Blog

When people think of the UAE, they probably picture giant skyscrapers and all desert. The truth though is that there are so many great things to do in Abu Dhabi, and all throughout United Arab Emirates.

We had the pleasure of visiting Abu Dhabi for an entire week in February, and we left craving more. With beautiful weather, extravagant architecture, and a variety of activities, this city really exceeded our expectations.

There is a lot to know about visiting Abu Dhabi, and the other emirates. So we're here to share everything we know, and help you with your travels to Abu Dhabi and the UAE. So let's jump right in!

Where is Abu Dhabi?

Despite Dubai grabbing tourists attention around the globe, Abu Dhabi is in fact the capital of the UAE.

Located right in the middle of the country, and on the coast, its super easy to see the highlights of the United Arab Emirates. It has beaches right in the city, but is also right around the corner from the desert.

Entry Requirements for the UAE

The UAE is finally open for travel. Here are the different requirements needed to enter Abu Dhabi and the UAE.

Visa Requirements for the UAE

Almost everyone can enter the UAE for up to 30 days without needing prior visa arrangements. You can check the "Free visa upon arrival" list to make sure that your country is included.

The only country that we know has a bit of a restriction is those citizens from India, who are limited to a 14 day visit without a visa.

Things to See in Abu Dhabi

There is a great variety of things to do in Abu Dhabi, from trendy beach clubs and fancy shopping centers, to historical sites, and extravagent buildings. That's why we've organized everything by category, so that you can better navigate which activities are right for you.

Things to See in Abu Dhabi: Sites

First things first, let's jump into the best things to see in Abu Dhabi city. It may not be a very old capital city, but there are a lot of impressive things to check out. Here are some of  the top things to see in Abu Dhabi.

Don't have time to read the whole article and want to save it for later? Just pin it!

The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

This is hands down the number one for things to see in Abu Dhabi. The grand mosque is the symbol of the city.

Although it was only opened in 2007, it is truly a landmark not to be missed out on. Sheikh Zayed is the biggest mosque in the country, and is dripping in gold and marble.

How to Dress for the Grand Mosque

It's important to note that tickets are needed in advance (although it is free to enter), and the dress code is stricter than you could even imagine. Not an inch of skin may be shown on women, except for hands and faces.

Hair must be covered, and nothing can be sheer in the slightest bit. There is security everywhere monitoring where you can take photos, how you can pose, and making sure that you are 100% covered at all times.

The good thing is that there is a mall inside where you enter the mosque, so that you can purchase anything you may possibly need. That being said though, we do suggest you to purchase your clothing outside, as it is much cheaper this way.

Wahat Al Karama

Want the best view of the mosque from the outside? Well, head to Wahat AlKarama. This spot has an interesting architectural piece opposite the grand mosque, giving you stunning view from the outside.

But this isn't even the best part! Right next to the structure there is a small manmade pond that gives an incredible reflection of the mosque. We suggest going here for a magical sunset, and wait for it to get dark and witness the lights shining on this magnificent piece of art.

Qasr Al Watan (The Royal Palace)

The only thing rivaling the beauty of the mosque is the royal palace. Built in just 2011, every inch of Qasr Al Watan is more stunning than the next. 

Make sure to give yourself plenty of time here, as you will need to wait for a bus to take you. There is plenty to explore inside, as well as admiring the palace from the outside.

Make sure to book yourself for a slot in the afternoon! The inside closes at 6, but there is a daily light show at 7:15, which includes three impressive sets of mapping projections onto the entire building of the palace. You can also grab a bite to eat from the snack bar and check out the souvenir shop while waiting for the show to begin.

The Louvre

Though this may not be the original Louvre, it truly is an impressive museum to check out. With several different exhibitions, a gorgeous lattice domed roof, and a rooftop bar, you'll be sure to love every moment in the Louvre museum.

Tickets to the Louvre Museum in Abu Dhabi cost 60 AED, and you can also get an upgraded ticket to kayak around the the building itself! This ticket costs 126 AED. Tickets are valid for a half hour from the time slot given.

Emirates Palace

This is not actually a palace, but one of the most expensive hotels in the world. Emirates Palace does not allow those that aren't guests in certain areas, but they do have certain areas open to the public. Admire the gorgeous outside, or head inside for a cup of tea.

Even if you don't want to splurge for a night, it is definitely one of the best things to see in Abu Dhabi.

Qasr Al Hosn

Qasr Al Hosn is the oldest stone building in Abu Dhabi, built in 1761. Designed by Mohammed Al Bastaki, it is one of the most historically significant sites in the capital of the UAE.

Founders Memorial

Founders Memorial is one of the things to see in Abu Dhabi as a quick stop. Admire the beautiful piece of art that commemorates the first president of the UAE, who just died in 2004. The piece depicts the face of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and is just as beautiful day and night.

Things to See in Abu Dhabi: For the Family

Abu Dhabi truthfully doesn't have a ton for kids. Many activities have age limits, and they are pretty strict in regards to age restrictions. However, there are still a few things to do in Abu Dhabi for all ages that we're going to share.

The National Aquarium

We aren't usually fans of aquariums, but we have the say that the National Aquarium of Abu Dhabi is truly incredible. They actually are a sanctuary, as they rescue marine animals and then set them free once they are healed.

The highlight of the National Aquarium in Abu Dhabi is the mesmerizing tunnel where you can see stingrays, sharks, and plenty of other marine animals swimming all around and above you.

The aquarium is open from 10 am to 10 pm. Tickets are 105 AED for general admission, and go up to 200 for VIP.

Warner Brothers

We'll be honest, this is something we did not choose to do, and don't particularly have interest in as a couple in our 30's.

However, we have heard that for families it's a fun spot, as it's an indoor theme park featuring 15 different rides. It's open from 12 pm to 8 pm daily, and tickets cost 295 AED.

Want a combo tour? Here are a few different options:

Ferrari World

Calling all luxury car lovers. Ferrari World is another attraction that can be found on Yas Island, right near Warner Brothers Studios.

This indoor theme park is enormous, and also houses the world's fastest roller coaster. It's open from Tuesday to Sunday 12 pm to 8 pm, and tickets cost 295 AED.

Here are a few combo options, or tickets with transportation if you are visiting from Dubai:

Things to See in Abu Dhabi: Outdoor Locations

While there are tons of buildings to visit and things to do indoors, there are also quite a few things to see in Abu Dhabi to enjoy the outdoors! Here are a few of them.

Umm Al Emarat Park 

This park is one of the biggest green spaces in Abu Dhabi. In our opinion, it's really not such a must see, but nice to stop by if you have extra time and want something relaxing.

Um Emarat Park has a few exhibitions, as well as a couple restaurants on site to enjoy an hour or two walking around. It's open daily from 8 am to midnight, and tickets are 5 AED.

Corniche Beach

This beach is right across from a lot of the major hotels in Abu Dhabi. The strip is 8 km long, and has playgrounds, restaurants, and bathrooms.

Soul Beach

Soul beach is known as one of the most popular beach clubs in Abu Dhabi. We'll admit, the turquoise waters and white sands looked pretty inviting, but the people that worked there were horrible, and we couldn't justify spending 50 AED each to go to a beach. Not to mention on weekends they charge 75.

Yas Bay 

Yas Island has a lot to offer. It's where you can find Ferrari World, Warner Bros., and a few other things to do in Abu Dhabi. Yes bay is pretty quiet, but has some shops, restaurants, and some interesting art work. Check below for our favorite statue on Yas Bay.

Yas Beach

Just opposite Yas Bay you can find the exclusive beach club of Yas Beach. Just like Soul Beach, it is 50 AED to enter.

However, there seemed to be a much better atmosphere at Yas Beach. There are plenty of beach chairs, a nice swimming area, games, and pretty great pizza and drinks.

Jubail Mangrove Park

This was one of our favorite things to do in Abu Dhabi! We couldn't believe that this giant mangrove park with crystal clear waters and greenery everywhere was right in the city of the capital.

You can get two different tickets- one to walk along the baordwalks, and the other to actually kayak through the mangroves on a guided tour.

The park is open from 7 am to 9 pm during the week, and until 10 pm on the weekends. the Boardwalk entry is 15 AED, and the kayaks are 110 AED during the day, and 130 during sunrise and sunset.

Al Hudayirat Island

Want to get some Caribbean vibes right in Abu Dhabi? Well Hudayirat Island has turquoise waters and smooth white sand. In addition there is an entire area with different types of food trucks!

Things to See in Abu Dhabi: Shopping

We'll admit- we are not big shoppers at all. However, one of the most popular things to do in Abu Dhabi is to visit the malls. They are enormous, extravagant, and include a variety of different shops, restaurants, and activities.

It has been said that even some of the best restaurants are located in the malls. We didn't personally make it to any mall, but we hear that the restaurants serve liquor and have higher quality food. Here are a few of the most popular shopping centers in Abu Dhabi.

Abu Dhabi Mall

With over 200 shops, movie theaters, and a variety of activities, Abu Dhabi Mall is one of the most popular shopping plazas in all of Abu Dhabi. I mean the name explains itself right?

World Trade Center Mall 

The World Trade Center of Abu Dhabi is a complex of two skyscrapers, where you can see where old traditions meet contemporary style. Shops, dining, and even offices and residences are found here, making the possibilities endless.

Yas Mall

Yas Mall is the biggest and most luxurious mall in all of Abu Dhabi. Here is where you will find the most premium shops, and everything from bowling to ice skating. You could probably spend an entire day alone in this massive mall!

Souk Central Market

Looking for a more local vibe? Then Souk Central Market is for you. Here you can find fabrics, handicrafts, and antiques. This is also a place to work on those bargaining skills!

Things to See in Abu Dhabi: Outside the City

Now that you know the best things to see in Abu Dhabi itself, here are a few fun things that you can find outside the capital city.

Alwasthba Salt Lake

Let it be known that arriving here was a mistake. The famous Alswathba Salt Lakes have the same name in two very different locations, the only difference being that one says "long" in the name on Google.

The place itself is full of construction and not very inviting. However, if you're into photography and exploring random places, then you may in fact find this an interesting spot!

Alwasthba Long Salt Lake

This was the spot we originally intended on going, and is famous for it's unique set of three lily pads made of salt, surrounded by super clear blue waters. Due to too much tourism, the lily pads have fallen apart a bit.However, it is still a pretty cool spot.

Note: If you are driving here it is important that you turn on the left side of the road! Make sure that when you are driving that the fence is on your left side. continue to follow it all the way down, and the salt ponds are tucked down below, where you will just have to climb a few steps up to actually see.

Visiting from Dubai? Here's a tour that includes both Abu Dhabi and the salt lake:

Al Ain

Looking for something a bit different? Well Al Ain is full of old forts, museums, and local desert town vibes. You can enjoy the downtown area, as well as have an awesome overnight stay in the desert like we did at Telal Resort.

Al Ain is a small village in the desert with castles, forts, and an ancient oasis.

Want to a tour to Al Ain? Here are a few different options:

Desert Safari

Speaking of deserts- you didn't think we'd write an article about the Middle East without mentioning the desert right?

Well there are desert safari tours that include it all. Drive through the dunes, ride a camel, go sand boarding, or get a henna tattoo. The desert safari tours finish in a large desert camp with a full dinner, and a show with local dancing.

Prebook your desert safari from Abu Dhabi:

Local Food & Drink in Abu Dhabi

Now that you know all of the great things to see in Abu Dhabi, let's dive into the food & drink scene!

What Food is Abu Dhabi Known For?

Abu Dhabi is an interesting place, because they are pretty much a melting pot of flavors. We didn't find a single thing that was titled as being local. Instead, there were restaurants from many different cuisines, a good amount of them being Lebanese and Indian.

Even in the supermarket you can find all of the produce and prepared foods are marked by the country that they came from.

Can You Drink Alcohol in Abu Dhabi?

Being that the UAE is a muslim country, alcohol is forbidden in any places. You will not find alcohol found in supermarkets, or sold in any restaurant. 

However, most large hotels and malls have liquor licenses for tourists, making it easier to find alcohol in these places (although it's pretty expensive)

Is Eating Out Expensive in Abu Dhabi?

While alcohol is quite expensive, eating out doesn't have to be. Eating out CAN be very expensive in Abu Dhabi, but that's mostly if you choose to eat inside big hotels or in touristic places.

There are a lot of really inexpensive restaurants in Abu Dhabi too, and you can certainly find a lot of places on a budget.

Restaurants in Abu Dhabi We Recommend

We didn't eat at a ton of restaurants in Abu Dhabi that we were crazy about, as many of the top ones are super expensive. There are a few areas with food trucks, but other than that it isn't common to see a lot of quick food options. Here are a couple of restaurants that we were pretty impressed with though.

Mosaic

Mosaic actually has a couple of locations, and are all very popular by locals and visitors alike. The cuisine is Lebanese, and the restaurant is well designed with mosaic tiles. Prices were pretty reasonable for Abu Dhabi, and service was also good.

Bonna Anne

This spot is rated one of the best for value in all of Abu Dhabi. It is Ethiopian cuisine, which is a rather unique cuisine. The place was small and not decorated so well, but the food, service, and prices were truly incredible, definitely making it one to add to your list!

Moving Around Abu Dhabi

Now that you know all of the best things to see in Abu Dhabi, let's go over how to get from one place to another.

Is Abu Dhabi a Walkable City?

When you look at the map of Abu Dhabi, it really looks as if the city is small. Each block on the map in reality takes 5 minutes to drive.

There really aren't many places that are walkable, and the city is not set up in a way that you can roam easily on foot. Here are the different ways to get around Abu Dhabi.

Public Transportation in Abu Dhabi

We'll be honest, buses are far and few between. However, if you can manage to grab a bus, then this is the cheapest option! There are actually several buses sponsored by Visit Abu Dhabi that are completely free of charge to ride.

Taxis in Abu Dhabi

The UAE is pretty expensive, and taxis are usually expensive around the world. However, we found that taxis were one of the nil budget friendly things in all of Abu Dhabi! There are a few options for getting a taxi in Abu Dhabi.

If you go into any establishment such as a hotel or restaurant they'll be happy to call you a taxi. However, we don't really like this particular option as they charge you a bit more for calling.

Is Uber Available in Abu Dhabi?

The UAE does not have Uber, but they do have apps for taxis. One of the most popular apps to order taxis is Careem. We would use this as a last option though, as we found it as a bit more expensive to order a taxi this way.

Download Abu Dhabi Taxi

Abu Dhabi Taxi is the cheapest option when it comes to taxis, and is the best because you can also pay right on the app with your card. The only problem with this is if you don't have a local SIM card you won't be able to use the app.

Flagging a Taxi Down

Because we didn't have a local SIM card, we weren't able to download the Abu Dhabi Taxi app, so instead we had to resort to grabbing one on the side of the street.

Luckily we found it fairly easy to flag down taxis throughout the city, and it's only slightly more expensive than ordering from the app.

Where to Stay in Abu Dhabi for the First Time

If it's one thing that is extra expensive in Abu Dhabi, it's the hotels. We had the pleasure of staying at some really amazing places, as we were working with the tourism board there. For the most budget friendly options we would say your best bet is checking on AirBnb.

When it comes to areas to stay, everything is pretty spread out. Hotels in Corniche are a great option for those looking for a bit of luxury. 

Some of the best hotels are located here, and there are actually a couple of things walking distance such as Qasr Al Watan, Corniche Beach, and Founders Memorial.

Another popular area to stay for those that want a super fancy hotel is right outside the grand mosque, as this is where the most premier hotels such as Ritz Carleton and Shangri La are located.

Other Things to Know About Visiting Abu Dhabi

Now you know almost everything about visiting Abu Dhabi! But don't go yet- we have a few other things to share with you.

What is the Best Time to of Year to Go to Abu Dhabi?

This is a very important matter, as the weather plays a large role in the things to see in Abu Dhabi.

In the summer temperatures can raise to 55 degree Celsius (130 degrees Fahrenheit). I gets so hot that people stop working in the middle of the day. Outdoor activities no longer become possible, and the malls fill up.

When we visited in February, the days were hot, and nights were chilly. We personally think that anywhere from October to April is a great time to visit Abu Dhabi, so that you can comfortably enjoy all that it has to offer both inside and out.

What to Bring to Abu Dhabi

As we said, it gets pretty damn hot in this part of the world. We would say some essentials to have in mind are light clothes, a shawl to cover up, and plenty of sunscreen and wipes to stay fresh.

How to Dress in Abu Dhabi

We have to say that this was not anything that we expected. Being a touristic destination, it is very common to see woman dressed with skin showing. Locals are usually covered from head to toe, but it is not expected of tourists.

How to Dress in Religious Sites in Abu DHabi

Tourists can relax with the dress code all throughout the country. However, when entering religious sites this is the complete opposite. They are extremely strict with women in the mosques.

Do I Need to Cover My Hair in Abu Dhabi?

Everything, and we mean everything must be covered. Your wrists, ankles, and hair all must be covered, and if anything slips the slightest bit you will have security all over you.

Our Suggested Dress Code

We suggest dressing super light, as it gets pretty hot during the day, but then always have something to cover your legs and shoulders for when you find yourself in a religious site.

Also keep in mind that if you travel in winter it gets quite cool at night, so make sure to bring a sweater or light jacket. Even in the summer this is helpful, as the restaurants and malls BLAST the AC, making everywhere inside ridiculously cold.

Packing List for Abu Dhabi

• Sunscreen
• Sunglasses
• Hat
• Bathing suits
• Nice clothes for the evening
• Shawl to cover your hair at the mosques
• Long dresses or skirts for the mosques
• Sweater or light jacket for the indoors
• Reusable Water Bottle (we use this water bottle from Cafago because it holds the temperature)
• Flip Flops (we personally always get Havaiana flip flops, as they are comfy and long lasting) 
• Power Bank (we use Anker power banks, as they are super long lasting and sturdy)
• Action Camera (we use the Insta 360 X3 with the extra long selfie stick to take drone-like shots)
• Travel adapter (we use Insignia travel adapters)

Is Abu Dhabi Worth Visiting?

We found a lot of pros and cons to visiting the UAE. Some love it, and some hate it, which is why we wrote an entire article dedicated to helping you decide if visiting Abu Dhabi or Dubai is worth it for you.

How Many Days in Abu Dhabi is Enough?

There are a lot of things to see in Abu Dhabi! We originally thought we'd be able to fit the majority of the acitivities in just a couple of days. 

If you rent a car you'll cetrainly be able to see most of the highlights of the city in 2-3 days. However, if you're moving around by taxis or buses you may want to add another couple of days.

We did 6 days in Abu Dhabi (with two of them being in the desert) and we found this was the perfect amount of time.

So there you have it! Now you have all the info to make the most of your trip to Abu Dhabi. We'd love to hear your thoughts, and which kind of itinerary you'd build.

We spent a full week, and felt that it was the perfect amount of time to get to know the city. Next time we'd probably spend a full two weeks- one to enjoy Abu Dhabi, and another to head over and check out all that Dubai has to offer. Abu Dhabi is a pretty unique destination, but we also have plenty of other places around the world that have a variety of vibes to offer.

Need help planning your trip? Check out our new Scratch Your Mapa Travel Planning so that you can explore more, and save along the way!

Here are some other articles that you'd love: