Abu Dhabi, located on the Persian Gulf island, is home to some of the best places to visit in UAE. It is a collage of mesmerising architecture, beautiful beaches, traditional and cultural monuments, adventure sports destinations and premium ultra-modern shopping plazas. It is a perfect mix of local ethos and modern culture and is a tourist paradise. A knock-knock piece of advice to all travellers who wish to experience the best Middle East is not to return until you have explored all the destinations in Abu Dhabi, the prized jewel of the United Arab Emirates.
The World Travel and Tourism Council's 2024 Economic Impact research has revealed a record-breaking year for travel and tourism in the UAE, with newer peaks achieved across critical metrics, including the sector's GDP contribution, jobs and visitor spending. If you also want to visit Abu Dhabi this time, apply for your Abu Dhabi Tourist visa today at InstaUAE Visa.Org.
The UAE's Travel and Tourism sector is now soaring past all previous records, a testament to the country's commitment to attracting tourists worldwide to destinations such as Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Ras Al Khaimah. Apply for a UAE visa application online today at InstaUAEVisa.org and explore the marvels of the UAE.
26 Places to Visit in Abu Dhabi with Family for an Unforgettable Adventure
1. Yas Mall
Your ambition of getting shopping, luxury, and entertainment amenities all in one place comes true with the artificial Yas Mall. It is a one-of-a-kind place and one of the best places to visit in Abu Dhabi with family and friends. This place must be included in your UAE tour package.
- Location- Yas Island, Abu Dhabi
- Key Attractions- Theme Park, Yas Marina Circuit. Yas Mall is great for lavish shopping and extraordinary experiences.
- Timings- 10 am to 12 am
- Entry Fee- No fee
2. Saadiyat Public Beach
Saadiyat Public Beach provides recreation and leisure at the same time. One of the most happening and exotic tourist destinations in Abu Dhabi, this beach offers water sports, retail therapy, and delightful restaurants. Explore some of the best places to visit in Abu Dhabi with InstaUAEVisa today!
- Location- Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi
- Key Attractions- Beautiful Beach, shops with accessories and local cuisine.
- Timings- Sunrise to Sunset.
- Things to do- Kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, fitness classes, and relaxation.
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3. Al Lulu Island
Mindblowing beaches, exotic blue water, beach activities, and watersports make Al Lulu Island one of the most popular and best places to visit in Abu Dhabi with family. The island stretches from the Abu Dhabi Breakwater to the Zayed Sea Port.
- Location- Zayed Sea Port, Abu Dhabi
- Essential Attractions- Beach atmosphere, beach shops and comfortable shacks
- Timings- 10:30 am to 11 pm
- Things to do: Explore magnificent malls and Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium, one of the best places to visit in Abu Dhabi with kids.
4. Mushrif Central Park
Mushrif Central Park is Abu Dhabi's most sprawling urban park. Initially, it was meant only for women and children, and it was named Mushrif Central Park because of its central position in the city. Today, the park is considered one of the best places to visit with family and friends in Abu Dhabi.
- Location- 15th Street, Mushrif Area, Abu Dhabi
- Key Attractions- Animal Barn, Botanical Garden, Children's Garden, Wisdom Garden
- Timings- 8 am to noon.
- Things to do- Get to know these lovely eateries at some of the best places to visit in Abu Dhabi, like Burger Bureau and Park Station, while you take a walk in the park.
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5. Marina Mall
Marina Mall is very close to the Emirates Palace Hotel. It is one of the city's most extensive entertainment and fashion venues.
- Location- Near Jumeirah Beach residence, Abu Dhabi
- Key attractions- Bowling alley, Ice skating Rink, Musical fountain, Movie Complex at one of the best places to visit in Abu Dhabi.
- Timings- 9 am to midnight
- Things to do- Spending time at the movie complex and bowling alley, eating at the food court.
6. Abu Dhabi Mall
A Global Mall adjacent to the Rotana Hotel on the beach, Abu Dhabi Mall is the oldest shopping plaza. Famous amongst foreigners and locals, the vast retail shopping area is one of the best places to visit in Abu Dhabi with family. It houses all Global brands in one place.
- Location- Near Beach Rotana Hotel, Abu Dhabi
- Key attractions- Luxury and affordable brands for fashion, accessories, electronics, home decor and beauty that you can explore in one of the best places to visit in Abu Dhabi with kids.
- Timings- 10 am to 11 pm
- Things to do- Indulge in retail therapy and try some of the best restaurants like Athena, Cafe Nero, and Cold Stone Creamery.
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7. Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre
The Centre of Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque was built in the late Sheikh Bin Sultan's dear memory. This mosque is a religious site and an educational and cultural hub. It is on the list of the best places to visit in Abu Dhabi with family and friends near the airport.
- Location- Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed St Abu Dhabi, UAE
- Key attractions— The mosque's glamorous architecture, exquisite design, and pattern as it is highly popular among foreign tourists.
- Timings- 9 am to 10 pm
- Things to do: Visit the magnificent library, beautiful premises, and heavenly sunset at one of the best places to visit in Abu Dhabi.
8. Qasr al-Hosn
Qasr al-Hosn is Abu Dhabi's first permanent structure and the ancient residence of the Emirate's ruling Al Nahyan family. The Qasr al Hosn Centre exhibition details the city and its inhabitants.
- Location- Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum 2nd St.Abu Dhabi, UAE
- Key attractions- The Qasr al Hosn festival is held within the fort area, one of the best places to visit in Abu Dhabi.
- Timings-10 am to 9 pm
- Things to do- Enjoy live music and dance shows at the annual Qasr al Hosn festival.
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9. Al Jahili Fort
Al Jahili Fort is an architectural marvel established in the 19th century. It is amongst the most prominent forts and one of the best historical places in Abu Dhabi, UAE and played a prominent role in the ancient area. Sheikh Zayed bin Khalifa commissioned the fort.
- Location- Al Ain City
- Key attractions- Exquisite infrastructure in one of the best places to visit in Abu Dhabi with friends.
- Timings- 9 am to 5 pm
- Things to do- Explore the palace and learn about the glorious past
10. Heritage Village
Do you want to witness a typical Emirati life? Visit the heritage village on the shore of one of the best beaches in Abu Dhabi. It is filled with mind-blowing things and is one of the most unique places to see in Abu Dhabi.
- Location- Abu Dhabi Theatre Road, Corniche Brake Water, near Marina Mall, Abu Dhabi
- Key attractions- Art and artefacts of daily commodities used by Bedouins
- Timings- 9 am to 4 pm
- Things to do- Witness the local people's typical agricultural, cooking, and pearl trade patterns.
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11. Blue Whale Jet Ski
One of the best places to visit in Abu Dhabi with family. Blue Whale Jet Ski allows you to splash in blue waters and bouncy waves with a Blue Water jetski. It is an experience of a lifetime, and you will feel the adrenaline rush.
- Location- Abu Dhabi Beach
- Key attractions- High-speed Jet skiing for an hour
- Timings- 9 am to 7 pm
- Things to do- Try your luck and say hi to a blue whale!
12. Dalma Mall
Dalma Mall, which houses 400 stores, is located near Abu Dhabi International Airport on the Abu Dhabi Tarif Al Ain highway. It is the biggest shopping mall in the city and one of the best places to visit in Abu Dhabi with family.
- Location- 19th Street, Abu Dhabi UAE
- Key attractions- Fun City, Cine Royala, and Adventure HQ
- Timings- 10 am to 12 am
- Things to do- Kids can have an exciting playtime at Fun City and indulge in outdoor adventures like fishing, dining, camping, hiking, cycling, and watersports in Adventure HQ, one of the best places to visit in Abu Dhabi.
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13. Desert Safaris
Deserts can be one of the most adventurous. Try the stunning and enthralling Wadi bashing or Dune driving in a 4x4 for 20-30 minutes.
- Location- Al Ain Road, Abu Dhabi, UAE
- Key attractions- Indulge in a xerophytic experience with the local cuisine and culture in one of the best places to visit in Abu Dhabi with friends.
- Timings- NA
- Things to do- Beautiful sunset, camel rides, fabulous dinners, and belly dancing.
14. Yellow Boat Tour
The view of the city from the other side is equally or more enchanting. The cheerful yellow boat will take you to Lulu Island, Emirates Palace, Fisherman's Village, and the Corniche, one of the best places to visit in Abu Dhabi with kids.
- Location- Emirates Placae Marina, Abu Dhabi
- Critical attractions- High speed boating experience
- Timings- 8 am to 8 pm
- Things to do- Feel the splash as the speed boat gives you a wonderful experience at Abu Dhabi's sightseeing places.
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15. Desert Camp
If you are unsatisfied with the desert safari and your heart craves more, plan an overnight stay in a desert camp. The experience is one of a kind.
- Location- Al Khatem, Abu Dhabi
- Key attractions: Overnight camping in the desert is one of the best places to visit in Abu Dhabi with family and friends.
- Timings- 24x7
- Things to do- Camel rides, belly dancing, Arabic coffee, sand boarding, and Shisha and henna painting.
16. Ferrari World
Ferrari World is an excellent place for thrill seekers and art lovers. Counted among the top amusement parks in the world, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi is designed with the Ferrari brand theme. It is spread over a massive area of 86,000 square metres. The destination is one of the best places to visit in Abu Dhabi. It features a wide range of rides and shows and appeals to visitors from all walks of life. Apart from this, Ferrari World is also known for hosting various events, having several top-notch eateries and restaurants and a grand shopping space where visitors can buy multiple Ferrari products like clothes and accessories at one of the best places to visit in Abu Dhabi with family and friends.
- Location- Abu Dhabi, UAE
- Key attractions- Flying Aces, Scuderia Challenge, Turbo Track, and Formula Rossa
- Things to do in Ferrari World- Take a Ferrari ride, dine at high-end restaurants, and shop till you drop!
- Timings- 11 am to 8 pm
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17. Marina Eye
Get to see panoramic views of Abu Dhabi while riding on the delightful Marina Eye giant wheel, one of the best places to visit in Abu Dhabi at night. All you need to do is sit inside a giant glass capsule of this 196-foot-tall rotating wheel. This 5-minute ride is sure to bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones and makes for one of the excellent activities in Abu Dhabi to indulge in at night when you can enjoy shimmering views of the entire skyline of Abu Dhabi.
- Location- Marina Island, Abu Dhabi
- Key attractions: The 196-foot-tall rotating wheel offers stunning views and is one of the best places to visit in Abu Dhabi with family.
- Timings- 11 am to 11 pm
- Things to do- Hang out at the waterfront
18. Emirates Palace
Your trip to Abu Dhabi is complete with a mention of the Emirates Palace. This place should be considered if you want a taste of a luxurious lifestyle. The gorgeous hotel is spread over 100 acres and stores all kinds of luxury items for travellers. It is one of the best places to visit in Abu Dhabi with family to experience an extravagant holiday.
- Location- West Corniche Road, Abu Dhabi
- Key attractions- Range of restaurants serving different cuisines from all over the world, luxurious lifestyle of the Arab world
- Timings- Open 24 hours
- Things to do- Witness the luxurious lifestyle after carefully applying for your UAE visa application online.
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19. Emirates Park Zoo
To experience the best sightseeing in Abu Dhabi, visit the Emirates Park Zoo. The zoo allows visitors to get closer to around 1700 animals, including Lions, Cheetahs, White Tigers, and Siberian Bears. It is a must-visit and one of the best places to visit in Abu Dhabi with kids.
- Location- 12th St- Abu Dhabi-UAE
- Key attractions- See wildlife
- Timings- 9 am to 8 pm (Sunday to Wednesday) and 9 am to 9 pm (Thursday to Saturday)
- Things to do- Immerse yourself in the activities of a luxury resort, including fun activities like breakfast with a giraffe and parrot in one of the best places to visit in Abu Dhabi with kids.
20. Warner Bros World
One of the popular Abu Dhabi tourist attractions is Warner Bros World, the third theme park of its kind and one of the best places to visit with family. The park's indoor and fully conditioned features make it one of the most exciting places to visit in Abu Dhabi in the summer.
- Location- Al Falah Road-Abu Dhabi-UAE
- Key attractions- Many rides include The Joker Funhouse, Tom and Jerry, and Swiss Cheese Spin.
- Timings- 10 am to 8 pm (Saturday to Wednesday) and 10 am to 10 pm (Thursday and Friday)
- Things to do- Enjoy the park's unique rides and different features after carefully applying for an Abu Dhabi Visa online at InstaUAEVisa.org. Today!
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21. Louvre Museum
Inaugurated in 2017, the Louvre Museum is a must-see tourist destination. This biggest museum in the Arabian Peninsula showcases artwork from across the globe. Apart from the beautiful artwork, the building's architecture is gorgeous.
- Location- Saadiyat-Abu Dhabi-UAE
- Key attractions- Artworks of Vincent van Gogh, Leonardo Da Vinci, Jacques Louis David
- Timings- 10 am to 8 pm (Saturday to Wednesday), 10 am to 10 pm (Thursday and Friday), Monday closed.
- Things to do- Enjoy the work of different famous artists and the good vibes of the ambience in one of the best places to visit in Abu Dhabi.
22. Al Ain Palace Museum-Al Mutawwa
Al Ain Palace Museum is a fort that has developed into a museum. Also known as Qasr al-Ain, it was opened in 2001 and is a prominent tourist destination in Abu Dhabi.
- Location- Al Mutawwa, Al Ain
- Key attractions- Beautiful traditional architecture
- Timings- 8:30 am to 7 pm
- Things to do- Learn about the country's history and culture and the royal family's lifestyle at Al Ain Palace Museum, one of the best places to visit with family in Abu Dhabi.
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23. Women's Handicraft Centre
The Women's Handicraft Centre is an initiative women in Abu Dhabi run to showcase local arts and crafts. It is one of the best tourist places in Abu Dhabi. The complex has various rooms, each dedicated to an individual craft. It is one of the popular points of interest in Abu Dhabi as it represents authentic Arabic traditions.
- Location- Al Karamah
- Key attractions- Sightseeing the impressive handicrafts to promote the local arts and crafts of the region is one of the best things to do in Abu Dhabi.
- Timings- 7 am to 3 pm
- Things to Do- Have a henna design on your hands and then visit the museum within the complex; that is one of the best things to do in UAE.
24. Etihad Towers
Etihad Towers is one of Abu Dhabi's points of interest. It is a complex of five towers that house workplaces, hotels, shopping centres, restaurants, entertainment areas, apartments, and more. One of the towers, Tower 2, is the tallest building and one of the best places to visit in Abu Dhabi with family.
- Loaction- Corniche West Street, Abu Dhabi
- Key Attractions- The towers are believed to be shining forever in the gleam of sunshine and artificial lights.
- Timings- Always Open
- Things to Do— Admire the beauty of this stunning place, a great example of human imagination. Etihad Towers is one of the best places to visit in Abu Dhabi.
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25. Warehouse 421
Warehouse 421 is a must-visit tourist place for all art lovers. The cultural space hosts local talents and artists from around the world. This new attraction in Abu Dhabi, launched in 2015, is one of the best places to visit in Abu Dhabi with family.
- Location- Warehouse 421, Al Mina, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- Key attractions- Culture and designs of paintings from all across the globe
- Timings- 10 am to 8 pm (Monday Closed)
- Things to do: See the unique artwork, and if you are an artist, you can exhibit your work in one of the best places to visit in Abu Dhabi with kids.
26. Arabian Wildlife Park
For wildlife lovers, Arabian Wildlife Park is an exciting place to explore and experience the best wildlife in Abu Dhabi. The park's land area of over 1400 hectares has a lot in store for you, making it one of the best places to visit in Abu Dhabi with family. In addition to watching the animals, you can even participate in many activities, like horse riding.
- Location- Sir Bani Yas island, Jebel Dhanna
- Key attractions- The park has over 1300 animals, including Giraffes and Cheetahs.
- Timings- 9 am to 8 pm (Sunday to Wednesday) and 9 am to 9 pm (Thursday to Saturday)
- Things to do: Immerse yourself in activities like walks, horse riding, nature and wildlife drives, and mountain biking.
Best Time To Visit Abu Dhabi
The best time to visit Abu Dhabi is from November to March. Like other emirates of the UAE, the weather in Abu Dhabi remains hot all year round, but during this time, the temperature is excellent, and a light jacket and sweater are required. However, if beaches are on your mind, plan your visit in October, March, or April; the weather is hot but pleasant, and you can explore some of the best places to visit in Abu Dhabi with kids.
Final Thoughts on Best Places to Visit in Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi, known as the capital of the UAE, is filled with extravagance that goes beyond your imagination. There will always be a bright moment with specific facilities to satisfy everyone. Some of the best places to go in Abu Dhabi with family and friends will be your best decision. For more information regarding the UAE visa and any other details, contact the InstaUAEVisa.org support team today!
Have a Safe and Peaceful Journey!