Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

15 Best Things to Do in Abu Dhabi

The sights travelers rate highest in Abu Dhabi, with what makes each worth your time.

We rank by how many travelers reviewed each place, across the 77 we track here. Updated monthly.

  1. Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, Abu Dhabi

    Landmark

    Emirates Palace is Abu Dhabi's monumental landmark hotel, a vast, golden-domed palace of a building set in sprawling manicured grounds and its own beach, built at staggering expense to showcase Arabian grandeur.

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  2. The Corniche

    NeighborhoodFree entry

    Abu Dhabi's Corniche is a beautifully maintained waterfront stretching for several kilometres along the Gulf, a wide, landscaped promenade with cycling and walking paths, parks, cafés, and a Blue…

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  3. Observation Deck At 300

    Landmark

    The Observation Deck at 300 is the highest vantage point in Abu Dhabi open to the public, perched on the 74th floor of one of the landmark Etihad Towers, some 300 metres above the ground (hence the…

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  4. The National Aquarium Abu Dhabi

    Park & nature

    The National Aquarium Abu Dhabi is the largest aquarium in the Middle East, a vast, immersive marine attraction that takes visitors on a journey through ten distinct ecosystems, from rivers and…

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  5. Yas Beach

    Park & nature

    Yas Beach is a private beach club located on the northeastern tip of Yas Island in Abu Dhabi.

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  6. Etihad Towers

    Landmark

    Etihad Towers is a striking complex of five skyscrapers on the Abu Dhabi Corniche, known for its futuristic design and luxury offerings.

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  7. Chi, The Spa at Shangri-La

    Sight

    Chi, The Spa at Shangri-La in Abu Dhabi is a serene oasis of wellness located within the prestigious Shangri-La Hotel.

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  8. Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Center

    LandmarkFree entry

    The Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Center (ADNEC) is a state-of-the-art venue located along Khaleej Al Arabi Street in the heart of Abu Dhabi.

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  9. Manarat al Saadiyat

    SightFree entry

    Manarat al Saadiyat, meaning 'Lighthouse of Saadiyat,' is a vibrant cultural hub located in the Saadiyat Cultural District of Abu Dhabi.

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  10. Yas Marina

    Park & natureFree entry

    Yas Marina is a modern waterfront development on Yas Island, blending leisure, dining, and entertainment against the backdrop of the Yas Marina Circuit, home to the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

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  11. Mangrove National Park

    Park & natureFree entry

    Mangrove National Park is a serene natural sanctuary on the eastern edge of Abu Dhabi island, protecting one of the UAE's most important coastal ecosystems.

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  12. Al Forsan International Sports Resort

    Park & nature

    Al Forsan International Sports Resort is a premier destination for sports enthusiasts and families in Abu Dhabi.

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  13. The Galleria Al Maryah Island

    MarketFree entry

    The Galleria Al Maryah Island is a high-end shopping mall located on Al Maryah Island in Abu Dhabi.

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  14. Zero Latency

    Entertainment

    Zero Latency in Abu Dhabi is a cutting-edge entertainment venue that brings virtual reality to life with free-roam, multiplayer experiences.

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  15. The Founder's Memorial

    LandmarkFree entry

    The Founder's Memorial is a tribute to Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founding father of the United Arab Emirates.

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That covers the heavyweights. Browse by category for the rest.

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Off the beaten path

12 hidden gems in Abu Dhabi

Like State Of Art Jewellery Designers LLC and Cobra Fitness Abu Dhabi, loved by reviewers, skipped by tour groups.

See them →

Get outdoors

12 outdoor adventures near Abu Dhabi

The National Aquarium Abu Dhabi (11 km away) and more, all within 100 km.

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After dark

15 best bars & nightlife spots

Stars N Bars and Siddharta Lounge by Buddha-Bar lead the night.

Go out →

For the kids

14 things to do with kids

The National Aquarium Abu Dhabi and more the whole crew will rate.

Bring them →

Date night

12 romantic spots for couples

Observation Deck At 300 at two-person pace.

Slow down →

Costs nothing

15 free things to do in Abu Dhabi

Verified free entry, The Corniche included.

Spend nothing →
Best things to do in United Arab Emirates
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