Al Seef waterfront
The walk starts at Al Seef, the restored stretch of Dubai Creek where coral-and-gypsum merchant houses, shaded alleyways and wind towers have been rebuilt in the style of the pre-oil city. It is the best introduction to what Dubai looked like when it lived on pearling and trade.
Al Fahidi historic district
Also known as Bastakiya, this is the oldest surviving quarter in Dubai, built in the late nineteenth century by Persian merchants. The lanes are deliberately narrow to hold shade, and the wind towers above them are the region's original air conditioning. Small galleries, courtyard cafes and the Coffee Museum sit along the route.
Abra crossing and the souks
A traditional abra, the wooden ferry that has crossed Dubai Creek for generations, takes the group over to Deira for one dirham. On the far bank the tour continues through the Spice Souk, heavy with saffron, frankincense and dried lemon, and the Gold Souk, where several hundred shops trade in one covered lane.
