Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour with Dubai Aquarium Entry

Red Route: old Dubai, Al Fahidi and the souks

The Red Route is the heritage side of the city. Hop off in the Al Fahidi Historical District to walk narrow lanes between restored coral-stone houses with wind towers, built in the late 19th century, and continue to Al Seef, a creekside promenade that blends old-style architecture with cafés and shops. From the Old Souk you can cross Dubai Creek by abra for a small fare, a classic Dubai experience.

Across the creek, the Gold Souk glitters with hundreds of jewellery shops and the Spice Souk is filled with the scent of saffron, frankincense and dried limes. Al Shindagha Museum, set in the historic Shindagha district at the mouth of the creek, tells the story of Dubai and its people. The full Red Route loop takes about 90 minutes without stops.

Dubai Frame

The last stop on the Red Route is the Dubai Frame in Zabeel Park, a 150-metre structure shaped like a giant picture frame and opened in 2018. From its glass-floored bridge at the top, you see old Dubai to the north and the skyscrapers of the new city to the south, a perfect summary of how fast the city has grown.

Entry to the Dubai Frame is not included in the bus pass, but the stop makes it easy to visit; allow about an hour inside. Dubai Frame tickets can be booked separately with us.

Blue Route: Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Marina and JBR

The Blue Route heads along the coast to modern Dubai. You pass Souk Madinat Jumeirah, a souk-style complex of wind towers and waterways, and cross onto Palm Jumeirah, the palm-shaped island built from reclaimed sand with a trunk, fronds and an outer crescent.

Continue to Dubai Marina, a man-made waterway lined with towers, where you can hop off at the Marina Promenade or The Beach at JBR for a walk by the sea, before the route returns via Mall of the Emirates. The full loop takes about 130 minutes, so allow a full day if you plan several stops.

Lost World Aquarium on Palm Jumeirah

Your pass includes entry to Lost World Aquarium, set at the crescent of Palm Jumeirah and reached from stop 3 of the Blue Route. Inside, a series of underwater halls designed like the ruins of a legendary lost city lets you walk past huge tanks of sharks, rays, colourful reef fish and other marine life.

The aquarium is open daily from 10 am to 9 pm; plan about one to two hours. Use your aquarium voucher within one week of the day you first use the bus. It is a highlight for children and a cool indoor break on a hot afternoon.

Sunset and Night Tour

Each pass includes one Sunset and Night Tour, a single two-hour loop that is not hop-on hop-off. It departs from the Dubai Mall stop at 6 pm and also collects passengers at Dubai Marina, on Palm Jumeirah, at Souk Madinat Jumeirah and at Mall of the Emirates.

From the open top deck you watch the skyline light up, with the Burj Khalifa, the Marina towers and the Palm glowing after dark. It is a relaxed way to end a sightseeing day.