10 Best Things to Do in Abu Dhabi
What is Abu Dhabi Most Famous For?
The best things to do in Abu Dhabi include awe-inspiring and ultra-modern attractions that you can only find in one of the richest cities on the planet. These diverse attractions range from the UAE’s largest mosque, with its impressive architectural and interior features, to the world’s fastest indoor rollercoaster.
Other highlights include fun recreational spots for the whole family and heritage oases where you can learn about Emirati traditions and culture. Read on to learn more about what you should include on your next visit to the capital of the United Arab Emirates.
What are the best things to do in Abu Dhabi?
1. The Corniche
Abu Dhabi’s charming waterfront
Categoría: Parejas, Familias, Foto
The Corniche is Abu Dhabi’s iconic 8-km stretch of waterfront where you can bike and stroll along manicured paths as well as enjoy various beach activities. Among the best things to do in Abu Dhabi, here you can take a dip in the calm waters off a white and sandy artificial shoreline, against the high-rise skyline of the UAE’s capital.
The whole length of the Corniche is dotted with football pitches, volleyball courts and parks that make good use of the seaside setting. We recommend finding a sun-soaked bar terrace to view gorgeous sunsets. If you visit during certain times of the year like Eid and New Year, you’ll also get to witness some spectacular firework displays.
Ubicación: Corniche Rd, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
The Corniche
2. Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
One of the world’s largest and grandest mosques
Categoría: Foto, Económico
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is one of the must-see landmarks in the UAE capital with its massive scale, 82 domes and towering minarets. The complex was completed in 2007, named in honour of the UAE’s late president and the mosque’s brainchild, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.
The mosque’s design blends diverse Islamic architectural elements. Inside, check out its series of 24-karat-gold gilded chandeliers with Swarovski crystals: the largest measures 10 metres wide and 15 metres tall. It also features the world’s largest hand-knotted carpet, made with New Zealand and Iranian wool. As with any mosque visit, respectful conduct and attire is a must.
Ubicación: Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Street, 5th St, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Horarios: Saturday–Thursday from 9 am to 10 pm, Fridays from 9 am to noon and 3 pm to 10 pm
Teléfono: +971 (0)2 419 1919
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
3. Al-Hosn Fort
Abu Dhabi’s oldest stone building
Categoría: Historia, Foto, Económico
The 18th-century Al-Hosn Fort and Palace is a historical Abu Dhabi landmark that the city was built around. Also known as Qasr al-Hosn or ‘Palace Fort’, it was built in 1761 as a watchtower to defend the only freshwater well on the island. It later became the permanent residence of ruling sheikhs and emirs.
Today, the palace-fort features a museum where you can learn more about Abu Dhabi’s past through various artefacts and exhibits. The vast grounds also host the multi-day cultural event, the Qasr al-Hosn Festival, that usually takes place in early December. But no matter the time of year you visit, you can always celebrate Abu Dhabi’s culture and heritage here through crafts, music and workshops.
Ubicación: Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum St, Al Hosn, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Horarios: Saturday–Thursday from 9 am to 8 pm, Fridays from 2 pm to 8 pm
Teléfono: +971 (0)2 697 6400
Al-Hosn Fort
4. Beaches of Abu Dhabi
From beautiful urban waterfronts to secluded sandy coves
Categoría: Familias, Foto, Económico
The best beaches in Abu Dhabi offer sandy seaside fun and spectacular sunsets, all backed by incredible city skylines. Corniche Beach tops the list for most visitors, especially families, with its calm, clean and swimmable waters bordered by several parks and promenades.
Al Bateen Beach is a leisurely retreat with water sports to enjoy, including kayaks, jet skis and pedalos. It also has picnic spots overlooking Hudayriat Island and its long white bridge stretches over the waters. For pristine nature, head to Saadiyat Beach. This well-preserved strip of white sand is home to protected dunes and turtle-nesting sites. It’s accessible via a wooden boardwalk on the north-western shore of the namesake island.
Beaches of Abu Dhabi
5. Ferrari World
Hair-raising fun at the world’s first Ferrari-themed park
Categoría: Familias, De lujo, De aventura
Ferrari World on Abu Dhabi’s Yas Island is a must for all fans of the famous Italian supercar maker, along with those with a need for speed. Almost everything at this massive indoor theme park features the Prancing Horse logo and the signature Ferrari Red: rosso corsa.
Among the many rides, there’s Formula Rossa, the ‘fastest in the world’ rollercoaster that takes you from 0 to 149 mph in 4.9 seconds. To combine crazy speeds with dizzying heights, try Flying Aces, which reaches 63-metres-high at speeds of up to 74 mph. Smaller ones can ride the Formula Rossa Junior or the Flying Wings, or they can even feel like Schumacher behind the wheel of scaled-down Formula 1 cars.
Ubicación: Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Horarios: Hours vary by season
Teléfono: +971 (0)60 051 1115
Ferrari World
6. Yas Island
A small island that’s big on leisure and entertainment
Categoría: Familias, Ir de compras, Grupos
Yas Island in Abu Dhabi is a destination on its own, being home to some of the UAE capital’s most popular attractions. Firstly, it’s a mecca for lovers of exotic automobiles and motor racing enthusiasts, who come for Ferrari World and the Yas Marina Circuit where the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is held.
When you’re not riding on the world’s fastest rollercoaster or cheering on your favourite F1 drivers, there’s plenty of other leisurely fun to be had, like splashing with the whole family at the Emirati-themed Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi. The water park features 45 rides and slides as well as seasonal events and shows. For shopping, dining and even more entertainment, there’s Yas Mall, Abu Dhabi’s largest.
Ubicación: Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Yas Island
7. Museums in Abu Dhabi
From Emirati heritage to amazing automobiles
Categoría: Familias, Historia, Foto
The best museums in Abu Dhabi come in a huge variety, each offering a unique set of treasures to admire. Art lovers can check out the Louvre Abu Dhabi, the largest art museum on the Arabian Peninsula. It showcases works from multiple French museums, including Paris’ own Louvre.
At the Emirates Heritage Village, you can go back in time and learn about traditional Emirati life through a fascinating reconstructed desert village. Fast-forwarding to modernity, you can visit Manarat Al Saadiyat, with its high-tech and interactive exhibits. For automobile lovers, the Emirates National Auto Museum showcases over 200 vehicles from the private collection of Sheikh Hamad Bin Hamdan Al Nahyan, aka ‘The Rainbow Sheikh’.
Museums in Abu Dhabi
8. Emirates Heritage Village
An oasis of Emirati heritage in the UAE capital
Categoría: Familias, Historia, Foto
Plan a visit to Emirates Heritage Village for a journey back in time to learn more about Emirati life in a reconstructed desert village. Inside this walled complex run by the Emirates Heritage Club, you’ll find traditional barasti houses as well as a mosque and a street souq market.
Stroll along the stone paths by manicured gardens from one desert home to another. You can drop by each to watch craftspeople demonstrating traditional techniques in creating pottery and even glassblowing. The different exhibitions, market stalls and special events help keep the visit interesting. This cultural oasis is a pleasant escape from Abu Dhabi’s modern high-rise cityscapes.
Ubicación: Marina Mall, Abu Dhabi Theater Road, Corniche, Breakwater Road, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Horarios: Saturday–Thursday from 9 am to 4 pm, Fridays from 3 pm to 9 pm
Teléfono: +971 (0)2 681 4455
Emirates Heritage Village
9. Mangrove Marine National Park
Refreshing nature and wildlife spotting
Categoría: Familias, De aventura, Grupos
Mangrove Marine National Park is where you can trade the UAE capital’s bustling, modern cityscape for lush and soothing nature. The protected ecological jewel just outside Abu Dhabi’s city centre is home to rich birdlife, and the mangrove forests and salt marshes offer outdoor adventures for the whole family.
On a kayaking trip, you’re likely to spot herons and flamingos, while marine mammals like dugongs and dolphins also occasionally navigate the channels. Make sure you take your camera for memorable photos, and lots of snacks and water to keep you fuelled during your walk. Many hotels and tour agencies offer fantastic guided tours and activities if you’d like to explore this natural wonder with some expert knowledge.
Ubicación: Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Mangrove Marine National Park
10. Observation Deck at 300
Bird’s-eye views over Abu Dhabi’s high-rise cityscape
Categoría: Parejas, Foto, Grupos
Observation Deck at 300 is where you can take in uninterrupted bird’s-eye views of the capital of the United Arab Emirates. You can find the cool chillout spot on the 74th floor of the prestigious Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers’ second tower. At 300 metres, it’s deemed the city’s highest vantage point.
It’s the ideal spot for Instagram-worthy shots of the modern Abu Dhabi skyline. Stay on for the amazing sunsets over the Corniche and the Arabian Gulf. Afternoon high tea and happy hour deals from 5 pm to 7 pm are other good reasons to visit the Observation Deck at 300. Enjoy servings of fine teas, coffees and mocktails paired with tasty morsels alongside the memorable view.
Ubicación: Tower 2, Level 74, Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers, Corniche Rd, Al Bateen, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Horarios: Daily from 9.30 am to 8 pm
Teléfono: +971 (0)2 811 5666
Observation Deck at 300
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