Top 30 Dubai Instagram Spots

Last Updated on August 1, 2023

Dubai is a one-of-a-kind city in the United Arab Emirates that looks like a town from the future. This bustling desert oasis is a major hub for financial businesses, incredible shopping, and some of the best dining, architecture, and adventures in the world. Not only is Dubai home to the tallest building in the world, the Burj Khalifa, but it also holds other world records like the worlds deepest pool and the largest inflatable aqua park!

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There’s no shortage of things to see and do in Dubai, and the city is also home to plenty of Instagrammable places. You can find everything from traditional Arabic architecture to some of the most interesting buildings and structures in the world throughout Dubai. Around every corner in Dubai is a new and unique photo opportunity that makes this city a dream for photographers, regardless of your experience level and what gear you’re shooting with. This guide to the Top 30 Dubai Instagram Spots highlights all the best spots where you can snap legendary photos.

Disclaimer: Please note that some of the links in the below article are affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, we earn a commission if you make a purchase. All opinions on the Most Instagrammable Places in Dubai are our own. Click here for the full disclosure statement.

Map of Best Dubai Instagram Spots  

Dubai is a large city and on a map, it looks deceivingly small. Each neighborhood in Dubai has beautiful Instagram spots but getting to and from each of these areas can be a bit time consuming. We put together a map with all the 30 Instagram spots in Dubai to make it easier for you to plan your Dubai itinerary and make sure you can capture as many beautiful photos as possible.

Staying Longer? Check out the Most Instagrammable Places in Abu Dhabi on the same trip!

How to Get Around Dubai

There are several ways to get around Dubai including the Metro, taxis / Uber or renting a car. Which option is the best for you depends on your travel style and on how many different areas you would like to explore in Dubai.

The Metro is a quick and efficient way to get around Dubai, and it’s also very affordable. There are two lines that cover most of the city, and they’re easy to use. However, the Metro only connects the main areas in Dubai and some places might be difficult to reach with public transportation. Make sure to buy a ticket before you get on the train, as tickets are not sold at the station.

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A better option for getting around and visiting more remote places is taking a taxi or Uber / Careem. Taxis are plentiful in Dubai, and they’re usually reasonably priced. If you’re taking a taxi, be sure to agree on a price with the driver before you get in the car. Alternatively, Uber and Careem are very popular ride sharing apps which are commonly used in Dubai.

If you are staying in Dubai for an extended period of time and also want to some trips from Dubai, such as a weekend in Abu Dhabi, we recommend renting a car. Driving in Dubai is relatively straight easy but the road signs can be a little confusing and might take some time to get used to. Be aware that traffic can be heavy, and parking can be difficult to find.

Top 30 Dubai Instagram Spots

From historic buildings with traditional architecture to modern wonders, this list of the Top 30 Dubai Instagram spots has a great variety of locations no matter what you hope to photograph. We’ve highlighted all the best Dubai photo spots so you can make the most of your time in the city and capture some amazing photos to level up your Instagram!

Sky Views Observatory

First up is an adrenaline-pumping Dubai experience called Sky Views Observatory. Sky Views Observatory offers incredible views of the Burj Khalifa and allows visitors to try thrilling activities like taking a ride on a glass slide and going on an Edge Walk over the city of Dubai. The 360-degree views from the Sky Views Observatory are some of the best in the entire city and make the whole experience worthwhile.

Even if you’re not much of a thrill-seeker, we promise this spot is worth a visit to get a new perspective on Dubai as you see it from above. This Dubai photo spot is one of the coolest experiences you’ll find in the city, so don’t skip it! 

Location: Sky Views Observatory

Best Time for Photos: We recommend planning your visit right at opening.

Cost: General admission to the Observatory, which includes a ride on the Glass Slide, is AED 85 for adults ($23 USD) and AED 70 for kids 4-12 ($19 USD). If you want to do the Edge Walk, tickets are AED ($137 USD) and include tickets to the Observatory and a one-time ride on the Glass Slide.

Tips: Bring a polarizing filter for your camera to help minimize glass reflections.

Shangri-La 42nd Level

The Shangri-La Dubai is a luxury hotel that ranks as one of the best Instagram spots in Dubai thanks to its jaw-dropping views on the 42nd floor. The 42nd level is open to all hotel guests (unless there’s a private event going on), but there are also two other ways to visit this spot if you aren’t staying at the hotel.

The first is to book a private breakfast where you’ll have the entire terrace on the 42nd level to yourself. This is an amazing experience but can cost between AED 4,000 to 5,000 ($1,090 to $1,360 USD).

Another option is to purchase an AED 250 ($68 USD) package that gives two people access to the 42nd level for one hour. The cost of the package is also applied toward any restaurant in the hotel. Note that this option cannot be reserved in advance, and the hotel does have the right to reserve how many people can access the 42nd level.  

Location: Shangri-La Dubai

Best Time for Photos: Sunrise and sunset are the best times to take photos for gorgeous natural light.

Tips: This Dubai photo spot has excellent views of the Burj Khalifa, but make sure to check out Dubai’s crazy road system from above while you’re there, too!

Not sure how to caption your new photos? We have over 110 Dubai Instagram Captions and Quotes!

Ikandy Ultralounge

Next on our list of top Dubai Instagrammable places is Ikandy Ultralounge, located inside the Shangri-La hotel. This rooftop lounge is a great hangout spot complete with a pool, delicious food, live music, and direct views of the Burj Khalifa. You’ll feel as though you’ve stepped into a true urban oasis when you pay a visit to Ikandy Ultralounge!

The lounge is definitely a top Dubai nightlife spot but we love spending the day there as well. One of the coolest experiences they offer is a floating breakfast where food is delivered to you in the pool atop a floating tray. This is the perfect opportunity to enjoy a slow start to the morning while snacking on delicious food and taking in views of the Burj Khalifa – what’s better than that?       

Location: Ikandy Ultralounge

Cost: You can visit the IKandy Ultralounge if you are a guest of the Shangri-La Dubai Hotel, or you can purchase a day pass to enjoy the lounge. Daypasses start at AED 150 ($40 USD).

Best Time for Photos: Visit right at opening to avoid crowds.

Tips: Ikandy Ultralounge serves a delicious poolside brunch – sign us up!

Wings of Mexico Statue

The Wings of Mexico Statue is one of the best Dubai photo spots to capture amazing views of the Burj Khalifa in the background. This large wing sculpture was designed by Mexican artist Jorge Marin, who wanted the sculpture to represent the feeling of being completely free and secure in your individuality. We love the message behind the Wings of Mexico Statue and the fact that this piece of art is so beautiful both in person and in photos!

Personal photography is allowed here but to shoot professionally, you would need a permit. Keep in mind if you are wearing an over-the-top or extravagant outfit while taking photos, guards might approach you to ask for a photography permit.

Location: Wings of Mexico Statue

Best Time for Photos: We recommend visiting early in the morning to avoid crowds because there are usually long lines to take photos.

Tips: Bring your wide-angle lens or use 0.5x on your phone to capture the entire Burj Khalifa in the background!

Fountain at Dubai Mall

The Dubai Mall is home to several of the best Dubai Instagram spots, including the fountain which holds the distinction of world’s largest synchronized fountain show! The fountain at Dubai Mall is crazy big and puts other famous fountain shows in places like Las Vegas to shame.

Located in the heart of downtown Dubai, the fountain at Dubai Mall is an unforgettable experience that anyone visiting Dubai should take the time to see. There are also amazing views of the Burj Khalifa at this spot, so it’s definitely worth a visit.

Fountain shows take place every 30 minutes from 6:00 PM to 11:00 PM every day of the week, so make sure to block off some time during your trip to Dubai to attend one of the shows – we can promise you won’t regret it. 

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Location: Fountain at Dubai Mall

Best Time for Photos: Make sure to time your visit during the fountains show times.

Tips: Get to the fountain early to secure your spot for the show so you can get the best views!

Dubai Mall Waterfall

One of our favorite Dubai Instagrammable places is the waterfall inside the Dubai Mall. This waterfall is sometimes referred to as the Human Waterfall because it features statues of divers that appear to be falling down the water feature. Interestingly, if you stare at one of these statues for about 30 seconds the flowing water in the background will give the illusion that the divers themselves are moving down while the water moves up!

The human-like statues in this sculpture actually represent pearl divers, paying homage to a unique slice of the city’s rich history. Pearl-diving has been a long tradition in Dubai and the United Arab Emirates and was one of the main industries that helped build the city up to what it is today.  

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Location: Dubai Mall Waterfall

Best Time for Photos: Visit in the morning as the mall gets busy around and after lunchtime.

Tips: Don’t forget your wide-angle lens to capture all 24 meters of the waterfall.

Burj Park by Emaar

Next up on this list of the best Instagram spots in Dubai is Burj Park by Emaar. This public park is located in downtown Dubai and features beautiful dandelion sculptures. You’ll be surrounded by towering skyscrapers as you walk through this city park, but the area offers a sense of peace and quiet that’s otherwise hard to find in such a booming city. Burj Park is a true urban oasis where you can relax and unwind from the hustle and bustle of Dubai without having to travel outside the city.  

Location: Burj Park by Emaar

Best Time for Photos: You can visit this Dubai Instagram spot any time of day and take great photos.

Tips: This is another photo spot you’ll want your wide-angle lens for.

Palace Downtown Pond

Palace Downtown, a five-star Dubai hotel, is home to a gorgeous pond that’s one of the most iconic and best Dubai photo spots. The pond is lined with palm trees and offers incredible views of the Burj Khalifa that are hard to beat. One of the coolest features of the Palace Downtown pond is a walkway that goes through the center that provides the perfect dramatic photo opportunity!

We recommend dressing up in something very flowy to add some extra flair to your photos as you strut down the walkway.

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Location: Palace Downtown Pond

Best Time for Photos: Make sure to visit in the morning before the afternoon crowds begin to gather.

Tips: You need a permit to shoot professional photos here, so be aware of what camera gear you bring and what you wear (extravagant outfits might tip off the guards to ask for a permit).

Swing at CE LA VI

CE LA VI is an upscale rooftop restaurant that features a stunning flower-covered swing with views of the Burj Khalifa. This Dubai Instagram spot can be found on the 54th floor of the Address Skyview Hotel, a luxury hotel in the heart of downtown Dubai. The swing is a well-known place to take photos in Dubai and it’s easy to see why!

Influencers and tourists like flock to this beautiful photo spot to capture some whimsical shots of the flower-covered swing with the contrast of the Burj Khalifa in the background. You can get really creative at this Dubai Instagram spot which is all part of the fun, and don’t forget to dress up in something gorgeous and flowy to really add some oomph to your swing photos.    

Location: CE LA VI

Best Time for Photos: There’s no bad time to take photos of the swing at CE LA VI.

Tips: CE LA VI serves an amazing brunch with lots of vegetarian and vegan options!

Infinity Pool at Address Sky View

The infinity pool at Address Sky View is our next recommendation for one of the top Dubai Instagrammable places. Address Sky View is an upscale hotel that features one of the most popular photo spots in Dubai, an infinity pool located on the hotel’s Sky Deck. You’ll seriously feel like you’re swimming on the edge of the world as you float around this insane infinity poo. The only downside to this spot is you can only access it if you’re staying as a hotel guest, but we promise it’s worth it to stay even just one night!

Location: Address Sky View

Best Time for Photos: Any time during the day is great to take photos of the infinity pool at Address Sky View.

Tips: We recommend visiting around sunrise for beautiful photos with barely any crowds.

Burj Khalifa Observatory – At The Top

Of course, a list of the best Instagram spots in Dubai would be incomplete without the Burj Khalifa! The Burj Khalifa officially became the tallest building in the world when it was inaugurated in 2010, and this insane piece of architecture rises over 2,700 feet (823 m) into the air. The 125th floor of the Burk Khalifa towers almost 1,500 feet (457 m) into the sky and offers 360-degree views of the Dubai skyline. The views here are absolutely mind-boggling and you’re guaranteed to capture some amazing photos. Plus, it’s incredible to say that you’ve been inside the world’s tallest building!

Location: Burj Khalifa Observatory – At The Top

Cost: Tickets for the Burj Khalifa – At The Top experience start at 169 AED ($46 USD) for general admission, however there are also multiple ticket packages available which combine different experiences for discounts and savings, such as also seeing the 148th floor!

Best Time for Photos: Plan your visit early in the morning at opening to avoid crowds.

Tips: For an extra special experience, book the Burj Khalifa At The Top Level 124 Sunrise with Morning Treats at The Café (available weekends only) to watch the sunrise!

Dubai Creek Harbor  

After reaching new heights in the Burj Khalifa, it’s time to head back down to sea level and visit Dubai Creek Harbor. This charming area is one of the best Dubai photo spots because it offers amazing views of the city skyline. There are a few Instagrammable places to be found in Dubai Creek Harbor, including a large flamingo statue and an illuminated lighthouse.

This is the perfect spot to wander around during the late afternoon or evening when the sun is beginning to set and everything is peaceful. The waterfront views at Dubai Creek Harbor are spectacular around sunset when the sky is full of dramatic colors.

Location: Dubai Creek Harbor

Best Time for Photos: Sunset is a beautiful time to take photos at this Dubai Instagram spot.

Tips: Use a zoom lens when taking photos to bring the skyline in the background closer to the forefront.

Al Jadaf Walk

Al Jadaf Walk is a beautiful park with unobstructed views of downtown Dubai that ranks as one of our favorite Dubai Instagram spots. This public area is perfect for walking or running, especially around sunset when the sky is painted with pink, purple, and orange tones. From Al Jadaf Walk you’ll even be able to watch the sun go down behind the Burj Khalifa which is a once in a lifetime experience! Another pro of this photo spot is it gives visitors plenty of space to spread out so you won’t have to worry too much about other people getting in the background of your photos.

Location: Al Jadaf

Best Time for Photos: Any time of day is good to take photos at Al Jadaf, but sunset is especially stunning.

Tips: There’s plenty to explore at Al Jadaf Walk so take your time visiting this Dubai Instagram spot.  

Dubai Half Desert Road

Dubai Half Desert Road is one of the most interesting and unique locations on this list of Dubai Instagrammable places. Half Desert Road is an abandoned road system located a few miles outside the city center. This spot is truly a photographer’s dream because the road is partially covered by sandy dunes, creating an almost dystopian or post-apocalyptic vibe.

A lot of photographers will edit in the Dubai skyline to add some extra drama, but in reality, the skyline isn’t visible from this location. Visiting this photo spot will make you feel as though you’ve stepped on the set of a movie, and you’re sure to capture plenty of Instagram-worthy photos here!

Location: Dubai Half Desert Road

Best Time for Photos: There’s no bad time to photograph Dubai Half Desert Road, but sunset provides the best natural light.

Tips: This road looks super cool from the road but drone usage is heavily restricted in Dubai, so use the Insta360 X3 camera with the 3 meter selfie to get a drone-like photo minus the drone!

Arabian Tea House

Arabian Tea House is one of the best Dubai photo spots if you love picturesque restaurants that serve amazing food and drinks! This authentic Arabic restaurant is the perfect place to experience local culture while sampling some traditional food and tea.

We love all the ornate details and traditional Arabic touches that have been incorporated into the café’s design and décor. Arabian Tea House is super charming and a great place to snap photos while you rest your feet and enjoy a delicious lunch.

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Location: Arabian Tea House

Best Time for Photos: Any time of day is great for taking photos at this Dubai Instagram spot.

Tips: Arabian Tea House serves over 150 types of tea!

Al Seef Starbucks

Before you judge us for including a Starbucks on this list of the best Instagram spots in Dubai, hear us out! The Al Seef Starbucks is one of the most unique and beautiful Starbucks locations in the world because of its incredible décor and architecture.

Located in the Al Seef shopping and dining center, this Starbucks features traditional Arabic décor and architecture that pair excellent with a fresh cup of coffee. You’ll probably forget you’re at a Starbucks because of how insane the design of this location is and how well it fits into the surround architecture. 

Location: Al Seef Starbucks

Best Time for Photos: Morning and early afternoon are the best times to visit because there will be fewer crowds.

Tips: Note the menu here is pretty standard when it comes to Starbucks, so there are better places in town if you want more unique or traditional drink offerings.

Al Bastakiya

One of the best Dubai photo spots is Al Bastakiya, a historic neighborhood built in the 1890s. This neighborhood has tons of charming streets and walkways and some incredible examples of traditional Arabic architecture. From small cafes and shops to gorgeous homes and businesses, there’s plenty to discover as you explore the streets of Al Bastakiya, making it a paradise for photographers.

Al Bastakiya is a great place to wander around and snap photos if you want a lowkey morning or afternoon activity.

Location: Al Bastakiya

Best Time for Photos: Try to visit in the morning or early afternoon when things are still quiet.

Tips: Given its small size, it’s super easy to explore all the small side streets in this charming neighborhood.

Al Fahidi Fort

Al Fahidi Fort holds the distinction of being Dubai’s oldest building, having been built in 1787. The fort was built to protect important buildings in the city, like the palace and prison, and was outfitted with guard towers and canons for defense.

Al Fahidi Fort was converted into a museum in the 1970s and has become an amazing place to learn about local Dubai history. The museum at Al Fahidi Fort covers everything from the discovery of oil in the UAE to the city’s tradition of pearl diving. It’s amazing to walk through Al Fahidi Fort and think about what it was like during the 1800s! 

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Location: Al Fahidi Fort

Cost: The entrance fee is AED 3 for adults ($1 USD) and AED 1 ($0.30 USD) for kids.

Best Time for Photos: We recommend visiting this Dubai photo spot early in the morning or late in the afternoon.

Tips: Make sure to give yourself plenty of time to explore the museum, which is full of artifacts and information.

Miracle Garden

Our next recommendation for one of the best Dubai Instagrammable places is Miracle Garden, a massive botanical garden with millions of flowers. This seasonal garden is stunning when everything is in bloom and also features unique statues and exhibits like a full-size Airbus A380 plane covered in flowers!

There’s no shortage of incredible photo spots in Miracle Garden, and you could truly spend hours exploring all the walking paths and exhibits. You’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a fantasy world when you walk through the gates of Dubai Miracle Garden!

Location: Miracle Garden

Cost: The entrance fee to visit the Dubai is AED 75 ($20 USD). It can get very busy here, especially on weekends, so we would suggest the Skip the Line ticket to ensure you are one of the first to see the beautiful gardens in the morning.

Best Time for Photos: Visit right at opening to avoid crowds, however if you are unable to visit at opening, during the week closer to closing time is also a time of lower crowds.

Tips: Miracle Garden is closed between the months of April and October due to extreme heat.

Jumeirah Beach with Burj Al Arab

Jumeirah Beach is one of the best Instagram spots in Dubai to take photos of Burj Al Arab, a luxury hotel with iconic modern architecture. The beach itself is pristine with plenty of space to lay out and enjoy the beautiful waterfront views. The main appeal of this photo spot is definitely the Burj Al Arab views, though!

The unique design of Burj Al Arab almost makes it look like a giant sailboat floating in the water. The views of this incredible structure from Jumeirah Beach are completely unobstructed and incredible to experience in person.  

Location: Jumeirah Beach

Best Time for Photos: Any time of day, but sunset is especially beautiful at this Dubai photo spot.

Tips: Jumeirah Beach is not open to the public, so you must be staying at a Jumeirah hotel to visit unless you go for dinner at Shimmers and request a beachfront table. The views from the Jumeria public beach to the north of the Burj Al Arab used to offer unobstructed views of the Burj Al Arab but since the construction of the Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab, the view has changed significantly.

Forever Rose Café

For one of the most unique Instagrammable places in Dubai, pay a visit to Forever Rose Café. This restaurant has a quirky 2D-themed interior that makes you feel as though you’ve stepped inside a painting. Everything is painted white with black trim to give the illusion of the entire restaurant being flat and two-dimensional, almost like a comic book.

The all black and white décor is unlike anything we’ve ever seen before, and the food here is delicious as well, so make sure to come hungry.

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Location: Forever Rose Café

Best Time for Photos: Mornings are the least busy time but there’s no bad time to visit.

Tips: Forever Rose Café serves a lot of tasty, traditional Arabic breakfast dishes.

Atlantis, The Palm

Atlantis The Palm is an iconic hotel that doubles as one of the best Dubai photo spots. This stunning and massive hotel is styled after the mythical city of Atlantis and located at the far edge of the Palm Islands. The Palm Islands are a unique area consisting of three manmade islands constructed in the shape of a palm leaf.

It’s hard to put into words just how big the Atlantis, The Palm hotel is until you see it for yourself in person. The impressive size and design make this unique structure a must-visit Instagram spot in Dubai.  

Location: Atlantis, The Palm

How to Get There: The easiest way is to take the monorail and get off at the Pointe.

Best Time for Photos: Visit around sunrise or sunset for dramatic colors.

Tips: There are plenty of places that offer amazing views of Atlantis, The Palm, but one of the best is from The Pointe, a waterfront shopping and dining area.

The View at the Palm

For more incredible views of The Palm, consider visiting The View, a scenic observatory. Located on the 52nd level of the Palm Tower, this observation area has completely unobstructed views of The Palm and the entire city of Dubai. Seeing The Palm from above is the perfect way to capture photos of the islands’ eye-catching and iconic design. The View at the Palm is a really fun experience that photographers are sure to love, so we definitely recommend reserving some time to visit!

Location: The View at the Palm

Cost: General admission is AED 100 for adults ($27 USD) and AED 69 for kids ($19 USD) during non-prime hours which are 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM and 6:30 PM to closing. General admission during prime hours (3:30 PM to 6:00 PM) is AED 158 for adults ($43 USD) and AED 111 ($30 USD) for kids.

Best Time for Photos: The best light is around sunrise and sunset when there are dramatic colors in the sky.

The Lost Chambers Aquarium

Continuing with the Atlantis theme is Lost Chambers Aquarium, the next location on this guide to the best Instagrammable places in Dubai. The Lost Chambers Aquarium is a fully-immersive themed aquarium where you can learn about a wide variety of marine life.

This aquarium is one of the biggest in the world with over 20 exhibits and lots of unique experiences like marine animal feedings and tank diving. With tens of thousands of sea creatures and the opportunity to go on an underwater walk through an area called Ambassador Lagoon, Lost Chambers Aquarium is an unforgettable destination.

Location: The Lost Chambers Aquarium

Cost: The entrance fee for the aquarium starts at AED 135 ($37 USD) for adults and AED 95 ($26 USD) for children. Tickets can be purchased in advance to save time upon your arrival.

Best Time for Photos: Any time of day is great to visit this Dubai Instagram spot!

Tips: If you don’t have time to visit the aquarium you can still see some marine life by accessing the Atlantis Hotel lobby where there are several large glass windows that look into one of the aquarium exhibits.

Iranian Mosque – Imam Hussein Mosque

Dubai’s Iranian Mosque (also known as Imam Hussein Mosque) is an amazing place to take photos thanks to its unique exterior. The architecture of the Iranian Mosque features Persian influences like a large dome covered in gorgeous blue tiles.

The mosque also offers tours so non-Muslins can tour the inside of the mosque and learn more about its significance. Taking a tour of Dubai’s Iranian Mosque offers the incredible opportunity to see a whole other side to the city that most tourists don’t get to experience.   

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Location: Iranian Mosque

Hours: Visitors can access the mosque daily from 8:30 AM to 10:30 AM and 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM.

Best Time for Photos: There’s no bad time to visit the Iranian Mosque.

Tips: The dress code here is very strict – no one is allowed to wear shorts or short skirts, and women must cover their hair.

Meydan Bridge

Meydan Bridge is one of the most well-known and best Instagram spots in Dubai. This modern bridge has very interesting architecture and incredible views of the city skyline. With its eye-catching wavy architecture, Meydan Bridge is a top Dubai photo spot for photographers who want some epic shots. The bridge especially shines at night when it’s completely illuminated, giving it a futuristic appearance that looks straight out of a science fiction movie.  

Location: Meydan Bridge

Best Time for Photos: Any time, but the bridge looks especially cool at night with all the lights on.

Tips: This bridge is a hotspot for photographers, especially during sunset and in the evening. If you want to capture photos alone here, prepare to be patient!

Dubai Souq

Dubai Souq, also known as Bur Dubai Souk Market and Old Dubai Souk, is a traditional market that sells textiles, jewelry, spices, décor, and more. A souq is a street market or bazaar typically found in Arabic countries where people gather to buy and sell goods.

Dubai Souq is one of our favorites in the city because of the variety of vendors and beautiful setting that transports visitors back in time. There are a number of souqs throughout Dubai, and they offer an amazing opportunity to experience local culture and pick up some authentic souvenirs.  

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Location: Dubai Souq

Best Time for Photos: The best time to visit it morning when there are fewer crowds.

Tips: Make sure to check with shop owners if they’re okay with you taking photos.

View of Downtown from Mercury Lounge

Mercury Lounge is one of the top Instagrammable places in Dubai thanks to its stunning views of downtown. The lounge is located atop the Four Seasons Resort Jumeirah Beach and boasts impressive views of downtown Dubai and the financial district.

Mercury Lounge is only open in the evenings, so make sure to plan your visit for a night when you don’t mind staying up late. This is a bustling spot once the sun goes down, so dress up in something fun and get ready to dance the night away!

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Location: Mercury Lounge

Best Time for Photos: The lounge opens at 6:00 PM so sunset is a great time for photos.

Tips: Professional photography is not allowed in the restaurant itself but there is a tower next to the restaurant with incredible views.

Hot Air Balloon Ride in the Desert

Embarking on a hot air balloon ride in the desert is one of the most surreal experiences in Dubai that also offers endless photo opportunities. Seeing the Dubai desert from the sky while riding in a hot air balloon is truly incredible and hard to beat.

Hot air balloons are so much fun and provide the unique opportunity to see places from above in a more immersive experience than just flying in a plane or standing at the top of a building. If you’ve never taken a hot air balloon ride, Dubai is definitely the place to try it out.

Location: Balloon Adventures Dubai

Best Time for Photos: There’s no bad time to take photos of the desert from a hot air balloon!

Tips: We booked our ride through Balloon Adventures Dubai, but there are other companies in town as well.

Dubai Desert Safari and Camel Ride

Rounding out this list of the best Instagram spots in Dubai is a Dubai desert safari and camel ride. There’s nothing more quintessentially Arabic than venturing into the desert atop a camel, and we had an incredible time experiencing this side of the city during our visit. We were definitely surprised by how challenging it is to stay on a camel while it stands up or sits down so hold on tight!

There are several companies in Dubai that offer desert safari and camel rides, so make sure to do some research to find one that works best for you. We also recommend coming dressed in something comfortable but that will complement the desert background, so don’t be afraid to have some fun with your outfit.   

Location: Desert Safari Dubai

Best Time for Photos: Sunset is a gorgeous time to take photos on your desert safari.

Tips: Make sure to dress comfortable for your safari and camel ride!

Top 30 Dubai Instagram Spots

There you have our picks for the top 30 Dubai Instagram spots! We hope this guide is a helpful resource as you plan your next (or first!) trip to the United Arab Emirates. Dubai is a city like no other and we’ve loved every minute of our time there, so we’re sure you will, too.

zWhether you’re a professional photographer looking for that perfect Dubai shot or a tourist wanting to take some incredible iPhone photos, it’s impossible to take bad photos of Dubai with this guide to help you out. If you need even more Dubai inspiration, check out our Dubai 2-Day Itinerary and our recommendations on the Best Areas to Stay in Dubai.

Top 30 Dubai Instagram Spots
Top 30 Dubai Instagram Spots

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