Top 13 Abu Dhabi Tour Attractions You Must Visit This Year
Abu Dhabi is a fascinating place where you can see giant towers, desert safe havens, and most wonders of the world. It attracts millions of tourists every year, being the peaceful capital of the UAE, located on the edge of the Arabian Gulf. If you are in search of an adrenaline rush at a theme park, cultural masterpieces, or you want to just relax on clean beaches, an Abu Dhabi tour will be an attraction to anyone.
But there are so many places to choose from, where do you begin? Let’s explore the most popular and must-visit Abu Dhabi tourist attractions. You can also get tips to visit them and the opening times, as well as reasons why each of them should be listed on your itinerary.
Are you ready to prepare your escape? It is time to explore and find out what makes the Abu Dhabi tour from Dubai desirable!
1.Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
Experience the wonder at the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, which is one of the largest and most beautiful mosques in the world. A beautiful building that occupies a space of more than 12 acres. It is shining in white marble walls, 82 domes, and 4 high minarets that extend up to the sky. There is also the largest hand-knitted carpet in the world, flowered floors and walls, and the chandeliers are covered with Swarovski crystals and thousands of them.
It is a very peaceful and beautiful place that accommodates anyone, even non-Muslims, though it is important to dress decently. The mosque is open all day, starting at 9 AM to 10 PM. This location must be included in your Abu Dhabi sightseeing list as it reveals the core of the Emirati culture and the spirit in the UAE.
Spend 2-3 hours here, particularly at sunset when all things are glowing, and take out a free guided tour about its meaning and its history. This Abu Dhabi tourist spot is a must for anyone seeking photos, solitude, or a taste of Islamic art.
1.Abu Dhabi Corniche
The Abu Dhabi Corniche is your one-stop place for a relaxing waterfront getaway. It is an 8-kilometer stretch along the sea, with soft sandy beaches, shaded palm trees, and paved ways to walk or ride bikes. You may jog, picnic, or have the kids in the playgrounds and splash in the calm and shallow family beaches.
Not to be missed is the colorful Breakwater area, where there are spectacular views of the city skyline. There are also fresh juice bars in the nearby cafes where one can sit and watch boats sailing by.
It is open 24 hours; however, beaches are best in the morning, 7 AM to sunset, when the sun is not so hot. This Abu Dhabi tourist place offers free access to a hassle-free, relaxing experience after a day out exploring the stunning scenery, and the sea breeze would be wonderful for families or individuals. Also, you can rent a bike for 1-2 hours, take skyline photos, or simply people-watch.
2. Emirates Palace
The Palace of the Emirates is a fantastic hotel resembling a fairy tale palace made of gold. It was constructed using giant-sized domes that have been covered with gold and organized in beautiful green gardens. This allows people to visit its great halls, which have crystal chandeliers, artwork, and marble floors.
You may spend your time wandering around the open spaces or in the small art gallery, or indulge yourself in a well-known cappuccino with real gold flakes at any of the cafes. Outside grounds are open to roam all the time, whereas inside, there are tours as well as cafes between the hours of 8 AM to 11 PM.
This attraction gets its place in a tour of Abu Dhabi by providing an entry into the glamorous past and royal heritage of the city. It is not only a place to spend the night but also to have a taste of the luxurious life. Give yourself approximately an hour to wander, capture pictures, and be spoiled with affluence. It is best for couples or history enthusiasts who need to know how oil wealth influenced the UAE.
3. Presidential Palace
The Presidential Palace, also known as Qasr Al Watan, is a sort of modern castle where the leaders of the UAE work and live. But it is accessible to other people as a museum that explains how the country is managed. You will visit the beautiful, large halls, a very large library containing more than 50,000 books, and entertaining activities on the subject of government and leadership.
Beehive and flowing water designs of the building provide a peaceful and classy atmosphere. It is open daily between 9 AM and 6:45 PM, with the last entry being 5:45 PM only on Tuesdays. Add it to your list as it has a friendly and rare glimpse at the politics and culture of the UAE. Take 1-2 hours here to hear stories that bring the nation to life and make it friendly. It is a considerate destination for adults or families who want something more than just beautiful landscapes on their tour.
4. Quaint Heritage Village
Located in a private spot close to the Corniche, the Quaint Heritage Village resembles going back in the days of old Bedouin in Abu Dhabi. This is a free open-air venue that recreates traditional life with simple mud-brick houses, the exhibition of pearl-diving equipment, and live performances during which craftsmen create pottery, weave, and spin wool.
It has even its own small market (souk) to explore crafts and talk to welcoming natives. It is open on Thursdays between 9 AM and 5 PM and Fridays between 3 PM and 9 PM. This village somehow remembers simple stories of the past of Abu Dhabi before skyscrapers and vehicles. It will make you realize how the city developed.
It is ideal when you have a quick 45 minutes to spend with kids who enjoy the hands-on activities, or anyone who wants a cultural breather.
5. Marina Mall in Abu Dhabi
Marina Mall is a light-hearted and one-stop shopping/fun center. There are more than 400 shops that sell fashion items, gadgets, an ice skating rink, a movie theater, and good restaurants. Take the floating bridge to Etihad towers to see additional views or have a drink in seafood restaurants that have dishes like burgers or fresh seafood.
The mall is open all day long, 10 AM to 10 PM, with the food court remaining open until midnight. Make it part of your Abu Dhabi tour since it is a convenient place to get your shopping, relaxing, or family entertainment after a morning of sightseeing. Spend between 1 and 2 hours here. It is friendly to both children and adults, with just enough fun in everyday life.
6. Dates Market
Get local at the Dates Market in Al Mina, a bustling market where you can sample and purchase more than 50 varieties of dates, the UAE sweet snack, both juicy, fresh, and chocolate-filled. There will be nuts, spices, honey, and nice people selling stuff, who will gladly allow you to try and negotiate the best price. It is vibrating with real life and not just the tourists.
The market operates every day between 8 AM to 10 PM, and the freshest picks are better in the morning. Try this place is an inexpensive and delicious way to bond with the customs.
7. Saadiyat & Yas Island
Two of the nearby places that are packed with culture, nature, and excitement are Saadiyat Island and Yas Island. Saadiyat has serene beaches, eco parks, and top-name attractions such as the Louvre. Whereas Yas is home to race tracks, theme parks such as Warner Bros., and water slides at the Yas Waterworld. They come together as a package of white-sand beaches, marinas, and green areas where one can watch the birds or have picnics.
There are different hours for the activities; therefore, check in advance. These islands are the best Abu Dhabi tourist sites. They demonstrate the combination of art, relaxation, and excitement of the city in a single convenient space to enjoy a whole day.
You can have fun in water parks, some of you can have a beach atmosphere, and others can have cultural walks. It is adaptable and progressive, making sure that your trip will be well-balanced and rich in experience.
8. Ferrari World
Race your heart out at Ferrari World, the largest indoor theme park in the world, located on Yas Island, in the form of a large red Ferrari car. Ride the super-fast Formula Rossa roller, which reaches 240 km/h in seconds. Attend junior driving schools with children or play in simulators that are designed like race tracks.
It has shows, cool merch shops, and Italian food stands as well. It is open every day between 11 AM and 8 PM. There are also occasions when it remains late on weekends-check holidays. There is no need to prepare to visit this place, as you want to have fun at speed or with your family.
It is all about the Ferrari cars that rule the world and make Abu Dhabi seem an adventure playground. Allow 3-4 hours to ride more than once, which is included on the tickets. It is a high-energy refreshment to the eyes of viewers.
9. Islamic Art Museum
The Islamic Art Museum in Abu Dhabi is a part of the treasures of the cultural district, which is often featured in exhibitions. There are beautiful objects of the Islamic world, such as ancient manuscripts, colorful ceramics, jewelry made with gold, as well as woven rugs, that narrate the Islamic history and religion.
You will find elements of mosques, palaces, and life in general over the centuries. You will have plain exhibits and sound guides to clarify everything. It generally opens on days: Saturday-Thursday 10.00 AM to 6.30 PM, Friday up to 8.30 PM (closed on Monday).
Explore the depth of the Islamic heritage that defines the UAE as a peaceful and inspirational experience of art and traditions. It lasts 1-2 hours of exploration without a crowd. It is ideal among the lovers of culture or students who need a background on the city's mosques and palaces.
10. BAPS Abu Dhabi
The first traditional Hindu temple in the Middle East, BAPS Abu Dhabi, is a serene place carved with pink sandstone and white marble featuring engravings of gods, flowers, and other stories of the world. Stroll through calm gardens, observe colorful displays of lights during the night, and visit rooms of peace and diversity of faiths coming together.
It is free, and there are guided tours so that you can easily learn. Open all the days between 9 AM and 8 PM (times of prayer can be altered). It is another image of the open nature of the UAE and its diversity. It is not only beautiful, but it also leads to harmony in a very peculiar manner.
Allow around 1 hour at this point to take photographs. It is inspiring to spiritual pilgrims, families, or anyone who wonders about interfaith experiences in a contemporary city.
11. Jumeirah Etihad Towers
Jumeirah at Etihad Towers is a glossy cluster of high-rise buildings with stunning viewpoints in its 74th observation deck. Here, one can have a complete 360-degree view of the sea, city, and desert. There are luxury shops, the best restaurants, and a posh beach club with pools and loungers.
It is futuristic with the use of glass walls and a modern design of the towers. The deck is open daily between 10 AM and 6 PM, and restaurants differ. It is best to make reservations in time for the sunsets. It belongs with panoramic views that enable one to view the size and the beauty of Abu Dhabi in a single location.
This place is a nice way to unwind with a beverage or food for photographers or couples. It is an effortless luxury addition that completes your tour with a feeling of amazement.
12. Louvre Museum in Abu Dhabi
The Louvre Abu Dhabi on Saadiyat Island is an art wonder available as a floating dome. Here, you can see more than 600 artworks from around the world, such as ancient statues, Van Gogh paintings, and Egyptian treasures, which can be found and combined with stories of the Middle East.
It is an entertaining and convenient place with large galleries, children's zones, rotating exhibitions, and a waterfront cafe to take a break. It is open on Saturday to Thursday, 10 AM to 6:30 PM, Friday up to 8.30 PM (closed on Mondays). The museum relates world cultures in an amazing structure that can evoke the feeling of being an art on its own.
Spend 2-3 hours exploring the best-suited place for lovers of art or family members. It will enrich and bring a sense of inspiration to your adventure in Abu Dhabi.
Book Your Abu Dhabi Tour Package From Dubai
If you are travelling alone, with family, or couple, Abu Dhabi has a way of combining tradition and manners that creates permanent impressions. You want a smooth and hassle-free experience, so why not leave the details to the experts?
RAH Tours is the best tour company in the UAE. We deal with private or shared itineraries, guides, or VIP access to all locations in the city. You will find that every moment spent in the city is without any hassle.
When you need to explore Abu Dhabi city from Dubai with the best tour company, contact RAH Tours today. We will make your Abu Dhabi vacation a dream come true, so book today, and make your adventure become a reality!
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