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United Arab Emirates
Things to do in Abu Dhabi
658 attractions · United Arab Emirates
Abu Dhabi Emirate, United Arab Emirates · 24.478, 54.369
About Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi is the capital of the United Arab Emirates and sits on a T-shaped island extending into the Persian Gulf. The city balances rapid modernization with deep-rooted traditions, evidenced by the historical significance of Qasr Al Hosn and the contemporary architectural scale of the UAE Presidential Palace. Beyond its urban core, the city emphasizes ecological preservation and public leisure, highlighted by the vast green expanses of Umm Al Emarat Park and the coastal biodiversity found at the Mangrove Marine National Park. It serves as a global cultural hub, anchored by the iconic Louvre Abu Dhabi.
Good to know
- 1
The city is composed of more than 200 natural islands.
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Abu Dhabi holds approximately 9% of the world's proven oil reserves.
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The city was originally a small fishing village before the discovery of oil led to its rapid transformation starting in the 1960s.
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Falconry is a deeply ingrained cultural tradition, and the city even operates a specialized Falcon Hospital to treat these birds.
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The local government mandates that all new buildings must meet specific sustainability standards known as Estidama.
Plan your visit to Abu Dhabi
Best time to visit
November to March, when temperatures are mild and suitable for outdoor activities and beach visits.
How many days
3-4 days, which allows enough time to explore the major cultural institutions, city parks, and coastal areas without rushing.
Getting around
Most visitors rely on taxis, ride-sharing apps, or rental cars, as the city is spread out and car-centric, though a bus network exists.
Where to stay
The Corniche area is ideal for proximity to the beach and parks, while Yas Island or Saadiyat Island are preferred for leisure and cultural accessibility.
Budget
Expensive; visitors should expect high costs for luxury accommodation, dining, and private transport.
Highlights of Abu Dhabi
The places our editors single out - and why they're worth your time.
Louvre Abu Dhabi
See the iconic floating dome architecture and an extensive collection of global art history.
UAE Presidential Palace
Explore the intricate craftsmanship and formal halls of the nation's working administrative headquarters.
Umm Al Emarat Park
Walk through diverse botanical landscapes including a shade house and evening light displays.
Emirates Heritage Village
Visit reconstructed traditional desert dwellings to understand pre-oil life in the region.
Corniche Beach
Relax on the public beachfront overlooking the Persian Gulf with a dedicated view of the city skyline.
Qasr Al Hosn
Tour the city's oldest stone building which served as the residence for the ruling Al Nahyan family.
Mangrove Marine National Park
Kayak through extensive native mangrove forests that provide a critical natural habitat for local marine life.
Top things to do in Abu Dhabi
The 658 most popular places in Abu Dhabi.
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271
Parks Hidden gem
Bul Sayayeef Marine Protected Reserve
Bul Sayayeef Marine Protected Reserve is a designated conservation area located off the coast of Abu Dhabi, characterize...
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272
Temples Hidden gem
Apostolic Revival Congregation-ARC Tamil church
Apostolic Revival Congregation-ARC Tamil church is a vibrant Tamil-speaking Christian fellowship operating within the St...
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273
Temples Hidden gem
Etihad Engineering Mosque
The Etihad Engineering Mosque is a dedicated house of worship located within the Etihad Engineering complex near Zayed I...
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274
Temples Hidden gem
Mr.Mohammed Saif Al Mazrouie Mosque
Mr.Mohammed Saif Al Mazrouie Mosque is a neighborhood place of worship located in the Mohammed Bin Zayed City district (...
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275
Temples Hidden gem
Sultan Bin Yousef Mosque
Sultan Bin Yousef Mosque is a local neighborhood place of worship situated in the Al Bateen district of Abu Dhabi. Locat...
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276
Temples Hidden gem
Masjid Al Wathbah
Masjid Al Wathbah is a community mosque situated within the Al Wathba residential district of Abu Dhabi. It serves as a...
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277
Temples Hidden gem
Marzouk Mubarak Al Mansour Mosque 263
Marzouk Mubarak Al Mansour Mosque 263 is a neighborhood mosque located in the Hadbat Al Za`Faranah district of Abu Dhabi...
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278
Museums Hidden gem
The Art Gallery at NYU Abu Dhabi
The Art Gallery at NYU Abu Dhabi is a university-affiliated gallery that functions as a non-profit space for experimenta...
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279
Temples Hidden gem
Mosque Ahmed Bin Ali Bin Hamouda 87
Mosque Ahmed Bin Ali Bin Hamouda 87 is a functional neighborhood mosque located in the Al Danah district of Abu Dhabi. I...
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280
Temples Hidden gem
Mosque Of Fathima Bint Mohammed Bin Butti 76
The Mosque of Fathima Bint Mohammed Bin Butti 76 is a functioning neighborhood mosque located in the heart of the Madina...
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281
Temples Hidden gem
Masjid Touheed
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282
Places of interest Hidden gem
EMAL IOT Site Office
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283
Museums Hidden gem
Miraj Islamic Art Gallery
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284
Temples Hidden gem
Sheikh Butti Al Hamed Mosque/149
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285
Temples Hidden gem
Masjid Saadiyat Island
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286
Temples Hidden gem
Imam Abu Hanifa Mosque
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287
Temples Hidden gem
Buti Bin Khadim Al Hamed 373 Mosque
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288
Museums Hidden gem
UAE Pavilion
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289
Temples Hidden gem
Al Shaheed Adel Seddeq Mohammed 380 AL Asmani
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290
Temples Hidden gem
Muttee Bin Al Aswad Al Qurashi Mosque 405
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291
Temples Hidden gem
Masjid Khadeeja
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292
Temples Hidden gem
Masjid Al-Abrar
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293
Temples Hidden gem
مسجد عوشة عبد الله معضد المزروعي رقم 516
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294
Temples Hidden gem
Al Shaheed Musallam Saif Al Rashedi Mosque 430
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295
Temples Hidden gem
Sheikh Ahmed bin Hamed Al Hamed Mosque
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296
Temples Hidden gem
Abdullah Hussain Khoory Mosque 72
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297
Temples Hidden gem
Hamda Bint Murshid Al Mansouri Mosque
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298
Parks Hidden gem
Reem Island Canal
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299
Temples Hidden gem
Mosque of Thani Bin Murshid Al Romaithy
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300
Temples Hidden gem
Omara Bin Hamza Bin Abdul Mottalib Mosque
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Abu Dhabi on the map
Top attractions plotted across the city.
Frequently asked
How many attractions are there in Abu Dhabi?
Aventuro lists 658 curated attractions in and around Abu Dhabi, sorted by popularity.
What's the top attraction in Abu Dhabi?
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is the most popular place to visit in Abu Dhabi right now.
What kind of attractions does Abu Dhabi have?
The largest category is temples, with 485 places to explore.
Which other cities are worth visiting nearby?
Travellers also explore Jumeirah, Ajman, Al Ain.
