Dubai's most Instagrammable locations

by Visit Dubai

Futuristic cityscapes, striking hotspots and unusual backdrops make Dubai a photographer’s dream.

1 Strike a pose at Dubai Design District

One of the coolest and most creative hotspots in the city, the Dubai Design District is the region's foremost platform for artists and designers. Popularly known at d3, this innovative space is made for the 'gram with sleek concrete structures shedding geometric shadows onto the large, open avenues.

Shop: Browse textured couture inspired by Shakespearean tales at Amato boutique, or visit Closet Case for Asian and European menswear, footwear and eyewear.

Eat: Grab a bite at The Lighthouse that serves up a fashionably healthy meal of seabream ceviche or tuna tartare on toast.

Dubai Design District (d3)
SIGHTS & ATTRACTIONS
Dubai Design District - Dubai

2 All eyes on you at Downtown Dubai

Downtown Dubai, with The Dubai Mall and Dubai Fountain, and the world's tallest building, the Burj Khalifa, is one of the most snapped backdrops in the city. Fashionistas from around the world – as well as Dubai’s own style-set – love to share the frame with this extraordinary landmark.

Many also enjoy posing in front of the bronze Wings of Mexico sculpture. The effect is stunning – you get to look like an angel while having a perfect shot of the city’s most iconic sights behind you.

Shop: Get fashion inspiration shopping at more than 1,200 stores, including covetable brands such as Alexander McQueen, Marchesa and Chanel.

Eat: Book a table at Asado for award-winning Argentinian cuisine and waterside views with Burj Khalifa as the backdrop.

Burj Khalifa
MUST-SEE
1 Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Blvd, Downtown Dubai

3 Add a little European flair at City Walk

With its European-style pedestrian boulevards stretching several blocks, Dubai’s fashion-forward precinct City Walk makes an intriguing backdrop. Its colourful design and art installations will add that something extra to your fashion photo shoot. Explore the wide range of local and international boutiques to spruce up your ensemble.

Shop: Browse the racks at Karl Lagerfeld, Armani Exchange and Atelier AAVVA to see what’s trending, or stop by the flagship Le BHV Marais Dubai store for the latest Parisian collections.

Eat: Dine on colourful Peruvian fare at Lima, or savour one of the finest seafood paellas in the city at Toro + Ko, both located at The Square in City Walk.

City Walk
SIGHTS & ATTRACTIONS
Al Wasl and Al Safa Road Junction, Sheikh Zayed Rd - Al Wasl - Dubai

4 Soak in sunshine style at La Mer

With the sun shining every day, it’s always beach time in Dubai. So, get ready for the sand and sea, and stunning views at La Mer in Jumeirah. This Dubai hotspot has a number of picturesque spots to fill your social feed; and it is easy to see why, with pristine beaches, seafresh designs, quirky street art and the fun Laguna Waterpark, La Mer is the perfect Instagram location.

Shop: Discover the latest beachside-inspired collections at LA-based Beach Bunny and homegrown label Shaymartian.

Eat: If you get hungry, stop by Parker’s or The Duchess for classic comfort food that’s always as pretty as the setting.

La Mer
SIGHTS & ATTRACTIONS
Jumeirah 1, Dubai - United Arab Emirates

5 Get artsy at Alserkal Avenue

Tucked within the industrial quarter of Al Quoz is Alserkal Avenue – a collection of architect-designed warehouses that attract Dubai's creative crowds. With its artist studios, project spaces and concept stores, as well as a year-round calendar of exhibitions, live music and workshops, this is a popular spot for those wanting an edgy look for their next snapshot.

Shop: For out-of-the-ordinary fashion, head to CHI-KA – a creative space reflecting contemporary Japanese aesthetic – which sells unique, hand-crafted kimono-abayas.

Eat: Mingle with the happening crowd at Nightjar, a hip cafe with a menu that combines locally-sourced ingredients with specialty coffee.

Alserkal Avenue
ARTS & CULTURE
17th Street, Al Quoz 1, Dubai

6 Exude local flair at Al Seef

For old Dubai charm with a modern twist, take a stroll through the Al Seef district. Nestled beside Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood and along the banks of the historic Dubai Creek, this bustling development presents the charm of an era gone by, in effortless and chic fashion. Venture through the sand-coloured sikka – or alleyways – and cobblestoned streets, charming cafes and vibrant museums of the neighbourhood to capture the feel of Dubai's humble beginnings.

Shop: Explore Al Seef’s traditional souk area for intricate handicrafts and on-trend souvenirs or simply browse the latest accessories from ZENEVE.

Eat: There are plenty of dining options, in between capturing striking backdrops. Explore the locale’s authentic flavours at Al Fanar Seafood Market and end your meal with a speciality bubble tea from Booba.

Al Seef
SIGHTS & ATTRACTIONS
Al Seef Street, Opp. the USA Embassy, Dubai Creek Side, Dubai

7 Brilliant vistas at Bluewaters

No ordinary island, Bluewaters in Dubai is a manmade wonder that houses the world-famous Caesars Palace Dubai and Ain Dubai, the world’s largest observation wheel. With the city’s gleaming architecture on one side, and the shimmering waters of the Arabian Gulf on the other, there are plenty of photo opportunities to take advantage of. We recommend heading to Cove Beach for a quintessential sun and sea backdrop.

Shop: There are hundreds of stores here but the souvenir shops are especially impressive. There’s Dubai-only gifts at Arabia to go, and heritage-themed buys at Camel Company.

Eat: Dine at the Japanese restaurant Paru for selfies with Dubai Marina and Jumeirah Beach Residence in the distance, or treat yourself to a Michelin-worthy dinner at Gordon Ramsay's Hell's Kitchen.

Bluewaters Island
SIGHTS & ATTRACTIONS
Bluewaters Island, Dubai Marina - Dubai

8 Flower power at Miracle Garden

You’ll see winter in full bloom at Dubai’s Miracle Garden. Open annually from November to May, this magnificent garden comes to life with millions of flowers arranged in imaginative designs. There’s a pretty passageway framed by hearts, large floral castles, artsy animals and more to explore as colourful settings.

Next door is the Dubai Butterfly Garden where you'll get the chance to strike a pose with thousands of colourful butterflies at they flit past. If you're patient enough, some will even land on outstretched palms, creating the perfect shot.

Dubai Miracle Garden
SIGHTS & ATTRACTIONS
Al Barsha South 3, Dubailand Area, Dubai

9 Perfect panoramas at The Pointe

A waterside wonderland at Palm Jumeirah, The Pointe presents an array of dining, shopping and entertainment options that makes every visit a treat for the whole family. Stroll along the picturesque 1.5km promenade, especially popular for its views of fairytale castle-like Atlantis, The Palm in the distance. Make sure to time your visit for sunset to capture the skies ablaze with golden orange and pretty pinks.

Shop: Stop by Oud Dubai to discover an incredible range of traditional scents, or create your own sparkling souvenir at Palazzo Jewellery, where experts can bring your custom designs to life.

Eat: With over 80 restaurants to choose from, you’re in for a treat. Favourites include Per Te for exceptional Italian, Chuan for elevated Chinese, and Meshico for magical Mexican.

The Pointe
SIGHTS & ATTRACTIONS
Palm Jumeirah - Al Mirziban - The Palm Jumeirah - Dubai

Reference
Provided by Visit Dubai

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