Old Dubai food tour named in world’s top 25 travel experiences

A food and culture tour through Old Dubai has been recognised as one of the world’s top 25 travel experiences in Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2026 guide.

 

Selected by Lonely Planet’s panel of expert contributors, a guided culinary tour through the city’s historic heart joins an exclusive list of global highlights, alongside whale watching in the Azores, horse riding in Ecuador’s Andes Mountains and overnight stays in traditional ryokans in Japan.

 

Taking a cultural food experience was commended for its lasting impression on visitors, offering a genuine taste of the city’s heritage through its historic districts, local cuisine and lively souks. 

 

Lonely Planet described the experience of eating, drinking and exploring Old Dubai’s neighbourhoods along Dubai Creek as “authentic”.

 

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Home to a culinary scene shaped by nearly 200 nationalities, Dubai offers a mix of flavours and traditions, and its oldest districts – Bur Dubai and Deira – remain the most evocative places to discover them.

 

Visitors on the Old Dubai tour can stroll through creekside alleyways, browse bustling spice and gold souks and sample dishes that celebrate local ingredients and Emirati recipes. 

 

Among standout venues are Al Bait Al Qadeem Emirati Heritage Restaurant, known for its traditional dishes; Bayt Al Wakeel, one of the city’s oldest buildings overlooking the creek; and Local House, which serves Emirati cuisine with a modern twist.

 

While Dubai has previously featured among Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel cities, most notably in the 2020 edition, this year marks the first time a specific district has been singled out, cementing Dubai’s reputation as a must-visit destination for travellers seeking heritage and authenticity.

 

The UAE was also recently named among the global top five countries for night tourism experiences, according to an index by Confused.com, with an impressive 140 well-reviewed night-time activities ranging from desert safaris (124) to cultural evening tours (11). 

 

For more information, visit lonelyplanet.com