10 Best Places To Visit In Abu Dhabi
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Abu Dhabi is a vibrant city known for its spectacular infrastructure, adventure activities, luxury hotels, extensive deserts, rich heritage, and beautiful beaches. It is the capital and one of the seven cities that form the United Arab Emirates.
You may indulge in the delightful Persian traditions at the Heritage Village, get awed by the beautiful architecture of the Grand Mosque, be thrilled by the fastest roller coaster ride, savor the delicious cuisines, and enjoy many other fun activities this incredible city offers.
There are many places to visit in Abu Dhabi and amazing sights you must explore while in the city.
Here’s an ultimate list of places to visit in Abu Dhabi that I got to see and things you should not miss out on.
1. Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is a popular and prominent attraction in Abu Dhabi. The mosque’s stunning architecture and amazing interiors make the visitors fascinated and spellbound by its beauty.
This mosque is built of stark white marble stone consisting of 82 domes and exquisitely decorated walls, floors, and ceilings.
Inside the main prayer hall is the world’s largest carpet which covers about 60,570 sq feet area of the hall’s floor. This carpet took about two years to be created by 1200-1300 carpet knotters.
The German-imported chandeliers inside the mosque are made of Swarovski Crystals and add sparkles to the beauty of the mosque.
The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque being one of the largest mosques in the world can easily accommodate a maximum of 40,000 people.
Useful Tips:
- Consider visiting the mosque during the evening at about 4-5 PM and witness it’s transition from day time to night time. The mosque gets gloriously lit with shining blue lights.
- If you are coming from Dubai, here’s a convenient day tour to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque inclusive of transfers to and from your accommodation or hotel.
2. Ferrari World
If you are looking out to do something fun and adventurous you should be heading to the Ferrari World Abu Dhabi. It is the Middle East’s Leading Theme Park comprising many exciting and unique entertainment activities for all age groups.
The Ferrari World also houses Formula Rossa which is the World’s fastest roller coaster ride speeding at 240 Km/hr in less than 5 seconds. This theme park has a spectacular gallery showcasing a unique collection of various Ferrari car models.
Don’t miss out on experiencing the thrill of driving a Ferrari from the Scuderia Challenge which simulates on a virtual Yas Marina Circuit.
3. Emirates Palace
A trip to Abu Dhabi would not be complete without a visit to its iconic Emirates Palace. This majestic property is the most luxurious and splurge-worthy hotel in Abu Dhabi.
If you are on a budget trip and don’t want to spend much, you can still visit the hotel without dining in. The gold-furnished interiors of the hotel are elegantly decorated with a traditional Arabic theme consisting of amazing artifacts and beautifully patterned domes.
If you want to explore the hotel beyond it’s lounge area, you will have to be a guest there or just make a reservation for dine in. Make sure to visit the Le Cafe within the Emirates Palace Hotel which serves Gold Cappuccino (Cappuccino sprinkled with real 24 carat gold flakes!) throughout the day for AED 60 (USD 17 approx).
4. Abu Dhabi Corniche
Experience some breathtaking views of the high-rise buildings and the gorgeous public beach at the backdrops of the Abu Dhabi Corniche promenade. It is a perfect place for taking a refreshing stroll, going for cycling, speed boating, or unwinding yourself away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Bikes and pedal cars are available for rent at the promenade. The public beach has different sections for families and the general public. It is very well equipped with umbrellas, showers, and sun loungers.
5. Louvre Museum
The Louvre Museum located at the Saadiyat Island is an art and civilization museum exhibiting notable artworks from around the world. It is also the largest art museum in the Arabian Peninsula.
The museum also has very impressive architecture consisting of a web-patterned dome that filters the sun rays showing an effect of “sun rays passing through date palm leaves in an oasis”. It is an amazing sight to witness.
6. Heritage Village
If you are looking to explore some old Arab cultural and traditional lifestyles, you should be heading to the Abu Dhabi Heritage Village. Witness the Persian charm in this small recreated desert area having wooden houses, tents, camel sheds, craft shops, and museums.
The Heritage Village is an excellent place to learn and know more about the history of Arab traditions.
7. Warner Bros. World
The Warner Bros. World is an indoor amusement park featuring 29 rides, live interactive shows, action-packed activities, fascinating attractions, a variety of food eateries, and shopping outlets.
It comprises six themed zones; Gotham City (based on the Superhero Batman), Bedrock (based on The Flintstones), Cartoon Junction (based on Hanna-Barbera), Metropolis (based on Superman), Dynamite Gulch (based on Looney Tunes) and Warner Bros. Plaza (based on Hollywood). There are lots of shows held throughout the day and character meet and greet at all the zones.
Set aside a day to spend at Warner Bros. World and take with yourself all the exciting memories while you are in Abu Dhabi.
Useful Tips :
- Do not carry outside food, only milk and infant food is allowed within the theme park.
- If you are coming from Dubai or even from Abu Dhabi to visit Warner Bros. World, you can Pre-Book your tickets here including pick up through a free shuttle service.
- Kids less than 3 years or less than 1.30 m height can enter the theme park free.
- Download the WB World App to plan your day which makes you aware about the waiting time, restrictions as per rides and show timings.
- Visit on a weekday to avoid the crowds and long queues.
8. Etihad Towers Observation Deck
The Etihad Towers is a complex of 5 towers one of which, Tower 2 has an Observation Deck on the 74th floor overlooking Abu Dhabi city’s stunning skyline. This tower is located right opposite the Emirates Palace Hotel.
If you remember the scene from the film Furious 7 where Vin Diesel drives a Lykan Hypersport through three towers, you would get an idea of the thrilling and impressive views from the towers of Abu Dhabi City.
The Observation Deck at Tower 2 is accessible to the hotel guests for free. However, if you are visiting the tower as a tourist you will have to pay an entrance fee for the Observation Deck.
9. Saadiyat Island
The Saadiyat island has one of the most beautiful beaches and is a must-visit in Abu Dhabi. The beaches are occupied by a Saadiyat Beach Club and two resorts the Park Hyatt and St. Regis.
You can have free access to the beaches if you are staying at any of the few hotels in Saadiyat Island. If you plan to spend a day there, visit the Saadiyat Beach Club where you can have unlimited access to all the facilities including the lounge, sauna, jacuzzi, pool, and the beach.
10. Desert Safari
While visiting Abu Dhabi, Desert Safari is a major activity you must be going for. It is one of the most adventurous, thrilling, and fun things to do. Go for Sand Boarding, Dune Bashing, camel riding, dining in the desert under the twinkling stars, and enjoy some entertaining shows right in the desert.
Here are some of the best deals on perfect Desert Safari experiences you can book and look forward to;
- Desert Safari including all the major activities with BBQ, Camel Ride and Sandboarding.
- An overnight Desert Safari including all the major activities with Bonfire, BBQ, Camel Riding, Sand Boarding and Camping Gears.
Note : All the above Desert Safari packages have vegetarian options included during the BBQ dinner.
Best Time To Visit Abu Dhabi
The best time to visit Abu Dhabi is during winter which falls between October to April. The climate during these months is very pleasant and you would be able to make out the most of your Abu Dhabi visit.
The day times are pleasantly warm and evenings are cooler in these months. You would just need to carry a light sweater or jacket to keep yourself warm.
Summers are unbearably hot and humid due to the city’s desert-like climate. If you are still planning to visit Abu Dhabi during the summers you may probably have to miss out on visiting the sightseeing during the daytime due to the scorching heat. Make sure you keep yourself hydrated and carry sunscreens during the summer.
Have you been to Abu Dhabi or making plans to visit there? If you have any queries or suggestions do let me know in the comment box below.
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At the top of my list is the Louvre Museum, but I want to visit all!
Winter time sounds perfect for Abu Dhabi, because I don’t love hot places so much haha!
Loved your post! Thanks so much for sharing, I hope to visit soon!
It’s indeed such a vibrant city! I haven’t been to the middle east yet but defintely will soon.
It must be incredible to see that mosque at sunset. And what a place that you can hit the beach and the desert in the same visit. I’d love to see it!
Wow, so many amazing things to do in Abu Dhabi! I really want to go the the Louvre and the Mosque.
I would so wanna visit the Ferrari world. It looks so exciting. This sure is a great list and I am gonna keep this post handy while planning my trip to Abu Dhabi.
Your photos are amazing! I’ve never been to Middle East yet but it’s been on my list forever! Would love to visit someday 🙂 Thanks for sharing this!!
You are welcome 😊
I’d definitely love to go on a desert safari! Great article, makes me want ro go there asap!
I had no idea that there was a Lourve in Abu Dhabi nor that there was an indoor museum there! I have been to Dubai, but based on your post it seems that this part of the country is more authentic. Hope to visit on my next trip over there!
It is good of you that, you have listed all top attractions of Abu Dhabi and it is a great itinerary for first time travelers. I loved Emirates Palace and its gardens with a view beautiful city. Also Corniche, is nice place to relax peacefully and we can see the glimpse of beautiful skyline also. There are many theme parks also which are favorite among kids and even adults too.
I was just in Abu Dhabi a few weeks ago! This would have been really helpful then haha. But the mosque is definitely one of the most beautiful places I have ever visited. Stunning!
I am sure you had a great time!
I am hoping to travel here next year, so this is the best post for me to come across. I can’t wait to start planning my trip, and I will definitely refer back to your post when I do 🙂
That’s great to know! I am sure you are going to have an amazing time in Abu Dhabi😊
Great article! I’d definitely love to go on a desert safari! Thanks for the information.
I have never been to Abu Dhabi I think the closest I have been is the airport when connecting flights. I know its very beautiful so hopefully maybe one day.
If i ever get to travel to Abu Dhabi I will have to have a look at all of these places. Everything looks so much bigger over there!
It looks like there are a lo of wonderful places to visit in Abu Dhabi. I want to go check some of these places out for sure.
Love Dhabi. When I was younger I thought about teaching English just for the opportunity to go. These sight seeing places are amazing
I hope you get to plan a visit to Abu Dhabi soon 🙂
I need to get here one day. It looks like a beautiful area. I love your photos.
Thank you 🙂
Abu Dhabi has always been a fascinating place to me and it’s been on my bucketlist for a long time. Thanks to your article I’ll definitely know how to spend my time there and how to enjoy myself in the best possible way. Love all the photos! 🙂
Thank you so much for your appreciation 🙂
I am going to use your blog as a guide for my next visit to Abu Dhabi. There are indeed several interesting places and sites to visit and explore.
Sure, you must be visiting Abu Dhabi to explore all of them 🙂
There are quite a lot of lovely places on your list. I would be interested in the palace and the island beach.
I so want to go on a desert safari in Abu Dhabi. I think it would be such a cool adventure. I have so many things on my bucket list. I don’t even know where to start.
The Grand Mosque is absolutely one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen!
Wow! You showed a really nice side to Abu Dhabi. Would love to go to this country if given the chance 😀 Would bring my whole family.
I imagine that seeing a mosque in person is a spectacular sight to behold. I hope to one day do this in the near future!
I have heard such lovely things about Abu Dhabi and UAE. My sister went and loved it, and your photos back up everything she said…looks amazing.
Abu Dhabi looks amazing! I can imagine having an incredible time seeing the sights!
I am going to have to put Abu Dhabi on my bucket list. One of these days I will get to travel the world, and I would love to see everything on your list!
been there, done that 🙂 Hope you enjoy your stay in Abu Dhabi 🙂 You should have message me in facebook so that we had the chance to meet :). Try the flying aces apart from formula rosso on your next visit :). Informative content. Keep it up 🙂
Great list! Abu Dhabi is certainly one of the dream destinations for travelers. I would totally love to go to these places.
One day I would love to make it to Abu Dhabi. I would love to visit Ferrai World
That ceiling at Emirates Palace is so gorgeous! This looks like it was an awesome trip!
I would love to visit Abu Dhabi someday. I never knew they had such beautiful beaches! Everything look so amazing & luxurious! -Madi
Oh I need to show my husband this list! He goes back and forth from the US to Dubai/Abu Dhabi for work!, xo, Brittany Nicole
Great post, I want to visit Dubai so so bad!! It seems a world away from Seattle, but maybe someday I will make i t, thanks for sharing!
Valerie
Didnt know they had a Lourve museum in Abu Dhabi. Thanks for sharing
Haven’t made it there yet, but it is on my list!
I have a lot of relatives working there. I wish we could visit them and tour the area soon
I can never get over how close the water is to the city! I didn’t know about Saadiyat Island. It’s gorgeous! I could camp out there lol Pinning this to my group board!
Wow all of these places look incredible. I would love to visit here some day.
This is such a informative post, i am longing to visit this city
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A great place to visit, offering a unique blend of traditional and modern culture. With its rich history and vibrant cultural life, it is sure to provide a memorable experience.