aventuro
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.
- 2
Abu Dhabi holds approximately 9% of the world's proven oil reserves.
- 3
The city was originally a small fishing village before the discovery of oil led to its rapid transformation starting in the 1960s.
- 4
Falconry is a deeply ingrained cultural tradition, and the city even operates a specialized Falcon Hospital to treat these birds.
- 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.
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.
-
211
Temples Hidden gem
Eid Prayer Ground
The Eid Prayer Ground in Al Bahyah, Abu Dhabi, is a designated open-air facility specifically constructed for the congre...
-
212
Temples Hidden gem
Anas bin Malik Mosque
The Anas bin Malik Mosque is located in the Al Nahdah area of Abu Dhabi, serving as a neighborhood center for daily Isla...
-
213
Temples Hidden gem
Fatima Hamel Al-Ghaith Mosque 630
Fatima Hamel Al-Ghaith Mosque 630 is a contemporary neighborhood mosque located in Shakhbout City, Abu Dhabi, serving th...
-
214
Temples Hidden gem
Al Sahaba Mosque
-
215
Temples Hidden gem
Mosque Ateeq Bin Aati AlRumaithi216
Mosque Ateeq Bin Aati AlRumaithi216 is a neighborhood place of worship located in the Al Sa'adah area of Abu Dhabi. It s...
-
216
Parks Hidden gem
children park
Children Park is a neighborhood recreational space located within Zone 19 of Mohamed Bin Zayed City, Abu Dhabi. The park...
-
217
Temples Hidden gem
Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank Mosque
The Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank Mosque is a prominent neighborhood place of worship located in the Al Muntazah district (Zone...
-
218
Temples Hidden gem
Hamza mosque 196
Hamza Mosque 196 is a neighborhood Islamic place of worship located in the Hadbat Al Zaaranah district of Abu Dhabi, Uni...
-
219
Temples Hidden gem
ME-11 Mosque
ME-11 Mosque is a neighborhood place of worship situated within sector ME11 of Mohammed Bin Zayed City in Abu Dhabi, Uni...
-
220
Temples Hidden gem
Abdrahman Alsharfi 351 Mosque
Abdrahman Alsharfi 351 Mosque is an active neighborhood place of worship located in the M11 industrial district of Musaf...
-
221
Temples Hidden gem
Mosque Masjid موزة عبيد عبدالله المشغوني 348
Masjid Moza Obaid Abdullah Al Mashghouni 348 is a neighborhood mosque located in Sector 12 of Khalifa City, Abu Dhabi. I...
-
222
Temples Hidden gem
Masjid Mohamed Ali fhadel alhameli 398 مسجد محمد على فاضل الهاملي
Masjid Mohamed Ali fhadel alhameli 398 is a neighborhood mosque located on Ath Thamir Street in Sector 32 of Khalifa Cit...
-
223
Temples Hidden gem
Mosque Of Ali Khalfan Rashid Al Mutawa Al Dhaheri 371
The Mosque of Ali Khalfan Rashid Al Mutawa Al Dhaheri 371 is a functional neighborhood mosque located in the industrial...
-
224
Temples Hidden gem
Ahmed Mohammed AlSuwaidi Mosque
The Ahmed Mohammed AlSuwaidi Mosque is a neighborhood place of worship situated in the Al Bateen district of Abu Dhabi....
-
225
Parks Hidden gem
Al Bateen Park
Al Bateen Park is a tranquil, family-oriented neighborhood green space located in the heart of the Al Bateen residential...
-
226
Temples Hidden gem
Thani bin Mohammed Mosque
The Thani bin Mohammed Mosque is a functional neighborhood place of worship located in the Al Zahiyah district of Abu Dh...
-
227
Places of interest Hidden gem
Hudayriyat Bridge - جسر الحديريات
The Hudayriyat Bridge is a prominent cable-stayed infrastructure project in Abu Dhabi connecting the mainland to Hudayri...
-
228
Temples Hidden gem
Masjid Mussafah Police Station
Masjid Mussafah Police Station is a prominent neighborhood mosque located in the M28 industrial and commercial sector of...
-
229
Playgrounds Hidden gem
Corniche Beach Playground
-
230
Museums Hidden gem
Abu Dhabi Art Hub
Abu Dhabi Art Hub is the first artist-run community in the United Arab Emirates, located within the industrial zone of M...
-
231
Temples Hidden gem
Masjid Al Malayika
Masjid Al Malayika is a neighborhood mosque situated on 25th Street in Khalifa City, Abu Dhabi. It serves the local resi...
-
232
Temples Hidden gem
Mohammed Bin Saeed Brouk Mosque 110
Mohammed Bin Saeed Brouk Mosque 110 is a neighborhood mosque located in the Al Danah district of Abu Dhabi. It serves as...
-
233
Temples Hidden gem
Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Mosque
The Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Mosque, located in the Al Bahyah district of Abu Dhabi, serves as a significant community r...
-
234
Temples Hidden gem
Mosque Ali Bin Ghanim Bin Hamouda
Mosque Ali Bin Ghanim Bin Hamouda is a local neighborhood mosque located in the Al Danah district of Abu Dhabi, United A...
-
235
Temples Hidden gem
Ahmed Khalaf Al Mazroui Mosque
Ahmed Khalaf Al Mazroui Mosque is a neighborhood place of worship situated in the Al Danah district of Abu Dhabi, United...
-
236
Temples Hidden gem
Sheikh Ahmed Abdulaziz Al Mubarak mosque
The Sheikh Ahmed Abdulaziz Al Mubarak Mosque is a neighborhood place of worship situated in the Al Manhal district of Ab...
-
237
Temples Hidden gem
Haji Abdullah AlKhoori Mosque
The Haji Abdullah AlKhoori Mosque is a neighborhood place of worship located in the Al Bateen district of Abu Dhabi. It...
-
238
Temples Hidden gem
Al-Marhoum Eid Al-Muraykhi Mosque
The Al-Marhoum Eid Al-Muraykhi Mosque is a neighborhood place of worship located in the Mohamed Bin Zayed City district...
-
239
Temples Hidden gem
Masjid Abdullah Ali Al hashli 311
Masjid Abdullah Ali Al hashli 311 is a functional neighborhood mosque located in the residential Khalifa City Sector 33...
-
240
Temples Hidden gem
Abu Ayoub Al Ansari 386 Mosque
Abu Ayoub Al Ansari Mosque is a neighborhood place of worship located in Khalifa City, Abu Dhabi. It serves the local re...
Explore by category
Jump straight to what you're into.
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.
