See Dubai one step at a time
Pack your walking shoes and explore the city on foot.


In Dubai, a leisurely stroll can be dreamy no matter your starting point: a bustling souk, a modern cityscape, or an indoor ski slope with real penguins—each within 30 minutes of the other. Living in this dynamic town for nearly two decades has taught me two important things: 1) It is constantly growing and changing (always somewhere new to try for date nights!) and 2) Dubai will take even the most seasoned traveler by surprise.
I love it when friends visit from abroad and I get to play tourist, because there’s always something different to see. Picture this: We watch the sunrise in the morning in the desert. Later, we cross the Creek in a wooden abra boat, sea spray hitting our cheeks as we make our way to a buzzing souk dating back to the late 1800s. (Spices, trinkets, gold, and haggling—it’s all there.) In the evening, we feel like extras in a futuristic sci-fi movie when we head to the modern side of town where skyscrapers pierce the sky.
You’ll quickly discover that this city with a love of superlatives (tallest, biggest, highest) has got it all. So grab your comfiest shoes (and maybe a fancier pair for the evening) and get ready for three walking tours, where you'll get to know different sides of this bright (and mighty) town.
Walk 1: Exploring Old Dubai

Step into the heart of the city with a stroll along Dubai Creek, a lively waterway that runs through the old town. In contrast to Dubai’s image as a super modern metropolis, I like this neighborhood for its authentic local food and sand-colored restored houses.
Your stops
Total walking time: 1-3 hours, depending on how often you pause to admire gold necklaces on display.
- Start your journey with a walk through time in Al Seef, a waterfront promenade with boutiques, al fresco dining, and exhibits about Dubai’s pearl trading past. I often lose myself in the winding sikkas (alleyways) and discover hole-in-the-wall spots selling everything from traditional Arabian coffee to colorful silk pashminas.
- Next, walk 20 minutes to the Al Fahidi Historical District, which dates back to the 1890s, and take a short walk through the main market. Wander through its cobblestone lanes lined with art galleries, museums, and cute cafes. The Dubai Museum is a must-visit, with recreated scenes of daily life in Old Dubai, including fishing, date farms, and libraries. If you’re hungry—and adventurous—try the camel meat burger at Local House Restaurant.
- Make your way to the Bur Dubai Abra Station, 15 minutes away, and hop onto a traditional abra (water taxi) and cross the Creek. For less than half a dollar, the short journey offers picturesque views of the buzzing Deira and Bur Dubai neighborhoods.
- After you arrive on the other side of the Creek, it’s just a 10-minute stroll to Deira Old Souk, where the air is thick with the scent of dozens of spices. Navigate through the narrow lanes of the Gold Souk, where the storefronts showcase intricate jewelry. Don’t miss the chance to haggle for souvenirs—it’s ok here, given Dubai’s trading past.
- To experience true Emirati hospitality, venture 15 to 20 minutes deeper into the Gold Souk to the traditional Al Bait Al Qadeem Restaurant (which translates to “old house restaurant”). Order the majboos, a fragrant rice and grilled fish dish.
Hotel pick: A cozy retreat in the heart of Old Dubai, the XVA Art Hotel in Al Fahidi is housed in a historic building with traditional Arabian charm. Each room is uniquely decorated with contemporary art. Don’t miss the courtyard cafe—a hidden gem serving local treats like camel milk ice cream.
Walk 2: Glamorous Downtown Dubai

Downtown Dubai is all about glamour, cutting-edge architecture, and luxury entertainment. This vibrant district is home to iconic landmarks like the Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Opera (make sure you have enough space on your phone for photos). This is a great place to spend an evening: I like to have dinner with friends at a restaurant with a beautiful view of the Burj Khalifa at sunset before catching a show.
Your stops
Total walking time: 2-4 hours, average pace
- Start your walk at The Dubai Mall, a shopper’s paradise. Shops range from high-end boutiques (like Oscar De La Renta’s atelier on Fashion Avenue) to local finds like Pappa Roti, a pastry house that overlooks the indoor ice skating rink. With over 33,000 aquatic animals, The Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo is a big hit with both kids and adults. Check out the real, full-size dinosaur skeleton inside the mall.
- Stroll outside the mall toward the iconic Burj Khalifa, the tallest tower in the world, which will take about 10 minutes to reach. You can take a trip to the observation deck, At The Top, or enjoy cocktails at At.Mosphere on the 122nd floor of the Burj Khalifa for sweeping sunset views. Fair warning: Your ears will pop several times in the elevator as you go up.
- Next, take 15 minutes to head over to Dubai Opera, with a design inspired by a traditional dhow. Check the schedule for concerts and performances that range from standup comedy to ballet. If you prefer to people-watch rather than attend a show, the area around Dubai Opera is perfect for a leisurely walk. A local secret is the Burj Park just below the opera house—a great spot for a picnic with prime views of the Burj Khalifa.
- Ten minutes away is Souk Al Bahar, a modern take on a traditional Arabian market that’s connected to the Dubai Mall. The hardest decision you will make is to choose from the endless restaurant options—or sample a few different dishes at once at the food hall-style Time Out Market Dubai, with views of the Dubai Fountain musical show
- End your night five minutes away at The Palace Downtown Dubai, a luxurious hotel with views of the city’s skyline. With its Middle Eastern-inspired architecture, the hotel has a shisha lounge that’s especially atmospheric during the holy month of Ramadan. Or you can enjoy a front-row seat to the Burj Khalifa view from the hotel’s Argentinian restaurant, Asado, which serves the finest cuts of steak.
Hotel pick: Like many hotels in the neighborhood, The Address Sky View has killer views of the Burj Khalifa and easy access to all the best attractions in Downtown Dubai. The hotel is also an architectural marvel in and of itself with two towers connected by the Sky Bridge, which runs parallel to the city skyline. A fantastic affordable option is The Rove Downtown.
Walk 3: An art and culture walk

One of my favorite areas to visit in Dubai is Alserkal Avenue in Al Quoz, the cultural heart of the city. Set amid a (previously) dusty industrial zone, this trendy district is a testament to the city's commitment to contemporary art. My family and I enjoy spending weekends in Alserkal, bumping into friends at busy cafes.
Your stops:
Total walking time: 2-4 hours, slow pace
- Start your art journey at Leila Heller Gallery, a space that seamlessly blends Middle Eastern and international contemporary art. The diverse exhibits challenge conventions and make clever use of negative space.
- Five minutes away is Kave, a dog-friendly coffee haven that doubles as a chic art gallery. Have your fortune told by the in-house coffee cup reader while surrounded by colorful artwork made by local artists working at tables right next to diners.
- You’ll hear it before you see it: The Fridge, a dynamic venue minutes away from Kave that supports local musicians and emerging talents. Attend a live performance/rehearsal or wander through the gallery space, sipping on a non-alcoholic cocktail from the bar.
- Less than five minutes away, refuel your artistic spirit at Wild & The Moon, an eco-cafe offering organic and plant-based delights. The decor is earthy, with wide ceilings and plants everywhere. The gluten-free blueberry scone is a must-try.
- End your walk steps away at Cinema Akil, the first arthouse cinema in the emirates. With red wallpaper and velvety seats, it’s a great spot for soaking in culture and taking photos—even if the independent films are sold out for the night.
Hotel pick: Ten minutes away from Alserkal Avenue is Jumeirah Dar Al Masyaf, a waterfront hotel that will make you feel like you’re staying in an opulent Arabian palace. Mirroring the winding walkways of an old souk, this sprawling resort has a wide, open stretch of beach and trendy restaurants, including Pai Thai, which can be reached by abra. An affordable hotel option is the nearby Beach Walk Hotel, facing my favorite public beach with views of Burj Al Arab.