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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.
- 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.
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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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241
Temples Hidden gem
Mosque of Sheikh Ahmed Gomaa Al Zoghabi
The Mosque of Sheikh Ahmed Gomaa Al Zoghabi is a neighborhood house of worship located in the Al Zahiyah district of Abu...
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242
Temples Hidden gem
Ghaith Mohammed Ali Al Qubaisi 347 Mosque
The Ghaith Mohammed Ali Al Qubaisi 347 Mosque is a neighborhood Islamic place of worship located in Sector 13 of Khalifa...
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243
Parks Hidden gem
Shade House
The Shade House is a botanical park structure located within Umm Al Emarat Park in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. It f...
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244
Temples Hidden gem
Ali Ghurair Alromaithi Mosque
Ali Ghurair Alromaithi Mosque is a neighborhood place of worship located in the Mohamed Bin Zayed City district (Zone Z1...
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245
Parks Hidden gem
ملعب الاحتراف
Malab Al Ihtiraf is a community-focused public park located in the Al Shamkhah area of Abu Dhabi. It serves as a local r...
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246
Temples Hidden gem
Mosque Sheikh Hamdan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan
The Mosque Sheikh Hamdan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan is a prominent community place of worship located in the Al Samhah district...
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247
Places of interest Hidden gem
Challenge Chambers Abu Dhabi
Challenge Chambers Abu Dhabi is an interactive escape room experience located in the Al Nahyan district of Abu Dhabi. Pa...
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248
Temples Hidden gem
Masjid Fatah
Masjid Fatah is an active neighborhood mosque located in the Al Danah area of central Abu Dhabi. The structure functions...
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249
Temples Hidden gem
Masjid Kannah Khalifa AlQamzi
Masjid Kannah Khalifa AlQamzi is a neighborhood mosque situated in the Al Shawamekh district of Abu Dhabi, United Arab E...
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250
Temples Hidden gem
Masjid Khalifa City Police Station
Masjid Khalifa City Police Station is a community mosque located adjacent to the Khalifa City Police Station complex in...
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251
Temples Hidden gem
Khalifa Ahmed Abdul Aziz Al Mubarak Masjid
Khalifa Ahmed Abdul Aziz Al Mubarak Masjid is a neighborhood mosque located in the Hadbat Al Za'Faranah district of Abu...
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252
Temples Hidden gem
Ammar ibn Yasir Mosque 199
Ammar ibn Yasir Mosque 199 is a neighborhood mosque situated on Mohammed Bin Gabran Al Suwaidi Street in the Hadbat Al Z...
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253
Temples Hidden gem
Abdul Jaleel Mosque
Abdul Jaleel Mosque, located in the Al Nahyan district of Abu Dhabi, functions as a local community place of worship ser...
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254
Temples Hidden gem
An-Najm Mosque
An-Najm Mosque is a neighborhood place of worship situated on An Nahar Street in the Al Mushrif district of Abu Dhabi. I...
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255
Temples Hidden gem
Saleh Mubarak Musalam A'Tha'eeth Al-A'Ameri 375 Masjid
The Saleh Mubarak Musalam A'Tha'eeth Al-A'Ameri 375 Masjid is a neighborhood mosque situated in the industrial and comme...
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256
Temples Hidden gem
مسجد محمد غنام الهاملي رقم 362 Masjid ganam
Masjid Mohamed Ghanam Al Hamli, also identified as Mosque Number 362, is a community place of worship located in the Moh...
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257
Temples Hidden gem
Hidaya Bint Saleh Salem Al Shamsi Mosque
The Hidaya Bint Saleh Salem Al Shamsi Mosque is a contemporary neighborhood mosque located in the Al Muntazah area of Ab...
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258
Temples Hidden gem
Al-Muhajireen Mosque 465
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259
Temples Hidden gem
Madinat Zayed Mosque
Madinat Zayed Mosque is a community-focused place of worship located in the heart of the Al Danah district in Abu Dhabi....
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260
Temples Hidden gem
Masjid Hamza bin AbdulMutalib
Masjid Hamza bin AbdulMutalib is a neighborhood mosque located in the Al Shawamekh district of Abu Dhabi, United Arab Em...
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261
Temples Hidden gem
Masjid Abu Dhar Al-Afary
Masjid Abu Dhar Al-Afary is a community mosque located in the heart of Mohamed Bin Zayed City, Abu Dhabi. It serves as a...
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262
Temples Hidden gem
Sheikh Saif bin Mohammed Mosque
Sheikh Saif bin Mohammed Mosque is a neighborhood place of worship located on Jubara Bin Hasan Al Marar Street in the Ha...
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263
Temples Hidden gem
ICAD I Mosque
ICAD I Mosque is a prominent neighborhood place of worship located within the industrial hub of Abu Dhabi Industrial Cit...
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264
Temples Hidden gem
Abdul Jalil Mohammed Al Fahim Masjid (mosque)
Abdul Jalil Mohammed Al Fahim Masjid is a neighborhood mosque located on Saif Ghobash Street in the Al Rawdah district o...
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265
Temples Hidden gem
ALAHNAF BIN QAIS MASJID - AD463
Alahnaf Bin Qais Masjid is a neighborhood mosque located in the Al Rahbah area of Abu Dhabi, UAE. It operates under the...
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266
Temples Hidden gem
Kanna Saeed Al Qamzi Mosque
Kanna Saeed Al Qamzi Mosque is a neighborhood place of worship located in the Al Khalidiyah district of Abu Dhabi. It se...
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267
Temples Hidden gem
Abdulla Sultan AlRumaithi mosque 223
Abdulla Sultan AlRumaithi mosque 223 is a local neighborhood place of worship situated in the Al Sa'adah district of Abu...
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268
Temples Hidden gem
مسجد اسماعيل فتح علي ال خاجة رقم 743
Masjid Ismail Fath Ali Al Khajah No. 743 is a neighborhood mosque located in the Al Shamkhah area of Abu Dhabi, United A...
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269
Temples Hidden gem
Hamda Khalifa Khalfan Mosque
The Hamda Khalifa Khalfan Mosque is a neighbourhood Islamic house of worship located in the Al Danah district of Abu Dha...
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270
Temples Hidden gem
SHAYE' BIN AHMED AL HAMED MASJID 697
Shaye' Bin Ahmed Al Hamed Masjid 697 is a prominent neighborhood mosque located in the Bani Yas East 3 district of Abu D...
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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.
