Top tourist attractions in Abu Dhabi
- Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
- Louvre Abu Dhabi
- Emirates Palace
- Ferrari World
- Observation Deck at 300
- Qasr Al Hosn
- Warner Bros World
- Yas Waterworld
- Heritage Village
- Zaya Nurai Island
- CLYMB
- Qasr Al Watan Palace
- Emirates Park Zoo and Resort
As the ultra-modern capital of the UAE, there are a number of awesome things to do in Abu Dhabi that attract millions of visitors to the emirate. Exploring the must-visit tourist attractions in Abu Dhabi with your family or friends is a great way to spend your holidays.
BEST TOURIST ATTRACTIONS IN ABU DHABI
So, if you’re looking for the must-visit tourist places in Abu Dhabi to add to your experience, here are 13 awesome tourist spots you shouldn’t miss out on.
SHEIKH ZAYED GRAND MOSQUE
When you set your eyes on Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, it’s impossible not to be mesmerised. This beautiful mosque was the vision of H.H. the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. The mosque was created to represent the message of peace, tolerance and diversity.
A visit to this tourist spot in Abu Dhabi lets you revel in the sheer grandeur and beauty of the mosque. You get to learn the fascinating facts about Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque that make it stand out from other mosques in the UAE. Whether you’re spending a long weekend in Abu Dhabi or find yourself in the capital for longer than that, this is one place you just cannot miss.
- Entry: Free
- Location: Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Street, Abu Dhabi
- Timings: 09:00 am to 10:00 pm | Fridays from 04:30 pm to 10:00 pm
- Contact: +971-2-419-1919
LOUVRE ABU DHABI
A cultural icon by all definitions, Louvre Abu Dhabi is a reflection of the capital’s growing art culture. Inaugurated in 2017, this art museum with its Instagrammable exhibits attracts throngs of tourists and local art enthusiasts every year.
Louvre Abu Dhabi has also been developed to offer a lot more than just art. The place focuses on delivering valuable experiences to its visitors.
You can take an hour-long kayaking tour in the waters that surround the museum.
There’s a special museum for children that allows them to create their own creative avatars.
Plus there are always weekend activities planned for the whole family. You can even dine at this museum.
- Entry: AED 52.5 per person
- Location: Saadiyat Island Cultural District
- Timings: 10:00 am to 08:00 pm | Thursday and Friday 10:00 am to 10:00 pm | Closed on Monday
- Contact: +971-600-565-566
EMIRATES PALACE
Next on our list of best tourist attractions in Abu Dhabi is the Emirates Palace. This gorgeous palace-like hotel is recognised among the best 5-star hotels in the UAE. Covering an area of 850,000 sq.m, this unique hotel resembles a grand fortress distinguished by its beautiful architecture.
You can book a themed room here and enjoy a royal stay, complete with all the luxuries of a 5-star hotel, including a spa and a fitness centre. You can also visit one of their fantastic restaurants for a memorable dining experience. Even if you’re not up for any of that, make sure you at least sign up for a guided tour of the hotel to explore the place where the elites come to stay.
- Entry: Free
- Location: West Corniche Road
- Timings: 10:00 am to 04:00 am
- Contact: +971-2-690-9000
FERRARI WORLD
You just can’t leave Abu Dhabi without visiting Ferrari World on Yas Island. It’s the ultimate tourist destination in Abu Dhabi and for good reason. The rides in Ferrari World consist of roller coasters, virtual racing, karting and other Ferrari-inspired attractions that will get your adrenaline pumping.
An excellent option for tourist families, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi has something for everyone. You can shop, drive, dine and enjoy a full day of fun and laughter without realizing where the time went by.
- Entry: Starting AED 295 for adults and AED 230 for kids
- Location: Yas Island
- Timings: 11:00 am to 08:00 pm
- Contact: +971-600-511-115
OBSERVATION DECK AT 300
This exciting new tourist attraction in Abu Dhabi makes you feel like you’re on top of the world. With the reputation of being the highest restaurant in Abu Dhabi, the Observation Deck at 300 offers uninterrupted views of the marina, which you can enjoy over a decadent afternoon tea or some quick bites.
It’s great for couples looking for a unique romantic meal and even for families who want to try something different from traditional dinners. The a la carte menu includes exclusive tea blends, a selection of sandwiches, assorted salads, desserts and more.
- Entry: AED 95 (AED 55 redeemable) | Afternoon tea starting from AED 250 per person
- Location: Tower2, Jumeirah at Etihad Towers
- Timings: 02:00 pm to 06:00 pm
- Contact: +971-2-811-5666
QASR AL HOSN
Peek into Abu Dhabi’s glorious past at Qasr Al Hosn. Sitting on the waterfront, this must-visit tourist spot in Abu Dhabi served as the family home for the Abu Dhabi Royals since the 18th century.
Following extensive restoration, this historic landmark was developed into a tourist attraction. Qasr Al Hosn houses four important buildings that include the House of Artisans, the Cultural Complex, the Al Hosn Palace and the National Consultative Council.
This tourist destination in Abu Dhabi is where the popular 10-day Qasr Al Hosn Festival takes place every year, celebrating the ingenuity and glory of the nation. There are several shows held every day at Qasr Al Hosn. Tourists can enjoy the Guards March, the falcon show, the AlRazfa Dance of Unity and a lot more cultural treats here.
- Entry: AED 15 for kids and AED 30 for adults
- Location: Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum Street
- Timings: 09:00 am to 07:00 pm | Fridays 12:00 pm to 10:00 pm
- Contact: +971-2-697-6400
WARNER BROS WORLD
If you’re looking for family-friendly tourist places in Abu Dhabi – Warner Bros World on Yas Island is exactly what you want. This massive indoor theme park offers five different immersive zones created to emulate the worlds of Gotham City, Bedrock, Dynamite Gulch, Metropolis and Cartoon Junction, complete with your favourite cartoon characters.
The rides at Warner Bros World Abu Dhabi vary from thrilling roller coasters to a splashy dinosaur chase with the Flintstones and more. You also get to gather clues and solve mysteries with Shaggy and Scooby and fight villains alongside Superman to save Metropolis.
- Entry: Starting from AED 295
- Location: Yas Island
- Timings: 11:00 am to 08:00 pm
- Contact: +971-2-496-8000
YAS WATERWORLD
Tourists looking for a day filled with fun, frolic and crazy water slides, shouldn’t miss out on Yas Waterworld. One of the best waterparks in the UAE, Yas Waterworld offers more than 40 thrilling rides for you to enjoy. But that’s not all – this awesome waterpark is a complete family destination in Abu Dhabi with restaurants and fun attractions for people of all ages.
Some of the best Yas Waterworld rides include the Sebag, the Jebel Drop and the Bandit Bomber for adults, while the Cannon Point and Yehal are the best ones for kids. Located on Yas Island, this unique theme park also enjoys proximity to other popular tourist attractions in Abu Dhabi, like the Yas Marina Circuit, Ferrari World and the Warner Bros Amusement Park.
- Entry: Starting from AED 210 for kids and AED 250 for adults
- Location: Yas Island
- Timings: 10:00 am to 07:00 pm
- Contact: +971-2-414-2000
HERITAGE VILLAGE
Next on our list of top tourist attractions in Abu Dhabi is the Heritage Village. A cultural masterpiece, this family-friendly destination is a time capsule that takes you to the pre-modernisation epoch of the capital city. With an ancient mosque and a traditional souq as its main attractions, the Heritage Village Abu Dhabi is where you can witness local artisans making handicrafts out of clay, metal and yarn.
There is plenty to shop here, including jewellery, clothing and handmade soaps. For tourists, this is a place of discovery. With its perfect blend of heritage, culture and shopping opportunities Heritage Village rightfully takes its place among the top heritage sites in Abu Dhabi.
- Entry: Free
- Location: Breakwater Road – Corniche Area
- Timings: 09:00 am to 04:00 pm | Fridays 03:30 pm to 09:00 pm
- Contact: +971-2-681-4455
ZAYA NURAI ISLAND
A day of sun, sand and joy awaits you at the Zaya Nurai Island. Located a short 12-minute boat ride away from Saadiyat Island, Zaya Nurai Island is often counted among the top beach resorts in Abu Dhabi. With 11 hectares of pristine white beach lined with five-star holiday homes, this popular Abu Dhabi tourist attraction makes an excellent staycation option for everyone.
Besides luxurious accommodation, the resort has restaurants, bars, beach facilities, a luxury spa, watersports, a beachside cinema, a waterpark and a whole other bunch of activities for you to indulge in.
- Cost: Starting from AED 3,750
- Location: Nurai Island
- Contact: +971-2-506-6222
CLYMB
Located on Yas Island, CLYMB Abu Dhabi sits between Yas Mall and Ferrari World. One of the newest and top tourist attractions in Abu Dhabi, CLYMB brings you an exciting mix of thrilling entertainment and fun. This place is home to the tallest indoor climbing wall and the biggest indoor skydiving chamber in the world.
Ideal for the whole family, CLYMB is one of those tourist places in Abu Dhabi that allow free entry. While it wouldn’t cost you anything to be a happy spectator, leaving this indoor attraction without attempting to climb the wall would be disappointing. If wall-climbing isn’t your cup of tea, spread your arms and fly in the indoor skydiving flight chamber.
- Ticket price: Starting from AED 95 for kids and AED 120 for adults
- Location: Yas Leisure Drive – Yas Island
- Timings: 12:00 pm to 09:00 pm | Weekends 12:00 pm to 11:00 pm
- Contact: +971-600-511-115
QASR AL WATAN PALACE
A palace, a library, a museum and an important symbol of national heritage – the Qasr Al Watan is probably one of the best tourist spots in Abu Dhabi for culture buffs. Open for the public, Qasr Al Watan offers a unique peek into the presidential lifestyle.
From the ornate Great Hall to the magnificent Majlis and the lavish Presidential Banquet Hall – you get a firsthand experience of opulence, grandeur and the deeply embedded culture. The palace also serves as a museum with displays of ancient manuscripts and diplomatic gifts. The Qasr Al Watan library is also open for public with its massive collection of over 50,000 different books!
- Ticket price: Starting from AED 30
- Location: Presidential Palace Grounds
- Timings: Sunday – Thursday 10:00 am to 08:00 pm
- Contact: +971-600-544-442
EMIRATES PARK ZOO AND RESORT
One of the best family-friendly attractions in Abu Dhabi, the Emirates Park Zoo and Resort offers a variety of activities and animal interactions for everyone. This one-of-a-kind zoo park is divided into eleven different zones that include the Petting Zoo, the Bird Park, the Wildlife Park, The Farm, The Aquarium, the Reptile House and more.
Besides feeding giraffes and witnessing lazy reptiles in their abode, parents and children can also enjoy the sea lion show or catch the elephant show at Emirates Park Zoo. This zoo is attached to a full-blown resort, so you can even book a short staycation to make the most of all that this place has to offer.
- Ticket price: Starting from AED 30
- Location: 12th Street, Al Bahia – Abu Dhabi City
- Timings: 09:00 am to 08:00 pm | Thursday to Saturday 09:00 am to 09:00 pm
- Contact: +971-2-501-0000
That’s all we have for you now, but that’s not all there is to Abu Dhabi. Those who’d like more options for tourist spots in Abu Dhabi should also consider kayaking in Eastern Mangroves. Plus there is an entire stock of free activities in Abu Dhabi that serve as excellent tourist attractions!
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