These are the most popular photo spots in the “Instagram wonderland” city

With one of the most extraordinary skylines in the world, Dubai has been dubbed an “Instagram wonderland” by travel publisher Lonely Planet.

So where are the hottest spots for your holiday pics? Here are Lonely Planet’s recommendations:

Instagrammers can’t resist shots of waves lapping up onto Jumeirah Beach, with the world’s most luxurious hotel, the Burj al Arab, in the background. The sail-shaped hotel itself, completed in 1999 and sited on its own artificial island, gets tagged in more than 1.6 millions posts, under the #burjalarab hashtag.

The Burj Khalifa took the title of the world’s tallest building when it was completed in 2010. Its 828-metre structure offers, amongst others, a restaurant, a bar, a gym, a VR experience and three observation platforms (the highest at 555 metres) offering true bird’s eye views of downtown Dubai. The #burjalkhalifa hashtag boasts 3.7 million Instagram posts.

With all of Dubai’s vibrancy, history and modernity, it might be easy to forget that you’re on the edge of a desert. But Dubai Desert is only a short drive from the city. You can explore the desert dunes and wildlife on quad-bikes or in a 4x4, go sandboarding - the desert version of snowboarding - or take in the scenery on a camel ride.

Madinat Jumeirah has market stalls, canals and traditional boats. It’s also a good place to take shots of the Burj Al Arab, being located right next door.

In the midst of a hyper-modern city, the souqs or markets evoke Dubai’s history - and are essential photo stops, according to Lonely Planet. The textile, gold and spice souqs come highly recommended.

Built in the early 1900s by Persian merchants, the Al Fahidi district gives visitors a glimpse of the city’s seafaring and merchant past. In the middle sits the Al Fahidi Fort, the oldest building in Dubai.

The artificial islands form a palm-like shape, jutting out into the sea. The Palm Jumeirah offers excellent views of Dubai Marina - itself a highly popular Instagram hotspot - and downtown Dubai.

Dubai Creek is another reminder of the city’s history as a merchant hub. A traditional abra boats is recommended as a cheap way of crossing the creek and taking in old Dubai.

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Alserkal Avenue has been Dubai’s art and culture district since 2007. The former warehouse complex is now a space that hosts galleries, performance venues, a cinema, cafes, and even a chocolate factory.

Dubai Miracle Garden boasts 150 million flowers. Displays include a teddy bear, a heart-shaped tunnel, a castle - and even a life-size A380 superjumbo jet.