What’s special about Abu Dhabi – the capital and second most populous city of the United Arab Emirates? So, where to visit in Abu Dhabi? Let’s explore the most famous Abu Dhabi attractions, must-see and best places to visit in Abu Dhabi as well suggested by Klook below.
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Abu Dhabi City Tour with Multiple Options & Departure Points
Abu Dhabi is the capital of the United Arab Emirates, but is often overshadowed by the glitz of Dubai. However, don’t underestimate this city! Abu Dhabi has its own unique beauty with a slow pace of life, giving you the opportunity to deeply explore the history and culture here.
You can visit the magnificent Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, or explore the vast desert land, and modern entertainment areas. Join Klook to explore a series of attractive entertainment destinations in the capital of the UAE!
Qasr Al Watan Presidential Palace in Abu Dhabi
Qasr Al Watan, the Presidential Palace in Abu Dhabi, is a magnificent architectural work and an important cultural symbol of the UAE. With a design inspired by the Arab heritage, the palace not only represents the wealth and power of the country but also preserves and promotes the country’s rich intellectual heritage.
When entering Qasr Al Watan, you will immediately feel the grandeur of the space and architecture, reflecting the special position of the palace in Emirati culture. The highlight of the attraction is the “Palace In Motion” show, an impressive light and sound performance, recreating the development journey of the UAE through three attractive parts.
In addition, visitors can explore the Qasr Al Watan library and the House of Knowledge, which houses a rich collection of books, manuscripts and documents about the UAE, to better understand the history and culture of this country. Or you can also visit the Spirit of Collaboration area, the Presidential Banquet Hall,…
- Address: Al Ras Al Akhdar, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
- Opening Hours: 10:00am to 6:00pm
Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi
Located in Abu Dhabi, Emirates Palace stands out with its perfect combination of luxury, high-class service and excellent dining experience. From a distance, the palace looks like it came out of an Arabian fairy tale, with the main building being over a kilometer long and the garden covering 100 hectares.
The architecture of Emirates Palace is an impressive element. The palace has 114 domes, of which the central dome is 72.6 meters high, and is elaborately decorated with gold, mother-of-pearl and crystal. It is also famous for its 1,002 chandeliers, the largest of which weighs 2.5 tons. Two hand-crafted murals depicting the palace are also a tourist attraction.
During the day, the palace’s gilded exterior stands out against the lush greenery, sparkling fountains and clear blue sky. At night, the shimmering lights of the palace create a magical rainbow effect on the main dome.
- Address: West Corniche Road, Abu Dhabi, UAE.
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi
Located in the heart of Abu Dhabi, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is a masterpiece of religious architecture, attracting visitors from all over the world. Built in 1996 and completed after 12 years of construction, this work is a testament to the sophisticated combination of traditional Islamic art and modern architecture.
The special feature of the mosque is the world’s largest hand-woven carpet, with an area of 5,700 square meters, along with a giant chandelier 15 meters high, weighing 12 tons, plated with 24-carat gold. The mosque also has 82 domes, 1,000 pillars, all of which are intricately carved and decorated with white marble.
You can visit the main prayer area, admire the pure white marble walls, elaborate decorations and colorful stained glass windows. You can also explore the large garden area, which has a fountain, lush gardens, and a relaxing area.
- Address: Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Street, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
- Opening hours: Saturday – Thursday: 9:00 am to 10:00 pm. | Friday: 9:00 am to 12:00 pm, then reopen from 3:00 pm to 10:00 pm.
Etihad Towers Observation Deck In Abu Dhabi (#best places to visit in Abu Dhabi)
Dominating the Abu Dhabi skyline, Etihad Towers is a complex of five skyscrapers, offering visitors the ultimate luxury experience. With its prime location right on the shores of the Persian Gulf, Etihad Towers is the ideal destination to enjoy stunning views of the city and the sea.
The main attraction here is the Observation Deck at 300, located on the 74th floor of Tower 2, offering breathtaking views of Abu Dhabi. You can enjoy lunch or afternoon tea here, with high-class service and romantic views.
In addition, Etihad Towers is also an ideal shopping destination with The Avenue, home to high-end fashion brands and world-famous brands.
- Address: Level 74, Tower 2, Etihad Towers, Corniche Road, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
- Opening hours: 10:00am to 7:00pm.
Qasr Al Hosn Museum in Abu Dhabi
Qasr Al Hosn, also known as the White Fort, is a historical icon of Abu Dhabi, offering visitors an insight into the capital’s past. Located in the heart of the city, Qasr Al Hosn is the oldest stone building in Abu Dhabi, built in 1790.
Visitors can explore two main parts of Qasr Al Hosn: the Inner Fort and the Outer Palace. Here, you can admire ancient artifacts from 6,000 years ago, telling the story of Abu Dhabi’s development from a small fishing village to a modern city.
In addition to historical sightseeing, visitors also have the opportunity to experience traditional Emirati culture. Activities that Klook suggests for you include joining the Bait Al Ghawa program to learn how to make coffee in the traditional style, or visiting the Artisan House to see handicrafts such as carpet weaving, embroidery, and boat making.
(*) Qasr Al Hosn also hosts traditional art performances, workshops, and classes, providing visitors with a deep cultural experience.
- Address: Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum Street, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
- Opening hours: Saturday – Thursday: 10:00 am to 9:00 pm | Friday: 2:00 pm to 10:00 pm.
Louvre Abu Dhabi
Located on Saadiyat Island, the Louvre is a famous cultural tourist destination in the United Arab Emirates. The museum is a collaboration between the Louvre Paris and the Abu Dhabi government, and houses over 600 works of art and antiquities from around the world.
In addition to admiring famous works of art such as Leonardo da Vinci’s La Belle Ferronnière, Giovanni Bellini’s Virgin and Child and Vincent Van Gogh’s self-portrait, visitors can also explore temporary exhibitions with diverse themes.
The Louvre Abu Dhabi also dedicates three floors to a children’s museum, where they can experience interactive activities, explore art and have fun. You can also kayak through the museum’s water channels to see modern architecture from a new perspective.
- Address: Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
- Opening hours: Tuesday – Sunday: 10:00 am to 6:30 pm. | Closed on Mondays.
Abu Dhabi Desert
When you come to Abu Dhabi, don’t miss the opportunity to explore the vast desert here. Abu Dhabi Desert, also known as “Empty Quarter”, is an attractive destination for those who love to explore wild nature.
With an area of 70% of Abu Dhabi, this is the largest continuous sand desert in the world. You can participate in many interesting activities here, from 4×4 dune adventures, camel riding, to stargazing. Or you can also challenge yourself in the Liwa desert area, with towering sand dunes.
In addition, you can also visit the Al Ain oasis, which preserves the unique culture and traditions of the local people, visit Bedouin tents, enjoy traditional Arabian cuisine.
The Glamorous Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi
Yas Marina Circuit is a symbol of speed and glamor in Abu Dhabi. Not only is this the venue for the famous F1 racing tournament, it is also an attractive destination for all ages.
You can try your hand at speed driving experiences such as Aston Martin GT4, Formula Yas 3000, Alfa Romeo Guilia Quadrifoglio, or Caterham Seven, Chevrolet Camaro SS, Polaris drift sprint. In addition, Yas Track Day allows you to drive your own car or motorbike on the track.
If you want to experience speed in a safer way, try the shuttle service with many different types of cars. Or try the Yas Kartzone area with a 1km long track, an ideal place for you to test your go-kart racing skills with friends.
In addition, you can participate in free sports activities at ADNOC TrainYAS, including jogging, cycling or walking at sunset.
- Address: Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
Ferrari World Abu Dhabi
If you are passionate about speed and the famous Ferrari brand, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi is the ideal destination. Located on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, this park offers great experiences with games and activities related to high-class sports cars.
The main attraction of Ferrari World is Formula Rossa, the world’s fastest roller coaster, reaching speeds of up to 240 km/h in just 4.9 seconds. In addition, you can also challenge yourself with Turbo Track, a roller coaster that shoots up and down at breakneck speeds.
Ferrari World Abu Dhabi Ticket
In addition to adventure games, Ferrari World also offers many interesting activities for all ages. You can participate in a Ferrari driving simulation race at Fiorano GT Challenge, explore the Ferrari car manufacturing process at Made in Maranello or try many other entertainment games such as Flying Aces, Speed of Magic, Bell’ Italia.
- Address: Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
- Opening hours: 11:00am to 8:00pm.
Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi
Warner Bros. World is the largest indoor theme park in the region, taking you into the colorful world of famous cartoon characters and superheroes. The park is divided into 6 areas, each area offers its own unique experience.
You can adventure with Batman in Gotham City, explore the world of Superman in Metropolis, or enter the ancient world of the Flintstones family in Bedrock. In addition, the park also has Dynamite Gulch with challenging adventure games, Cartoon Junction for children.
In addition to the rides and games, the park also has live shows, the opportunity to meet your favorite characters and shop for unique souvenirs. This is a great destination for the whole family with many memorable memories.
- Address: Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
- Opening hours: 12:00 noon to 12:00 midnight.
Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi
If you love thrill rides and want to cool off in the cool water, Yas Waterworld is the place for you.
The highlight of Yas Waterworld is the world’s longest water slide, “Jebel Drop”, which takes you down at breakneck speed. You can also challenge yourself with “Bandit Bomber”, “Dawwama”, “Falcon’s Falaj” and many other water rides.
The park also has a dedicated children’s area with gentle and safe games, such as “The Toddler’s Pool” and “The Marah Fortress”. Yas Waterworld also offers many other entertainment activities such as water music shows, interactive games and photo opportunities with adorable cartoon characters.
Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi Ticket
- Address: Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
- Opening hours: 10:00 am to 9:00 pm.
SeaWorld Abu Dhabi
The first underwater theme park in the Middle East, SeaWorld Abu Dhabi, is a destination that will bring you many new experiences. The park is designed with indoor space and air conditioning, recreating the habitat of marine creatures.
One of the most impressive points at SeaWorld Abu Dhabi is the Endless Ocean aquarium, the largest in the world with more than 68,000 marine creatures. Visitors can explore the underwater world through transparent tunnels and interactive areas.
In addition, the park also has many other attractive tourist attractions such as: MicroOcean, an area dedicated to children with fun games; Tropical Ocean, where visitors can meet dolphins and flamingos; Rocky Point, where visitors can get close to sea lions; and Polar Ocean, recreating the habitat of polar animals.
SeaWorld Abu Dhabi also offers unique experiences such as: Manta Coaster, a roller coaster with a series of spectacular somersaults; Hypersphere 360, a virtual reality underwater travel simulation; and SEA Guardian Games, an interactive game that helps visitors explore the park and learn about marine conservation.
- Address: Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
- Opening hours: 10:00 am to 9:00 pm.
Abu Dhabi National Aquarium
With an area of 9,000 square meters, Abu Dhabi National Aquarium is home to more than 46,000 marine creatures from 60 display areas, divided into 10 different themes.
The largest underwater tunnel in the Middle East is the most impressive part of the aquarium. This is where visitors can admire more than 22,000 marine creatures, from sharks, rays to marine animals, reptiles, amphibians, birds… Visitors can also explore diverse habitats such as coral reefs, tropical rainforests, icy oceans…
The aquarium is also home to large marine animals such as hammerhead sharks, bull sharks, tiger sharks, eagle rays and “Super Snake” – a 7-meter long reticulated python, considered the longest python in the world.
In addition, visitors can also participate in activities such as feeding sharks, exploring shipwrecks, tropical rainforests and many other attractive areas.
The National Aquarium Abu Dhabi Ticket
- Address: Al Qana – Rabdan – Abu Dhabi – United Arab Emirates
- Opening hours: 10:00 am – 10:00 pm
Have Fun at Pixoul Gaming Zone
The first integrated immersive entertainment destination in the Middle East, Pixoul Gaming promises to bring a “fun to the roof” entertainment experience to Abu Dhabi. It perfectly combines the virtual and real worlds, creating a diverse entertainment space for all ages.
The main attraction of Pixoul Gaming is the VR Gaming Zone with 10 virtual and augmented reality games, from shooting, virtual roller coasters to space travel to explore the planet Pixoul. In addition, this area also has a story mode and arcade mode, providing a variety of choices for visitors.
In addition, Pixoul Gaming also owns the first Esports Academy in the Middle East, which trains professional gamers and organizes international tournaments. The academy has specialized classrooms where local and foreign coaches can train individuals and teams.
Although not as flashy as Dubai, Abu Dhabi is still an attractive destination you should not miss.
The post first appeared on Klook Vietnam and was translated and edited by Living Nomads. If you find any images or text that belong to you, please contact us, so we can credit you or give us permission to use them. Thank you very much!
Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in, from and to Abu Dhabi you can refer to
- Shared Van Transfers to Dubai and Abu Dhabi Attractions from Dubai (Round Trip)
- Private Transfers to Yas Island Abu Dhabi Attractions
- Shared Transfers between Dubai and Ferrari World/Warner Bros. in Abu Dhabi
- Private Dubai International Airport (DXB) Transfers for UAE Emirates
- Louvre Abu Dhabi Ticket
- Ferrari World Abu Dhabi
- Qasr Al Watan Presidential Palace Ticket in Abu Dhabi
- Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi
- Abu Dhabi City Tour with Ferrari World, Warner Bros. or Yas Waterworld Ticket
- KidZania Abu Dhabi Ticket
- Klook Pass Abu Dhabi
- Abu Dhabi Full Day Tour from Dubai (Small Group Tour)
- Abu Dhabi City Small Group Day Tour from Dubai
- Abu Dhabi City Day Tour
- The National Aquarium Abu Dhabi Ticket
- Yas Island Multi-Park Tickets
- Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi Ticket
- [SALE] Abu Dhabi Half Day City Tour
- Abu Dhabi City Tour with Multiple Options & Departure Points
- Abu Dhabi Small Group Premium Day Tour from Dubai
- Full Day Abu Dhabi City Tour with Louvre Art Museum
- UAE Prepaid 4G SIM Card (BKK Airport Pick Up) from AIS
- Etisalat 5G/4G SIM (UAE wide Airport Pick Up)
Read more Abu Dhabi guide here.