The Emirate of Abu Dhabi is one of the seven that make up the United Arab Emirates. With a reputation as a city of business, Abu Dhabi can often be overlooked as a vacation spot in favour of neighbouring Dubai. However, the ever-evolving city of Abu Dhabi has a strong beauty and unique activities which win the hearts of visitors. With jaw-dropping architecture, incredible shopping and a magnificent history, Abu Dhabi has a lot to offer.
Explore the Louvre
When The Louvre is mentioned, everyone thinks of Paris and rightly so as the gallery is iconic. What a lot of people don’t know is that there is a Louvre outside of Paris designed by French architect Jean Nouvel. Louvre Abu Dhabi is the first foreign outpost of the Paris museum and art enthusiasts will equally enjoy the offerings that this huge, magnificent gallery features. Like the Louvre, one of the most famous landmarks across the world, Louvre Abu Dhabi is a magnificent piece of architecture with a spectacular dome-shaped design. Within the gallery are the works of Da Vinci and Picasso alongside other amazing artists as well as exciting exhibitions on loan from various French galleries including the Louvre.
Hours: Tuesday to Sunday 10am-6:30pm
Price: Adults 60AED and under 18’s free
Visit the Largest Mosque in the United Arab Emirates
The most elegant and beautiful mosque in the United Arab Emirates is at home in Abu Dhabi. Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque was inspired by Persian, Moorish and Mughal architecture and features some the largest chandeliers, the world’s longest knotted carpet and a unique lighting setup guided by the lunar cycle. The impressive mosque is a building of beauty with manicured gardens complementing the majestic design. The site can hold up to 40,000 worshippers at one time and is open to visitors to explore.
Hours: Saturday to Thursday 9am-10pm and Friday’s 4:30pm-10pm
Price: Free
Experience a Touch of Gold at Emirates Palace
The official guest palace of the city’s government, Emirates Palace is a stunning 394-room establishment that is dripping in gold. The luxury five-star hotel boasts beautiful Islamic architecture complemented by extravagant décor, a marina and private beach. Whilst stays at the hotel can be pricey, Emirates Palace is also open to guests and offers unique gold experiences. For a gold taste, a 24-carat gold-flaked cappuccino or a gold-encrusted ice cream can be enjoyed whilst for a touch more luxury, how about a gold facial, just some of the many gold offerings on the menus at Emirates Palace.
Hours: Hotel is open 24/7. Spa and eateries may vary.
Price: Free entry but activities, spa and café prices vary
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Have Some Adventure at Yas Island
Yas Island is known as Abu Dhabi’s family hub with a wealth of activities and adventure on offer. Home to three theme parks, beaches, the Emirate’s biggest mall and even a Formula One racetrack, there is something for everyone on Yas Island. For adrenaline, you can ride the world’s fastest rollercoaster at Ferrari World, explore the lands of Warner Bros. World, get wet and wild at Yas Waterworld or experience the Grand Prix at Yas Marina Circuit. If you prefer a bit more relaxation, you can chill out at the cool beach club of Yas Beach.
Hours: Varies by location
Price: Varies by location
Enjoy Breakfast with Giraffes
Opened in 2008, Emirates Park Zoo and Resort was the first of its kind to open in the UAE. Home to more than 1700 animals, the zoo is a firm favourite with animal lovers who can interact with their favourite species but no activity at the resort can top having breakfast with the giraffes. Before joining a guided tour of the park, guests have a unique opportunity to sit down to breakfast with incredible African giraffes. The experience allows you to get up close and personal with the magnificent animals and interact with them whilst enjoying your first meal of the day.
Hours: Giraffe experience daily 9am-11am. Zoo opening hours daily 9am-9pm.
Price: 250AED (adults), 130AED (children) and under 3’s free
Stay in the Desert
One of the world’s most unique and photographed hotels sits in the heart of the Abu Dhabi desert. The sand-coloured hotel of Anantara Qasr Al Sarab blends beautifully with the desert’s golden dunes rising magnificently from the sands like a mirage. The hotel has an elegant design with architecture that is simply a work of art and it is a worthy location to stay at, even just for one night, with incredible stargazing opportunities in the desert. The resort also boasts an unbelievable spa that is one of the best in the Emirates and the perfect place to enjoy a luxury treatment.
Hours: Hotel is open 24/7
Price: Stays and treatment prices vary
Tour the Royal Palace
A tribute to the city’s heritage and culture, Qasr Al Watan is home to the government of Abu Dhabi. Visitors can tour the Palace of the Nation, as it is known, and learn about how the UAE was formed as well as the governance that resides here. A huge library is also a home here holding historical resources, a vast selection of books and Arab manuscripts. Qasr Al Watan is also a work of architectural beauty with a traditional Arabian design, high white ceilings and intricate detailing.
Hours: Sunday’s, Tuesday’s and Wednesday’s 10am-6pm and Thursday to Saturday 12pm-6pm
Price: 60AED (adults) and 30AED (children)
Stroll along The Corniche
As a five-mile stretch of waterfront real estate, The Corniche is the perfect place to enjoy a stroll in the city. Along the path you can stop off at beautiful gardens, playgrounds and beaches as well as admire art installations. Sunset is the best time to visit with a nice breeze and a gorgeous orange sky over the water. The Corniche is a lovely location to enjoy a relaxing walk and take in the scenery of the Abu Dhabi coastline.
Hours: 24/7
Price: Free
Admire the View From Observation Deck at 300
The skyline of Abu Dhabi is ever-evolving and the best place to enjoy the view is from Observation Deck at 300. As the highest vantage point in the city, the observation deck offers magnificent, panoramic views across the city from the 360-degree lookout. Located on the 74th floor of one of the swish Etihad towers, the lookout takes in both the cityscape and the magnificent coastline of Abu Dhabi. You can also book an afternoon tea for a high-class experience with the best view in town.
Hours: Monday to Saturday 12pm-8pm. Afternoon tea times vary.
Price: 95AED. Afternoon tea is 250AED.
Visit Mangrove National Park
One of Abu Dhabi’s most notable natural wonders spans seven square miles and is full of scenic waterways. Home to the famous mangroves as well as over 60 species of bird, Mangrove National Park is the perfect place for nature lovers. The mangroves are also home to inhabitants such as flamingos, crabs and fish as well as providing a habitat for foxes, turtles and marine mammals. The best way to discover the national park is on a kayak that can be hired and paddled through the beautiful waterways.
Hours: Daily 11am-11pm
Price: Free entry. Two-hour kayaks are 160AED.
The magnificent city of Abu Dhabi is constantly transforming to become a world of beauty and luxury whilst still retaining the natural wonders that are so magnificent. With everything from palm-lined promenades to exhilarating theme parks, Abu Dhabi has it all to offer.
