This list of the best places to see in Abu Dhabi It will help you prepare your visit and not miss anything from the capital of the United Arab Emirates.
Located an hour and a half by car or bus from Dubai, this city is the richest in the world after one of the largest oil reserves on the planet will be found about 50 years ago. Despite having this wealth, it has not been until recent years when the sheikhs and the government have invested large amounts of money in building tourist attractions such as the impressive Sheikh Zayed Mosque, the Louvre or different theme parks, to turn this city into another of the star destinations of the Middle East.
Although we cannot say that it is our favorite city in the world, we do believe that it is a city worth spending between one and two days, within a route through the country.
The best time to travel to Abu Dhabi is from November to April, when temperatures are below 30 degrees and it is much more bearable to walk through its streets or the Corniche promenade, one of the places you can not miss in the city.
Based on the experience of the time we spent in the city during our trip to Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Rub 'al Khali in 9 days, we have made this selection of what we believe are the 10 essential places to visit in Abu Dhabi. We start!
1. Sheikh Zayed Mosque
The Sheikh Zayed Mosque, the largest in the country and considered one of the wonders of the modern world, is one of the most beautiful places to see in Abu Dhabi.
Built between 1996 and 2007, this mosque is made of white marble and has four minarets that exceed 100 meters high.
And if the exterior will leave you speechless, the interior with capacity for 40,000 people is not far behind thanks to the huge patio decorated with mosaics, the world's largest handmade carpet and gold-plated lamps and Swarovski crystals.
The entrance to the mosque is free for everyone and you only need to comply with a series of rules such as wearing men's long pants and a handkerchief that covers hair, women, plus loose clothing that covers the legs and arms. In case you do not have this type of clothing, before entering the mosque they will lend it to you for free.
Regarding the time of visit, we recommend you see it day and night, when the lighting and the surrounding pools create a magical atmosphere.
In addition to this, one of the Top things to do in Abu Dhabi It is to observe the mosque from the Oasis of Dignity viewpoint, located in front of the mosque, about 15 minutes walk.
A good option to know the history of this mosque and the city is to book this guided tour in Spanish or this private tour, where you choose the itinerary.
Visiting hours: from Saturday to Thursday from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Fridays from 4:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Sheikh Zayed from the Oasis of Dignity
2. The Louvre Abu Dhabi
The Louvre, opened in 2017 and located in the cultural district of Saadiyat Island, is the most important museum to visit in Abu Dhabi.
Work of the French architect Jean Nouvel, this architectural wonder impresses with its seemingly floating steel dome, which allows sunlight to filter creating a sea of stars.
And although the design of the building alone is worth visiting, inside you will find works by great masters ceded by several French museums such as the D'Orsay Museum and the Louvre in Paris.
Although the own collection is still not important, the museum is acquiring works that will soon become one of the cultural references of the Middle East.
A good option to visit this museum, away from the city center, is to book this ticket in advance in which you can include pick-up at the hotel.
Visiting hours: Thursday and Friday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., Monday closed and the rest of the days close at 8 p.m.
The Abu Dhabi Louvre
3. Corniche, one of the places to see in Abu Dhabi
One of the Top things to do in Abu Dhabi It's a walk at sunset on Corniche Avenue and end the day with a relaxing bath on your public beach.
This endless 8-kilometer boardwalk has a delimited path for walking or playing sports in which there are also shady areas to rest, parks and places to drink or eat.
In the middle of the walk is Corniche Beach, a public beach where you can bathe with views of the highest flag in the world with 122 meters high and the dome of the Abu Dhabi theater.
Corniche, one of the places to visit in Abu Dhabi
Our recommended hotel in Abu DhabiOur recommended accommodation in Abu Dhabi is the Eclipse Boutique Suites, located a few meters from Corniche and a shopping center with a good offer in restoration. In addition to its magnificent location, this aparthotel has clean and comfortable rooms, attentive service and one of the best quality / price ratios in the city.
4. Hotel Emirates Palace
The Emirates Palace located on the shores of the Persian Gulf, is one of the most luxurious hotels in the world and one of the places to see in Abu Dhabi.
With the title of the most expensive hotel in the world, it has cost more than 3 billion dollars, this huge complex has from a private beach of 1.3 kilometers to a helipad although luxury is also found in its more than 90 suites, some adorned with gold and others reserved for official visits to the country.
Prices move between 300 euros to 12000, although you have the possibility to visit the spectacular interior hall for free or have a drink in one of its bars.
Another option is to book a dinner at the fantastic buffet at Le Vendome restaurant or at the Hakkasan Asian food restaurant.
Emirates Palace Hotel
5. Theme parks
Another of the Top things to do in Abu Dhabi, if you have more than one day, it is to visit one of its fantastic theme parks.
Between the more recommended to see in Abu Dhabi and located on Yas Island, are:
- Ferrari World: It is the largest indoor theme park in the world and is dedicated to the Italian brand Ferrari. Among its many attractions is the Formula Rossa, the fastest roller coaster in the world.
- Warner Bros World: This park opened in 2018 has 29 world-class attractions inspired by the world and the animated characters of Warner Bros. You can book the ticket in advance that includes hotel pick-up here.
- Yas Waterworld: This water amusement park is perfect for a fun day, especially in the hottest months.
Ferrari World
Recommended travel cardsRemember that in order not to pay commissions and always have the current change we recommend you use the N26 card to pay and the Bnext and Revolut cards to get money at the ATMs. They are the ones we use, They are free and will save you a lot.
You can find more information in this article about the best cards to travel without commissions.
6. Qasr Al Watan
The Qasr Al Watan, an impressive palace that opened to the public in early 2019, is another of the places to see in Abu Dhabi more beautiful.
Previously used only for official events, this palace stands out for the white color of its exterior, the manicured gardens and the dome of the Great Hall, which is 100 meters long and 100 meters wide.
The interior of the building, meticulously decorated in the traditional Arab style, houses the legendary Quran of Birmingham, the first modern map of Arabia, pre-Hispanic codices and thousands of pieces of silver and glass in addition to an impressive library with more than 50,000 books and see the room where the royal banquets are held.
You can book the ticket in advance here.
Visiting hours: every day from 10am to 8pm. Last entry one hour before closing.
Qasr al Watan, one of the places to see in Abu Dhabi
7. Shopping centers
Another of the Top things to do in Abu Dhabi It is shopping in its huge shopping centers such as the Marina Mall and Yas Mall. Although they are not as spectacular as those in Dubai, it is worth at least entering one and in this case, we would choose the Yas Mall, much more Modern than the Marina and with better stores and a wider offer in restoration.
Inside the Yas Mall you have more than 400 stores of all international brands, restaurants of all kinds such as the popular Shake Shack and access to the Ferrari World.
As a curiosity you will see numerous local men impeccably dressed in white walking in a group or drinking coffee, something that adds certain local charm To this amazing mall.
Remember that as with Dubai, tourist attractions are separated by large distances, so if you do not want to move by taxi, you can choose to book the tourist bus that has recorded comments in Spanish of all points of interest that Visit in Abu Dhabi.
Yas Mall
8. Etihad Towers
The Etihad Towers, located at the end of the Corniche promenade and in front of the Emirates Palace, is another of the must-see places in Abu Dhabi.
With 5 towers located among the highest in the city, this complex is worth seeing during the day and especially at night, when its towers are illuminated.
In the Jumeirah building of the Etihad Towers you can go up to the 74th floor that has a 360-degree panoramic viewpoint located 300 meters high and with spectacular views of the city and the Arabian Gulf.
You can book in advance the entrance to the Etihad Towers observation platform or the afternoon tea experience at the Etihad Towers observation platform.
Ethiad Towers
9. Yas Marina
The Yas Marina, located on Yas Island, is the hot spot to visit in Abu Dhabi and where many foreigners have fun at night.
In this seaport you will see impressive yachts, restaurants with a terrace to eat or drink, the striking Yas Viceroy hotel and the famous Formula 1 racing circuit.
In this circuit you can enter for free if you register on the official website or book the experience of co-driving in a racing car at full speed.
Yas Marina
10. Excursions
If you have an extra day or two in the city, we recommend you complete the list of places to see in Abu Dhabi, doing some of the best excursions in Abu Dhabi.
Among the most valued by travelers is this day trip to the Arabian desert, one of the largest and most spectacular in the world that includes hotel pick-up, 4X4 safari going down and up dunes, the experience of sandboarding and Dinner at a camp in the middle of the desert.
Another of the best excursions from Abu Dhabi is this visit to Dubai with a guide in Spanish in which in addition to knowing the history of the most famous city in the United Arab Emirates, you will see the Burj Khalifa, the Palm Island, the old city, the Burj Al Arab and other places to see in Dubai most essential.
The last proposal is this Al Ain tour with a guide in Spanish, one of the country's historic cities. Located near the border with Oman, this city has an old town with a magnificent fort, several museums and stunning views of the entire desert.
Desert excursion from Abu Dhabi
How to get to Abu Dhabi
Although Abu Dhabi has an international airport, located about 30 kilometers from the center, the most common way to get to the city is from neighboring Dubai.
The cheapest way to go from Dubai to Abu Dhabi It is by bus leaving the Gubiba Station in Bur Dubai for a price of about 20 dirhams and a journey of an hour and a half.
If you choose this option remember to keep in mind that once you arrive in the city you will have to use the taxi to reach all points of interest to see in Abu Dhabi.
Another much more expensive alternative is to take a taxi or rent a car, a good option if you later want to continue the route through the country or make a desert getaway.
If you only have one day to get to know the city, it may be highly recommended to book this tour with a guide in Spanish by minibus or this one that includes the visit to the Louvre of Abu Dhabi and the tickets. In both you will be picked up at the hotel and you will have a guide in Spanish that will explain the history of the city and its main tourist attractions.
For more information on the transfer you can read this post on how to go from Dubai to Abu Dhabi.
If you feel like helping us complete the list of the 10 places to see in Abu Dhabi essential, add yours in the comments.
