Best 20 things to do in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Welcome to Abu Dhabi, where sand is abundant and the list of things to do is as long as those "no entry" signs in the city center. Start your adventure by channeling your inner Lewis Hamilton at the Yas Marina Circuit, because let's be honest, nothing screams tourist like speeding around in a souped-up sports car. When you're done burning rubber, dive into the mystical depths of the Arabian Gulf and befriend Nemo's distant relatives at the Emirates Park Zoo Aquarium. With so much to see and do, Abu Dhabi will surely leave you saying, "I give it a 'Sheikh' of approval!"

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1. Emirates Palace

4.8 (24561)

West Corniche Road - Al Ras Al Akhdar - Abu Dhabi - United Arab Emirates

Welcome to the opulent world of Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi, where even the sand seems to shimmer with gold dust! This grand architectural masterpiece has somehow managed to convince unicorns to serve you rainbow-flavored delicacies while mermaids serenade you by the turquoise-colored pools. With a luxurious blend of elegance and extravagance, this palace promises to make you feel like a sheikh or sheikha in no time, even if you struggle to pronounce their titles properly! Step inside Emirates Palace's jaw-dropping lobby, which could easily double as the set for a royal wedding between Cinderella and Aladdin. Marvel at the crystal chandeliers that are so massive they have their own gravitational pull, ensuring you'll never lose your way in the palace. As you stroll through the corridors, keep an eye out for the discreetly placed butler statues, ever vigilant and ready to jump into action should you need assistance tying your shoe laces or finding your way back from exploring the maze-like hallways. If you're feeling particularly adventurous, jog around the private 1.3 km stretch of white sandy beach, where the sand has been handcrafted to be softer than a cloud (not scientifically proven, but it sure feels like it!). Remember to snap a selfie with a real-life camel, who has gladly taken up residence by the shore, eagerly posing with guests in the hope of mastering a few human words. So, whether you're an aspiring prince or princess, or simply someone who wants to immerse themselves in a world of pure grandeur, Emirates Palace is waiting patiently to spoil you rotten and leave you feeling like the Sultan(or Sultana) of the world!

www.mandarinoriental.com

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2. Qasr Al Hosn

4.5 (5005)

Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum St(2nd St) - Al Hisn - W3 - Abu Dhabi - United Arab Emirates

Welcome to Abu Dhabi's ultimate paradox - Qasr Al Hosn! This historic fortress is like that cool uncle who boasts about his age while desperately trying to blend in with the trendy youngsters. Step back in time as you explore its ancient walls, housing a museum that not only showcases centuries of Emirati heritage but also manages to make you feel like a time-traveling tourist searching for a Wi-Fi spot. Prepare to be awed by the blending of tradition and modernity at Qasr Al Hosn. It's as if the fortress decided to go for both an "undercover museum" and "start-up chic" vibe simultaneously. With its delicate restoration work and state-of-the-art interactive exhibits, this ancient gem has a knack for making you feel like you're simultaneously attending a hipster art exhibition and a history lecture. Embrace the perplexing blend and don't forget to snap a selfie with the grandiose towers, just in case the Emirati Pharaoh aesthetic becomes the next big thing. Once you've had your fair share of historical adventures, take a leisurely stroll through the surrounding beach park – a refreshing treat after all that mind-boggling nostalgia. You'll find yourself wandering through lush greenery, desperately trying to act casual while secretly hunting for that perfect patch of shade. So, bask in the sun (or seek refuge from it) at Qasr Al Hosn, where the past meets the present, and finding a comfy bench becomes your personal quest.

qasralhosn.ae

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3. Zaya Nurai Island

4.4 (845)

Nurai Island - Nourai Island - Abu Dhabi - United Arab Emirates

Welcome to Zaya Nurai Island, Abu Dhabi's very own oasis of jaw-dropping beauty and luxurious escapades. Picture this: you step onto the island, feeling as if you've stumbled upon a real-life episode of "Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous." Palm trees sway majestically, eager to shield you from the sun's pesky rays, while the crystalline waters of the Persian Gulf whisper, "Come, dive in, but don't forget your waterproof selfie stick!" Prepare to have your every wish catered to on Zaya Nurai Island. Want a massage? Sure, why not float on a fluffy cloud and let skilled hands knead the stress out of your body. Craving a gastronomic delight? Then head over to their award-winning restaurant, where chefs use molecular wizardry to whip up dishes that'll make your taste buds do the tango with glee. Fancy some adventure? Buckle up, because here you can partake in everything from exhilarating water sports to beach volleyball with the dolphins (okay, maybe not, but we can dream). Leaving Zaya Nurai Island might be the hardest part. As the ferry breaches the crystal-clear waves, you'll cast a final glance back, etching memories of paradise in your mind. Wave goodbye to the lobsters and sharks, or as we like to call them, the island's esteemed residents, and remember to thank your lucky stars that you made it to Abu Dhabi's most idyllic slice of heaven.

www.nuraiisland.com

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4. Abu Dhabi Mall

4.4 (22916)

Al Zahiyah - Abu Dhabi - United Arab Emirates

In the heart of Abu Dhabi, lies a mall so grand, it could make even the most ardent shopaholics weak at the knees. Abu Dhabi Mall, like a magnet for retail therapy enthusiasts, offers a glorious haven for those seeking respite from their mundane lives. With its labyrinthine corridors and an eclectic mix of global brands, consider this extravagant emporium a playground for fashionistas and collectors of shiny trinkets alike.

www.abudhabi-mall.com

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5. Masdar City

Masdar City - Abu Dhabi - United Arab Emirates

Welcome to Masdar City, where sustainable dreams come true faster than you can say "recycling bin"! Nestled in the heart of Abu Dhabi, this futuristic marvel will have you feeling like you just stepped into a science fiction movie. Get ready to be amazed by the world's greenest urban oasis, where cars are so last century and solar panels are cooler than an ice cream cone on a hot desert day.

www.masdarcity.ae

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6. Louvre Abu Dhabi

4.6 (23868)

Saadiyat - جزيرة السعديات - Cultural District - أبو ظبي - United Arab Emirates

Welcome to the magnificent Louvre Abu Dhabi, a cultural marvel that'll make you feel like you've stepped into a surreal mix of "The Da Vinci Code" and "Night at the Museum" on steroids. Behold as this architectural gem effortlessly blends French sophistication with Arabian charm, leaving you questioning whether you're in the Middle East or an alternate universe. Soak in the abundance of mind-boggling masterpieces, which have been handpicked to ignite your imagination and make you realize just how inadequate your elementary school art project truly was.

www.louvreabudhabi.ae

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7. Yas Island

4.6 (1214)

Yas Island - Abu Dhabi - United Arab Emirates

Welcome to Yas Island, where the fun simply refuses to take a day off! This entertainment oasis nestled in Abu Dhabi offers an escapade that'll leave you feeling like you've cheated on dreary reality with a wild ride, and boy, did you deserve it! Whether you're a speed demon eager to take on the Formula 1 tracks or a beach bum desperate to bliss out, Yas Island's got your hide—and all the adventure-hungry cells in your body—covered. So, buckle up, sunscreen up, and let's dive into this rollercoaster of a playground!

www.yasisland.ae

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8. Saadiyat Island

4.5 (883)

Saadiyat Island - Al Saadiyat Island - Abu Dhabi - United Arab Emirates

Welcome to Saadiyat Island, a land of luxurious escapades where palm trees sway like overeager tour guides and the sun shines brighter than a celebrity's smile after a successful Photoshop session. This picturesque island in Abu Dhabi is a dreamy haven for all those who prefer their vacations to be as swanky as a runway show. Get ready to indulge in white-sand beaches caressed by the gentle licks of turquoise waves, as you navigate through an oasis of opulence where even seashells seem to wear fancy sunglasses.

www.saadiyat.ae

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9. Heritage Village

4.3 (9028)

Abu Dhabi Theatre Rd, Corniche - Near Marina Mall - Breakwater Rd - Al Kasir - Al Marina - Abu Dhabi - United Arab Emirates

Welcome to Heritage Village in Abu Dhabi, where the past meets the present in a way that will make your Instagram followers go green with envy. Take a stroll through this enchanting open-air museum, where you can marvel at traditional Bedouin tents and wonder if the desert winds can handle your fashionably messy hairdo. Don't miss the chance to pose with friendly locals dressed in timeless Emirati attire, but be warned - if you crack a joke about their fashionable dishdasha, they might just outwit you with their sharp wit and humor!

www.torath.ae

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10. The Corniche

4.4 (3199)

3rd St - Al Danah - E7 - Abu Dhabi - United Arab Emirates

Buckle up, sun seekers! The Corniche in Abu Dhabi is a dazzling seaside promenade ready to sweep you off your feet! Picture this: a palm tree-lined parade with a marathon of pristine beaches, magnificent city skyline views, and more Instagrammable spots than you can swing a selfie stick at. Stroll, jog, or sashay along the corniche like a runway diva, feeling like a million bucks without spending a dirham – just pray there are no rogue seagulls aiming for your perfectly coiffed hairdo!

www.cornichehotelabudhabi.com

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11. Yas Links Abu Dhabi

4.6 (934)

Abu Dhabi - Yas Island - Abu Dhabi - United Arab Emirates

Welcome to Yas Links Abu Dhabi, where golf enthusiasts can combine their love for the sport with a generous sprinkling of Arabian beauty. Picture yourself strolling across the velvety green fairways, carefully avoiding the resident flamingos who have mastered the art of dodging wayward golf balls. Here, you can challenge yourself in a battle against the sea breeze, while secretly hoping that the wind doesn't carry your shots towards Yas Waterworld, where unsuspecting water park visitors might get an unexpected surprise!

troonabudhabi.com

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12. Ferrari World Abu Dhabi

4.5 (44042)

Yas Island - Abu Dhabi - United Arab Emirates

Welcome to Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, where the need for speed meets the Middle East! Get ready to exchange camel rides for the adrenaline rush of world-class roller coasters, because here, thrill is always in the driver's seat. Don't forget to buckle up as you explore the Ferrariland, home to the world's fastest roller coaster, where even speeding tickets are handed out with a smile. Once you conquer the tracks, rev up your appetite with Italian delicacies, because nothing complements a day of heart-pounding fun like a well-deserved plate of pasta.

www.ferrariworldabudhabi.com

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13. Yas Marina Circuit

Yas Marina Circuit - Yas Island - Abu Dhabi - United Arab Emirates

Welcome to Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi, where speed meets extravagance like a high-octane romance. This track is so luxurious, even the camels are sporting diamond studded collars. Imagine racing through a desert oasis, where the winding circuit curves with the grace of a belly dancer and the landscape will make you want to shout "zoom zoom" like a supercharged car engine. Whether you're a Formula 1 enthusiast or just looking for an exhilarating adventure, strap yourself in and get ready to experience the thrills of Yas Marina Circuit.

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14. Emirates Park Zoo

4.3 (12815)

12th St - Al Bahyah - Abu Dhabi - United Arab Emirates

Welcome to Emirates Park Zoo, where the animals happily reside in the posh neighborhood of Abu Dhabi! This wild hotspot offers a unique opportunity to hang out with the local celebrities, from roaring lions to sassy monkeys. And fret not, for this zoo has it all – whether you want to feed a giraffe, attempt to make a crocodile smile, or simply marvel at the rebellious ostriches, this place will bring out the animal lover in you faster than you can say "kangaroo hop."

www.emiratesparkzooandresort.com

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15. Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

4.8 (47055)

Abu Dhabi - Al Rawdah - Abu Dhabi - United Arab Emirates

Towering over the city like a gleaming gemstone, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi is a sight to behold. With its intricate architecture and dazzling white marble, it's like a wedding cake on steroids. The mosque's sheer size is enough to make you question if you accidentally stumbled into a real-life set of "Honey, I Shrunk the Kids."

www.szgmc.gov.ae

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16. Marina Mall

4.4 (28375)

Marina Mall Ring Rd - Al Kasir - Al Marina - Abu Dhabi - United Arab Emirates

Nestled in the magnificent city of Abu Dhabi, Marina Mall gracefully towers over its surroundings like an enthusiastic camel trying out yoga poses. With its impressive architecture, it proudly boasts the ability to hold both your shopping dreams and your amusement park aspirations in a delicate yet surprisingly sturdy balance. Step inside, and you'll feel like you've stumbled upon a labyrinth of retail therapy, where spontaneous shopping sprees may spontaneously combust at the sight of designer showrooms and gleaming jewelry stores.

marinamall.ae

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17. Yas Waterworld

4.5 (13472)

Yas Island - Abu Dhabi - United Arab Emirates

Welcome to Yas Waterworld, the splashiest oasis in Abu Dhabi! Prepare to dive headfirst into a water-park experience that will leave you soaked and smiling. With heart-pounding water slides, lazy rivers that turn even the most ambitious adventurer into a lazy sloth, and enough wave pools to make Poseidon himself jealous, this place has more H2O than a spelling bee. So grab your swimwear and get ready to make a splash at Yas Waterworld, where fun flows faster than water from a broken faucet!

www.yaswaterworld.com

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18. Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital

4.4 (1403)

Near the Abu Dhabi International Airport - طريق سوِيحَان - الشامخة - أبو ظبي - United Arab Emirates

Welcome to the Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital, where falcons are treated like the true royalty they believe they are! This lavish palace of care for our feisty feathered friends boasts an array of falcon-centric facilities that will leave you squawking with delight. From exquisite falcon waiting rooms, complete with tiny velvet couches, to the latest in falcon spa treatments, this is luxury your talon-ted pals simply won't be able to resist!

www.falconhospital.com

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19. Qasr Al Watan Palace

4.8 (5677)

Abu Dhabi - Al Ras Al Akhdar - Abu Dhabi - United Arab Emirates

Welcome to Qasr Al Watan Palace, where Arabian opulence meets governmental grandeur. With a name that sounds like a tongue twister and a façade that could compete with a national treasure, this architectural marvel is the cherry on top of Abu Dhabi's architectural cake. As you enter, prepare yourself for an awe-inducing journey into the inner sanctums of power, where you'll find yourself wondering if you accidentally stumbled into a Game of Thrones set.

www.qasralwatan.ae

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20. Mangrove National Park

4.4 (3969)

FC49+C4F - Abu Dhabi - United Arab Emirates

Welcome to Mangrove National Park in Abu Dhabi, where Mother Nature decided to showcase her impeccable taste in landscapes. This stunning park is like a fancy hair salon for trees, but instead of hair, they're sporting roots that gracefully dip into the sparkling waters, giving everything an enchanting twist. Take your time strolling through the mangroves, but be prepared for conversations with birds who might just ask for your opinion on the latest fishy gossip.

www.ead.ae

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How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Abu Dhabi by plane is to fly to Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH) from major airports around the world. A number of airlines operate regular flights to Abu Dhabi, including Etihad Airways, Emirates, and Qatar Airways. Make sure to check for the best deals on flights before booking your trip.

Car

If you are driving from Dubai, take Sheikh Zayed Road (E11) south towards Abu Dhabi. The journey should take approximately one hour and a half or longer depending on traffic. Alternatively, you can take the E311 road, which is slightly longer but less congested.

Train

Unfortunately, there is no direct train service to Abu Dhabi. The nearest train stations are in Dubai and Al Ain, which are both about an hour and a half away from Abu Dhabi by bus or car.

Boat

There are no regular boat services to Abu Dhabi, but you can charter a private boat from Dubai or other places along the coast of the Persian Gulf. This can be a great way to enjoy the picturesque coastal views and arrive in style. Make sure to check the prices and availability of boat charters before booking your trip.

Bus

The easiest way to get to Abu Dhabi by bus is to take the E100 bus from Dubai. The bus departs from the Al Ghubaiba Bus Station in Dubai and goes directly to Abu Dhabi. The journey takes about two hours, depending on traffic.

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