metro is efficient and air-conditioned – Red Line from Al Fahidi to Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall station.
Dubai City Tour: Afternoon in Modern Dubai (1:30 PM - 6:30 PM)
Stop 4: Burj Khalifa (1:30 PM - 3:00 PM)
- Entry: "At the Top" (Level 124/125) from AED 169 | "At the Top SKY" (Level 148) from AED 399
- Time needed: 90 minutes
- Pro tip: Book online in advance – walk-up tickets cost more and may not be available
My honest take: Level 124/125 is worth it. Level 148 is nice but not 2x better. The views are incredible either way – you can see the Palm Jumeirah, World Islands, and the entire city sprawl.
Stop 5: Dubai Mall (3:00 PM - 4:30 PM)
- Cost: Free to explore; individual attractions extra
- Time needed: 90 minutes (could spend a full day, but we're being efficient)
Highlights if you're short on time:
- Dubai Aquarium: Free viewing from the mall; AED 135 for tunnel walk-through
- Dubai Fountain: Viewing platform outside (shows start at 6 PM)
- Ice Rink: Olympic-sized rink in the middle of the mall
Stop 6: Palm Jumeirah (4:45 PM - 6:00 PM)
- Getting there: Taxi from Dubai Mall (15-20 min) or Palm Monorail from Gateway Station
- Monorail cost: AED 30 round trip
- Time needed: 60-75 minutes
The monorail ride itself is worth it – you see the Palm from above, which really shows the palm tree shape. At Atlantis, walk through the resort lobby (free) to see the giant aquarium and architecture.
Stop 7: Dubai Marina (6:00 PM - 7:30 PM)
- Getting there: Taxi from Palm (10 min) or monorail + tram connection
- Cost: Free to walk around
- Time needed: 60-90 minutes
Dubai Marina at sunset is spectacular. Walk along the Marina Walk promenade, watch the yachts, and pick a waterfront restaurant for dinner. This is my favorite part of Modern Dubai – it feels alive in the evenings.
Evening Options
After your city tour, you have two great options for extending your Dubai experience:
- Return to Burj Khalifa area: Catch the Dubai Fountain show (free, every 30 min from 6 PM)
- Add a desert safari: Our premium desert safari picks up from Dubai hotels around 3-4 PM – perfect for the next day after your city tour
For more nighttime activities, see our Dubai nightlife guide.
Dubai City Tour: Practical Tips
Best Time to Do This Tour
- Best months: October to April (comfortable 20-30°C)
- Avoid: June to August (40°C+ makes walking miserable)
- Best day: Friday morning – souks are busier and more atmospheric
What to Wear
- Comfortable walking shoes (you'll cover 8-10 km)
- Modest clothing for souks (shoulders and knees covered)
- Sunscreen and hat for outdoor sections
For a complete packing guide, see what to wear on Dubai tours.
Total Budget for Self-Guided Tour
| Item | Cost (AED) |
|---|
| Abra rides (x2) | 2 |
| Dubai Museum | 3 |
| Burj Khalifa (Level 124) | 169 |
| Palm Monorail | 30 |
| Lunch | 50-120 |
| Taxis/Metro | 50-80 |
| Total | AED 304-404 |
Book a Guided Dubai City Tour
If you'd prefer a guided experience with transport included, our private full-day Dubai city tour covers all these locations with an expert guide, air-conditioned vehicle, and hotel pickup. It's especially worthwhile if you're traveling with family or prefer not to navigate public transport.
For a half-day option, check our Dubai city tour with Burj Khalifa ticket – it includes the key Modern Dubai highlights with At the Top entry included.
