There are so many things to do and see in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, that a week or even more will pass quickly and very pleasantly. Abu Dhabi is one of the liveliest and most attractive cities to visit in the United Arab Emirates, one magical and mysterious destination that fascinates all types of tourists.
Located on a T-shaped island, this quirky city has many great attractions that are in no way inferior to neighboring Dubai, enough to count nearly 12 million visitors and tourists every year. Abu Dhabi looks like a place full of luxury with many places to visit ed activities to do, both for couples and for families with children.
What to see in Abu Dhabi
Sheikh Zayed Mosque
The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is the main attraction of the city and one of the most important places to see in Abu Dhabi. Its beauty is unique and in recent years it has become one of the main monuments of the country. Sheikh Zayed Mosque is a huge building, it can accommodate around 40.000 worshipers and is open to visitors almost every day at certain times.
Its facility is the largest in the UAE and the 14th by capacity in the world. The visit is free, but a dress code is required to enter. In the mosque there is a 5.600 m² carpet weighing 47 tons. One of the most beautiful things to admire are the sumptuous in crystal chandeliers. The largest has a diameter of 10 meters and a height of 15 meters, it is considered the largest chandelier in the world.
Observation Deck at 300
The Observation Deck at 300 is another must-see attraction. From the 74th floor of the Jumeirah at Etihad Towers hotel, you can enjoy a 360 degree view of the entire city. The entrance ticket costs 75 AED (about 20 €). By purchasing the ticket online you can also add a drink (tea or coffee) and a slice of cake to be enjoyed with a splendid view of Abu Dhabi.
Yas Island
The artificial island of Yas Island has some of the best attractions in Abu Dhabi such as: Ferrari World, Yas Waterworld and the Formula 1 Circuit.
Corniche and Corniche Beach
Corniche is a beautiful boulevard located near the beach with great views of the city's skyscrapers. It offers interesting parks, fountains and paths to stroll during the sunset while breathing in the sea breeze. Corniche Beach is one of the most interesting beaches in Abu Dhabi, located next to the famous boulevard.
Etihad Towers
The Etihad Towers are a collection of five buildings, some of which are the tallest in the city. Tower 2, 305 meters high, is the third tallest building in Abu Dhabi.
Mushrif Central Park
Mushrif Central Park is one of the most beautiful parks in Abu Dhabi. The entrance ticket costs 5 AED (approximately € 1,30).
Abu Dhabi Marina Mall
Abu Dhabi Marina Mall is one of the most famous shopping malls in the city. Inside you can find everything.
Emirates Palace
Emirates Palace is one of the most famous hotels in the city. Rumored to be the world's most expensive hotel ever built, many of the rooms are adorned with gold.
Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital
Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital is the hospital where hawks, a sacred animal in the country, are treated. In this hospital, injured birds are treated with the best veterinary equipment.
Emirates Heritage Club Heritage Village
The Emirates Heritage Club Heritage Village is a center where you can discover the history of the city. One of the most curious activities to do in Abu Dhabi.
Yas Marina
Yas Marina is the marina of the island of Yas. Some of the most spectacular yachts in the world are docked here. It is one of the most exclusive areas of the city. Very nice visit and atmosphere during the evening.
Abu Dhabi History Museum and Aquarium
The Abu Dhabi History Museum and Aquarium is the main aquarium in the city. Thousands of marine creatures are housed in the various tanks.
Bandiera
Another thing to do in Abu Dhabi is to see its huge flag. With its 122 meters high it is one of the tallest flags in the world.
Yas Marina Formula 1 Circuit
For fans of F1 and motorsport, the Yas Marina Formula 1 Circuit is definitely a stop not to be missed.
Saadiyat public beach
The public beach of Saadiyat is one of the best in the city for enjoying the sun and the sea. Located on the island of Saadiyat, it offers white sand and crystal clear waters. It is about 25 minutes by car.
What to do in Abu Dhabi
Desert Safari
One of the most interesting activities to do in Abu Dhabi is to do a desert safari. The price is around AED 250 (€ 65 per person) and the duration of the excursion is around 6 hours. Most tours include a slide over the dunes, a short camel ride, an Arabic buffet, and a belly dancer show. They normally take place at sunrise and sunset.
Ferrari World Abu Dhabi
Ferrari World Abu Dhabi is an extraordinary amusement park located on Yas Island. The cheapest ticket costs 275 AED per person (around 70 €). Here you can experience some of the most incredible attractions in the world, such as the Formula Rossa, the fastest roller coaster in the world. This incredible roller coaster reaches 240 kilometers per hour in 4,5 seconds. F1 simulators are also among the park's attractions.
Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi
Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi, also located on the artificial island of Yas Island, is the main water park in the city. This water park offers 45 attractions for everyone, there are attractions for the bravest and quieter ones for children.
Murjan Splash Park
Murjan Splash Park is another interesting water park you can do, very suitable for families with children. The cost of the ticket is 50.00 AED. Children with a height of less than one meter enter for free.
Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi
Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi is an amusement and theme park located on Yas Island, close to Ferrari World and Yas Waterpark. It is Warner Bros' third theme park. The theme park is indoor and fully air-conditioned. Tickets cost AED 295 for adults and AED 230 for children under 110cm tall. Children under the age of 3 enter for free.
Mangrove National Park
Mangrove National Park is one of the most curious and fun choices to make in Abu Dhabi. You can rent kayaks and go for walks to discover this beautiful environment.
Emirates Park Zoo
Emirates Park Zoo is one of the main attractions of the city. This wildlife park is home to many animals, some endangered.
Marina Eye Ferris Wheel
The Marina Eye Ferris Wheel is a giant Ferris wheel located on the city's waterfront. On board the 42 capsules you can enjoy a splendid view of the city and the Corniche.
The Ferris wheel operates every day of the week, from 11:00 to 01:00 from Thursday to Saturday and from 10:00 to 23:00 from Sunday to Wednesday. Tickets cost AED 50 for adults and AED 30 for children under 12.
Helicopter tour
One of the most exciting things you can do in Abu Dhabi is a helicopter tour to see this incredible city from above. Tours operate daily from 09:00 to 17:00 and take off from the Marina Mall terminal.
Khalifa Park
Located next to the Grand Mosque, Khalifa Park is an interesting park to visit with the whole family. It has an aquarium, museum, train, playground and beautiful gardens.
To swim
Whether it's a swimming pool (many of the hotels have great pools) or the sea at the Persian Golf, swimming in Abu Dhabi is one of the most enjoyable activities you can do all year round. In the summer it is also a great way to cool off on hot days.
How to reach us
Abu Dhabi can be reached with one of the many direct flights departing from Spain or even by flying to Dubai and then continuing the journey by land. The two cities are only 140 kilometers apart, about an hour and a half in auto.
To reach Abu Dhabi from Dubai, if you don't want to rent a car, you can also get there by public transport. The lines of bus that connect the two cities are: E100 and E101. The cost of the trip is 25 AED (about 6 € approximately).
