Natural beauty, architectural innovation and rich mix of cultures can all be found in Abu Dhabi.
That’s why visitors and residents are advised to keep a camera within reach whenever they are exploring the city as there is always something interesting to see in the capital.
The mixture of heritage and modernity mean new meets old in a treat for the eyes.
Check out our round-up of the best places to visit in Abu Dhabi.
Abu Dhabi Corniche
What is there to do on a free street in Abu Dhabi? Plenty. Sure, it’s a prime spot to watch fireworks on special occasions such as New Year’s Eve or UAE National Day, but turn up at any time of day or night and there are plenty of people-watching opportunities, as well as street food vendors.
Click here to see five of our favourite places to visit on the Corniche.
Free. Corniche.
Al Qana
You probably don’t own a yacht, but walk the marina edge at this new waterfront destination and you can feel like you do. You can have all the views, all the glamour, the access to cool restaurants and more than 2km of walking and jogging track, without all the maintenance. Al Qana, Al Khaleej Al Arabi Street, Rabdan, alqana.ae (056 539 1507).
Emirates Palace
It’s the most iconic hotel in the city and that’s why it’s one of the best places to visit in Abu Dhabi. The manicured lawns, the private beach, the palm tree-lined driveways, even the surroundings are fit for royalty.
Click here to read more about the Emirates Palace.
Emirates Palace, West Corniche Road, mandarinoriental.com (02 690 888).
Emirates Park Zoo
An educational facility that prides itself on both providing up-close experiences for visitors, but also welfare and conservation of animals. Among the animals found here are lions, tigers, elephants, giraffes, and many more.
Click here to read more about Emirates Park Zoo.
Emirates Park Zoo, 12th Street, Al Bahyah, emiratesparkzooandresort.com (02 501 0000).
Heritage Village
From the smells of a small spice shop, the sights and sounds of a traditional souk and the different pace of village life complete with craft displays, this living museum down by the Marina Mall is one of the best historical places to visit in Abu Dhabi.
Click here to read more about Marina Mall.
Heritage Village, near marina Mall, Abu Dhabi Corniche, torath.gov.ae (02 681 4455).
Jubail Mangroves
A turtle pops its head out of the water to watch a heron take flight to the shade underneath a mangrove tree. This laid-back sanctuary will never give you a disappointing view.
Click here for the best places in Abu Dhabi to go kayaking.
Jubail Mangroves, Al Jubail Island, jubailisland.ae (02 546 8341).
Louvre Abu Dhabi
The exterior of the floating dome structure is makes quite the big impression, and it’s one of the most intriguing architectural sites in the city. Consider it a piece of art in and of itself. Click here for the best places for art and culture in Abu Dhabi.
Louvre Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Cultural District, www.louvreabudhabi.ae, (600 565 566).
National Aquarium
How to choose just one thing to see at the UAE largest aquarium? Impossible. You can see 46,000 animals from any angle at this educational facility, and that’s something we could never get bored of looking at.
Click here for more family-friendly things to do in Abu Dhabi.
National Aquarium, Rabdan, Al Qana, thenationalaquarium.ae (02 418 6666).
Observation Deck at 300
Abu Dhabi’s wow factor café guarantees good views and unique experiences. It is the highest pinnacle in Abu Dhabi and sits on the 74th floor of the Etihad Towers. Arrive before sunset and soak up the views.
Click here to find all the best places to watch the sunrise in Abu Dhabi.
Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers, Corniche Street, hilton.com (02 811 5555).
Qasr Al Watan
How often do you get to see a presidential palace up close and inside? Construction finished in 2017 and a couple of years later it was opened to the public. Before and after that, however, it has been used as a host venue for heads of state, royalty and cabinet meetings. Qasr Al Watan is a cultural hub which embodies the heritage, development and future plans of the UAE. Visitors can see a banquet room, a stunning domed hall, a museum of gifts given to the UAE government by visiting and visited nations and even the official meeting place of the UAE Cabinet and Federal Supreme Council.
Click here for all the iconic historic buildings in Abu Dhabi.
Qasr Al Watan, Al Ras Al Akhdar, qasralwatan.ae (600 544 442).
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
A beautiful place of worship that inspires residents and visitors. Prayer times can attract many worshippers and Fridays, and days of religious significance in particular see thousands attend sermons. The UAE’s largest mosque is also a hub for non-Muslims who want to learn about Islam and the religious culture of the UAE, and is open to visitors and guided tours.
Click here for all the best mosque tours in Abu Dhabi.
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Street, szgmc.gov.ae (02 419 1919).
Sir Bani Yas Island
Out of town and offshore you have to work a little to see this destination, but trust us – it is worth it. More than half the island is given over to the Arabian Wildlife Park. Thousands of animals, including oryx, gazelles, giraffes and cheetahs are at home on the island. There are also places of historic interest and luxury hotels to see.
Click here for all the best luxury staycations in Abu Dhabi.
Desert Islands Resort, Al Ruwais, Sir Bani Yas Island, anantara.com (02 895 8700).
Venetian Village
While tower blocks and the ultra-modern dominate much of the Abu Dhabi skyline this waterfront district in the grounds of the Ritz-Carlton hotel is a little slice of Venice here in the UAE. Regular visitors to Italy could probably spot the differences, but this remains a Renaissance-inspired setting with a central plaza, cobbled streets and restaurant terraces overlooking the waterfront.
Click here for all the best Italian restaurants in Abu Dhabi.
Venetian Village, within the Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal, Al Rawdah, venetianvillage.ae (056 177 7557).
Yas Bay Waterfront
Dhs4bn of investment has gone into making this an aspirational waterfront development. There is a 3km boardwalk that is pleasant for an evening stroll as you contemplate which of the many casual restaurants to visit. Paradiso, Akiba Dori, Hunter & Barrel, The Lighthouse, Pop City, Central — tick them all off your list.
Click here for where to eat on Yas Bay.
Yas Bay, Yas Island, yasbay.ae (800 927 229).
Yas Marina Circuit
This is a very specific view. Right down on the track, right next to the finish line of the world’s best grand prix circuit. The view is exactly what the world’s best drivers have as they zoom around at speeds more than 350kmph and the access given to visitors is remarkable. You can view it from behind the wheel of a sports car yourself, or for more sedate experience on one of the frequent on-track jogs and bike rides.
Click here for where to go cycling in Abu Dhabi.
Yas Marina Circuit, Yas Island, yasmarinacircuit.com (800 927).
