Culture and landmarks
1. Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
A breathtaking white marble mosque with 82 domes, gold-plated chandeliers and one of the world’s largest hand-knotted carpets. Tourists pay AED 10 (free for over-60s), and a strict dress code applies. See our Grand Mosque visitor guide.
2. Louvre Abu Dhabi
A “universal museum” on Saadiyat Island, with masterpieces from ancient times to today under a vast latticed dome that filters sunlight. Adult tickets cost around AED 70; under-18s are free. Details: Louvre Abu Dhabi.
3. Qasr Al Watan
The working presidential palace, with a dazzling Great Hall and a library. Stay for the evening light and sound show on the facade.
4. Qasr Al Hosn
The city’s oldest stone building, a fort that tells the story of Abu Dhabi before the oil boom.
5. Emirates Palace
A lavish hotel where you can visit the lobby, have coffee or afternoon tea, and admire the domes.
6. Heritage Village
A free open-air museum of traditional Bedouin life on the breakwater, with views of the Corniche skyline.
Yas Island
7. Ferrari World
Home to Formula Rossa, one of the world’s fastest roller coasters, all under a giant red roof.
8. Warner Bros. World and Yas Waterworld
An indoor theme park with Gotham City and Looney Tunes zones, plus a huge water park next door.
9. SeaWorld Abu Dhabi
A large indoor marine-life park with themed ocean zones.
10. Yas Marina Circuit
The Formula 1 track hosts the season finale in early December; on other days you can try driving or cycling the circuit.
Find tours & tickets in Abu DhabiNature and outdoors
11. Kayak in the Mangrove National Park
Paddle through calm mangrove channels and look for herons and crabs, best in the early morning.
12. Saadiyat Beach
Soft white sand and clear water; turtles nest here in season.
13. The Corniche
Walk or cycle 8 km of seafront paths with public beaches and skyline views.
14. Desert safari
Dune bashing, camel rides, sandboarding and dinner at a desert camp, about an hour outside the city.
Day trip
15. Al Ain
The UAE’s garden city, about 1.5 hours away: a UNESCO-listed oasis, forts and the drive up Jebel Hafeet mountain.
Practical tips
- Combine Saadiyat (Louvre, beach) in one day, and Yas Island in another.
- Most attractions are indoors and air-conditioned, which helps in summer.
- Carry a light layer: indoor air conditioning is strong.
More Abu Dhabi guides
- Abu Dhabi travel guide
- Abu Dhabi itinerary: 1, 2 or 3 days
- Where to stay in Abu Dhabi
- Best time to visit Abu Dhabi
- Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque visitor guide
- Dubai to Abu Dhabi: train, bus or taxi
- Abu Dhabi airport to the city
FAQ: things to do in Abu Dhabi
What is Abu Dhabi famous for?
The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, the Louvre Abu Dhabi, Yas Island’s theme parks and the Formula 1 Grand Prix.
What can you do for free in Abu Dhabi?
Walk the Corniche, visit Heritage Village, relax on public beaches and see the Emirates Palace lobby. The Grand Mosque now has a small entry fee for tourists.
Is Ferrari World worth it?
Yes for thrill-seekers and Formula 1 fans. Families with small children may prefer Warner Bros. World.
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