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Abu Dhabi

658 attractions · United Arab Emirates

Abu Dhabi
United Arab Emirates

Things to do in Abu Dhabi

658 attractions · United Arab Emirates

Photo: Marko Kudjerski from Toronto, Canada, CC BY 2.0

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. 1

    The city is composed of more than 200 natural islands.

  2. 2

    Abu Dhabi holds approximately 9% of the world's proven oil reserves.

  3. 3

    The city was originally a small fishing village before the discovery of oil led to its rapid transformation starting in the 1960s.

  4. 4

    Falconry is a deeply ingrained cultural tradition, and the city even operates a specialized Falcon Hospital to treat these birds.

  5. 5

    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.

Top things to do in Abu Dhabi

The 658 most popular places in Abu Dhabi.

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  1. 61 Abu Dhabi Beach
    Beaches and ponds Known locally

    Abu Dhabi Beach

    Abu Dhabi Beach, located in the Al Hisn district, is an accessible urban shoreline offering dedicated zones for swimming...

  2. 62 حديقة العائلة ب
    Parks Known locally

    حديقة العائلة ب

    Family Park B is a designated section of the extensive Corniche Park system located along Abu Dhabi's waterfront. Situat...

  3. 63 Emirates National Auto Museum
    Museums Known locally

    Emirates National Auto Museum

    The Emirates National Auto Museum houses the personal collection of Sheikh Hamad bin Hamdan Al Nahyan, featuring over 20...

  4. 64 المنتزه الشمالي
    Parks Known locally

    المنتزه الشمالي

    Al Muntazah Al Shamali (The Northern Park) is a sprawling landscaped public space located on the northwestern tip of Yas...

  5. 65 Al Nahyan Stadium
    Venues Known locally

    Al Nahyan Stadium

    Al Nahyan Stadium serves as the primary home ground for Al Wahda FC, a prominent professional football club in the Unite...

  6. 66 Al Souq
    Places of interest Known locally

    Al Souq

    Al Souq in the Al Danah district serves as an authentic local hub for traditional commerce in Abu Dhabi. It is character...

  7. 67 Sheikha Fatima Park
    Parks Known locally

    Sheikha Fatima Park

    Sheikha Fatima Park is an urban lifestyle and community park located in the Al Khalidiyah district of Abu Dhabi. Formerl...

  8. 68 Yas Gateway Park - South
    Parks Known locally

    Yas Gateway Park - South

    Yas Gateway Park - South serves as a primary green recreational corridor on Yas Island, functioning as a buffer between...

  9. 69 Circuit X Splash Park
    Parks Known locally

    Circuit X Splash Park

    Circuit X Splash Park is a dedicated aquatic playground located on Hudayriyat Island in Abu Dhabi. It features water sli...

  10. 70 Al Kareem Mosque
    Temples Known locally

    Al Kareem Mosque

    Al Kareem Mosque is a prominent neighborhood place of worship located on Al Marina island in Abu Dhabi. It serves the lo...

  11. 71 Al Bateen Palace
    Historical places Known locally

    Al Bateen Palace

    Al Bateen Palace serves as a private presidential palace and a significant landmark within the Al Manhal district of Abu...

  12. 72 Mary Mother of Jesus Mosque
    Temples Known locally

    Mary Mother of Jesus Mosque

    The Mary Mother of Jesus Mosque, originally named Sheikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Mosque, is located in the Al Mushrif distric...

  13. 73 New Shahama Park
    Parks Known locally

    New Shahama Park

    New Shahama Park is a community green space in the Al Shahama district of Abu Dhabi, managed by the Department of Munici...

  14. 74 Emirates Palace Fountain
    Places of interest Known locally

    Emirates Palace Fountain

    The Emirates Palace Fountain is a grand water feature situated at the primary entrance of the Emirates Palace Mandarin O...

  15. 75 Abu Dhabi Turf Club
    Venues Known locally

    Abu Dhabi Turf Club

    The Abu Dhabi Turf Club, often referred to as the Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club, serves as the premier venue for thoroughbre...

  16. 76 Xtreme Zone Galleria Al Maryah Island
    Amusement parks Known locally

    Xtreme Zone Galleria Al Maryah Island

    Xtreme Zone at The Galleria Al Maryah Island is an indoor entertainment complex designed for children and teenagers, fea...

  17. 77 Al Fay Park
    Parks Known locally

    Al Fay Park

    Al Fay Park is a pioneering urban forest park located on Al Reem Island in Abu Dhabi, specifically designed to address t...

  18. 78 Abu Dhabi National Theatre
    Venues Known locally

    Abu Dhabi National Theatre

    The Abu Dhabi National Theatre is a primary cultural hub situated in the Al Nahyan area, functioning as a key venue for...

  19. 79 Mosque Of Sheikh Hazza Bin Sultan
    Temples Known locally

    Mosque Of Sheikh Hazza Bin Sultan

    The Mosque of Sheikh Hazza Bin Sultan is located in the Al Zahiyah district of Abu Dhabi, serving as a primary neighborh...

  20. 80 Al Angham Park
    Parks Known locally

    Al Angham Park

    Al Angham Park is a neighborhood-focused green space located within the Mohammed Bin Zayed City district of Abu Dhabi. T...

  21. 81 Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan Mosque
    Temples Known locally

    Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan Mosque

    The Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan Mosque, located in the Al Bahyah area of Abu Dhabi, is a prominent architectural l...

  22. 82 Yas Park 2
    Parks Known locally

    Yas Park 2

    Yas Park 2 is a modern residential-adjacent recreational space located on the eastern side of Yas Island in Abu Dhabi. D...

  23. 83 Yas Park 1
    Parks Known locally

    Yas Park 1

    Yas Park 1 is a residential-focused recreational space located on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, serving as a landscaped communi...

  24. 84 Fossil Dunes Abu Dhabi
    Places of interest Known locally

    Fossil Dunes Abu Dhabi

    The Fossil Dunes in Abu Dhabi consist of thousands of lithified sand formations sculpted by wind and time into intricate...

  25. 85 Bani Hashim Mosque
    Temples Known locally

    Bani Hashim Mosque

    Bani Hashim Mosque is a contemporary neighborhood place of worship situated in the Rabdan area of Abu Dhabi. The structu...

  26. 86 AlRahba Park
    Parks Known locally

    AlRahba Park

    AlRahba Park serves as a community-focused neighborhood green space located between Abu Dhabi and Dubai. The site is cha...

  27. 87 Corniche Sea Side
    Places of interest Known locally

    Corniche Sea Side

    The Corniche Sea Side is an 8-kilometer waterfront promenade stretching along the northwestern shore of Abu Dhabi island...

  28. 88 Sheikh Zayed Bridge
    Places of interest Known locally

    Sheikh Zayed Bridge

    The Sheikh Zayed Bridge is a 842-meter-long curved arch bridge designed by Zaha Hadid to link Abu Dhabi Island with the...

  29. 89 Sheikh Sultan Bin Zayed The First Mosque
    Temples Known locally

    Sheikh Sultan Bin Zayed The First Mosque

    Sheikh Sultan Bin Zayed The First Mosque is a functioning neighborhood mosque located in the Al Bateen district of Abu D...

  30. 90 Al Maqta'a Museum
    Museums Known locally

    Al Maqta'a Museum

    Al Maqta'a Museum is housed within the historic Al Maqta'a Watchtower, a significant 19th-century defensive structure lo...

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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.