Dubai is a city of extremes - ancient streets and desert roots set against a skyline built to outshine the world. In just a few decades, it’s transformed from a quiet Gulf fishing village into a global playground of supercars, sky-high brunches, and architectural flexes. But behind the glitz, there’s still history and Arabian beauty tucked into the corners of Old Dubai and the surrounding desert, and contrasts that make the city endlessly photogenic. Whether you're chasing city lights or heritage charm, If you're planning to travel to Dubai, this guide will help you capture the city’s most photogenic cafes, sites, and experiences in and around the city.
Start here for a deep dive and full breakdown of the best travel cameras at every budget!
1. Camel Uschi Desert Camel
A traditional way to explore the Dubai desert! Of all of our experiences in Dubai, Uschi's Camel Farm is one of our most memorable - and one of the most loving and ethical animal experiences we have ever had. Uschi is a German woman who moved to the UAE decades ago and treats the camels here like her own children - from the moment we arrived the love and affection they have for each other was apparent, and all the camels are bred, trained, and cared for on the farm. Take a guided ride into the sunset, and then return to the Bedouin camp for tea and an amazing handmade local dinner, and a campfire. A trip to Dubai isn't complete without a traditional camel ride, and experiencing the desert outside of the city (there are so many amazing ways to do this - keep scrolling for more!). Desert safaris are a popular way to escape the fast-paced city life and relax in the Arabian desert. Kamel Uschi is a popular company that offers a camel ride and an overnight stay at their farm. They also offer a desert evening trip if you're interested in spending the night in a traditional bedouin tent under the stars.
Trip Price: Check the operator’s current rates and inclusions before booking.
What To Do Nearby: Camel desert safari with Emirati dinner - Join a camel caravan in the desert and finish the outing with an Emirati dinner.
2. An Abra Ride On Dubai Creek
Riding across the Dubai Creek on an abra is one of the fastest and most convenient ways to get around the city. Abras are small boats or water taxis that run every few minutes across the Dubai Creek and each ride usually takes around five minutes. Each abra holds about 20 passengers or you can even hire your own personal abra for the hour.
Insider Tip: For a relaxing morning, catch an early morning abra and watch all the local traders dropping anchor and offloading goods for the day.
Where To Stay Nearby: Al Seef Heritage Hotel Dubai - Stay beside Dubai Creek in Al Seef, close to the lanes and waterfront of historic Dubai.
What To Do Nearby: Old Dubai, souks and abra walking tour - Explore the creek, historic neighborhoods, and souks with a guide and an abra crossing.
3. Dubai museum exterior / Al Fahidi Fort
Al Fahidi Fort, built in 1787, houses Dubai Museum and is one of the city’s historic landmarks. The museum is currently closed for renovations, so plan this as an exterior photo stop and check Visit Dubai for reopening updates.
The museum is located in the Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood, which is a great place to stop by after the museum. There are more than 50 different buildings to explore, including a Coins Museum and a Calligraphy House. Make sure to check out the Dubai Calendar to see what cultural events are taking place.
Getting There:
By Metro: Use Sharaf DG station, formerly Al Fahidi, on the Green Line and walk toward the historic neighborhood.
By Abra: Make your way to the neighborhood of Deira and walk towards the Deira Old Souk Abra Station. Exit at the Bur Dubai Water Taxi Station.
Where To Stay Nearby: Al Seef Heritage Hotel Dubai - Stay beside Dubai Creek in Al Seef, close to the lanes and waterfront of historic Dubai.
What To Do Nearby: Al Shindagha Museum admission - Explore Dubai Creek’s heritage at Al Shindagha Museum, an alternative to the closed Dubai Museum.
4. Gold & Spices Souks
If you’re looking for a touristy activity while you’re here, look no further than the gold and spice souks. From Al Fahidi, hop on a boat taxi to the gold and spice markets. It’s easy to get lost in the large amounts of stuff here if you don’t take it in stride. The gold market is the perfect place to buy trinkets and gifts to return with. You’ll find everything from Arabian-style clothes and shoes to accessories.
Located just around the corner from the gold souks are the spice souks. Here you can spend an afternoon wandering the aisles and score some high-quality spices and local teas. The spice markets are overflowing with all kinds of spices and scents. Not into spices? Stock up on some dried fruits or candied nuts. The best part is all the free samples!
Insider Tip: The prices aren't set in stone so don't be afraid to haggle for a good price.
Where To Stay Nearby: Al Seef Heritage Hotel Dubai - Stay beside Dubai Creek in Al Seef, close to the lanes and waterfront of historic Dubai.
5. Al Bastakiya Historical Neighborhood
Al Bastakiya is a village located along Dubai Creek known for being one of the oldest residential areas in Dubai. The neighborhood developed around the end of the 19th century, with wind-tower homes associated with merchants from across the Gulf. In more recent times, parts of the neighborhood were demolished for new construction, and then later rebuilt in the traditional style. Today, the village serves as a reminder of Old Dubai. Old homes were built of limestone, coral, and mud so renovations are being done to make sure some of the historic buildings are preserved. If you're a big history buff, you can sign up for a cultural tour. Or spend the afternoon exploring the old buildings on your own. Make sure to hop into one of the many art galleries or the Arabian Tea House Restaurant & Cafe for a quick snack. This was one of my favorite areas of Dubai to explore and photograph, and gives the feel of being in a very historic part of the world without leaving the city.
Where To Stay Nearby: Al Seef Heritage Hotel Dubai - Stay beside Dubai Creek in Al Seef, close to the lanes and waterfront of historic Dubai.
What To Do Nearby: Emirati cultural meal and conversation - Sit down for traditional Emirati food and an open discussion of local customs in Al Fahidi.
6. Andaz the Palm Hotel
Andaz Dubai The Palm is on the trunk of Palm Jumeirah, with the Dubai Mall and Mall of the Emirates a drive away. In signature Andaz Hotel fashion, the decor perfectly blends together old-world charm with contemporary luxury. The rooftop, cafes, and beach club area are all beautiful and extremely photogenic. Not to mention they have access to a private beach and infinity pool. Do you really need anything else?
Other Places to Stay:
Five Palm Jumeirah Dubai - A beachfront property with five outdoor swimming pools and access to a private beach.
Al Seef Heritage Hotel Dubai - A perfect getaway for couples!
Atlantis The Palm - Home to Aquaventure, the largest waterpark in the Middle East.
Where To Stay Nearby: Andaz Dubai The Palm - Stay on Palm Jumeirah at the hotel featured here, with beach access and colorful interiors.
7. Dubai Aquarium
The Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo is a popular attraction located in the Dubai Mall. The aquarium is home to over 30,000 aquatic animals, including a 40-year old crocodile! You can view part of the main tank from the mall without an aquarium ticket; the tunnel and other exhibits require admission. If you're looking to get up close and personal with the animals, purchase a ticket to walk through the tunnel.
Visiting Tips: Check the aquarium’s current hours and last admission before booking. We found a late visit quieter, but closing times vary and a crowd-free tunnel is never guaranteed.
Where To Stay Nearby: Shangri-La Dubai - Stay on Sheikh Zayed Road for skyline views and a short drive to Downtown Dubai.
What To Do Nearby: Dubai Aquarium and Burj Khalifa combination ticket - Combine the aquarium with the Burj Khalifa’s observation decks, checking the timed-entry options before booking.
8. Al Seef Street
Located right on Dubai Creek, Al Seef is a popular area to visit for shopping, dining, and entertainment. You'll find everything from local artists to modern fashion labels. There's also a plaza that hosts all kinds of live activities so make sure to check the calendar before you go. Events include plays, live band performances, and programs for kids. The streets are made of charming alleyways located right next to the marina. The light here in the mornings is particularly beautiful!
Where To Stay Nearby: Al Seef Heritage Hotel Dubai - Stay beside Dubai Creek in Al Seef, close to the lanes and waterfront of historic Dubai.
9. Burj Khalifa Observatory
The Burj Khalifa is the world’s tallest building, at 828 meters, with different ticket options for its observation levels. This may have been the highest building I have ever scaled and the views from up top so vast and unlike any other - you can see the water, the manmade islands, and a 360 view of the city out into the desert! An elevator zips you up to the top where you'll see panoramic views of the city. Admission prices range depending on a variety of packages available - or save with a combo ticket for both the Burj Khalifa and the Aquarium!
Visiting Tip: It can get crowded so book your ticket in advance. For the best views, book a tour for 90 minutes prior to sunset and see how the city transforms with the night lights.
Where To Stay Nearby: Shangri-La Dubai - Stay on Sheikh Zayed Road for skyline views and a short drive to Downtown Dubai.
What To Do Nearby: Burj Khalifa Sky admission - Book a visit to levels 124, 125, and 148 for elevated views across Dubai.
10. A Hot Air Balloon Ride Over the Desert
Riding a hot air balloon had been something on my bucket-list since I was born - I grew obsessively watching the Chipmunks Great Adventure - and Dubai was the first chance we ever had to do it!
Due to the desert heat, the balloons almost always take off before sunrise, so you head out to the desert in the dark of night and then see the sun rise from a couple of thousand feet up in the air! Some balloon tours will also have a falconry show - you can see me and our prized falcon above. From a birds-eye viewpoint, you'll be able to see everything from breath-taking sand dunes to camels wandering through the desert as the sun rises. The Dubai Dunes is one company that offers these hot air balloon rides. After the balloon ride, most trips include a ride to a campsite with breakfast.
Photo Tip: A wide-angle lens can help include more of the balloon and desert in the frame. Follow the pilot’s instructions and keep yourself and your camera securely inside the basket.
What To Do Nearby: Sunrise balloon ride with breakfast - Float over the Dubai desert at sunrise, with transfers and breakfast included in the experience.
11. Platinum Heritage Bedouin Desert Camp
Platinum Heritage is one of the most popular and loved tour operators in all of Dubai. We opted for the Platinum Heritage Bedouin Desert Camp experience because they offer sustainable tours. Their mission is to protect the culture and natural environment of Dubai by preserving local culture. Our tour emphasized wildlife and cultural experiences rather than dune bashing.
For our trip, we chose the Bedouin Desert Camp experience, which started off with a ride into the Dubai desert and then a camel ride to the nomadic Bedouin camp. Platinum heritage does it right - the Bedouin camp is stunning, their land rovers and tours are all impeccable, and the food is always stellar!
What To Do Nearby: Platinum Heritage private vintage Land Rover safari - Explore the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve in a vintage Land Rover before dinner at a heritage camp.
12. Desert Sand Dunes
You can't go to the desert without experiencing the sand dune! We've trekked through dunes in Morocco and Oman, as well as Dubai, and I never get over how beautiful and photogenic they are. Desert sand dune adventures are one of the most popular activities to do while in Dubai. Whether you're into ATVing or sandboarding, there are tons of tour packages to match your preference and budget. OceanAir Travels is one of the most popular companies offering all sorts of tour packages at a reasonable price. Dubai Desert Tours also offers a mini-half-day ATV excursion to see the famous red dunes at a range of prices.
What To Do Nearby: Desert safari and Burj Khalifa combination - Pair a desert outing with a separate Burj Khalifa visit, checking the pickup area and inclusions for your selected option.
13. Dubai Miracle Garden
A flower lover’s dream! The garden operates seasonally, so check opening dates before visiting. Dubai is home to the world's largest natural flower garden with more than 150 million beautiful blooms on display at the Dubai Miracle Garden. The heart-shaped pathway is one of the most popular spots for Instagrammers. Don't forget to head over to the castles decked out in floral displays or walk through the colorful umbrella tunnel. The ceiling is made entirely out of upside-down umbrellas that are separated by the most vibrantly color-coordinated flowers.
Getting There: The garden is easily accessible by train bus or taxi. If arriving by train, take the Dubai Metro and hop off at the Mall of the Emirates (MOE) Station. For those arriving by bus, take the RTA bus No. 105 which will take you directly to the garden.
14. Shangri-La Dubai Roofdeck
It is somewhat of a secret that the best city view in all of Dubai is from the rooftop terrace at the Shangri-La Dubai hotel.
If sleek and modern architecture is your thing, then look no further than the Shangri-La Hotel Dubai. Everything from the polished and patterned tile floors to the giant chandelier displays sleek glamour. Not to mention it's a five-star resort with very reasonable prices. If you're not looking to stay overnight, the Shangri-La Hotel Dubai is also the perfect place to stop in for a sunset drink. Located on the 41st floor, the rooftop offers some of the most stunning views of the skyline and all the way to the Arabian Sea.
Where To Stay Nearby: Shangri-La Dubai - Stay on Sheikh Zayed Road for skyline views and a short drive to Downtown Dubai.
What To Do Nearby: Sky Views Observatory admission - Compare the skyline from the nearby Downtown district’s Sky Views Observatory above the Address Sky View Hotel.
15. Burj Al-Arab Beach
The Burj Al Arab Hotel is known as one of the nicest, most luxurious hotels in the world - and is incredibly exclusive to get in to. But the view from the beach is both iconic and free!
See More:
More of our magical evening with Camel Ushi
Street scenes on the Old Dubai streets.
Exploring the desert and hot air balloons with Platinum Heritage.
And finally, the beautiful Andaz Dubai The Palm Hotel!
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