10 Best Places To Visit In Abu Dhabi – Top Rated Sights

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Wondering about the best things to do and see in Abu Dhabi? Here’s how you can explore the best places to visit in Abu Dhabi.

Abu Dhabi is a vibrant city known for it’s spectacular infrastructures, adventure activities, luxury hotels, extensive deserts, rich heritage and beautiful beaches. It is the capital and one of the seven cities that forms the United Arab Emirates. You may indulge into the delightful Persian traditions at the Heritage Village, get awed by the beautiful architecture of the Grand Mosque, thrilled by the fastest roller coaster ride, savor on the delicious cuisines and enjoy many other fun activities this incredible city offers. There are many places to visit in Abu Dhabi and amazing sight seeing’s that you must explore while in city.

Here’s an ultimate list of places to visit in Abu Dhabi and things you should not miss out on.

Best Places To Visit In Abu Dhabi

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is a very popular and prominent attraction in Abu Dhabi. The mosque’s stunning architecture and amazing interiors makes the visitors fascinated and spell bound by it’s 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 adds 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 planning on a day trip to Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque from Dubai, a guided tour with a professional photographer (for Instagram worthy captures) is highly recommended. Check out the details of this tour here.
• 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.

Opening Hours :

The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is open for worshipers and tourists from 9 AM to 10 PM everyday except on Fridays. The mosque opens on Fridays from 4:30 PM to 10 PM.

Entrance Fees :

Free.

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 Middle East’s Leading Theme Park comprising of 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 too from the Scuderia Challenge which simulates on a virtual Yas Marina Circuit.

Opening Hours :

The Ferrari World Abu Dhabi is everyday from 11 AM to 8 PM.

Entrance Fees :

The entrance ticket at Ferrari World Abu Dhabi is priced at AED 295 (USD 81 approx) per person.

Useful Tip : Book your tickets here to Ferrari World Abu Dhabi in advance to skip the long queues at the ticket counter.

Emirates Palace

A trip to Abu Dhabi would not be complete without a visit it’s 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).

Opening Hours :

The Emirates Palace is open 24 hours everyday.

Useful Tip :

• Enjoy a great afternoon high tea at the Le Cafe in Emirates Palace during your trip. Make your reservations here.

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 general public. It is very well equipped with umbrellas, showers and sun loungers.

Opening Hours :

The beach at the Corniche remains open everyday from 8 AM to 8 PM while the promenade is accessible 24/7 for visitors.

Entrance Fees :

The public beach at the Abu Dhabi Corniche has no entrance fee. However, the private beach for families having more facilities has an entrance fee for AED 10 per adult and AED 5 per child.

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 a very impressive architecture consisting of a web patterned dome which filtered the sun rays showing an effect of “sun rays passing through date palm leaves in an oasis”. It is an amazing sight to witness.

Opening Hours :

The Louvre Museum Abu Dhabi is open six days a week from 10 AM to 8 PM. It remains closed on Mondays.

Entrance Fees :

AED 60 per person.

Pre book your tickets here to skip the line at the entrance and save your time while visiting the Louvre Museum.

Heritage Village

If you are looking out for exploring some old Arab cultural and traditional lifestyle, 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 museum. The Heritage Village is an excellent place to learn and know more about the history of Arab traditions.

Opening Hours :

The Abu Dhabi Heritage opens everyday from 9 AM to 4 PM.

Entrance Fee :

Free

Warner Bros. World

The Warner Bros. World is an indoor amusement park featuring 29 rides, live interactive shows, action packed activities, fascinating attractions, variety of food eateries and shopping outlets. It comprises of six themed zones; Gotham City (based on the Superhero Batman), Bedrock (based on The Flintstones), Cartoon Junction (based on Hanna-Barbera), Metropolis (based on The 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.

Opening Hours :

The Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi opens everyday from 10 AM to 8 PM.

Entrance Fees :

General Admission : AED 295 (USD 81)

Pre-Book Your Tickets Here To Skip The Huge Queues At Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi And Save Your Time.

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.

Etihad Towers Observation Deck

The Etihad Towers is a complex of 5 towers one of which, Tower 2 has an Observation Deck at 74th floor overlooking Abu Dhabi city’s stunning skyline. This tower is located right opposite to 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.

Opening Hours :

The Etihad Towers Observation Deck is open everyday from 10 AM to 7 PM.

Entrance Fees :

The entrance fees for Etihad Towers Observation Deck is AED 95 (USD 26). You would get a credit voucher of AED 55 (USD 15) attached to the entrance fee that you can redeem on the day of your visit.

Book your tickets for Etihad Towers Observation Deck here.

Saadiyat Island

The Saadiyat island has one of the most beautiful beaches and a must visit while you are in Abu Dhabi. The beaches are occupied by a Saadiyat Beach Club and two resorts the Park Hyatt and St. Regis. You can have a free access to the beaches if you are staying at any of the few hotels in the 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.

Opening Hours :

The beaches at Saadiyat Island are accessible from 8 AM till sunset everyday. The opening hours for Saadiyat Beach Club is from 8 AM to 10 PM everyday except on Fridays the club is open until 7 PM.

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 thing to do. Go for Sand Boarding, Dune Bashing, camel riding, dining at the desert under the twinkling stars and enjoy some entertaining shows right at the middle of 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 winters 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 summers you may probably have to miss out on visiting the sight seeings during the day time due to the scorching heat. Make sure you keep yourself hydrated and carry sunscreens during the summers.

Have you been to Abu Dhabi or making plans on visiting there? If you have any queries or suggestions do let me know in the comment box below.

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