Abu Dhabi, the beautiful waterfront location and the capital of the United Arab Emirates is a famous tourist location across the world. This place was the habitat of the nomadic Bani Yas Clan in the eighteenth century. It was a small fishing village until the great change happened after the discovery of oil deposits in the area.
The huge income generated from the oil business transform Abu Dhabi into today’s modern industrial city. There are many locations in and around Abu Dhabi for tourists to visit. Find the details about the best ten among them.
Here is a list of the best 10 Must Visit Places to Visit in Abu Dhabi:
1. Louvre Museum
Louvre Museum of Abu Dhabi is the most famous museum in the UAE. It exhibits a total history of the artistic achievements of civilization way back from the Neolithic period to the present. The display is mind-blowing from the ancient Egyptian statues to the well-known paintings of Picasso. The construction of the museum itself is a sight to behold with the galleries arranged impeccably under a huge silver dome itself is the main attraction.
Along with the huge permanent collection of twelve galleries, many significant temporary exhibitions are staged in the museum every year. Louvre is part of the three planned major museums, and the only one completed and functioning, to open on Saadiyat Island. Read Also: 10 Most Popular Museums in Dubai You Must Visit.
Location: Nestled on Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi within a $27 billion cultural hub.
Architectural Genius: Crafted by Jean Nouvel, featuring a stunning “floating dome” design.
Easy Access: Reachable by car, bus, taxi, or bike, with ample parking and BikeShare options.
Visiting Hours: Open 10 AM-8 PM (Sat, Sun, Tue, Wed) and 10 AM-10 PM (Thu, Fri). Closed Mondays.
Artistic Treasures: Over 600 masterpieces, including works by da Vinci and Van Gogh, across 6,000 sqm.
More Than Just Art: 23 galleries, children’s interactive museum, dining, free Wi-Fi, and essential services.
Unique Adventure: Experience the museum from a new angle with kayaking tours.
2. Sheikh Zayed Mosque
The famous Sheikh Zayed Mosque in Fujairah of Abu Dhabi is a magnificent landmark building. This huge mosque that can contain 40,000 worshippers was inaugurated in 2007 after about twenty long years of completed construction. The grandness of the Mosque along with its wonderful design style and brilliant glass work are the factors that attract many tourists to visit it.
The Sheikh Zayed Mosque is the biggest Mosque in the UAE, dedicated to the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan al-Nahyan. Non-Muslims are permitted to visit the grand mosque. Guided tours are offered and if you take part in the Abu Dhabi Morning tour, the Sheikh Zayed Mosque is a prime spot located on Al Khaleej al Arab Street in Abu Dhabi.
- How to Reach: Approximately 30 minutes from central Abu Dhabi locations like Yas Island, Emirates Palace, Qasr al Watan. Taxis and buses are recommended.
- Timings: Sat to Thu – 9 am to 10 pm; Fri – 9 am to 12 pm, 3 pm to 10 pm.
- Key Attractions: Stunning architecture, sunset views.
- Things to Do: Enjoy the architecture, attend a sunset visit, explore nearby cultural attractions.
3. Ferrari World Theme Park
This theme park located at Yas Island can give you a sense of adventure as if you are part of Formula One racing. It is a favorite place for tourists in Abu Dhabi for enjoying the thrill of driving and speeding. There is a Junior GT track available for children. Adults can go for the thrilling Flying Ace roller coaster that moves at a speed of 120 Kilometers per hour.
If you are seeking to know more about Ferrari cars, the park offers a good collection of them starting from the 1947 model and many more. A Ferrari factory tour is on offer as well as a Ferrari-themed game show for the typical car fanatics.
- How to Reach: By bus from Airport Terminal 3 and Ibn Battuta Mall, followed by a taxi.
- Timings: 11 am to 8 pm daily.
- Key Attractions: Formula Rossa, the world’s largest roller coaster, and a variety of thrill rides.
- Things to Do: Enjoy rides, shows, drive a Ferrari, dine and shop.
4. Etihad Towers Observation Deck
The observation deck located at Jumeirah in the Etihad Towers of Abu Dhabi is the best place to get skyline views. It is on the floor of the Etihad Towers Hotel. If you are not a guest in the hotel, an entry fee is mandatory to go to the tower.
There is a fantastic restaurant on the observation deck where you can enjoy light bites or snacks while observing the spread of Abu Dhabi Before you. The beauty and grandeur of the city will create a lasting memory in your mind and the high perch on the 74th floor will itself can provide you with an adrenaline rush and a sense of adventure. Read Also: 9 Things to Do at the Palm Jumeirah in Dubai.
- How to Reach: By taxi, rental car, or public buses (No. 7, 9, 20, 34, 67, 69, 71).
- Timings: 12 pm to 8 pm.
- Key Attractions: Panoramic views of Abu Dhabi from the 74th floor.
- Things to Do: Enjoy high tea, fine dining, and luxury hotel amenities.
5. Al-Hosn Fort
The Al-Hosn fort located on Hamdan bin Mohammed Street in Abu Dhabi is the oldest building in the city. This fort is also known by the names the Old Fort or the White Fort. It was constructed in 1793 as the seat of government as well as the residence of the ruling family.
At present, the interior has been modernized and preserved as a museum that depicts the culture, legacy, and history of Abu Dhabi. Plenty of historical photographs are part of the show. The fort has a large courtyard and the beautiful tilework of the main northern gate is worth marveling at. Read Also: Top 12 Destinations To Experience The Nightlife In Dubai.
- How to Reach: By taxi or bus lines 40 or 54.
- Timings: 10 am to 9 pm (Mon-Thu, Sun), 2 pm to 10 pm (Fri), 10 am to 10 pm (Sat).
- Key Attractions: The oldest building in Abu Dhabi, historical exhibits.
- Things to Do: Explore the fort, learn about Abu Dhabi’s history, visit the House of Artisans and Cultural Foundation.
6. Falcon Hospital
The Falcon Hospital located at Off Sweihan Road in Abu Dhabi is a functioning veterinary hospital for sick and injured falcons. Tourists are allowed to visit the facility and guided tours are available for visitors. In the guided tours, you can watch these prey birds in the wards.
There is an on-site museum on the campus of the Falcon Hospital that represents the evolution of falconry. Visitors are allowed to hold and feed the falcons, but only according to the time and the activities of the vets during their time of visit. Also, read 7 Famous Places to See in Dubai in November.
- How to Reach: By bus from Al Wadha, Khalifa University, or Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Street, then a taxi.
- Timings: Sun to Thu – 8:30 am to 2:30 pm. Guided tours at 10 am and 2 pm; Sat at 10 am.
- Key Attractions: Falconry museum, free-flight aviary.
- Things to Do: Take a guided tour, learn about falconry, have lunch, take photos with falcons.
7. Warner Brothers World
Warner brother world is a theme park located at Yas Island in Abu Dhabi. This theme park is established based on cartoons, movies as well as comic heroes, and villains of the ‘Warner Brothers’ characters. The park is divided into six lands and organized brilliantly as an indoor and air-conditioned theme park. It is one of the best places to visit in Abu Dhabi with your family.
Many rides are available that suit the tastes of toddlers to teenagers. Cartoon Junction and Bed Rock are suitable for the entertaining of little kids. Metropolis, Gotham City is for more adventurous with big-hitter rides combined with a 4D interactive theme with many spills and thrills like in a roller coaster. Read Also: 10 Places to Visit in Dubai in October.
- How to Reach: By metro from Abu Dhabi International Airport to Ibn Battuta Mall, then bus to Shahama bus stop, followed by a taxi; or Yas Express shuttle bus from Dubai; or by bus from Abu Dhabi International Airport to Ghubaiba Bus Station, then to Abu Dhabi central bus station, and finally to Warner Bros; or by private taxi directly to Yas Island Warner Bros.
- Timings: Open daily from 12:00 PM to 08:00 PM.
- Key Attractions: 29 rides, attractions, and shows; themed lands like Dynamite Gulch, Cartoon Junction, Metropolis, Gotham City, and Bedrock.
- Things to Do: Enjoy rides and shows featuring superheroes, shopping, dining at various restaurants and cafes.
8. Yas Waterworld
Yas water world is a huge water theme park located at the Yas Leisure Driver on Yas Island. It is equipped with several water slides and an inner-tube river ride. It is the first hydro-magnetic tornado water rafting ride across the world as well as the largest sheet wave fit for surfing.
Jebel Drop and free-fall water slide are the other major attractions. There are many venues for eating and shopping on the campus along with a water play area for little families with little kids. Read Also: Top 10 Tourist Places in Dubai to See in December
- How to Reach: A 12 km drive from Abu Dhabi Airport; taxis and buses are available from Zayed Sports City station to Yas Island ADNOC South station.
- Timings: Open Monday to Saturday from 10:00 AM to 06:00 PM; closed on Sundays.
- Key Attractions: Over 43 slides and 5 unique rides, including Falcon’s Falaj, Bandit Bomber, Slithers Slides, Bubbles’ Barrel, Hydromagnetic Tornado, Jebel Drop.
- Things to Do: Enjoy various water slides and attractions, surfing, visiting the Marah Fortress, dining, and shopping.
9. Emirates Park Zoo
This is another location for a family day out in Abu Dhabi, about 30 minutes drive away from the city. There are many varieties of animals at the wildlife park such as white tigers, Giraffes, zebras, and elephants. A separate primate section is maintained to keep many types of monkeys.
A flamingo park and sea lion enclosure are also part of the sea. A petting zoo is part of the establishment where children can touch and feed domestic-type animals.
- How to Reach: Located on 12th Street in Al Bahia, northeast of Abu Dhabi city; accessible by car, taxi, or bus. Buses 225, 202, 210, 218, and 420 serve the area.
- Timings: Sunday to Wednesday from 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM; Thursday to Saturday and public holidays from 9:00 AM – 09:00 PM.
- Key Attractions: Over 1,400 species of animals, birds, reptiles, and wildlife; sections like Petting Zoo, Bird Park, Flamingo Park.
- Things to Do: Interact with various animals and birds, visit different themed parks within the zoo.
10. Heritage Village
Heritage Village of Abu Dhabi is an imitation of the old Bedouin village to give the feel of Emirati life before the oil discovery from the premises. It is established in the beach area of Abu Dhabi, fitted for a leisure walk after a visit to the heritage village.
Ancient day-to-day objects, workshops to watch old craftwork, metalwork, as well as weaving, are part of the heritage village. Displays that show the local agricultural practices, as well as the pearl-diving trade, are arranged for the appreciation of visitors.
- How to Reach: By car, metro from Al Ghubaiba Metro station 2, or bus (numbers X13, E306, 93, 8, 29, 21).
- Timings: Monday to Thursday, and Sunday from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM; Friday from 3:00 PM to 9:00 PM; Saturday from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
- Key Attractions: Bedouin lifestyle exhibits, palm leaf houses, Bedouin tents, stone huts.
- Things to Do: Explore traditional handicrafts, learn pottery, spinning, weaving, enjoy the beach and traditional mehendi.
Abu Dhabi has many more spots and centers that can hold visitors’ interests such as Yas Island, different crafts and shopping centers, modern world trade Souq, and so on. Find the venues suitable for your tastes in advance and enjoy Abu Dhabi, relishing its grandeur and richness.
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