The best destinations for photographers

By Rebecca Naylor

March 27, 2023

From colour-saturated Marrakech to futuristic Singapore, these snap-happy destinations don’t need any filter.

A picture, or so they say, can paint a thousand words – and bring back a flood of memories of our travels and adventures. Head to these four cities to capture the perfect shot, whether it’s a space-age cityscape or nature shot among the mangroves.

London

London’s full of opportunities for photographers, from portraits of the pelicans in St James’s Park to street shots on Portobello Road, where brightly-painted houses border the famous antique market. Take advantage of Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London’s location, right beside Hyde Park, and head over pre-breakfast, before the crowds descend, to capture its ancient trees, and the sun-dappled Serpentine. On the other side of town, the City of London’s also full of photogenic vistas, whether it’s the Barbican’s Brutalist beauty or the ruins of St Dunstan-in-the-East, bombed during the Second World War. With trees twisting through the church’s crumbling casements and vines creeping over the walls, it’s a tiny, unexpected patch of green amid the City’s office blocks. Head over towards sunset for the most ethereal shots.

Bold blue and orange architecture in the Jardin Majorelle, Morocco

Marrakech

Known as the red city, Morocco’s capital is awash with life and colour. Everything here cries out to be captured on film, from the dusty pink walls to the clamorous souks, edged with colourful rugs and spices. There’s the action-packed Jemaa El Fna, with its snake-charmers and magicians, or the calm Jardin Majorelle, framed by marble pools and cobalt-blue walls. For further inspiration, drop by the Maison de la Photographie, whose archives run from 1940s cityscapes to some extraordinary portraits – a white-clad, handsome Berber horseman, staring down the lens, or a small, grubby girl in a sun-faded dress, clutching a snow-white lamb. Afterwards, head up to its roof terrace, one of the highest in the Medina. Back at Mandarin Oriental, Marrakech, meanwhile, the Atlas mountain-backdropped gardens demand just one more shot.

Singapore

When it comes to awe-inspiring cityscapes, it doesn’t get much better than this. Scope out the bay and skyscrapers from Mandarin Oriental, Singapore, or hop a ride on the Singapore Flyer, for views that stretch as far as Malaysia and Indonesia on a clear day. For otherwordly, dreamlike shots, Gardens by the Bay is the place, with its misty Cloud Forest and colossal, space-age Supertrees. Or, for an alternative take on this sleek, high-rise city, stroll down Haji Lane, known for its street art, colourful shopfronts, and laidback, welcoming cafés.

A visitor taking a photo under the decorative columns of the Sheikh Zayed Mosque

Abu Dhabi

With its year-round sunshine, glittering harbours and futuristic architecture, the Emirati capital is nothing if not photogenic. After settling in at the palatial Mandarin Oriental Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi, your first stop should be the iconic Sheikh Zayed Mosque. Photography is allowed – though you should, of course, be considerate – and it’s brimming with opportunities, from its dazzling white domes and minarets to the symmetry of its seemingly endless arches and pillars. Keen to try out your telephoto lens? Make tracks to Jubail Mangrove Park, which opened in 2020. Follow its zig-zagging wooden boardwalk through the water-submerged forest, keeping an eye out for migratory birds, turtles and gazelles. Keen to capture an Instagram-ready action shot? Hire a kayak to get up close and personal with this unique ecosystem.

All offers and experiences available at time of publication. Please contact the relevant hotel team for more information.

About the Author

Rebecca Naylor

Rebecca is a photographer and writer who contributes to luxury titles including Eurostar’s Metropolitan and British Airways’ The Club.