Home to some of the most photographed landmarks in the world, and boasting breath-taking natural beauty offset by ultra modern skyscrapers and architectural marvels, Dubai is teeming with incredibly unique, Insta-worthy shots to make your feed the envy of your followers.
Neighbourhoods
Dubai’s outdoor lifestyle destinations also offer truly Instagrammable settings to eat, play and unwind.
• A historic hub meets the city’s modern vision on the banks of the Dubai Creek at Al Seef, a heritage area featuring contemporary structures that seamlessly merge with historic architecture.
• Enjoy the best of sun, sea and outdoor fun at the eclectic beachfront La Mer and explore wide open spaces and bustling back streets, along with some exceedingly Instagrammable graffiti art.
• Street Art enthusiasts should also head to City Walk to snap creations by well-known global graffiti artists. All artists that are participating can be checked on http://www.dubaiwalls.com/. This neighbourhood captures the quintessential urban lifestyle, complete with public squares and promenades evocative of European streets.
• Discover Old Dubai as you walk through the Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood and take a snapshot of the traditional buildings and wind towers that would have formed the cityscape during the mid-19th century.
• The edgy art district Alserkal Avenue is a haven for the perfect Instagram shot – whether at its many galleries or cafés housed in large warehouses.
• Visit the bustling 2nd December Street, a vibrant 1.5 kilometre stretch which features a variety of no-fuss, home-style eateries – from hearty Pakistani dishes at Ravi’s, delicious Lebanese street food at Al Mallah, and sweet and stretchy Kunafa from Al Firas Sweets. You can also spot eclectic street art on buildings as well as an assortment of small shops.
By The Water
• Grab your sunglasses as you set sail on a private yacht and capture the perfect unobstructed shot as you cruise around iconic Dubai landmarks including Burj Al Arab, Palm Jumeirah and Atlantis, The Palm Dubai. You can charter your boat from one of the many companies based in Dubai Marina.
• Step onto a traditional Abra when in Old Dubai and take an iconic shot of the Dubai Creek. It is also the perfect vantage point to see the juxtaposition of old and new Dubai – the resident seagulls also make for a great picture!
• The beautiful mountains of Hatta can be snapped up close as you kayak through the emerald green lake formed by the Hatta Dam.
• Capture the urban jungle as you take a ferry or abra along the calm waters of the Dubai Canal, as it meanders its way through the city – from the Creek in Old Dubai through to Business Bay.
Quirky Cafes & Instagramable Dishes
The city’s edgy design-led eateries are perfect to boost your follower count while enjoying a delicious meal.
• One of the most Instagrammed cafes in Dubai, Tania’s Teahouse’s pretty décor and charming vibes are sure to make you smile.
• The salmon pink interior at Flamingo Room by Tashas is just the start of what you can spot at the casual-luxe restaurant – which expertly blends the African-style décor with delightful vintage touches, and Insta-worthy dishes.
• The London Project transports you to a lush greenhouse. Nods to the titular city can be seen in the colour pops of copper, exposed brick and London-inspired murals.
• If you’re looking for Indian food, and want to get the perfect Boomerang of molecular gastronomy delights, visit the colourful Carnival by Tresind or the quirky Farzi Café. Or make your way to Bombay Bungalow or the character-led Little Miss India to enjoy meals in a beautiful Colonial Indian-inspired setting.
• For a classic shot around food trucks, head to any of the Last Exit food stops in the city – choose from a number of settings including 1950s America, an equestrian theme and a post-apocalyptic ‘Mad Max’ theme.
• Step into Raju Omlet for a look at its rustic and quirky interiors – while the eatery has a lot of egg-centric jokes, the interiors also feature classic Bollywood posters and other objects linking to India.
• Operating in the same location since 1978, Al Ustad Special Kebab is more than just a restaurant in Bur Dubai, it’s an institution. While tucking into delicious Iranian kebabs, make sure to take pictures of the walls adorned with famous celebrities that have dined there, décor accumulated from over the years, and currency notes from all over the world lined up under the glass on the tables.
Hotels
Whether you want to #chill, #splash or #spa, these jaw-dropping venues are the ideal insta-worthy backdrops.
• The funky and modern Rove Hotels offer plenty of Instagrammable moments, with artistic décor that takes inspiration from both Dubai’s heritage, the neighbourhood each individual establishment is located in, and the city’s remarkable leaps of achievement.
• Visit W Dubai – The Palm for a shot of “The Soundwave” – a large visual vector that represents a W sound wave. With 640 glass pieces, this beautiful artwork puts on a show of its own, illuminating in alternating intensities and colours to reflect the beats of the DJ in the neighbouring W Lounge.
• The lobby of FIVE Palm Jumeirah features a stunningly beautiful golden geometric structure that is sure to make a stir on your Instagram feed, whilst also providing a perfect frame for a shot of the sea.
• For the ultimate holiday profile picture shot, complete with a background of Arabic-inspired architecture, be sure to visit the Palace Downtown Dubai, One&Only Royal Mirage, or Jumeirah Al Qasr.
• Hidden deep in the Al Qudra desert, Bab Al Shams offers a multitude of Instaworthy locations for the perfect holiday shot. These include secluded courtyards, meandering passages and the hotel’s several beautifully-designed swimming pools. Step outside the hotel’s perfectly tended grounds to take pictures of the rolling desert dunes, and there’s also the opportunity to enjoy (and document) a traditional camel ride.
