Top things to do in Abu Dhabi
Attractions, tours and activities in Abu Dhabi
Recommended museums in Abu Dhabi
Where to discover culture and the arts in Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi: the city's best neighbourhoods
Find a great area to stay in Abu Dhabi
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Yas Island
15.2 miles from city centre
Yas has a need, a need for speed. Discover the turbo-charged Ferrari World theme park, fun-filled Yas Waterworld and the famous Yas Marina racing circuit. Yas Mall dominates its centre, an ultra-modern shopping centre with its own ski slope and adventure park. If you want to squeeze the most out of your day, then Yas Island has you covered.
Places to stay from £42 per night
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Saadiyat Island
5.3 miles from city centre
This once-forgotten island was crafted by nature but redesigned by man. Some come for Saadiyat Beach Golf Club, others for camel burgers at Fanr Restaurant. Whatever brings you here, there’s more in store for this corner of the city. Soon to be added are a wetland nature reserve and a cultural district with Abu Dhabi’s own Guggenheim and Louvre.
Places to stay from £158 per night
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Al Maryah Island
1.3 miles from city centre
Al Maryah is cutting edge – from the jutting steel skyscrapers right down to the sharp-suited bankers on the street. Principally the city’s business district, you’ll also find the chic Galleria shopping centre with its own Emporio Armani Caffè. After a busy day, adjourn to the Rosewood hotel’s rooftop lounge bar Glo for some well-earned R&R.
Places to stay from £119 per night
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Corniche
2.2 miles from city centre
If beachfront is your niche then hit the Corniche. With almost 9-km of sand, it forms a dazzling seam between the desert and the Gulf. After the heat of the day, take an evening stroll along the promenade gardens and take in the towering skyscrapers above you. Stop off at Colombiano Café and watch the sunset with a special grape and mint shisha.
Places to stay from per night
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Downtown Abu Dhabi
In the city centre
Welcome to the jungle. While the city grows and changes around it, Abu Dhabi’s untamed heart mixes international style with an extravagant Emirati flourish. Explore the Capital Garden, hunt for bargains at WTC Mall, climb up to the canopy at the Crowne Plaza’s Level Lounge, then revive your senses at the Beach Rotana’s poolside watering hole.
Places to stay from £25 per night
About Abu Dhabi
Including tips for the best time to visit Abu Dhabi
The capital and second-largest city of the United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi offers a taste of tradition amidst modern luxury with its cultural landmarks, sprawling theme parks and tall towers. Set on an island, the sun-soaked city also boasts miles of scenic coastline which melts into the azure waters of the Arabian Gulf.
Often overshadowed by glitzy Dubai, Abu Dhabi has no shortage of activities – from laid-back to action-packed. For a thrilling experience, you can ride the world’s fastest roller coaster at Ferrari World or zip down colourful, labyrinthine slides at Yas Waterworld. Once you’ve had your fill of theme parks, head to the waterfront Corniche, featuring white-sand beaches and a palm-lined promenade dotted with upscale restaurants, manicured gardens and lavish hotels.
A trip to Abu Dhabi is incomplete without a visit to its stellar attraction – Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. This impressive monument shines on the outside as well as the inside, with gleaming domes of white marble topping the structure, and a massive Swarovski-studded chandelier illuminating the interior. Also worth a visit is Qasr Al Hosn, the oldest building in the city, originally built as a watchtower. Art enthusiasts can head to The Louvre Abu Dhabi, one of the finest examples of art and architecture spanning cultures, continents and civilisations. Its impressive collection of art from all over the world is housed in a futuristic floating dome featuring a stunning interplay of light and shade.
Tonight
From £27 per night
Next weekend
From £208 per night
| Most popular time to visit | October–December |
| Cheapest time to visit | January–March |
| Local currency | AED 10 = £2.19 |
| Language | Arabic |
| Average weekend price | £130 per night |
| Average weekday price | £122 per night |
| Typical stay | 1 night |
Points of interest in Abu Dhabi
Stay near the top sightseeing spots in Abu Dhabi
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Al Wahda Mall
1.4 miles from city centre
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Abu Dhabi Mall
0.9 miles from city centre
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Marina Mall
3.2 miles from city centre
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Louvre Abu Dhabi
3.5 miles from city centre
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Yas Mall
15 miles from city centre
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Yas Links
14.5 miles from city centre
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Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
8.6 miles from city centre
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Al Raha Mall
13.4 miles from city centre
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Gold Souk
0.6 miles from city centre
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Zayed Sports City
7.3 miles from city centre
Abu Dhabi reviews
What other travellers say about Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi is an awesome place to visit.
16 April 2024
Abu Dhabi is an awesome place to visit. It has all the things any traveller would want. It has historical places as well as modern vibrant theme parks. It is home to one of the most beautiful mosques as well as the newly built BAPS Hindu temple. It also has theme parks like Ferrari World and Warner Bros. It has art museums like the Louvre.
While Dubai often takes the spotlight, Abu Dhabi is the...
12 April 2024
While Dubai often takes the spotlight, Abu Dhabi is the largest emirate, covering around 80% of the landmass and is a captivating city with a rich tapestry of experiences and attractions. I enjoyed staying at a plethora of luxury hotels, visiting designer boutiques (with flagship stores of sought-after designer brands) and the opulent shopping malls. What was also striking is the buzz of the Abu Dhabi at night and the myriad places of affordable international cuisine from all over the world. It doesn’t have to be a cash drain city if you do not want it to be. Abu Dhabi boasts of world-class attractions. I had to visit some of the thrilling rides at Yas Island’s Warner Bros World, Ferrari World or the Waterpark and the architectural marvel of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Emirates Palace and the Louvre. There’s definitely something for everyone to do!
I loved the public beaches with all necessary facilities.
4 April 2024
I loved the public beaches with all necessary facilities. The pedestrian lanes are comfortable to walk. New cycling lanes are being built currently. Corniche embarkment offers everything for all ages. Lots of of free attractions, playgrounds for kids. The public toilets are free of charge unlike in my country. And what I noticed toilettes were always clean with liquid soap and dryer for hands. Everything is made for human beings. If you are thirsty and cant afford to buy a water you can find free cold water fountains in the city.
I visited Abu Dhabi because I came to the concert of Andre...
27 March 2024
I visited Abu Dhabi because I came to the concert of Andre Rieu and decided to mix and see the local culture. Memorable event, memorable vacation. I was impressed about the venue Etihad Arena. The cities offers a lot: visited Louvre, Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Qasr Al Watan, National Aquarium, Sea World, Al Forsan International Sports Resort offers different sport activities from horse riding, shooting and many other activities. The city is unique and you have to come here at least once. Since I came during Ramadan I tried local food at Iftar offered in a package by Yas Island. What I liked the most as a single woman that I felt safe everywhere, hotel, in the taxi, restaurants. I can say I felt more safe than anywhere in Europe. The taxi is affordable for everyone that's why I did not use the buses. Was easy to get around the city and could visit few places in a day. Tips for travelers, get information, buy your tickets in advance from the local websites, many places have free entrances, you just need to book your ticked in advance, so you will avoid the queues. Overall I liked a lot my trip to Abu Dhabi as was very well planned and I met politeness everywhere.
Abu Dhabi is really coming on these days, there is still the...
25 March 2024
Abu Dhabi is really coming on these days, there is still the constant construction works ongoing however it does seem to be making progress and developing into not only an established business hub, but a very pleasant tourist destination.
The staff there is so kind and willing to help with anything...
22 March 2024
The staff there is so kind and willing to help with anything to make your staff a very comfortable one. I enjoyed the sightseeing / Town tours. I enjoyed dressing up like one of them especially at the Mosquoe .
Popular places to stay in Abu Dhabi
Stay in some of the best accommodation Abu Dhabi has to offer
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2 bedroom apartment Wabi Sabi in Yas Yas Island, Abu Dhabi
From £281 per night
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Mayan Yas Island Yas Island, Abu Dhabi
From £429 per night
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Twilight 1BR apartment Yas Island Yas Island, Abu Dhabi
From £120 per night
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Dinar Home Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
From £132 per night
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Yas Island canal 1- Formula 1, Entertainment, and Luxury Living! Yas Island, Abu Dhabi
From £212 per night
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