10 Best Viewpoints in Dubai
Where to Take the Best Photos of Dubai?
The best viewpoints in Dubai take in the spectacular skyscrapers, immaculate beaches, and dazzling illuminations this modern city has to offer. Enjoy incredible views from dizzying heights on glass-floor walkways and in tethered balloons, or soak up the sights from the water on a canal cruise and at the creek harbor.
Take your pick of vantage points, no matter the time, as Dubai showcases its beauty day and night. Whether you’re taking in the morning glow of the city coming to life or watching the fountain and bridges light up as the sun sets, you’ll find plenty of photo opportunities. Read on for some fantastic ideas of where to go in Dubai to take the best photos.
1. Burj Khalifa
Cityscapes from the country’s tallest tower
Good for: Luxury, Families
Take the elevator to the 124th floor of Burj Khalifa and step out onto an observation deck that will take your breath away. Use the telescopes to see far-reaching vistas out into the desert, or peer down to admire the glistening, turquoise water and fountain show in Burja Lake, 457 meters below.
For a VIP experience, book the SKY ticket that offers panoramic views of Dubai from the 148th floor, as well as refreshments. The Lounge access on the 154th floor is more exclusive, and the viewing deck is much quieter at 579 meters above ground. Be sure to visit at sunset for stunning views of the city bathed in a warm, orange glow.
Location: 1 Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Blvd, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Open: Hours vary by season
Phone: +971 (0)4 888 8888
Burj Khalifa
2. The View Palm Jumeirah
Family feasts high in the sky
Good for: Families, Food, Photo
Visit The View Palm Jumeirah for incomparable vistas of the iconic Palm Jumeirah development. Looking down from 241 meters above ground, the shape of the date palm construction fans out clearly, making spectacular photos. Enjoy jaw-dropping, panoramic views on the outdoor terrace of level 52 of this tower, or buy a premium ticket for access to level 54.
There are some great food options on level 52. Why not indulge in coffee and mouthwatering cakes whilst admiring the Dubai skyline through the floor-to-ceiling glass windows? Or let yourself be tempted by the irresistible aroma of Italian cuisine and feast on handmade tagliatelle overlooking the Arabian Gulf. The signature pizzas are popular with kids of all ages and are highly recommended.
Location: The Palm Tower, Palm Jumeirah Rd, 52nd Floor, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Open: Daily from 9 am to 7.30 pm
Phone: +971 (0)4 427 8484
The View Palm Jumeirah
3. Dubai Water Canal
Fine food and spectacular scenery
Good for: Photo, Nightlife, Food
See a different side to the city with an evening cruise on the Dubai Water Canal. This artificial canal snakes about 3 km to the Arabian Gulf, and you can take in some of Dubai’s prettiest sights from the water. Snap Instagrammable photos of Burj Khalifa illuminated against a night sky, towering high over the surrounding, glittering skyscrapers.
In addition to the mouthwatering buffets served on these cruises, you’ll be treated to amazing views. Approaching the Dubai Waterfall, with its vivid purple cascading water, you’ll be astounded as it suddenly pauses to let boats pass underneath. From further out, as you get close to Tolerance Bridge, have your camera ready. The distinctive archway frames the Dubai skyline for brilliant photos.
Dubai Water Canal
4. Jumeirah Public Beach
A popular spot to admire one of Dubai’s most famous landmarks
Good for: Families, Budget
Relax on the soft, white sand of Jumeirah Public Beach and take in mesmerizing views across the turquoise water. This is one of Dubai’s calmest beaches, and it’s popular with families who want to play and swim in the gentle waves whilst soaking up superb scenery.
You can get a close-up view of the world’s first 7-star hotel from this beach. The majestic Burj Al Arab, with its impressive sail shape, is just a short distance away. On a clear day, its iconic architecture is clearly visible. Check out the sunset views from this beach, too. As the sun dips below the sea, the Burj Al Arab takes on an incandescent orange hue that is simply breathtaking.
Location: 4 2C St, Umm Suqeim 3, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971 (0)800 900
Jumeirah Public Beach
5. Dinner in the Sky
For foodies with a head for heights
Good for: Luxury, Couples, Food
Don’t hesitate to try Dinner in the Sky for a once-in-a-lifetime culinary experience. Strap into a comfortable chair around a small, square kitchen and then let a crane hoist you and your table 49 meters above ground. A talented chef will prepare your meal as you dangle high, taking in the sights. You’ll be so awestruck, you won’t know whether to take in the scenery or watch the chef at work.
This remarkable experience takes place at the edge of Dubai Marina, so you’ll get far-reaching views over Palm Jumeirah and along the shoreline. Be sure to arrive in plenty of time for your scheduled meal, as you’ll need to participate in the 15-minute safety briefing beforehand.
Location: Al Sufoh, Al Seyahi St, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Open: Daily from 2 pm to 11 pm
Phone: +971 (0)58 819 3296
Dinner in the Sky
6. Dubai Creek Harbor
An enchanting viewpoint over the water
Good for: Budget, Photo, Food
Dubai Creek Harbor is a wonderful spot for a sunset stroll when the temperatures are cooler. Head to The Viewing Point right at the tip of the creek to see an illuminated Dubai skyline from almost 12 meters above the water and 26 meters out. The line of towering skyscrapers seems endless, and the view gives you an idea of the vast scale of the city.
With rows of palm trees dotted with modern sculptures, the creek harbor is a pleasant place to enjoy peaceful vistas. Don’t forget your selfie with the statue of the flamingos, too. Then, why not try one of the local restaurants? Combine picturesque scenery over the water with delicious local food for a fantastic evening.
Dubai Creek Harbor
7. Dubai Frame
A unique and photogenic structure in a popular park
Good for: Photo, Unusual
You’ll see the Dubai Frame towering high long before you enter Zabeel Park. This enormous picture frame offers one of the city’s most unusual and enthralling sightseeing experiences. Enter a small museum showcasing Dubai’s transformation, then ride the glass elevator to the top for extraordinary, panoramic views across the city.
Dare to walk along the glass-floored skywalk as cars whizz along the busy highways below your feet. This bridge is a staggering 150 meters high, so it’s not for the faint-hearted. Capture incredible photos of Dubai’s contrasting sides from the top of the Frame. To one side, the older, historic side of the city is visible. On the other side, you’ll see immense skyscrapers and modern developments.
Location: Zabeel Park Jogging Track, Za’abeel, Al Kifaf, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Open: Daily from 9 am to 9 pm
Phone: +971 (0)800 900
Dubai Frame
8. Souk Al Bahar
Dazzling landmarks and a shopping mecca
Good for: Shoppers, Families
It’s easy to spend a day in the sprawling Souk Al Bahar forgetting that the outside world exists. With its impressive chandeliers and wide range of boutiques for all budgets, this is a shopper’s paradise. Head to the eateries and terraces overlooking the lake, and you’ll be treated to some of Dubai’s finest cityscapes, especially the close-up views of Burj Khalifa with its astounding architecture.
This is a popular mall with families for evening entertainment. Locals and visitors alike fill the waterfront at Souk Al Bahar, feasting on tasty seafood, Italian, and Lebanese cuisine, while watching the choreographed fountain display. As sunset arrives, look to the left of Burj Khalifa to see the mesmerizing illuminated Dandelion Light Sculpture.
Location: Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Blvd, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Open: Monday–Thursday from 10 am to 11 pm, Friday–Sunday from 10 am to midnight
Phone: +971 (0)4 362 7011
Souk Al Bahar
9. Al Meydan Bridge
Futuristic architecture and cityscapes
Good for: Budget, Photo
With its unique wave structure, Al Meydan Bridge is worth seeing just for its innovative architecture. But you’ll get some of the best views of Dubai’s beautiful profile from the bridge, too. Built close to the racecourse, this iconic bridge depicts the flowing mane of a horse, attracting visitors day and night. It’s also used as a VIP entrance to the racecourse when there are special events.
The bridge is best seen as the sun goes down, and it lights up in an electrifying blue color. At sunset, it’s a hotspot for a younger crowd who are looking for the ultimate selfie with a fast car, a photogenic bridge, and the impressive Dubai skyline in the picture.
Location: 1 Nad Al Sheba, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Al Meydan Bridge
10. The Dubai Balloon
An early morning vantage point
Good for: Couples, Photo
Located on Palm Jumeirah, The Dubai Balloon will float you up in the sky for sensational views over the palm-shaped development and the breathtaking coastline. On a clear day, you can see as far as Burj Khalifa and downtown, too.
If you’re an early riser, it’s best to book a sunrise slot to ride up in this tethered balloon. With the city waking up below you and the sun breaking over the water, you’ll enjoy 10 minutes of amazement and tranquility, up to 226 meters high. With temperatures and wind factors impacting this balloon experience, be sure to check the weather tracker on the website when booking your tickets and on the day for the latest information on your ride.
Location: The Avenues, Atlantis The Palm, The Palm Jumeirah, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Open: Daily from 6 am to 11 am and from 6 pm to midnight
Phone: +971 (0)800 225 5666
The Dubai Balloon
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