Looking for must visit places in dubai that go beyond another skyscraper photo? Think flower-filled entrances, boats along the creek and desert dunes at sunset.
These pictures give you plenty to choose from, whether you want a busy sightseeing day or a little time by the water.
You can keep your plans simple or fit in a few bigger adventures. I especially love the mix of city views and outdoor stops.
Leave room for both rather than trying to squeeze everything into one day!
Dubai places and views worth saving
Burj Khalifa views through the glass
We’re starting off strong with this gorgeous view of the Burj Khalifa. The tower rises above the surrounding buildings while roads curve beneath the glass floor.
Not gonna lie, looking down might take a little courage!
If you want a photo with the tower in it, choose a viewpoint facing the Burj rather than one inside it.
Dubai Mall waterfall
How beautiful is this waterfall? The diving figures with their arms stretched out make this Dubai Mall stop look so different from a plain wall of water.
Take a break from browsing to look up at the whole installation. I love how the figures are spread across different heights.
Palm Jumeirah from above
The palm shape is the whole reason to save this view. Long rows of waterfront buildings branch out from the center, with a curved outer island wrapping around them.
For your own visit, consider an elevated viewpoint overlooking Palm Jumeirah. Just don’t expect every observation spot to give you this exact aerial angle.
Golden courtyards and a distant skyline
I love the low buildings and glowing arches in this scene. The open courtyards look so different from the tightly packed towers behind them.
Save this as inspiration for an evening architecture stop. The exact courtyard isn’t clear from the image alone, so confirm the location before adding it to your route.
Desert dunes at sunset
If you’re looking for a break from the buildings, this one is for you. There are golden dunes stretching into the distance with little ripples and footprints across the sand.
Plan a desert outing around the light you want to see. I’d choose a sunset stop for those long shadows along the ridges.
Museum of the Future
This may just be one of my favorite buildings on the list. The Museum of the Future has such an unusual open-centered shape, with sweeping calligraphy across its silver-colored exterior.
Give yourself a moment to admire it from outside too. The green mound beneath it is a lovely part of the view.
Dubai Miracle Garden
How cute is this entrance? The giant green flower-cup shapes, pink blooms and colorful lettering make Dubai Miracle Garden worth saving if you love playful displays.
Check the seasonal opening dates before planning your visit. Even this entrance gives you plenty of photo inspiration.
Dubai Frame
Don’t want another ordinary tower photo? Try the Dubai Frame. I love the gold-colored loops covering its enormous rectangular outline.
For a similar picture, step back far enough to include the lawn and paths below. They help show just how tall the frame looks from the ground.
Burj Al Arab by the sea
The sail-shaped Burj Al Arab is gorgeous against this blue-green water. You can see the curved shoreline, its island setting and the bridge connecting it to land.
This is an aerial view, so treat it as a look at the setting rather than a photo you’ll get from the beach. Check access arrangements separately if you want to go inside.
Read also: 20 Beautiful Places to Visit in Korea, From Palace Gates to Coastal Views
Dubai Marina after dark
I am obsessed with the lights in this Dubai Marina scene. The closely packed towers, rows of boats and reflections on the water give you so much to look at.
Save the marina for an evening walk if this is the mood you’re after. You don’t need an elevated view to enjoy the waterfront lights.
Gold Souk jewelry displays
If you love looking at intricate jewelry, then this one is for you. Long necklaces hang above the counter while rows of elaborate pieces fill the displays behind it.
Add the Gold Souk to your browsing plans even if you’re not shopping for anything. Ask before taking close-up photos inside a store.
Aquaventure water slides
Want to swap sightseeing for something a little more playful? This Aquaventure scene has a shared raft rounding a green slide, with pools and the sea in the background.
Make this a separate water-park outing rather than a quick photo stop. Check current ride requirements before choosing which slides to try.
Ornate domes and a minaret
The details on this mosque are so pretty. I especially love the different patterns across the domes and the carved-looking bands around the minaret.
If mosque architecture is on your list, consider a visitor program at Jumeirah Mosque. Confirm visiting arrangements and dress requirements rather than assuming you can walk straight inside.
Beach views with the skyline
Don’t want every skyline photo to be taken from another building? A beach stop gives you a completely different angle.
Here, palms and sand sit between the water and the distant Burj Khalifa.
Read also: 20 Places to Visit in California for Coastlines, Desert Views and Cute Towns
I love the rope-lined walkway in the foreground. Try including a little of the shoreline in your own pictures instead of zooming straight in on the towers.
Boats along Dubai Creek
This is another waterfront view, but it’s so different from the marina. Boats pass low-rise buildings while birds fill the sky above Dubai Creek.
Take a little time to watch the water before moving on. If you’d like a boat ride, choose your crossing or cruise separately rather than assuming every boat offers the same trip.
Ain Dubai and Bluewaters
The huge wheel is definitely the first thing you notice here. Ain Dubai rises above Bluewaters, with the sea around the island and tall buildings across the water.
You could make the waterfront your main stop or look into a wheel visit. Check current operating details before building your day around a ride.
Global Village lights
How gorgeous are these pink-lit towers? The patterned domes and decorative streetlamps make this Global Village scene look especially pretty after dark.
If you love colorful evening stops, save this one. Check the current season dates before putting it on your itinerary.
Hatta's mountain water views
Ready for a change from the city? This Hatta scene has bright kayaks beside still water, with steep rocky mountains rising behind them.
The orange and red boats are such a pretty contrast.
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Treat Hatta as a separate excursion outside central Dubai. If paddling is part of your plan, check rental availability and follow the operator’s safety guidance.
Alserkal Avenue's warehouse lanes
If you prefer something a little less glossy, save Alserkal Avenue. This view shows a corrugated warehouse exterior, a quiet lane and large lettering above the roof.
Check the current exhibitions before you go so you can choose what interests you. The understated exterior is a very different side of Dubai from the towers above.
A beach sunset
Last but definitely not least, we have this gorgeous beach sunset. I love the orange sky and the birds scattered above the water.
There’s no need to pack every evening with another attraction.
Leave yourself a little time by the shore. You won’t get the exact same sky, but this is lovely inspiration for a slower end to your day.