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Feb 10, 2025
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8 mins read

First Time in Abu Dhabi? Here Are 20 Must-Visit Places & Activities

First Time in Abu Dhabi? Here Are 20 Must-Visit Places & Activities

The capital city of the United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi is a luxurious spot that offers a perfect blend of cultural monuments and modern architecture. Furthermore, it is the largest of all the seven Emirates and is known for its top notch theme parks and museums all across the globe.

While you are planning to include major tourist places to visit Abu Dhabi, it is vital to know a brief about them. This blog will discuss some of the must visit places and activities in Abu Dhabi that you should add to your itinerary list. Let’s begin.

Here Are 20 Must-Visit Places & Activities in Abu Dhabi

Mentioned below are some spots you should vouch for while planning a trip to Abu Dhabi. Make sure to read this write-up till the end to get a gist of them. 

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

A majestic structure located in the middle of beautiful gardens. Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is an iconic landmark of the capital city Abu Dhabi. Furthermore, it is one of the globe's largest mosques visited by tourists in numbers every year. 

Louvre, Abu Dhabi

The first ever art and civilisation museum, Louvre Abu Dhabi is one of its kind situated on Saadiyat Island. It serves as one of the premier cultural institutions of Abu Dhabi and is the dream of an art lover. Moreover, it displays work of cultural, historical, and sociological importance from the contemporary and modern era.

Also Read :- Ultimate Guide to Secure a Hassle-Free Booking Experience in Dubai

Ferrari World

Are you a car nerd? If yes, then Ferrari World is the one spot you should be including in your itinerary list. It is the globe's first ever Ferrari "themed" park that offers heart racing rides to its visitors. One can also explore art simulators, live performances, electric go-karts, and more.

Qasr Al Watan

Like Dubai, Abu Dhabi is famous for its architectural marvels too. Qasr Al  Watan is one of those. This presidential palace is larger than life heritage structure and stands as a prominence of the United Arab Emirates and its leaders.

Heritage Village

Ever wondered about the life of the Emirates before modernisation? Furthermore, the place features a lifestyle of Bedouin with a dash of a campfire, traditional tents, coffee and a display of the infamous Falaj irrigation system. Hence, it marks an ideal place to learn the ways of gulf life and its traditions and culture. 

Desert Safari

Whether you are a sunrise person or a sunset one, Desert Safari will not disappoint you. It offers beautiful views of dusk and dawn making the landscape of Dubai more special. In addition, one can opt for Quad biking, Camel Riding, Dune Bashing, and other thrilling activities. It is one of the famous activities and adventure experiences of Abu Dhabi. Hence, you should include this spot in your itinerary list.

Yas Waterworld

The Yas Waterworld has been rated amongst the top-ranked water parks across the globe. Furthermore, it consists of 40 exciting and adrenaline-racing rides with 5 other attractions that'll ensure you are engaged and enjoying every single second of your trip.

The Emirates Palace

One of the most premium hotels in Abu Dhabi, the Emirates Palace is situated on the waterfront of the capital city. However, visitors can only have access to only some areas like exhibitions, lobbies, and outdoor areas. Yet, one will still be able to witness the exquisiteness of the hotel. 

Warner Bros 

Your favourite childhood characters in one place! Warner Bros Abu Dhabi is an indoor amusement park that consists of 29 rides, 7-star restaurants, shops, and unique shows including characters from WB Entertainment. To witness it all, book Warner Bros Abu Dhabi Tickets via a travel expert. This spot is one of the busiest spots in Abu Dhabi and so, it is better to book its tickets in advance. In addition, the cartoon junction here features a library of Loony Tunes and Hanna Barbera. 

Yas Marina Circuit

Are you a Formula 1 fan? Yas Marina Circuit is where the thrilling action meets the race track. Furthermore, this spot has hosted the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix for over a decade(2009) and is known for being a spectacular track.

The Galleria 

Looking for a one stop destination for shopping, dining, and entertainment? You've got one! The Galleria consists of 400 mid to top-end retail brands, 100 other exquisite dining options, global entertainment, modern parks, and a waterfront. 

The Corniche

Besides being known for sky touching buildings. Dubai also consists of walking stretches. The Corniche in Abu Dhabi is an 8 kilometres long stretch of a properly maintained waterfront that has cafes, a play zone, and a dedicated area for cyclists. One can enjoy the city's view and relax while walking around the same.

Also Read :- Top 7 Places in Dubai For Female Travellers: A Complete Tour

Saadiyat Beach

Are you a beach person? If yes, then you will surely love this spot. Saadiyat Beach is set on its Island's natural shores. Here, one can enjoy and relax outdoors with the white sandy boundaries and crystal clear waters that offer various water sports and activities.

Observation Deck at 300

UAE is famous for its immersive skyline view as it cuts through the top of the skyscrapers. One spot to witness it perfectly is from the Observation Deck at 300. It is located on the 74th floor of the twin towers of the Jumeirah at the Etihad Towers Complex. Furthermore, it provides a 360-degree panoramic view of Abu Dhabi like no other.

Emirates Park Zoo

A perfect place to witness the wilderness of Abu Dhabi, Emirates Park Zoo is a hub of more than 1,400 categories of animals. It includes birds, reptiles, mammals, and other wild creatures.

Marina Mall

One of the top notch malls of Abu Dhabi, Marina Mall is a 122,000 sq metres huge space and is a hub for more than 400 plus retail stores.  Furthermore, it also includes hypermarkets, speciality stores, banks, and many other ultra modern places.

Emirates National Auto Museum 

A very unique structure, situated 45 kilometres down south of Abu Dhabi, the Emirates National Auto Museum is the perfect spot for car geeks. From the oldest to the most premium car collection, this place has got it all.

BAPS Hindu Mandir

First ever traditional Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi, inspired by Pramukh Swami Maharaj of Swaminarayan Sanstha. It signifies the essence of unity and harmony among different cultures and faiths. A visit to this spot is a must especially if you are from India.

Wahat Al Karama

To give respect to the ones who sacrificed themselves for the Emirates, Wahat Al Karama allows one to show gratitude to all the tough and brave heroes of the United Arab Emirates.

Qasr Al Hosn

Want to learn about the historic events of Abu Dhabi? Well, Qasr al-Hosn Fort is an exhibition centre that shows the narration of the tale of Abu Dhabi and its local culture.

Conclusion

Now that you know about the top attractions of Abu Dhabi, it is vital to contact a travel agency in Dubai to book the tickets for the same in advance. Moreover, it is advisable to pack all the essentials like a visa and a passport to ensure a smooth travel experience. Furthermore, the climate of the UAE is humid. Hence, pack all your clothes accordingly. We hope you found the blog interesting and informative.