There’s so much more to Dubai than luxurious hotels and shopping! It is full of amazing Middle Eastern food, incredible desert nature, and unique things to do. We are crazy about it and you will be too, especially with a local experience!
There’s so much more to Dubai than luxurious hotels and shopping! It is full of amazing Middle Eastern food, incredible desert nature, and unique things to do. We are crazy about it and you will be too, especially with a local experience!
Get ready to experience Dubai like never before with our epic list of top things to do! We've got the inside scoop on the coolest spots, local tips, and must-see attractions that'll blow your mind. From soaring skyscrapers to sandy beaches, spice souks to jaw-dropping desert safaris, Dubai's got it all. Buckle up and let's dive into the ultimate adventure in this dazzling city of dreams!
Explore Middle East cuisine like a local
Bring your appetite! The beauty of Dubai is that it is a mini version of the Middle East and features the delicious cuisine of the entire region. Enjoy a fantastic breakfast at Zaroob, a local Palestinian joint. Make sure to try the Manakeesh! Have a local chef make you the Gulf favorite dishes Haneeth or Mandi, a hearty delicacy of meat (lamb or chicken) and rice. Get ready for a food coma! But leave room for tea and DATES!
Did we mention the best dates in the world? You can get dates a dozen different ways: plain, stuffed with nuts or chocolates.
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The 10 Tastings of Dubai: Street Food
391 reviews
3 hours | Food tours | Dubai
Ready to taste the best food in Dubai? Satisfy your cravings for local food and culture with highlights along the way, together with a foodie host. Enjoy 10 delicious and typical tastings that range from sweet to savory as well as drinks on a tasty food tour in Dubai.
The next day? Check out the Bu Qtair fish shop, a simple local establishment that serves incredibly delicious fresh fish and seafood.
Take a stroll in Deira, get lost in the markets
Deira (Old Dubai), the heart and the soul of the city, is the perfect getaway from the upscale luxury of Dubai.
Your host will be thrilled to walk with you through the bustling markets around Deira. You will find the winding gold, spice, and perfume souks (markets) and the beautiful textile and pashmina souk across the waterway in Bur Dubai. Don’t forget to bargain for the best deals! Your host will be happy to take you on an ‘abra, a waterbus ride around the creek where you can enjoy the contrast of old and new—skyscrapers and old markets.
Spend the day and night on Palm Jumeirah Island
Although it is touristy, the Palm Island is not to be missed, shaped like a Palm tree; this manmade island is best seen with a local who can show you its impressive design. Take a drive, bike ride, or walk around the leaves of the island, marvel at the view and stop in at a few of the luxurious hotels. Your host will explain and show you the brilliant architectural design of the island, its backstory and its hidden gems.
In the evening head to Nasimi beach, a local hangout for a night out in the town. Enjoy the experience with a local host where you can devour a delicious Mediterranean meal and a night of Dubai clubbing, which many say is the best in the world!
Experience the thrill of night crab hunting
Yes, go hunting for crabs at night! Night crab hunting is a very unique and splendid experience that you can only do with a local in Umm Al-Quwain, a short drive from Dubai. Many locals enjoy this nighttime sport and you can too! Your host will lead you on a glass bottom boat ride into the mangroves. You will look for the crabs with special underwater lights.
You will also see the fascinating wonders of the sea. Afterwards bring your appetite because you will enjoy the crab you just caught as part of a delicious dinner. It is an unforgettable experience! We highly recommend you give it a try with a local host!
Marvel at the Mosques
If you’ve never been to a mosque, it is an experience you should not miss. If you have been, then you don’t want to miss seeing the incredible mosques in Dubai. Visiting a mosque is best done with a local. It is a moving and beautiful experience; the Grand Mosque and Jumeirah Mosque will leave you stunned.
Go with one of our hosts who will keep you informed of the appropriate customs for an authentic visit and will also give you both a detailed history of each of these places of worship and an overview of some of the main rituals of Islam, the main religion in the United Arab Emirates.
Local tipIf you're planning to step inside a mosque, make sure you're dressed according to their house rules. They've got some specific guidelines, so it's better to be prepared!
Enjoy a day at the local Kite Beach
Seeking some rest and relaxation on a beautiful local beach? Or perhaps an active beach day filled with water sports, kite surfing and volleyball? Well, you’re in luck because Kite Beach is a local favorite and has it all! Head to Kite Beach for the day and you will find a gorgeous beach, emerald blue waters, a view of the famous “Burj al Arab,” lots of shops, and cute little cafes to stop in for a snack.
Walk around letting your toes sink in the sand, spend the day swimming, tanning or kite surfing with your host! Maybe even take a surfing lesson with your host? Or perhaps ask your guide if they can personalize your tour for one of many water sports activities? The sky's the limit!
Go ritzy at Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall
Craving some of the ritz and glitz Dubai has to offer but the local version? The tallest building in the world and largest mall in the world. What? Go with a local and you won’t regret it! Have a private tour of Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Mall with one of our guides and avoid the boring touristy version. Your host will offer a fascinating tour.
They will tell you the backstories, the controversies and everything in between about the biggest and largest that the world has to offer. That way you also won’t get lost in the overwhelming experience of being in the largest mall in the world. Your host will show you the incredible aquarium and many other gems including the biggest shoe store in the world. Ladies and gentlemen, you’re in for a treat!
Enjoy a delicious traditional Bedouin meal
Dubai is well known for its Desert safaris followed by a traditional Bedouin meal. Bedouins are communities who live in the desert year round. To avoid the touristy generic tours, go with one of our local hosts for an authentic Bedouin experience. Your host will take you on an amazing ride into the heart of the desert sand dunes. You will see some falcons and admire the sunset.
The evening’s main attraction will be a delicious Bedouin prepared meal. It usually consists of grilled meats, fresh salads, rice and chicken and lamb, awesome sweets with tea and perhaps even a hookah pipe. You shouldn’t miss out on the opportunity of this experience with a local and making new friends?
Go on a Dubai nightlife tour
No visit to this tiny Emirate would be complete without a night spent out on the town. And it is well worth it! You haven’t partied until you’ve partied in Dubai! There are several unique and incredible clubs you should spend your time in: White (an outdoor club), Stereo Arcade (80s and 90s music and theme), and Cirque le Soir (bespoke circus act).
Go with your host to get the full nightlife experience, hopping from club to club, dancing with your new friends late into the night, and then in the early morning satisfy your hunger at Zaatar w Zeit on Sheikh Zayed Road for some amazing freshly baked Lebanese breakfast pies.
Get lost in Al-Bastakia
There is rich cultural history hidden in the glitz of Dubai. Visiting Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood dating back to the 1890s is one of them. Also known as the Al-Bastakia quarter located in Bur Dubai is a top thing to experience with a local. The neighborhood was initially built by Iranian merchants from Bastak, where it got its name.
Take a private walking tour with your host who will guide you through the great labyrinth of roads, old merchant houses, historic buildings, cafes and art galleries. Its bohemian flavor is a lot of fun, especially when you have a host to make sure you don’t miss any of its local hidden gems!
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Private & Personal
Your tour is just for you. No strangers, no groups.
You’ll experience the city one-on-one (or with your own travel group) in a relaxed, personal way. No rushing, no scripted group tours.
Authentic things to do in Dubai
Discover Dubai with a local by your side! From strolling around the aromatic spice souks to seeing the city unfold from the top of the Burj Khalifa, you’ll find some amazing things to do in Dubai with your local host. There are such contrasting activities in Dubai that your bucket list will continue to grow as you discover more and more things to do in Dubai! Foodies will love strolling through the fragrant souks with delicious tabbouleh, dates and tahini. You may even like to try the camel burger! City buffs can visit the beautiful mosques, wander through colorful neighborhoods, catch a river cruise or visit the aquarium. Let your local host know which kinds of activities you most enjoy, and they will show you the best places to go and things to see in Dubai! If you’re looking for things to do in Dubai, you’ll be amazed by how easy it is to discover the top activities in Dubai with your local host. Having someone who knows every corner of Dubai like the back of their lets you customize your day with personalized activities. Whether you prefer to stroll through the Marina or see the city lights across the fountains at Dubai Mall, your local host will ensure you visit the best places to go in Dubai. When you’re planning activities in Dubai, you’ll agree that a 100% private Withlocals tour that can be fully customized is the best way to discover all the things to do in Dubai. Simply let your local host know the things you would love to see, and they’ll sort it all out locally for you!
The way to a city's heart it's through its food! And on this private food tour, you'll get to know Dubai through its cuisine and the tastings favorite of the locals. A local food expert is ready to give you a taste of the real Dubai satisfying your cravings for local food and city highlights.
Want to see the best of Dubai? We got you covered. But as you can expect from a Withlocals experience, the real excitement is its hidden gems. Join your favorite local and get a feeling of the city's real vibe on a tour that has it all, so you can say: I experienced the real Historic Dubai!
Ready for a jam-packed tour, full of history, culture, stories, and sights? Checkmark from your travel bucket list all your must-sees of Dubai, because if there’s a Withlocals tour that shows you all the city's ins and outs, it’s this complete and personalized tour of Dubai.
Embark on a Desert day trip outside of Dubai where many treasures, insights, and stories are waiting. Let a local host show you around and experience the Arabian Desert from a local perspective. Give yourself the gift of a Dubai Desert day trip with a local - it’s a must-do!
Welcome to Dubai! Want to know the best places to eat? Cool events in town? Which places to go to and which to avoid? Or simply get some help to navigate the city? Book this private tour with a local and get the perfect introduction to Dubai to start your city trip on the right foot.
How do you imagine the perfect day trip from Dubai? Now you can make it a reality! Hire a local guide and set off on a fully personalized journey beyond the city limits. Explore the stunning surroundings by car, and you get to decide where and when to stop. From famous landmarks to hidden treasures in the countryside, the choice is yours!
As the sun sets, Dubai lights up, the heat of the day fades, and the tourist crowds start to thin out. This is the time to enjoy the city at its atmospheric best on a private tour with a local! Take in glittering highlights and the local ambiance that only the evening brings out in Dubai.
Did you know that the Dubai tour of your dreams exists? Yes, and it’s 100% personalized and created by your local host around your interests. Customize and see only the places that spark your interest. From classic landmarks to neighborhood walks - your wishes are our command!
Discover your ideal Dubai tour with this personalized shore excursion! With pick-up directly from the cruise terminal or airport, you’ll have the flexibility to explore Dubai at your own pace. A local guide will take you around the city, letting you choose where to stop—whether it’s iconic landmarks or hidden gems. The day is yours to shape!
"wow! what an amazing experience! Suglain is a wonderful host and an even better photographer!! he knew all the best spots for pictures !! he is very knowledgeable and speaks perfect english. we saw so much and he was very accommodating. We didn’t want to stop for shopping so he was kind enough to skip that part. We liked him so much that we booked 2 other tours with him !!! I love that we were able to do what WE wanted to do and that we weren’t with a group ! i highly recommend this tour but please request Suglain !! he’s the best !! "
"We did the City Kick-start Tour with Ikram. \n I would love to give more than Ten stars if it was possible.\nThis was an amazing tour. \nIkram is very knowledgeable and proud of Dubai and its History and takes you on this journey with enthusiasm and passion but also adds moments of fun, humour and many interesting facts.\nIkrams tour opened our eyes and we discovered so much more about Dubai.\nWe didn't want it to end.\nWe highly recommend Ikram.\nThank you Ikram for giving us such an incredible tour and great memories.\n"
"Due to the fact that I made the reservation at the last minute, I took the tour with Michael and not with Orlina. Thank you Orlina to find Michael! \nEverything was perfect: the walking tour, the stories about Dubai, about history, about social life and old and new town. A very good guide with care about what we want to see and understand. We recommend him! "
"Ikram was charming and very knowledgeable. We walked around areas of old Dubai we wouldn’t have discovered without Ikram’s guidance. The three hours went by very quickly. We started our tour at 9:30am which was ideal. Would highly recommend to anyone visiting Dubai."
"Ali is a great guide. He came prepared and had a water bottle for each of us. He knows a lot about Dubais history and could answer all our questions. He also gave us food and sightseeing recs which was very appreciated. I would recommend him and even book him again. "
"We had a wonderful tour with Sandy! He was very accommodating to our requests. We went to see the Mosque in Abu Dhabi and some sights in Dubai including the miracle garden. He was very knowledgeable and engaging, we really enjoyed our tour and would book again!"
"We had Melwyn as our guide and it was an amazing experience. He was very knowledgeable about the city and surrounding areas so we learned a lot along with some delicious food. We’ve done food tours in many countries and this one was among one of the best\n. "
"Kasim was not available so Melwyn showed us around. It was a really interesting and yummy tour. In addition to trying some delicious food, and telling us about the history of Dubai, we got an in depth understanding of life as an immigrant to this crazy city. He’s certainly not a newcomer, having been here for more than 20 years, but the gap between the Emiratis and all the others who make the economy and society run is very real. \n\nWe ate traditional Lebanese in one of the oldest buildings in the city, chicken and shrimp by the water, and camel burgers in a family home turned restaurant. They were distinct experiences and getting from one to another was where the experience was. \n\nWe had a limited time in Dubai and this was a terrific way to get a totally different experience of the city. Would highly recommend!"
"We learned a lot of new things, e.g. that there are 99 different types of dates in Dubai, that Dubai used to be a resting place for pilgrims to Mecca, that the Persians brought spices to the Arabian Peninsula and that despite different cultures we can laugh about so many things together. Sandy stepped in for Scruthy as she had just had a baby but it was a perfect handover. Sandy is a fun, spirited and expert guy full of authentic stories about life in Dubai and lots of helpful tips about how to navigate the city. We enjoyed every minute with him! Thank you so much Sandy🥰"
