As the summer heat wave dies down, it’s time to get excited about exploring the desert oasis and look for the best things to do in Abu Dhabi! Although it’s not as popular as its neighbor, Dubai, the capital of UAE offers many charms of its own.
If you’re wondering where to go in Abu Dhabi, the city has plenty of things to offer: from modern rooftop bars to ancient mosques. Young or old, history buffs, thrill-seekers, Formula 1 fans—just about anyone can enjoy the “Manhattan of the Middle East”.
If it’s your first time, start out with these top things to do in Abu Dhabi:
- Wander Qasr Al Watan Presidential Palace
- Take time to appreciate art at Louvre Abu Dhabi
- Ride the fastest roller coaster on the planet at Ferrari World
- Blast off to movie-themed fun at Warner Bros. World
- Slip n’ slide at Yas Waterworld
- Discover marine life at the National Aquarium Abu Dhabi
- Have a romantic evening aboard the dhow
- Go on an exciting desert adventure
- Go karting at the Yas Marina Circuit
- See Abu Dhabi from the top at 300
1. Wander Qasr Al Watan Presidential Palace
Marvel at architectural wonder that is this palace!. Source: Klook
If you’re a culture-buff, one of the best things to do when you travel to Abu Dhabi is see the Qasr Al Watan Presidential Palace. A jaw-dropping architectural wonder, it features Islamic motifs, such as arches, domes, and intricate tile works that showcase UAE’s rich history and culture.
2. Take time to appreciate art at Louvre Abu Dhabi
You and your partner will surely “Louvre” seeing the exhibits at the museum. Source: Klook
Here’s a fun fact most people don’t know: The Louvre can also be found in Abu Dhabi! Paris may be the biggest of the bunch, but its sister institution, the Louvre Abu Dhabi, has some of the most culturally diverse artwork of mankind. Inside, you’ll find fascinating collections of relics from around the globe: from Egyptian Pharaoh statues and 14th-century maps down to Van Gogh’s famed self-portrait and the museum’s “floating” dome. Art lover, history buff—or not—you’ll have a swell time!
3. Ride the fastest roller coaster on the planet at Ferrari World
Fulfill your need for speed at the Formula Rossa!. Source: Klook
Fans of the Ferrari World Cup, gear up for a day of rip-roaring, adrenaline-pumping adventures at Ferrari World! Step inside the world of car racing as you speed through heaps of Ferrari-themed rides and attractions. It’s also in this theme park where you’ll find the world’s fastest roller coaster. The Formula Rossa takes you along a wild ride with 170 feet drops at a startling speed of 240 kilometers per hour!
4. Blast off to movie-themed fun at Warner Bros. World
Meet Scooby Doo and other beloved characters at the park!. Source: Klook
Another record-breaking theme park, the Warner Bros. World is the largest indoor theme park in the capital with 15 whopping hectares of land—or about 18 football fields altogether! The park encompasses six themed zones to explore (Gotham City, Bedrock, Metropolis, and more!), plus plenty of photo-ops with your faves, from Batman to Scooby-Doo and the gang!
5. Slip n’ slide at Yas Waterworld
Here’s a wet and wild adventure the whole family will surely love. Source: Klook
One of the best reasons to travel to Abu Dhabi with the family is to soak up the sunshine and water at Yas Waterworld. Home to over 43 extraordinary waterslides and attractions, this water park is jam-packed with fun and thrills for everyone. Start with the most hair-raising rides: the Dawarma, the largest six-person tornado water coaster, and the Bandit Bomber, a 1,804 feet long roller coaster that goes around the entire park. As for those who prefer milder thrills, a cruise down the Al Hara River is the way to go.
6. Discover marine life at the National Aquarium Abu Dhabi
Explore the deep “ocean” alongside schools of fish. Source: Klook
Being part of the Arabian Gulf, Abu Dhabi is teeming with marine life, which you can view at the National Aquarium Abu Dhabi. The aquarium houses over 46,000 sea critters, reptiles, and birds in 10 thematic zones. Highlights include the Red Sea Wreck, where you’ll view hundreds of ferocious fins and corals of all colors and sizes, and the Jungle Animal Encounter, where you’ll meet and feed freshwater stingrays.
7. Have a romantic evening aboard the dhow
Make any date night more romantic aboard the dhow. Source: Klook
When you’re ready to take it slow, one of the best things to do in Abu Dhabi is unwind and relax with a romantic candle-lit dinner aboard the dhow (a traditional wooden sailboat in the region). During the two-hour sail, you’ll marvel at the dazzling Abu Dhabi skyline, as well as enjoy a mouthwatering buffet of Arabian cuisine. What a sumptuous treat!
8. Go on an exciting desert adventure
Go for an exotic adventure as you explore the vast desert. Source: Klook
Of course, the famous Arabian desert is one of the most spectacular places to travel in Abu Dhabi, brimming with exotic sights and endless rows of towering sands. With a desert safari tour, you’ll have a once-in-a-lifetime experience of cruising the dunes on a sandboard, riding camels, watching a belly dancing show, and indulging in a barbecue feast in the middle of the desert!
9. Go-karting at the Yas Marina Circuit
Suit up and be an F1 driver for a day at Yas Marina! Source: Klook
Formula 1 fans who travel in Abu Dhabi can enjoy karting at the Yas Marina Circuit, which hosts the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix yearly. With speeds reaching up to 90 kph, you can feel the adrenaline rush and live out your F1 driver dreams as you race through the 1-km raceway.
10. See Abu Dhabi from the top at 300
Spend an elegant afternoon with a background of the Abu Dhabi skyline. Source: Klook
While Dubai is famous for the Burj Khalifa, Abu Dhabi has its own towering attraction—the 300 at the Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers! As you might have guessed, it’s at least 300 meters (a little over 1,000 feet!) tall, making it the highest vantage point in the city. Visitors can marvel at the stunning views of the city skyline, the Corniche, and the Arabian Gulf while indulging in afternoon tea—one of the best ways to enjoy your travel in Abu Dhabi.
