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 the wonders at Natural History Museum
- Know more about the history of UAE at Zayed National Museum
- 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 the wonders at Natural History Museum
Journey through billions of years of Earth's history at the Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi, where science, discovery, and storytelling come together under one roof. From towering dinosaur skeletons and rare fossils to immersive exhibits exploring the origins of life, the museum offers a fascinating look at our planet's past and future. It's an inspiring experience for curious minds of all ages, bringing the wonders of nature and the universe to life through world-class collections and interactive displays.
7. Know more about the history of UAE at Zayed National Museum
Discover the story of the UAE at the Zayed National Museum, a landmark cultural institution dedicated to the life and legacy of the nation's founding father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. Through immersive galleries, rare artifacts, and interactive exhibits, the museum traces the country's rich heritage, traditions, and remarkable transformation. With its striking falcon-inspired architecture and thought-provoking displays, it offers visitors a deeper understanding of the UAE's history, values, and vision for the future.
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.
