24 Most Beautiful Instagrammable Places in Dubai

The futuristic city of Dubai is a real dream destination and one of the most photogenic places I’ve ever been to. Thanks to the majestic skyscrapers, beautiful parks, gorgeous flower installations, never-ending highways, and insanely beautiful views, there are countless places to take pictures in Dubai.

If you’re looking for the most Instagrammable places in Dubai, you are in the right place! In this post, I collected the best Dubai photography spots with their exact locations and a bunch of useful tips about when to visit or how to get there.

*Disclosure: This post contains a few affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through my link.*

Best Photography Tours in Dubai

Do you want to get the best shots possible but you’re traveling solo or with someone who doesn’t know anything about photography? In this case, the below tours could be the solution for you!

• 5-Hour Tour with a Professional Photographer Guide: This top-rated tour covers plenty of iconic spots in just half a day. Includes hotel pick-up and drop-off, plus 25-30 photos perfect for your social media or website.
• Top City Attractions Photo Stop Car Tour: A 2.5-hour tour to the city’s best photo spots with a professional photographer. Ideal if you’re short on time but still want amazing shots.
• Dubai Photo Shoot with a Personal Travel Photographer: If you prefer a private session, this experience is perfect for romantic couple photos or family shots, capturing memories without the crowds.

Map of the Best Instagram Spots in Dubai

I made a custom map for you that contains all the best Dubai Instagram spots with their exact locations.

How to use this map: This map is fully interactive, so you can move around, zoom in/zoom out, and click on the icons. If you want to see a larger map, click on the bracket in the upper right corner. To see more details and the different layers, click on the tab in the upper left corner. If you want to save it for later, click on the star icon next to the name of the map. Then simply open Google Maps either on your desktop or phone, go to ‘Saved’/’Maps’, and open the map whenever you need it.

Most Instagrammable Places in Dubai

1. Burj Khalifa

The Burj Khalifa with its 830 meters (2,723 feet) height is currently the tallest building in the world and not surprisingly it’s also one of the most Instagrammable places in Dubai. No Dubai itinerary is complete without going up to the top of the Burj Khalifa!

Not only you will get an incredible view of the city but it’s also one of the best places for photography in Dubai. If you want to take some photos with the Dubai skyline in the background, don’t miss out on the glass viewing platform on the 124th floor.

The painted wings inside the building are one of the most famous Instagrammable spots in Dubai so make sure to take a photo there as well.

Most people choose to go up to the Burj Khalifa for sunset. I suggest doing exactly the opposite and going there for sunrise! The Burj Khalifa sunrise tickets are the cheapest options available and they also include a light breakfast at the cafeteria. 

The sun rises just in front of the viewing platforms and the crowds are usually more manageable. This option might not be available daily, so make sure to check the timings in advance. If there’s no sunrise slot, I would recommend opting for the earliest slot possible.

Ticket prices vary based on which levels you want to visit and when. With the standard tickets you can visit the 124-125 levels and they cost between AED 145-165 ($40-45 US).

You can also visit the 148 level which is the highest point of the Burj Khalifa but be prepared for a very pricy experience as the premium tickets cost between AED 399-553 ($110-150 US). If you need more information, read this ultimate guide about visiting the Burj Khalifa.

Location on Google Maps: At the Top, Burj Khalifa

2. Wings of Mexico Statue

The Wings of Mexico statue is one of the coolest installations in Dubai and it’s definitely one of the best photo spots in Dubai as well. The wings are really photogenic and if you combine them with the Burj Khalifa in the background, you get a perfect Instagram photo in return!

It’s super close to the Burj Khalifa so it makes sense to visit both on the same day. You might need to stand in line for a while to get your photos if you’re visiting in the middle of the day, but I think it’s worth it!

Location on Google Maps: Wings of Mexico Statue

3. Burj Park by Emaar

If you’re looking for the best photo spots in Dubai with the Burj Khalifa in the background, you need to visit Burj Park by Emaar.

The park is absolutely beautiful and offers amazing views not just over the Burj Khalifa but the nearby skyscrapers too. The only downside is that typically you are not allowed to shoot here with a professional camera, so having a phone with a wide-angle lens is very much needed.

Location on Google Maps: Burj Park by Emaar

4. Palace Downtown

Palace Downtown is one of the most beautiful hotels in Dubai and it offers an amazing view of the Burj Khalifa too. You can visit the pool area outside the hotel even if you are not a hotel guest.

Shooting with a professional camera is tricky here as well and it depends on the mood of the guards whether they let you use it or not. Similar to the Burj Park by Emaar, having a phone with a wide-angle lens can be a lifesaver!

In the morning, the pools are covered with shadows which makes it harder to shoot. I think it’s better to visit in the afternoon or around sunset for the best lights.

Location on Google Maps: Palace Hotel and Burj Khalifa

5. Dubai Miracle Garden

The Dubai Miracle Garden is hands down the most beautiful garden I’ve ever seen! It’s full of gorgeous flower installations like huge sculptures covered with flowers, heart-shaped tunnels, and colorful umbrellas.

I’m absolutely obsessed with flowers so it was like heaven for me! And let’s face it: colorful flowers always make a perfect backdrop for photos so if you’re looking for the most aesthetic places in Dubai, you have to put Dubai Miracle Garden on your list.

The garden is only open between mid-November to mid-May but since this is generally the best time to visit Dubai chances are you’re going to be visiting during this period anyway. Unfortunately, if you’re visiting outside these months you will not be able to see the gardens.

Getting to Dubai Miracle Garden is a bit time-consuming as it takes over an hour if you’re using public transport. It’s better to opt for a taxi or book a tour where transportation is already included.

The park opens at 9 am so if you want to make sure to get the perfect Instagram-worthy photos, go there for opening time! We went there around noon and the park was already full of people which made it quite difficult to shoot.

The entrance ticket to Miracle Garden costs AED 100 per person ($27 US).

Location on Google Maps: Dubai Miracle Garden

6. Sky Views Observatory Deck

If you want to get a different perspective of the Burj Khalifa, then you have to visit the Sky Views Observatory deck. Located on floors 52-52 in the Address Sky View Hotel, this is one of the hottest Instagrammable places in Dubai right now!

You can visit the deck alone or summon up the courage to tackle the Edge Walk: a hands-free walk on an external ledge outside the tower.

If you’re in the observatory, you have to try the glass Sky Slide. This tube wraps its way around the exterior of the tower and sends you hurtling from the 53rd floor to the 52nd.

Admission to the observatory is AED 80 ($22 US), this includes one ride on the Sky Slide. The Edge Walk Experience costs AED 499 ($135 US) and is subject to terms and conditions.

Try to arrive around the opening time to avoid queuing for the glass slide. Otherwise, sunset is also a magical time to visit!

Location on Google Maps: Sky Views Observatory

7. Dubai Creek Harbour

Dubai Creek Harbour is a fairly new and upcoming neighborhood in Dubai. Chances are you’ll still come across many new construction sites but a big part of the area is already finished at it can be freely visited.

Dubai Creek Harbour will be home to Dubai Creek Tower, which is planned to be the world’s tallest building with its humble 928 meters (3,044 feet) height. Yes, you’ve read that right – it will be even taller than the Burj Khalifa!

Although the tower is not completed yet, Dubai Creek Harbour already deserves its place on the list of the most Instagrammable places in Dubai thanks to the gorgeous panoramic views.

One thing to note is that many people confuse this place with Dubai Creek. While Dubai Creek is a saltwater creek that is now part of the new Dubai Canal, Dubai Creek Harbour is a specific neighborhood on the shores of Dubai Creek.

So if you want to find the same photography locations in Dubai you can see in the below pictures, use the exact Google Maps location I shared below!

Sunset is definitely the best time to visit. I recommend arriving around one hour prior to sunset so you can explore the best photo spots, take some pictures during golden hour, and later on you can see how the Dubai skyline looks in the dark with the lights turned on.

Location on Google Maps:  Dubai Creek Harbour

8. The View at the Palm

The View at the Palm is a glass-framed observation deck located on Palm Jumeirah, the artificial island archipelago south of Downtown Dubai.

The observatory stands 240 meters (787.5 feet) above the ground at the “trunk” of the island and provides 360-degree views across the Palm and out towards the wider Arabian Gulf. This is one of the most Instagrammable places in Dubai if you want dreamy aerial views across the water. 

With the general admission ticket, you get access to the glass viewing platform on the 52nd floor. However, if you want to go up to the 54th floor where you can enjoy the panorama without glass panels, consider booking the Next Level Experience.

Location on Google Maps: The View at The Palm

9. Atlantis, The Palm

Atlantis, The Palm is a legendary hotel in Dubai located on the artificial palm-tree-shaped archipelago called Palm Jumeirah. The whole resort is a real dream come true, however, staying there comes with a high price tag.

Lucky for us, the resort offers several experiences that can be attended even when you’re not a guest, such as the Aquaventure Water Park, and the Lost Chambers Aquarium. You can even get a combi ticket for both!

The latter is why the hotel made this list of the most Instagrammable places in Dubai. I’m sure you’ve already seen tons of pictures of this epic indoor aquarium, it’s a real bucket list experience in Dubai.

However, the most photogenic spot – the Ambassador Lagoon – is actually not inside the aquarium, but in the hotel lobby, which means you can visit it for free once you’re inside the hotel!

If you’re inside the hotel, simply walk towards the entrance of the Lost Chambers Aquarium and once you walk down the stairs you will immediately spot the Ambassador Lagoon. There is even a cafe located right in front of the aquarium so you can get your daily dose of caffeine while watching the fishes and mantas swim.

Generally, if you are not a guest of the hotel you are not allowed to get inside. However, there are lots of cafes, restaurants, and shisha bars inside, so if you visit any of them, you are free to roam around the hotel.

If you’re already there, it’s worth taking a few pictures inside the hotel as well, it looks truly beautiful! And of course, I highly recommend visiting the aquarium itself too, it’s a pretty special experience.

Location on Google Maps: Atlantis, The Palm

10. Dubai Desert

Endless golden sand dunes, camel rides, and traditional Bedouin experiences – the Dubai Desert is truly a must-visit when you’re in Dubai!

However, this is not a place you can visit on your own and you need to book a desert safari tour. There are many different types of desert safaris available, from basic to extravagant options. If you need some help with choosing the best tours, check out my post about the best desert safaris in Dubai!

We personally chose this desert safari tour and we loved everything about it! We opted for the 7-Hour Shared Red Dunes & Open Buffet Tour in the afternoon.

You can choose from three different starting times: 11:30 am, 2 pm, or 2:30 pm. I recommend choosing one of the afternoon versions because this way you can see the sunset in the desert which is really magical!

Another great option is to go for a sunrise desert tour when the lights are equally beautiful. If you want to go all out, you can even book a hot air balloon ride in the desert!

Location on Google Maps: Dubai Desert

11. Arabian Tea House

This beautiful tea house is located in the historic Al Fahidi (Al Bastakiya) neighborhood. It features an indoor dining space as well as a sheltered terrace where you can dine out of the sun.

The menu consists of over 150 types of tea! The Arabian Tea House is one of the Instagrammable places in Dubai where you can eat, drink tea, or visit purely to take photos.

They have an amazing exterior which is perfect for photos and you can use this cute setup even if you’re not dining at the restaurant, but I highly recommend doing so as the food and drinks are amazing!

Location on Google Maps: Arabian Tea House Restaurant & Cafe

12. Al Bastakiya

Al Bastakiya is the historical district of Dubai. Completely different from the downtown area, this is where you will find low-rise heritage buildings in a traditional style that look back at Dubai’s humble roots as a trading and fishing port.

It’s one of the best places for photography in Dubai to show how much the city has evolved. The whole neighborhood is bursting with photo opportunities, such as the original city walls, museums, and market stalls.

You’ll find lots of pretty corners here, so just walk around aimlessly and I promise you’ll find plenty of Instagram-worthy spots!

Location on Google Maps: Al Fahidi Historical District (Bastakiya)

13. Al Seef Street

Al Seef Street is an extension of Al Bastakiya as it runs from the heart of the historic core along the banks of Dubai Creek. You’ll pass more photographic buildings and get to experience the happenings of the waterway.

As strange as it might sound, the Al Seef Street Starbucks is one of the coolest Dubai photography spots. With its woody construction and thatched terrace, the building retains the old-world charm of the area and you might even not realize it’s the American chain at first!

Location on Google Maps: Al Seef Street

14. Al Fahidi Fort (Dubai Museum)

Al Fahidi Fort was constructed in the 18th century and originally consisted of coral and shells. It has been used for a number of different reasons: a defense fortification, a prison, and a royal residence.

Nowadays, one of the oldest Dubai Instagram spots houses the Dubai Museum. This displays such artifacts as daily objects, jewelry, marine relics, and ancient weapons. Sadly, it’s now closed until further notice for renovation but you can still take photos from the outside.

Location on Google Maps: Dubai Museum

15. Jumeirah Public Beach

Burj al Arab is one of the most luxurious 7-star hotels in the world and a true icon of Dubai. Although staying there is very expensive, luckily you don’t need to get inside to take some amazing pictures with it! Now, you can even book a tour if you want to see the inside of the hotel.

The best place to take photos with the Burj Al Arab is Jumeirah Public Beach. There are multiple beaches called Jumeirah Beach in Dubai so make sure to check out the below location to find this exact one!

The best thing is that the beach is free to visit so it’s definitely worth checking it out, even if you’re visiting Dubai on a budget.

Since we visited, the construction of the Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab Hotel has been completed so the view is not as clear anymore as in the below photos (the new hotel is right in front of the Burj Al Arab from this angle) but I think it still looks nice!

Location on Google Maps: Burj al Arab, Jumeirah Beach

16. Dubai Marina Yacht Tour

An excellent way to embrace the sunshine and luxury lifestyle of Dubai is to take a yacht tour around the Arabian Gulf!

The deck of a yacht is one of the best places for photography in Dubai as it provides sweeping views of Ain Dubai, Burj al Arab, the Dubai Marina, and the city skyline all in one swoop.

I can personally recommend the Dubai Marina Yacht Tour with Breakfast or BBQ. You get to choose whether you want a continental breakfast or a BBQ lunch or dinner.

The standard 2-hour tour is perfect for making the most of the sights, however, the 3-hour tour is even better as it goes all around Palm Jumeirah and lets you get a close look at Atlantis.

Location on Google Maps: Dubai Marina

17. Imam Hussein Mosque

The Imam Hussein Mosque was founded in Dubai by the Iranian community who observe the Shia order of Islam. Its architecture seeks direction from Persian styles and is covered with glittering blue tiles and two twin minarets.

Weekly tours take place and are subject to change so it is best to check the schedule when you arrive in Dubai if you want to participate.

Otherwise, you can visit the mosque’s exterior to admire the architecture. Trust me, it’s so worth it! You can take photos with a camera but you must dress modestly and cover your hair at all times.

I recommend visiting early in the morning before the mosque gets busy. Avoid visiting during prayer hours, on Fridays, and during Islamic holidays such as Ramadan and Eid.

Location on Google Maps: Imam Hussein Mosque

18. Jumeirah Mosque

Jumeirah Mosque is located a short walk from the Imam Hussein Mosque so you can visit these religious buildings together.

Jumeirah Mosque is one of the better-known places of worship and offers public tours and private visits to tourists with the mission to cultivate deeper cultural understanding. It takes inspiration from Syrian and Egyptian mosques and can host 1,500 worshippers. 

The mosque offers public tours at 10 am so it’s best to arrive just before then to take photos of the exterior. It then closes for prayers and reopens with the second tour of the day at 2 pm. The mosque is closed to tourists on Fridays and religious holidays.

Location on Google Maps: Jumeirah Mosque

19. Forever Rose Cafe

Forever Rose Cafe is a unique concept cafe founded by Ebraheem Al-Samadi. The cafe is designed as a 2D illustration from a storybook which makes you feel as though you are a part of the tale.

Everything inside is black and white, except for the food and beverages. It’s a pretty special experience and a unique place to take photos in Dubai, especially for those who love fairytales!

Sadly you can’t use a professional camera inside the cafe but you are free to shoot with your phone. Some of the staff members even helped us capture some pretty unique angles and they were super nice throughout our whole visit.

Location on Google Maps: Forever Rose Cafe

20. Saya Brasserie Cafe

Saya Brasserie Café is a Dubai-born brand in multiple locations, each with gorgeous interiors that warrant success as one of the cutest Instagrammable places in Dubai to eat.

The best way to describe Saya is pink, pink, and even more pink! Rose-colored chairs are surrounded by lashings of fuschia and cherry blossoms.

The menu consists of comforting American breakfasts, light Mediterranean dishes, and photogenic cakes as well as fantastic coffees, teas, and shakes. We really loved the food so I can only recommend it for brunch or an afternoon pick-me-up!

Location on Google Maps: Saya Cafe Brasserie City Walk

21. Shangri-La Dubai Terrace

Shangri-La Dubai is one of the best hotels in Dubai with Burj Khalifa view and it’s home to one of the best skyline Dubai photography spots.

The hotel has an open-air terrace on the 42nd floor that overlooks the Burj Khalifa and the Downtown Dubai skyline – you simply can’t beat this view!

Unfortunately, there are only two ways to access this epic terrace: you have to be either a guest of the hotel or you can book the terrace for a private event.

The ‘Just You and the View at 42’ dining package means that you get the terrace all to yourself for an exclusive dining experience. It sounds like a dream but note that it’s a very pricy option so if you don’t want to spend a fortune on this experience, book a few nights at the hotel and visit the terrace for the view.

Location on Google Maps: Shangri-La Dubai

22. Dubai Mall

The Dubai Mall is another iconic place in Dubai and the most famous place within the Mall is definitely the Waterfall Wall.

The waterfall is 24 meters (78 ft) tall and it is decorated with fiberglass sculptures of divers. It looks pretty cool and it’s totally one of the best places in Dubai to take pictures!

You can visit any time of the day but the best is to go early in the morning if you want to avoid the crowds.

Location on Google Maps: Dubai Mall, Waterfall Wall inside the Dubai Mall

23. Dubai Steel Heart

We stumbled upon this cool steel heart installation right after we stepped out of the Dubai Mall. It’s also an amazing location to shoot a great picture with the Burj Khalifa in the background!

If you are coming from the Dubai Mall, use the exit which is the closest to the Waterfall Wall. This way you will end up right in front of the Dubai Steel Heart.

Location on Google Maps: Dubai Steel Heart

24. JBR Beach

If you’re looking for a gorgeous, white sandy beach in Dubai with fantastic photo opportunities, you can’t miss JBR Beach. It’s a 1.7 km (1 mile) long beach located in Dubai Marina, overlooking Blue Waters Island and Ain Dubai (the world’s highest observation wheel).

It’s not only one of the best Instagram spots in Dubai but easily one of the best places to spend a relaxing day on the beach and soak up the Middle-Eastern sun. Visiting the beach itself is free but you have to pay for additional activities if you want to participate.

Location on Google Maps: JBR Beach