50 Best Places to Visit in Abu Dhabi

Counted among the top amusement parks all over the world, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi is among the most popular tourist places in Abu Dhabi. The park designed in Ferrari brand theme, occupies a vast area of 86,000 sq. m., featuring a wide range of attractions for visitors belonging to all age groups. The most popular ones among the list of thrilling rides here are Flying Aces,  Turbo Track, Scuderia Challenge, and the world’s fastest roller coaster – Formula Rossa. Numerous events are also held at Ferrari World. Furthermore, the park complex comprises a number of restaurants and a shopping space where you can choose from a wide range of Ferrari products including clothes and accessories.

Timing: 11 am to 8 pm

Entry Fee: AED 295

Location: Abu Dhabi

A man-made marvel exhibiting the finest level of craftsmanship and architecture, Sheikh Zayed Mosque is one of the greatest buildings in the entirety of Dubai. The grand mosque spans over an area of approximately 30 acres, and is capable of accommodating up to 50,000 people at one point of time.

 From its dome and minarets to its carpets and chandeliers, every single foot of Sheikh Zayed Mosque reminds the lavishness of the Arab world and an amalgamation of Persian, Moorish and Mughal architectures. It is a must visit place to experience grandeur and serenity simultaneously.

Timing: 9 am to 10 pm

Entry Fee: No entry fee

Location: Abu Dhabi

An oasis in the desert of Dubai, Yas Waterworld is the best kind of escape from the scorching heat of Abu Dhabi. It is a water theme park featuring over 40 rides, slides, and attractions which are both fun and thrilling. If you are travelling to Abu Dhabi with family or friends, do add this park to your itinerary as the park has plenty of attractions for all age groups. 

And when you are done thrilling yourself, you can also enjoy shopping and dining inside the waterpark complex itself. Splash, swim, scream, giggle, and make a thousand memories in a day at Yas Waterworld as the waterpark is designed to effect smiles and spread happiness.

Timing: 10 am to 7 pm

Entry Fee: AED 250 per person

Location: Yas Island, Abu Dhabi

Staying true to its name, this is really a fun place to visit with family. Hili Fun City is an amusement park that offers much more beyond thrilling rides and attractions. This park also claims the title for being the Gulf’s first theme park. The park features a total of 28 attractions which have been designed to be enjoyed by visitors of different age groups. 

This park is a great choice for a picnic place, and also has a family amphitheater. And once you are done experiencing the joy and laughter this park offers you, you can also enjoy shopping and eating at Hili Fun City.

Timing: 4 pm to 10 pm

Entry Fee: AED 50 per person

Location: Near Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium

Timing: 11 am to 11 pm

Entry Fee: AED 50 per person

Location: Marina Island, Abu Dhabi

A cultural trip of Abu Dhabi is incomplete without a visit to Qasr Al Hosna, the oldest stone building in the city. The building is also known as White Fort, and is a spectacular example of the traditional architecture of the region. 

Built in the 18th century, this place now hosts a permanent exhibition which lets you get insights into the culture and history of Dubai through photographs and oral testimonies. In a place full of futuristic buildings, Qasr Al Hosn strikes a beautiful contrast.

Timing: 9 am to 8 pm

Entry Fee: No Entry Fee

Location: Zayed The First Street, Abu Dhabi

Built in the 19th century, it is one of the largest forts in United Arab Emirates, and has played a pivotal role in the history of Al Ain. This iconic structure is a great place for photography enthusiast owing to its unique architecture and the old world charm this place wears. 

The construction of the fort was ordered by Sheikh Zayed bin Khalifa in the year 1891. If you want to explore the glorious past of Dubai. Al Jahili Fort is one of the best places to visit in Abu Dhabi.

Timing: 9 am to 5 pm

Entry Fee: AED 1

Location: Al Ain City

The skyscrapers of Abu Dhabi play an important role in making Dubai one of the most sought after tourist destinations all across the globe. These towers stand tall with a whopping height of 147 meters, and have 29 floors each. 

Located at the intersection of Al Saada and Al Salam streets, these wonderful buildings illustrate an ultra modern architectural approach. Abu Dhabi Investment Council’s headquarters and Al Hilal Bank Head Offices  are located at Al Bahr Towers.

Timing: Always Open

Entry Fee: No Entry Fee

Location: Abu Dhabi

Every place in Abu Dhabi has a greatness attached to it, and Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium is definitely not an exception. This stadium inaugurated in the year 2014 can accommodate an audience of  up to 25,000 people. 

This multi-purpose stadium has a gorgeous design, with a façade that appears like a palm trunk, that could impress any architecture enthusiast. This grand stadium located around 150 km from Abu Dhabi in Al Ain occupies an area of 45,000 sq. m.

Location: Al Ain, Abu Dhabi

Get ready to be intrigued by the sheer sophistication of Masdar City, a planned city following the concept of futuristic development. The city brings together the traditional Arabic architectural styles with modern technology and concepts to make something the human race has not witnessed before. 

The developers have the objective to develop Masdar as the world’s first zero carbon footprint city. You are welcome to explore Masdar City on your trip to Abu Dhabi.

Timing: 9 am to 5 pm

Entry Fee: Entry is free

Location: Khalifa City

Manarat Al Saadiyat translates to “Place Of Enlightenment”. It is a cultural center in Abu Dhabi that promotes culture, art, and technological advancement in the region through various events that are held here. Various exhibitions, workshops, and performances. 

Some other activities that can be enjoyed here are yoga, star gazing, and film screenings. Opened in 2009, Manarat Al Saadiyat is a hub which can be visited to learn more about Abu Dhabi’s cultural and technological scene.

Timing: 9 am to 8 pm

Entry Fee: Entry is free

Location: Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi

A dose of fun for an entire day in Abu Dhabi, Bounce is an excellent activity hub where you can choose from a range of activities for you and your kids. The place also houses the world’s largest indoor trampoline parks. 

Jump in the air, scream and giggle while the gravity holds down all your worries. The wide range of unique activities the place offers covers Slam Dunk, The Wall, Free Jumping. Dodgeball, and  Performance Trampoline.

Timing: 10 am to 10 pm

Location: Marina Mall, Al Marina

 There is no dearth of places for amusement in Abu Dhabi, and Marjan Aqua Park is another great option for your children. There is a spectrum of attractions and slides for children belonging to different age groups so that nobody finds a moment of dullness here. 

From exciting slides and rides to shallow pools and lazy river, Marjan Aqua Park is versatile in its character and offerings. Besides, there are options like boating and other water sports that will give your children a perfectly enthralling water park experience.

Timing: 10 am to 7 pm

Entry Fee: AED 45

Location: Khalifa Park, Abu Dhabi

Also known as Qasr Al Ain, it is a historical fort that has been developed into a museum. The palace was built in 1937. It once served as the residence to the lake Sheikh Zayed and his family and which became one of the prominent tourist places in Abu Dhabi after it was opened to public as a museum in the year 2001. 

The museum has a beautiful traditional architecture and is a great place to visit if you want to learn about the lifestyle of the royal family and political reformations that took place in the region in the 20th century.

Timing: 8:30 am to 7 pm

Entry fee: Entry is free

Location: Al Mutawwa, Al Ain

Not everything in Abu Dhabi is about the sophistication of future. As its name suggests, Classic Car Museum is a car museum where you can find a wide range of vintage and modified cars on display.

 It is a must visit place on your Abu Dhabi if you are passionate about automobiles, especially the classic ones because the place has restored some of the most prominent models from the past. The place has nothing but visual treats on display!

Timing: 9 am to 8 pm

Entry fee: AED 50

Location: Al Ain Al Faida Resort

You can find some really impressive handicrafts in Abu Dhabi that represent the true Arabic traditions, and this handicraft is one of the best places for it. Women’s Handicraft Centre is an initiative to promote the local crafts and art of the region. 

There are several rooms in the complex; each devoted to an individual craft. You can also get beautiful henna designs on your hands here. There is also a small museum within the complex where some traditional artefacts are on display.

Timing: 7 am to 3 pm

Entry fee: AED 5

Location: Al Karamah

You cannot really wander around Abu Dhabi and not indulge in shopping spree. The Galleria is one of the best places in Abu Dhabi for shopping with great range of options available. Since it is upscale shopping center, you can find collections by world’s finest designers at the stores here. 

All classy clothing and accessories brands have their outlets at The Galleria. Also, it is an excellent place for lavish dining experience as there are some really chic restaurants for you to explore here.

Timing: 10 am to 10 pm

Entry fee: Entry is free

Location: Al Sila Tower, Abu Dhabi

A lifestyle hub for all fashion freaks, Avenue is a one-stop-shop for all your fashion needs. You can find the latest collections from 34 luxury brands at Avenue. 

The products available here include jewellery, clothes, watches, and fashion accessories. Besides, you can also indulge in a premium dining experience at a range of select food and beverage outlets, cafes, and restaurants.

Timing: 10 am to 10 pm

Entry fee: Entry is free

Location: Etihad Towers, Abu Dhabi

This is another perfect address in Abu Dhabi for those who breathe fashion and style. The outlets and stores at Yas Mall cover a wide range of products from an impressive range of brands and offer all kinds of clothes including popular brands to collections by popular fashion designers. 

However, the mall does not confine itself to the patrons of lifestyle. You can find everything from books and electronic to clothes and jewellery at Yas Mall. Furthermore, what add more fun to your visit to the mall are cinemas and food zones.

Timing: 10 am to 10 pm

Entry fee: Entry is free

Abu Dhabi has no shortage of shopping malls, and that is the reason why it is visited by shopaholics from different nooks and corners of the world. Abu Dhabi Mall is another landmark in the lifestyle scene of Dubai, offering an extensive range of branded and designer clothes. 

With entertainment zone and cinema halls, it is an ultimate stop for amusement in Abu Dhabi. The mall was opened in 2001 and has over 200 stores and shops. Also, there are numerous restaurants at the mall where you can indulge in luxury dining experience.

Timing: 10 am to 10 pm

Location: Central Abu Dhabi

One of the biggest and also one of the most popular malls in Dubai, Marina Mall is one of the liveliest places to visit in Abu Dhabi. Apart from being a prominent shopping center, it also serves as an excellent entertainment hub with a number of activities for amusement. 

Also,apart from housing over 400 high end stores, there are various sports available for adventure junkies. If you are visiting Abu Dhabi with your family, this is not some place you can consider to skip.

Timing: 10 am to 10 pm

Entry fee: Entry is free

Location: Abu Dhabi

This complex consisting of three sky piercing towers is a delight for both shopaholics and architecture buffs in Abu Dhabi. The complex covers everything from offices and apartments to hotels and shopping areas. Not only luxury brands are available here, but you can also indulge in traditional shopping experience here. 

Besides, you will find plenty of excellent restaurants to enjoy a memorable dining experience here. The tallest of the three towers has a height of 1,050 feet and is one of the most remarkable buildings in Abu Dhabi.

Timing: 10 am to 10 pm

Entry fee: Entry is free

Location: Abu Dhabi

Another shopping mall adding grace to the shopping scene of Dubai with its presence, Dalma Mall is a popular lifestyle destination in Abu Dhabi, pampering fashion buffs in many ways. Spread across a vast area of 255,000 sq. m., this is one of the largest malls in Abu Dhabi. 

The mall has an extensive range of retail stores, food courts, cinemas, and entertainment zones. Located at a short distance from Maqta Bridge and Abu Dhabi International Airport, this mall is a great option if you wish to reserve a day full of fun and entertainment with your family.

Timing: 10 am to 10 pm

Entry fee: Entry is free

Location: Opposite Mohammed Bin Zayed City

If you cannot keep your “shop it all” urge under control in Abu Dhabi, there is no reason why you should when malls like Al Wahda are there to spoil the shopaholic in you with choices in abundance. 

Celebrated as a popular spot both among locals and tourists, Al Wahda Mall is a great destination for entertainment, shopping, dining, and much more. Other than that, you can also visit the mall just to admire the ultramodern styling of the complex.

Timing: 10 am to 11 pm

Entry fee: Entry is free

Location: Opposite Mohammed Bin Zayed City

If you are on a hunt to savour some Lebanese delicacies in Abu Dhabi, Li Beirut is your best bet. Serving authentic Lebanese cuisine, Li Beirut is a perfect restaurant for a beyond perfect dining experience. 

What makes Li Beirut all the more pleasing to one’s senses is its impeccable setting and idealistic ambience. The restaurant has been awarded multiple times, and rightly so.

Timing: 12 pm to midnight

Entry fee: Entry is free

Location: Corniche Road West

Abu Dhabi is a paradise for food lovers, and restaurants like Marakesh only confirm the notion. You cannot find a better place in Abu Dhabi to indulge your taste buds into a truly Moroccan flavour than Marakesh. 

Known for its extraordinary treats in the form of palatable food and opulent aura, this restaurant is one of the best places to visit in Abu Dhabi. Whether you are planning for a family dinner or a candle-light dinner with someone special, Marakesh is the best place to be!

Timing: 7 pm to 3 am

Entry fee: Entry is free

Location: Khalifa Street, The Millennium Corniche Hotel

Setting a benchmark for other luxury hotels across the globe to follow, Shangri La is counted among the most luxurious hotels in Abu Dhabi. With lavish suites, luxury restaurants, and a private beach, Shangri La is an ideal hotel for you if you do not mind spending on experiences and extravagance. 

The stunning architecture of the hotel and its idyllic location is bound to make your heart skip a beat. Apart from a wide range of luxurious amenities, the hotel complex incorporates 231 well-appointed rooms, 161 apartments, and 7 restaurants and bars.

Room Tariff: Starts at INR 13,000

Counted among the finest restaurants in Abu Dhabi, Al Maqam is the place where you can experienced dining in typical Emirati style. Al Maqam means ‘The Gathering Place”, and it is, indeed, an ideal place to gather at with your friends or family. 

You can enjoy from a wide range of Emirati delicacies here while the beautiful traditional interiors and furniture of the restaurant enthrall you with their elegance. Al Maqam is definitely among the most interesting places to visit in Abu Dhabi to experience an authentic Arabic style dining.

Timing: 12 pm to 10 pm

Location: Arabian Night Village

Looking for an upmarket restaurant for an ultimate dine n wine experience in Abu Dhabi? Look no further because Marco Pierre White Steakhouse & Grill will take care of the yearning in your heart pretty well. 

This restaurant is one of the most sophisticated and expensive places in Abu Dhabi for a luxury dining experience, and serves a wide range of toothsome food options, mainly from the European cuisine.

Timing: 6 pm to 12 am

Location: Khor Al Maqta

Featuring a restaurant, a bar, a lounge and four dining rooms in an area of 16,000 sq. ft, this restaurant is a landmark spot for a lavish dining experience. The award winning restaurant chain made it to Abu Dhabi in 2010, and has been offering an unmatched cuisine to its guests since then. 

Hakkasan specializes in Chinese cuisine and claims the best Chinese delicacies in Abu Dhabi. The restaurant is located in Emirates Palace Hotel, and extends the hotel’s fulsomeness to it food.

Timing: 12 pm to 1 am

Location: Emirates Palace Hotel, Abu Dhabi

Adorned with finesse of the Italian interiors and designs, Villa Toscana is the best place for you in Abu Dhabi if you are craving an essentially Italian palate. The luscious menu covers the best dishes from Tuscany, Umbria, and Emilia-Romagna.

 The ambience of the restaurant, however, keeps you connected with the lavish aura of Dubai. Villa Toscana is an excellent choice if you are planning a formal dinner with your colleagues or a romantic dinner with your partner.

Timing: 12 pm to 11 pm

Location: Abu Dhabi National Towers

‘Classy’ is the word that defines this venue, which was the first Catalonian restaurant to operate in Abu Dhabi. Offering a luxury dining experience, the restaurant still wears an old-world charm that sets it apart from other restaurants in the locality. 

One of the best addresses for European Cuisine in Abu Dhabi, this place is equally popular among locals and visitors. A dinner for two can be enjoyed here within AED 400. For an unforgettable dining experience, Catalan is among the top places to visit in Abu Dhabi.

Timing: 7 pm to 11:30 pm

Location: Al Maryah Island

This zoo in Abu Dhabi gives you an opportunity to come across a wide range of wildlife species. There are 1,700 animals in total which include species like White Tiger, Siberian Bear, Lion, and Cheetah, among many others.

 Not only you can explore wildlife here, but can also stay here awhile and get amused indulging in various activities as a luxury resort is a part of the property. There are fun activities you can indulge in here like animal encounter, breakfast with parrots, breakfast with giraffe, and crocodile feeding.

Timing: 9 am to 8 pm

Fee: AED 80 for 5 activities

Location: Al Bahia

An ultimate treat for the lovers of nature in Abu Dhabi, Umm Al Emarat is among the top tourist places in Abu Dhabi. The wide range of attractions the park houses are Wisdom Garden, Shade House, Botanic Garden, Amphitheatre, Children’s Garden, and Great Lawn that amuse all kinds of visitors. 

Apart from being an excellent ecotourism site, the park is also aesthetically pleasing. Umm Al Emarat is a nice place to spend some quality time with family and friends.

Timing: 8 am to 12 pm

Fee: AED 5

Location: 15th Street, Musharif Area

It is a vast green space with numerous attractions and activities to enjoy. It is a fun place to visit with family and spend a day full of light activities. There are so many things to do at Khalifa Park as the park incorporates a cultural library, a maritime museum, and acres of area to relax and play.

There is also a toy train inside the park which can be availed by visitors irrespective of their ages. Furthermore, Murjan Splash Park, a popular water theme park, is also located within Khalifa Park where you can indulge in a number of water sports activities.

Timing: 10 am to 10 pm

Fee: AED 1

Location: Khalifa Park, Abu Dhabi

There are kind of tourist places in Abu Dhabi which you can hardly find in any other part of the world. Built to mark the completion of 40 years of UAE Central Bank, the museum was inaugurated in the year 2013, and has been a major one among Abu Dhabi attractions since then. 

The museum houses various exhibits that have articles like gold and silver Islamic coins. Old Indian currency and currencies from other Middle East nations are also on display at the museum. The museum also throws light on the historical aspect of the region, making it one of the best places to visit in Abu Dhabi for educational purpose.

Location: Al Bateen, Abu Dhabi

How about taking a tour of the vehicles owned and used by HH Sheikh Hamad Bin Hamdan Al Nahyan? When you visit Emirates Auto National Museum, you will be more than surprised after laying your eyes on the collection of cars that are on display here. 

The pyramid shaped structure is worth clicking a selfie with. From the world’s largest truck to various fancy American cars and off-road vehicles, the museum has a lot to offer to car lovers, and is among the top Abu Dhabi attractions.

Timing: 9 am to 5 pm

Entry Fee: AED 50 per person

Location: Hamim Road, Al Dhafra

If you love the thrill of speed, you are definitely going to love a tour of Yas Marina Circuit. This motor racing circuit is the venue for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

 Not only will you get to learn some interesting details about the F1 races and behind the scene stuff, you can also drive one of the impressive cars here. Yas Marina Circuit is truly one of the best Abu Dhabi attractions for petrolheads.

Timing: 9 am to 11 pm

Location: Yas Island

Find the earliest traces of human civilization in the region by visiting Jebel Hafeet Tombs on your Abu Dhabi trip. The tombs are estimated to be at least 5,000 years old and it is said that the site marks the dawn of Bronze Age in the region. 

The domed structures of the tombs are made of unevenly cut stones which take you on the trip to an era before science and technology took over. Jebel Hafeet Tombs are an important archaeological finding near Abu Dhabi, and is an recommended place for those who are interested in the subject.

Timing: Open 24 Hours

Location: Al Dhahir, Abu Dhabi

If you have been led to believe that there is nothing for a wildlife lover in Abu Dhabi, Arabian Wildlife Park is an exciting place where you can experience the best of wildlife. Developed on Sir Bani Yas Island, stretched across an area of 1,400 hectares, Arabian Wildlife Park is among the most interesting places to visit in Abu Dhabi. 

The park houses over 1,300 animals including Cheetahs and Giraffes. You can partake in activities like nature and wildlife drives, walks, horse-riding, and mountain biking at Arabian Wildlife Park.

Location: Sir Bani Yas Island, Jebel Dhanna

Abu Dhabi has a rich cultural heritage which has been overshadowed by its glitzy cityscape. However, Heritage Theme Park gives you an opportunity to get to know the true Emirati heritage and to experience the traditional lifestyle of the inhabitants of UAE.

The park has been developed following the model of a traditional Emirati village. It is located at Al Ain Sportplex, and is a good choice if you are interested in exploring the culture of Dubai. You can enjoy shopping, local dishes, cultural performances, and poetry events here.

Timing: 10 am to 10 pm

Location: Al Ain Sportplex

Gaze in the space and lock your eyes on the faraway stars and planets while you are in Abu Dhabi. If astronomy interests you, Al Sadeem Astronomy centre is a must visit place for you here. The astronomy centre was developed with an objective to promote astronomy in the region, and it offers great deal of interesting details about astrology. The place is a latest addition in the list of Abu Dhabi attractions.

Location: Al Wathba