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Top things to do in Abu Dhabi

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The capital city of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is one of the world's modern marvels - a little over 50 years ago, the pristine cityscape was simply desert and coastline. How things change.

Now, Abu Dhabi is home to some of the most notable sights and landmarks in the middle east. Parks, museums, points of interests, shopping (of course), beaches and religious sites are all located on the Persian Gulf seafront. And naturally some of the tallest buildings you can imagine are nestled here, too.

With so much on offer, it's hard to select just 6 travel tips for Abu Dhabi - but we'll give it a try. Whether you're looking for a family day out, cultural immersion, retail therapy or just a bit of sightseeing, we've got your bases covered. Check out our top things to do in Abu Dhabi below for some guidance on your Emirati adventure…

How to Get to Abu Dhabi

Getting to Abu Dhabi (AUH) from the UK is simple - there are flights to Abu Dhabi from London Heathrow, Edinburgh and Manchester Airports. Etihad Airways provide direct flights, with other airlines offering direct and indirect options.

Car hire and airport transfers are both available from Abu Dhabi airport - be sure to book in advance on Trip.com.

Top things to do in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Arguably the most famous of Abu Dhabi's many architectural marvels is the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and one of the top things to do in Abu Dhabi. Considered a cornerstone achievement in the modern architectural history of the UAE, the mosque - the largest in the country - was completed in 2007 after 11 years of construction.

While a pioneering landmark in recent middle eastern history, the brilliant white exterior is actually the face of an entirely global structure. The building contains numerous materials from countries across the globe, in keeping with the original concept to unite the cultural diversity of the Islamic world with modern artistic values.

Should you wish to visit the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, we recommend staying at the incredible 5-star Shangri-la Hotel in nearby Qaryat Al Beri, a little over a 1 mile (1.7 km) hop away.

Yas Water World

Going on a trip with the family? Or are you merely, in fact, a big kid yourself? If yes, we can say with confidence that Yas Water World Abu Dhabi is for you. Anywhere that names itself 'Water's Greatest Playground' is good with us.

More than 40 H2O-centric rides can be enjoyed here, with everything from the extreme (the Jebel Drop offers thrill-seekers a terrifyingly exciting 10-story plummet) to the kid-friendly (Tot's Playground offers slides for the little ones). However, it's not just slides and cannons, with traditional pearl diving and an underwater VR experience and on offer. Of course - this being Abu Dhabi - dining and shopping is available at Yas Water World too.

For a nearby hotel option, Trip.com recommends a hotel that's equally family-friendly - Park Inn by Radisson Abu Dhabi Yas Island is close to the water park, and offers plenty of kid-focused amenities.

The Corniche

We are cheating a little bit here, as the Corniche Road isn't so much a 'travel tip' as it is a 5-mile (8 km) home to numerous tips. Restaurants, cafes, shopping, children's play areas – they can all be found on Abu Dhabi's seminal coastal highway.

The Corniche is sprinkled with numerous fountains and park areas - ambling along the road offers views of many of the city's hotspots. Naturally, there is an immaculate beach along the stretch too - pristine sand and turquoise waters are the order of the day.

Although abundant with glistening architecture, a highlight of the Corniche is unquestionably Emirates Palace Hotel Abu Dhabi - one of the most famous and striking buildings in the entire city - located on the western side of the famous road. And you can book your stay there with Trip.com, should you wish…

Marina Mall

Given that we are discussing one of the great retail therapy hubs, it would be remiss not to mention shopping in Abu Dhabi. The Marina Mall, located on the namesake island, is one of the finest of its kind in the middle east - so if browsing and buying a luxury item or two is on your travel checklist, the mall is a great port of call (rhyme intentional).

Home to shops of the world's most prominent brands, the Marina Mall also lays claim to numerous eateries, a 100m observatory, bowling alley, multiplex movie complex - and musical fountains. For the kids, the internal Bounce trampoline adventure park will provide boundless (pardon the pun) entertainment.

Should you wish to stay near the mall on Al Marina, The St. Regis Abu Dhabi is located in the nearby Corniche - and the 5-star hotel is one of Abu Dhabi's most popular on Trip.com.

Louvre Abu Dhabi

Were you aware that one of France's most famous cultural landmarks has a sister venue in Abu Dhabi? It's true. And while the Mona Lisa et al may reside in Paris, art-lovers should absolutely head to the breathtaking Louvre Abu Dhabi on Saadiyat Island, which lays claim to works by the likes of Bellini and Jordaens.

With numerous exhibitions focusing on the parallels and differences of Eastern and Western art, the gallery is truly a spectacular bearer of the Louvre name. An absolute must for those wanting to drink in some true original masterpieces.

Located on the same island as the Louvre Abu Dhabi is the stunning Saadiyat Rotana Resort and Villas - a hotel almost as striking as some of those aforementioned exhibitions…

Observation Deck at 300

Finally, no trip to Abu Dhabi would be complete without the opportunity to gaze over the city's incredible landscape. Observation Deck at 300 is the highest vantage point in the Emirati capital.

Why has the deck been given that name? Simple - it's 300m (985ft) high. That is a long way up, and it makes for spectacular panoramic vistas for as far as the eye can see. If you fancy a refreshment while you're peering at sky, sea and sand, the very same floor houses a cafe serving tea and mocktails.

Conveniently, the Observation Deck at 300 is located on the 74th floor of Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers - a luxury hotel in the West Corniche area of the city that you just happen be able to book on Trip.com…

Disclaimer: This article has been provided by an individual contributor or third party platform. If there is any discrepancy regarding the copyright, please contact us directly and we will delete the content immediately.
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Best Hotels in Abu Dhabi

Marriott Hotel Al Forsan, Abu Dhabi
8.8/10138 Reviews
Abu Dhabi
|19.52km from city centre
I had an excellent stay at this hotel! The room was incredibly spacious, providing plenty of comfort and room to relax. Everything was spotless, reflecting the high standard of cleanliness maintained throughout the property. The service was truly exceptional—every staff member went above and beyond to ensure a pleasant experience, always greeting with a warm smile and readiness to assist. Additionally, the food was absolutely delicious, with a variety of flavorful dishes that catered to different tastes. The combination of friendly hospitality, cleanliness, and great amenities made my stay unforgettable. Highly recommended!
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FromRUB 12,720
The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal
9.2/10315 Reviews
Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi
|13.43km from city centre
The environment and room were both great, and the breakfast spread was fantastic. However, I was woken up by housekeeping next door in the morning. When I checked out, the front desk manager offered to make up for it and helped me arrange a taxi. The service attitude was decent.
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FromRUB 17,896
Capital Suites Hotel Apartments
8.9/1051 Reviews
Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi
|9.22km from city centre
I had a wonderful stay at this hotel! The room was clean, comfortable, and well-maintained, and the overall atmosphere was welcoming and peaceful. What truly made my experience exceptional, though, was the outstanding service. A special thank you to Ali, who went above and beyond to take care of me during my stay. He was attentive, friendly, and always ready to help with anything I needed. His professionalism and kindness made a real difference and truly enhanced my visit. I highly recommend this hotel—not only for the quality of the accommodations but also for the excellent staff like Ali who make guests feel genuinely valued.
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FromRUB 18,381
Oaks Liwa Executive Suites
9/1069 Reviews
Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi
|3.32km from city centre
This is a solid choice. I always stay here for my business trips because it's conveniently located near my company. The rooms are quite spacious, and the facilities are decent. Breakfast costs extra, but overall, it's pretty good, and I'll definitely book again.
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FromRUB 8,910
Yas Plaza Marina by IHG
9.4/1060 Reviews
Abu Dhabi
|23.53km from city centre
I requested for an anti-slip bath mat. It took the housekeeping 15mins to understand what an anti-slip bath mat was. Thereafter, I had to wait another ONE HOUR to receive the anti-slip bath mat because they had to borrow one from the hotel next door. This is completely ridiculous. For a top tier hotel, equipped with baths in the toilets, it should be pretty basic to have stock of anti-slip bath mats.
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FromRUB 16,233
Sofitel Abu Dhabi Corniche
8.6/10197 Reviews
Abu Dhabi Corniche
Abu Dhabi
|3.61km from city centre
Cleaning was not good at all: we were lacking paper tissues for couple of days, the sink and toilet were a little dirty. But shared spaces, like pool or gym were clean and tidy. The breakfast was really good, great choice. Location is nice, close to all major attractions and malls. Generally, we enjoyed our stay here.
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FromRUB 12,500
AG Hotel
7.9/1013 Reviews
Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi
|2.34km from city centre
The location is a bit off, in the direction out of the city, there are no restaurants around, you have to take a taxi or take a bus, and are a bit far away from the attractions, the room is quite big, the bathroom is also big, the facilities are slightly old, and breakfast is fine
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FromRUB 15,000
W Abu Dhabi - Yas Island
9.3/10248 Reviews
Abu Dhabi
|24.11km from city centre
Services is good and quite responsive. Rooms are quite spacious. Breakfast is good but could have more varieties. We stay in marvelous room and the view was superb. Overall experience is good.
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FromRUB 17,709
Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi
9.5/10150 Reviews
Abu Dhabi
|11.09km from city centre
This is one of the best hotels we’ve ever stayed at. Me and my husband are very picky about cleanness. The hotel met all our expectations. Super clean, elegant, cozy. The room was big with a magnificent view. I loved the shampoo and conditioner, made my hair so smooth and shiny. Breakfast was so delicious, the quality of the food was very good. I loved the bird outdoor which protected our food from the crows. The dinner buffet was very nice. So many varieties, we enjoyed a lot. The staff was friendly and polite. The beach is one of my favorites, very clean and cozy. This is my first time ever to leave a hotel review. I have no enough words to describe how amazing our experience was. We will definitely go back. The hotel is 1000 out of 10. Thank you!
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FromRUB 44,119
Sheraton Abu Dhabi Hotel & Resort
9/10151 Reviews
Abu Dhabi Corniche
Abu Dhabi
|3.78km from city centre
Really nice place with an excellent gym etc. the pool closes at 8pm which I thought was a bit early for me. Plenty of choice in the food menu and beautiful and clean for dining area.
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FromRUB 14,780
Le Meridien Abu Dhabi Resort
9.1/1087 Reviews
Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi
|3.88km from city centre
Facilities: The hotel is a bit old, and the hallway ceilings are quite low, making it feel somewhat dated. The elevators are also small. Although it's a five-star hotel, it might be a letdown compared to the Le Méridien downtown. We initially booked a twin room, and the space felt very cramped. We later requested to change to a larger king room, and the view of the hotel's village from the window was quite nice. Ambiance: Its strong point is the private beach, which is perfect for a family vacation. Across the street is the Galleria Mall, and the night view is really stunning. The village has many restaurants, a pool, a gym, a lawn, and even a small pond with lots of turtles. Service: My family said the breakfast was good.
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FromRUB 13,117
Premier Inn Abu Dhabi Capital Centre
9/10268 Reviews
Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi
|9.09km from city centre
A delightful extended stay, so good I didn't want to leave! Coming to Abu Dhabi for a business trip, choosing the right hotel truly doubles the happiness of a busy schedule! My stay at the Capital Centre Arjaan by Rotana has immediately landed it at the top of my list for accommodation in Abu Dhabi. The hotel's location is prime, a mere two-minute walk to the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, which is a godsend for business travelers attending exhibitions. The area is also dotted with cafes and supermarkets, making daily errands and casual breaks incredibly convenient. The dining and leisure facilities exceeded expectations. The lavish English breakfast offered a wide variety of items, and the Western dinner dishes tasted authentic. The restaurant and bar have an elegant atmosphere, perfect for a relaxing drink after work. The outdoor pool is crystal clear and clean, and the fitness center is well-equipped.
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FromRUB 6,200
Park Arjaan by Rotana Abu Dhabi
9/1048 Reviews
Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi
|11.8km from city centre
I booked an apartment-style suite for one person, and it includes breakfast, lunch and dinner. It is not far from the airport and very close to Sheikh Zayed Mosque. The front desk service is super good. We had a problem paying for the taxi fare, so they directly exchanged cash for us. The suite is well-equipped, clean and tidy. It was very comfortable to stay for one night. The only thing is that there is a big mirror facing the bed, but this seems to be very common in the Middle East. There are a variety of breakfast and dinner, mostly white and Middle Eastern food, and you can eat enough. The overall experience is good
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FromRUB 12,930
Centro Al Manhal
9.1/1077 Reviews
Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi
|0.68km from city centre
Thanks for centro al manhal it was a perfect stay cleanness respectful staff (rooms restaurant reception) in all perfect hotel .
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FromRUB 7,874
DoubleTree by Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island Residences
9.7/1085 Reviews
Abu Dhabi
|23.47km from city centre
The room was very spacious and had a kitchen and a washer/dryer, which was incredibly important for our multi-day trip. The location is convenient, with easy walking access to Yas Mall. There are plenty of dining and entertainment options. Warner Bros. World is right next door. The views are also great.
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FromRUB 14,394
Copthorne Downtown Abu Dhabi
8.6/10496 Reviews
Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi
|2.48km from city centre
Desigur! Iată o versiune mai scurtă, în engleză, potrivită pentru Google Reviews, *********** sau social media: --- 🌟 **Great Stay at Copthorne Hotel Abu Dhabi** I had a wonderful experience at Copthorne Hotel. The location is super central, close to Corniche and major attractions. The rooms are spacious, clean, and very comfortable, with great city views. Staff were incredibly helpful and professional from check-in to check-out. The breakfast buffet had a good variety and everything was fresh. I also appreciated the pool, gym, and free parking. Excellent value for money – perfect for both business and leisure stays.Highly recommend!
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FromRUB 5,231
Ramada by Wyndham Abu Dhabi Downtown
7.9/1087 Reviews
Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi
|2.99km from city centre
The hotel is in a prime location and service is excellent. Team are very good very helpful and very kind. I stayed two weeks I never have a problem at any time
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FromRUB 14,581
Ivory Hotel Apartments
7.4/1015 Reviews
Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi
|3.19km from city centre
The hotel looks old from the photo, but to our surprise, it is not substandard in terms of quality n service. Kitchen amenities are good, pans n pots provided, n bathroom is clean. Bedroom is comfy, and it has a lovely iving room also. It's walking distance to Abu Dhabi mall. Me n my family truly enjoy our 3 days stay over here.
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FromRUB 6,773
Andaz Capital Gate Abu Dhabi, By Hyatt
8.8/1075 Reviews
Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi
|8.72km from city centre
Andaz Capital is the best hotel I ever stayed in Abu Dhabi, which is not only attribute to their new and well-rounded infrastructure, but also their services. It was worthy to share that their services are always on-time and detail-minded. One of their staff Mr. Ram has been providing his best effort to help clients to solve the problems. I am really grateful that he helped me to coordinate with my previous stayed hotel for my luggage left (a laptop) and kept me posted on the situation before I successfully checked in that day. I would suggest my friends staying in Andaz Capital if have opportunity.
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FromRUB 13,932
Novel Hotel City Center
8.5/1061 Reviews
Abu Dhabi Corniche
Abu Dhabi
|2.46km from city centre
Excellent hotel! Perfectly clean! Very friendly and helpful stuff! Very good breakfast! Great location! You have just everything around! And the Bus Main Terminal (to Dubai, Sharjah or to the Airport) is only 2,7 km. Definitely we will be back!
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FromRUB 5,760
Trianon Hotel
7.4/1041 Reviews
Abu Dhabi Corniche
Abu Dhabi
|3.05km from city centre
The room is large and the facilities are old. The exhaust fan is on 24 hours a day and can't be turned off, which is quite noisy. The location is good, and there are supermarkets and restaurants around. The waiter delivered the wrong things twice in the middle of the night, which was a bit speechless.
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FromRUB 8,711
VOGO Abu Dhabi Golf Resort & Spa formerly Westin Abu Dhabi Golf Resort & Spa
9/1065 Reviews
Abu Dhabi
|17.21km from city centre
VOGO / The Lounge • review 11 SEP 2025 Our Room was impeccable. In the morning, we decided to have a light breakfast at ”The Lounge”: we ordered, among coffee and other items, a smoked salmon bagel, which was delicious and served by our host Osman, whose demanour, knowledge, and overall attitude and customer engagement was outstanding - six stars for him! One word about the smoked salmon bagel: as a bagel connoisseur, and despite the dish's excellent taste and presentation, I'd like to note that the dough used for the bagel is not the typical stiff, high protein, yeasted dogh normally used when baking bagels. I recommend to use the correct dough in the future, slightly toast the bagel before serving, and also add a bit more cream cheese as well as a sprig or two of dill - otherwise, the dish was top notch, and as I already mentioned, the service was exceptional!
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FromRUB 10,903
Staybridge Suites ABU DHABI - YAS ISLAND by IHG
9.1/1090 Reviews
Abu Dhabi
|23.41km from city centre
Overall the experience is good. It could have been best if they have prepared ahead of time for the buffet breakfast. It is very chaotic as they were not prepared that a lot of people will come. They could have anticipated based on the number of pax booked during those dates. As for the rooms, I liked it. Clean, you can even cook inside. We booked a once bedroom suite with city view.k
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FromRUB 26,289
Palette - Top Stars Hotel
6.7/1043 Reviews
Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi
|1.5km from city centre
I use to stay that same hotel since I found.  It’s a very nice and comfortable hotel for me .
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FromRUB 5,738
Emirates Park Resort
8.5/1071 Reviews
Abu Dhabi
|32.3km from city centre
Had a transfer of 21 hours so decided to book this hotel to rest a bit before my next flight. Very close to T3. Surprisingly, this hotel is inside a Zoo park. They gave us free Zoo tickets when checked in, so it was a very nice time. Swimming pool included. Staff very helpfull, front desk very polite. Room was big and clean, the bed extra soft, AC was working perfectly. Overall a very good experience!
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FromRUB 6,421
EXECUTIVE SUITES
7.8/1078 Reviews
Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi
|2.07km from city centre
Location is good, close to many restaurants, Lulu supermarket, and grocery stores. However front desk service lady was uncertain about many things and just answered ”i dont know”. Valet guy was helpful like an angel. Apartment was clean. Washing machine washes but wont spin and those clothes wont dry in your room. Cleaning team does good job. Front desk only provides one key for two guests. Breakfast Buffet was just okay.
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FromRUB 5,374
Beach Rotana Residences
9.1/1072 Reviews
Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi
|3.56km from city centre
Very excellent location, the hotel is very clean and close to all services
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FromRUB 14,581
Centro Capital Centre
8.9/1088 Reviews
Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi
|9.27km from city centre
This place truly exceeded all expectations. The location is absolutely perfect, offering easy access to key attractions and amenities, making it ideal for both relaxation and exploration. The cleanliness of the property was impeccable, with every corner spotless and well-maintained, creating a welcoming and comfortable environment throughout the stay. The attention to detail in ensuring the space was pristine added an extra layer of satisfaction. Combined with the convenient and serene location, this place strikes the perfect balance between luxury, functionality, and charm. It’s clear that the management takes great pride in maintaining high standards, ensuring guests feel right at home. Highly recommended for anyone seeking a top-notch experience!
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FromRUB 8,260
Al Wathba, a Luxury Collection Desert Resort & Spa, Abu Dhabi
9.6/10213 Reviews
Abu Dhabi
|52.76km from city centre
Very nice resort, good food alot of choise for breakfast in the morning. Security sine the front gate that checked guest name before entry resort area. Nice experience there.
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FromRUB 18,778
Al Rawda Arjaan
9.3/1063 Reviews
Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi
|0.63km from city centre
The location is good because it is right next to the Abu Dhabi main bus terminal. It is not the latest facility, but it is well managed and the room is large. The staff is very friendly. There is a refrigerator, microwave, and drum washing machine. There is a large shopping mall right behind it. I would like to visit again.
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FromRUB 10,099

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