The capital of UAE, Abu Dhabi, is a whirlwind of activity and a paradise of luxury; This destination is one of the most sought-after tourist destinations globally with its traditional monuments, stunning beaches, premium shopping complexes, stunning infrastructures, extensive deserts, adventure-sports destinations, and amusement parks. Whether you are one of the busy travelers planning for a short getaway, we know it might be hard to decide which destinations to keep on your bucket list.
We are here to make your trip planning a bit easier by cutting down the impossibly long list with our list of five must-visit, quintessential stops in Abu Dhabi that will help you have a glimpse of the city’s beating heart.
#1 Sheikh Zayed Mosque
One of the most popular and celebrated attractions in Abu Dhabi, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is the biggest in the UAE. The mosque covered in multicolored marble is a marvel of modern Islamic architecture and is a mesmerizing blend of Persian, Moorish, and Mughal architecture styles.
An artistic masterpiece that celebrates Islamic architecture of symmetry and repetition, the mosque is spectacularly crafted using semi-precious stones, intricate carvings, mosaic tiling, and artistic glasswork. It has the world’s largest loomed carpet in one of its prayer halls. Besides being a religious place, Sheikh Zayed Mosque is also an educational and cultural hub with a vast library.
You can walk around the mosque to see the majestic library, breath-taking architecture, divine sunset; the mosque also offers free guided walk-in tours for the visitors. To book: visit Premium Abu Dhabi Full-Day City Tour from Dubai
#2 Heritage Village
If you enjoy exploring heritage sites, Abu Dhabi’s Heritage Village offers a truly captivating experience that takes you back to the original aspects of the Bedouin lifestyle of the UAE before its oil boom.
A visit to this reconstructed village complex located in a beach area can make you feel like you embarked on an expedition to the history archives, where you can see the glimpses of the Emirate’s past like stone huts, spice shops, Bedouin tents, artifacts, pottery, palm leaf houses, etc. Heritage Village also exhibits artisans demonstrating traditional skills such as Emirati metalwork, pottery, spinning yarn, and weaving; as a visitor, you may even get a chance to try your hand at their trade.
If you are a curious traveler who is always eager to learn new things, Heritage Village offers a tremendous opportunity to explore the history of the Emirate’s traditions and witness the journey of the UAE from a traditional Arabic shell to a metropolis. And for others, you can do heritage shopping, click Insta-worthy pictures, enjoy delicious Mediterranean food, witness traditional handicrafts, and do much more. Once you are done walking around the village, you can sit and relax on the spectacular beach nearby.
#3 Louvre Museum
Situated in Saadiyat Island Cultural District, Louvre is an exquisite art museum that portrays artwork from all around the globe. The largest museum in the Arabian Peninsula has 23 buildings representing awe-inspiring, multiple cultural aspects and architecture. One of the most defining features of this museum is its web-patterned dome that is conceived to produce the ‘rain of light’ effect where star-shaped perforations sift the sun’s rays through eight superimposed layers of stainless steel and aluminum. It utilizes passive design strategies like shade and natural ventilation to control the temperature inside and combat the harsh desert climate.
It houses a wealthy range of traditional and modern artworks on display, including decorative arts, contemporary installations, archaeological finds, ancient Egyptian sculptures, and notable paintings by masters like Picasso. To learn more, check out our Louvre blog.
Visit Louvre universal art museum and dive into the diverse, exquisite collection of artifacts that features thousands of years of human creativity, transcending cultures and continents. To book tour: visit Louvre Museum Abu Dhabi and Grand Mosque Tour from Dubai.
#4 Ferrari World
One of the most thrilling and fun destinations in the UAE, Ferrari World is a Ferrari-themed amusement park located in Yas Island. It is located in Yas Island and offers several attractions and rides, including Formula Rossa, the world’s fastest roller coaster ride.
Besides, Ferrari World also hosts various events and includes a vast number of top-notch eateries and a grand shopping space where visitors can purchase from an extensive collection of Ferrari products.
If you are a car nerd, we are sure that time will remain awestruck when you visit this theme park that houses a spectacular collection of Ferrari car models.
#5 Corniche
If you have a few hours to spend in Abu Dhabi, Corniche beach and street offer scope for numerous activities like sightseeing, sports, and relaxation. With its spotless landscape and clean, turquoise water, the beach owns the Blue Flag status, eco-label.
The beach also has an exquisite seaside boardwalk, well-maintained walkways, well-groomed lawns, and benches for every sea lover out there. Corniche Street, the seaside walkway, is lined up with renowned hotels, shops, children’s play areas, cycle pathways, cafes, and restaurants, making this immaculate beach and the most happening street one of the must-visit places in Abu Dhabi. To book: visit Abu Dhabi City Tour from Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi is a place like no other, with its most diverse ancient structures, mesmerizing skyscrapers, grand malls, the world’s best hotels, and an extensive coastline. Perfect for a family vacation or a getaway with friends, Abu Dhabi should indeed top every traveler’s bucket list.
