Looking for the most Instagrammable places in Dubai? You just found them!
If you search the hashtag #dubai on Instagram, you will find well over 100 million posts. With its pristine white beaches, glamorous skyscrapers and trendy vibe, it’s easy to see why Dubai is so popular on social media.
If you’re planning a trip to Dubai, it’s only natural that you would want to snap the prettiest, most iconic and most Instagram-worthy shots for your feed.
Having visited Dubai six times, I know a fair bit about the most perfect Instagram photo spots in the city! From iconic viewpoints to glamorous beach clubs, there are photo opportunities everywhere in Dubai.
In this article I have outlined all of the best Dubai Instagram spots, including their exact position, so that you can easily find them yourself.
So what are you waiting for, let’s dive in and discover all of the most Instagrammable places in Dubai!
Contents
Enjoying the sunset from The View at The Palm in Dubai
Dubai Instagram photo tours
All of that dramatic architecture and cityscape makes Dubai an incredible place for photographers.
But, even for those who aren’t anywhere near being a professional photographer, there’s almost no end to the Instagram worthy places in Dubai.
If you’re totally in the dark about the best Insta hot spots, there are some really cool tours you can join.
Dubai Photo Shoot with a Personal Travel Photographer
Get glammed up and get ready to capture some special travel memories!
This tour pairs you up with a professional travel photographer, so you can snap some perfect Insta pics and have a fun time while you’re doing it.
Click here to book your Dubai photo shoot with a personal travel photographer!
Or check out prices & availability below!
Discovering Al Seef, the historical area of Dubai
Dubai: 5-Hour Tour with a Professional Photographer Guide
The tour whisks you off to all of the best Dubai photography locations with a private photographer. There’s the chance to take pictures in old and new Dubai over five hours.
Check out prices and availability for your Dubai 5-hour tour with professional photographer here!
Top City Attractions Photo Stop Car Tour
For sheer convenience alone, this tour gets top marks. You get picked up from your accommodation in a private vehicle and driven around Dubai to all of the top spots in the city for taking pictures.
Think Palm Island, Burj Al Arab, Atlantis hotel, the Burj Khalifa Tower, Jumairah Mosque, and Old Dubai.
Click here to book your Dubai photoshoot car tour!
Enjoying the view over Dubai Marina & JBR at sunset from Bluewaters
Flying Dress Photoshoot Experience
Last, but by no means least, is the iconic Flying Dress Photoshoot. Yes, it’s very extra, but that’s exactly what makes it so unique and photogenic!
Treat yourself to a fun photoshoot either in the middle of the desert or Palm Jumeirah and select a dress from one of 12 colours. Just think of how it’s going to look on your grid!
Click here to purchase your Dubai flying dress photoshoot experience!
Or check out prices & availability below!
Enjoying the pool with view over the Museum of the Future at 25hours Hotel One Central in Dubai
If you follow my guide and map, you can easily visit all these iconic Dubai Instagram spots alone without paying for a tour. That said, these tours are more for the photography than the sightseeing.
You might be able to visit these spots alone, but would you be able to take such stunning Instagram photos?
If you want some really gorgeous photos, join one of these Dubai photo tours, and make the most of having a private photographer with you!
Click here to book your Dubai photo shoot with a personal travel photographer!
View over the Dubai Marina & JBR skyline from The View at The Palm
Map of the most Instagrammable spots in Dubai
Before we dive into the details of all these iconic photo spots in Dubai, I want to share with you this map of all the most Instagrammable spots in Dubai.
That way you can see exactly where they are, and plan your Dubai itinerary accordingly!
Dubai Instagrammable places: the best viewpoints!
Burj Khalifa viewing deck
Dubai Instagram spots don’t get much more breathtaking than the view from the tallest building in the world. There’s a viewing deck on levels 125 and 124, both of which offer up immense 360-degree views of the city.
It doesn’t matter if you come in the morning or for night views, the pics you take will always be Insta-worthy. It’s open 10AM to midnight, with tickets from $45.
The best time to visit is at sunset, so that you get the whole experience and can see the sky change from turquoise to pink, and then to the dark of night, lit up by the iconic lights of the Dubai skyline.
One thing to bear in mind is that the queue for the Burj Khalifa is always enormous. I was in Dubai over Easter, and had to queue for almost an hour before getting to the lifts!
If you don’t have long in Dubai, for example if you’re only doing a long stopover in Dubai, you might not want to waste so much time queueing.
Enjoying the view over Dubai at night from the Burj Khalifa
To avoid this hassle, make sure to purchase your tickets online beforehand! I have listed the various entrance tickets to this spectacular building below.
Dubai Burj Khalifa Level 124 & 125 Entry Ticket – This is the basic entrance ticket to Burj Khalifa. With this you can go up to the viewing platform, enjoy the stunning views and snap some great shots.
Burj Khalifa Ticket & Tour: Level 124, 125 & 148 – If you want to splurge a little and avoid the queues, here if your skip-the-line entrance! Plus access to the higher viewing deck at level 148, and a guided tour experience to top it all off!
Burj Khalifa 124 & Lunch or Dinner at The Burj Club – The premium experience, which goes beyond the viewing deck and includes a delicious meal!
Enjoying the Dubai skyline lit up for the night from Burj Khalifa
The View at The Palm
To get the full effect of the scale of The Palm, it’s best to check it out from above. Thankfully the Palm observation deck provides views of the islands from 240 metres in the air.
It’s open most days, 9AM to midnight, with tickets from $27. Sunset times are a bit more expensive, but they’re honestly worth it, since the view becomes even more iconic and magical.
Personally, I enjoy The View at The Palm more than the Burj Khalifa. The viewing deck is less crowded, meaning you can take better photos, and the views are honestly stunning.
You don’t only get the view over the palm islands, but also the iconic Dubai Marina skyline, as well as Burj al Arab and the Burj Khalifa in the distance.
Make sure to purchase your ticket online beforehand, so you can skip the queues!
Click here to purchase your entrance to The View at The Palm!
The sunset from The View at The Palm in Dubai
View over the Dubai Marina & JBR skyline from The View at The Palm
Sky Views Observatory
This is one of the newest attractions in town, and also one of the best Instagram spots in Dubai – mainly because of the spectacular view you get of the glittering city skyline from 220 metres up in the air.
Add to that a glass slide, a glass walkway and stunning views of the Burj Khalifa, and you have a winner all round! It’s not only a very pretty Insta-spot, but also a fun viewing point with lots of things going on.
Sky Views Observatory is open 10AM – 11PM and tickets cost upwards of $22.
Click here to purchase your entrance ticket to Sky Views Observatory!
Enjoying the view over Burj Khalifa and Dubai from Sky Views Observatory
Dubai Marina Mall
Dubai Marina Mall is another top place to head for epic views in Dubai. Specifically, it’s from the balcony of the food hall where you can get epic views out over the marina – and it won’t cost a thing!
It’s free to enter and you can sit back, relax and soak it all up (after snapping some pics, of course). It’s open from 10AM to 11PM.
If you’re not sure what to wear in Dubai for your epic Insta-shots, then this is also a good place to do some shopping and grab some of the latest trends!
Enjoying the view from the terrace of food court of Dubai Marina Mall
Iconic Instagram spots Dubai
Dubai Creek Harbour
It may not be high in the sky, but Dubai Creek Harbour offers up a chic viewpoint from along the waterside path. Here you can snap pics of the sunset as the Dubai skyline begins to light up for the evening.
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Dubai Marina
This affluent part of the city is a particularly Instagrammable spot in Dubai. It’s one of the best places to stay in Dubai, and it’s easy to see why. It’s famous for its high-end dining and a little slice of sandy shoreline.
You’ll definitely be able to snap a few amazing pics here, with multi-million-dollar yachts and traditional Dubai dhow cruise boats, on a backdrop of gleaming skyscrapers.
Walking along Dubai Marina
Wings of Mexico Statue
This metal sculpture of angel wings gives you ready-made wings ready for an Instagram shot.
The Wings of Mexico statue perfectly lines up with the architectural marvel that is Burj Khalifa, giving a perfect backdrop to this photo op.
The Wings of Mexico statue in Downtown Dubai
Burj Al Arab from Jumeirah Public Beach
The eye-catching sail-shaped Burj Al Arab, set on its own artificial island, may not be the number one spot in town anymore due to the Burj Khalifa, but it’s still a sight to see.
Head down to the Jumeirah Beach, a public beach nearby for one of the best Instagram spots in Dubai. Note there’s construction going on at the moment, so the photos might not be as picturesque, but it’s still iconic.
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Atlantis at the Palm from the Pointe
The five-star Atlantis is another of Dubai’s landmarks. And while you may not be staying in it, don’t worry: it’s arguably best seen from afar anyway. Take yourself to The Pointe waterfront and snap away.
If you do stay at the Atlantis, make sure to visit the Lost Chambers Aquarium! Alongside the water theme park, it’s one of the unique additions of this luxury hotel.
The iconic pink Atlantis The Palm as seen from The Pointe, Dubai
Dubai Miracle Garden
A bit different to the skyscrapers, this carefully curated garden is the perfect place to put some lush greenery in your timeline.
It overflows with colourful flowers, green archways, and heart-shaped tunnels made of flowers, making for a fantastic place for a photoshoot. It’s open every day, 9AM – 9PM, and admission is $20.
You know the drill by now, Dubai is a popular destination with queues everywhere. Save some time and purchase these skip-the-line entrance tickets!
Click here to purchase your skip-the-line entrance to Dubai Miracle Garden!
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Al Fahidi historical district
One of the more historical aesthetic places in Dubai, this heritage area of the city features architecture that dates back to the 1890s. The Arabian Tea House here is super cute and eminently Instagrammable.
Beyond the pretty Instagram photos, this part of the city should feature on everyone’s Dubai itinerary.
Most people get stuck in the glitz and glam of the skyscrapers, but coming to Al Fahidi and the souks of Dubai is a great way to see the more authentic side of the side.
Plus, you can get some great deals and souvenirs at the spice souks and traditional markets!
The gorgeous exterior of Arabian Tea House in Al Fahidi historical district in Dubai
Palace Downtown
Overlooking Dubai Fountain, this 5-star hotel features an outdoor pool area that’s open to everyone. The shot you can get from here of Burj Khalifa is particularly cool.
The entrance of Palace Hotel and Burj Khalifa in Dubai
Instagrammable beach clubs in Dubai
Barasti Beach Club
One of the more upscale aesthetic places in Dubai, Barasti is a hip beach club where you can kick back on the sand, relax by the pool, and snap some serious Insta fodder.
I go to Barasti at least once per Dubai trip, besides its Insta-potential, it’s genuinely one of my favourite beach clubs in Dubai. The hammocks and sunbeds with the tall skyscrapers behind make for a unique photo opp.
Compared to other expensive clubs, I like that it’s free entry, and you just pay for whatever drinks and food you have there (these are obviously a bit pricey, but not as much as you’d expect).
Don’t try to sneak in any food and drinks though, they check bags at the entrance and will make you throw out any food or drinks!
It’s open every day, 9AM to 1AM (Fridays and Saturdays until 2AM).
Chilling at Barasti Beach in Dubai
Aura Skypool
Situated at The Palm, the Aura Skypool is a full-on luxe beach club in the sky – complete with a terraced infinity pool.
It’s impossible to not get an incredible shot of the city from this spectacular location. The view is similar to that of The View at The Palm, with the iconic Palm, the Dubai Marina Skyline and Burj Khalifa in the distance.
But with the added benefit of a stunning infinity pool. Just imagine those videos as you swim up to the edge and overlook one of the best views in Dubai.
Admission is $41 per person (opening hours 10AM – 7PM).
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Drift Beach Club
Set along a kilometre of beachfront, this private beach club has an eye-catching infinity pool and a whole lot of chic style going on.
Capturing all this luxury for Insta is as effortless as it seems. Admission is from $55, with ppening hours 9AM – 9PM.
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Most Instagrammable restaurants & bars in Dubai
Cargo Dubai
The harbourside Carbo Dubai has been carefully designed to look like it’s straight out of 1960s Hong Kong. Needless to say, it’s one of the most aesthetic places in Dubai. It’s open every day from 12PM to 12AM.
Besides the unique interior design, it also has some stunning views over Dubai Marina.
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Dinner in the Sky
Dinner in the Sky is one of those experiences you may have seen on Instagram already. I mean, you get to eat a delicious dinner on a platform in the actual sky.
It’s not only a perfect Instagram photo opportunity, but it’s also a unique experience you’ll never forget! How often do you get to eat dinner while floating above the iconic Dubai Marina?
Click here to book your Dinner in the Sky experience in Dubai!
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TOMO Lounge Bar
Set in Raffles Dubai, TOMO Lounge Bar is run by a team of expert Japanese chefs.
Aside from the beautiful food, the restaurant’s terraces provide a sweeping view of the Dubai skyline. A definitive Dubai photography location for foodies.
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Al Hallab Restaurant
Al Hallab is a Lebanese restaurant. You’ll find it on the second floor of Dubai Mall.
This may not sound like much, but make sure to secure a table on the outdoor terrace: it’s a great spot to take pics of the Burj Khalifa lake and fountain show.
The Burj Khalifa and Fountain Show as seen from the Al Hallab outdoor terrace
Forever Rose Cafe
With its elegant, over-the-top interiors, this place is like stepping inside a picture book. Of course, it’s one of the most Instagrammable places in Dubai.
Come for the aesthetic, but stay for the coffee and cake. Open 8AM to 1AM.
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Saya Brasserie Cafe
Describing themselves as the “most beautiful, Instagrammable place to visit in Dubai”, Saya definitely delivers on the visual aspect of things.
With colourful pastel interiors centred around pink flowers, pink chairs, pink everything, and showstopping cakes, it’s a stunning place to while away an afternoon.
It follows the style of many Instagrammable restaurants in London, as well as unique photo spots in Bali, Rome or Singapore.
There are five locations, so opening times vary but mostly run from 9AM to 1AM.
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Awesome Instagram spots beyond Dubai
Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi
With space enough to house up to 40,000 worshippers, the enormous, gleaming white Grand Mosque is the largest mosque in the United Arab Emirates.
In the daytime, this religious building is Insta-worthy for its stark white curves and straight lines against the blue sky. At night, it’s illuminated against the inky black sky. Either way, it’s spectacular.
It’s free to enter and open every day from 9AM to 10PM.
Pro tip; visit in the afternoon, and head over to Wahat Al Karama, a war memorial just across the street from the Grand Mosque just before sunset, here you can enjoy the best view and reflection of the mosque as the sky turns pink!
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is located in Abu Dhabi, so you’ll have to do a day trip to Abu Dhabi to see it. Many travellers debate whether to visit Dubai or Abu Dhabi, but they’re so close, you can do both on the same trip.
Enjoying the view over Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque at sunset
It’s only an hour drive from Dubai, so you could easily do it alone, or if you just want to sit back and relax, you can join a guided tour.
These usually include pick-up and drop-off from your hotel in Dubai, a visit to this stunning mosque and other sights in Abu Dhabi. Different tours offer different stops, so you can pick the one most suited for your interests.
I linked below some of the most popular Dubai to Abu Dhabi day tours.
From Dubai: Abu Dhabi Premium Full-Day Sightseeing Tour – The most complete Dubai to Abu Dhabi day trip, it includes all of the major sights, transfer and lunch.
From Dubai: Abu Dhabi Sheikh Zayed Mosque Guided Tour – A shorter tour for those who only want to visit Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.
From Dubai: Abu Dhabi Full-Day Trip with Grand Mosque & Louvre – For the arts and culture lovers, this tour focuses on the Grand Mosque and Louvre Museum.
Exploring Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi
Grand Palace in Abu Dhabi
Also called Qasr Al Watan, this is the presidential palace of Abu Dhabi.
Though it’s a working building, it’s also open for visitors to marvel at its majestic interiors. Endless opulence going on here.
The Grand Palace of Abu Dhabi is one of the most stunning buildings I have ever seen. The interior is gorgeous, but just wait until you step inside. The grandeur of the interior will leave you breathless.
Opening hours are 10AM to 5:15PM most days; admission is $16.
The grand interior of Qasr Al-Watan in Abu Dhabi
The exterior of Qasr Al-Watan in Abu Dhabi
The Dubai desert
Away from all the buildings, there’s a different kind of aesthetic place in Dubai you shouldn’t miss out on for your Instagram feed: the desert.
The Dubai Desert is a protected area of the much larger Arabian Desert. Head out here on a tour and be wowed (the sunsets are especially amazing).
The rolling red sand dunes will make for the perfect photo contrast to the shiny skyscrapers of Dubai Marina. Here you can expect to take a step back, relax, and enjoy a slower pace of Arabian culture.
Besides being an iconic spot for photos, the desert is also a very fun place. On a classic Dubai desert safari you can do thrilling activities like dune bashing and sand boarding!
Beautiful sunset views in Dubai desert
Make sure to book your Dubai desert safari online beforehand! I have listed below some popular ones, which have the best reviews online.
Dubai Red Dunes Safari, Camel Ride, BBQ & Al Marmoom Oasis – The most popular and complete desert safari out there, it includes all the fun desert activities, transfers and a BBQ dinner feast.
From Dubai: Red Dunes and Camel Safari with Overnight Camp – If you can, I 100% recommend spending a night in the desert. It will be a magical experience! Plus, think of those stunning starry night photos in the desert!
Dubai: Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Tour Over the Desert – It’s a bit pricier than the others, but just imagine how gorgeous your Instagram photos taken from a hot air balloon will be!
Beautiful desert views in Dubai
One of our cars got stuck in the Dubai desert while dune bashing
Final thoughts on the best Instagrammable places in Dubai
There you have it, the ultimate list of Instagrammable places in Dubai! Have you been to Dubai before? Are there other Insta-worthy spots that should feature in this list? Let me know in the comments below!
After multiple Dubai trips, these are the spots I truly think make for stunning Insta posts. Pair them with some awesome travel captions for Instagram, and you’ll make everyone back home jealous of your trip.
In this article I tried to include all the best photo spots in Dubai. From viewpoints to beach clubs, or from restaurants to places outside Dubai, these aesthetic places in Dubai will make for stunning photos.
I hope you have found this list of the best Instagram spots in Dubai useful! If you have any questions, just let me know in the comments below!
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