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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.
Top things to do in Abu Dhabi
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Best Hotels in Abu Dhabi

Marriott Hotel Al Forsan, Abu Dhabi
9.3/10123 Reviews
Abu Dhabi
|19.5km from city centre
1st time in Abu Dabhi and not a lot of time to explore, but I was impressed with this Marriott property. Spacious rooms, comfy bed, an amazingly large shower, beautiful spacious pool and a decent breakfast buffet.
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FromAU$180
Beach Rotana - All Suites
8.7/1051 Reviews
Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi
|3.64km from city centre
All excellent location! Direct from the hotel exit to the TZ. Spacious rooms. Settled in the morning immediately. Good beach(as long as it can be in the city)
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FromAU$226
The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal
9.3/10253 Reviews
Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi
|13.43km from city centre
Amazing hotel the staff at front of house are all excellent . Lovely Indian girl at the front desk and the vallets. There was another girl at the front who was excellent as well . They gave me really personal service that you come to expect from ritz Carlton . If I visited Abu Dhabi this would always be my base . Lovely hotel , amazing breakfast great pool across from the mosque. Amazing clean rooms . 10 out of 10
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FromAU$271
Capital Suites Hotel Apartments
8.9/1039 Reviews
Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi
|9.22km from city centre
Our stay was excellent. The room was spacious, spotless, and very comfortable. The free WiFi was fast and reliable, making it easy to stay connected. Overall, we had a very pleasant experience. The only downside was the long wait during check-in, which could be improved.
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FromAU$119
Oaks Liwa Executive Suites
9.2/1044 Reviews
Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi
|3.32km from city centre
The room was not as advertised, and was basic and not worth the price paid. Very misleading photos, raised concerns with the manager and all he could say is that it was photoshop and I can cancel through the third party- which takes 14 days so not an option at the time. The room is fine and all amenities you need are in there. but just advertised as a more luxurious stay than you receive. Some people rely on the photos of the rooms when picking from half way across the world, I suggest updating the site to reflect the room correctly to avoid any other upset customers. Overall the staff were friendly, including security guard and location ok. Right near Abu Dhabi mall.
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FromAU$153
Oasis Hostel
8.9/105 Reviews
Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi
|1.96km from city centre
Best of best high quality with reasonable price! quiet dorm with only 4 people in a room everything is ready for 24hr
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FromAU$47
Yas Island Rotana
8.9/1083 Reviews
Abu Dhabi
|23.53km from city centre
In November, Dubai and Abu Dhabi all increased their prices. In fact, you don't need to book a hotel with tickets. Excluding the tickets, the prices are about the same. This shuttle bus is just 50 meters from the door. You don't have to cross the road. It's very convenient. Warner Bros. Park is fun.
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FromAU$264
Sofitel Abu Dhabi Corniche
8.9/10193 Reviews
Abu Dhabi Corniche
Abu Dhabi
|3.61km from city centre
Great stay as always, awesome location, comfy beds, fabulous breakfast. Will return again soon.
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FromAU$170
AG Hotel
7.9/1010 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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FromAU$110
W Abu Dhabi - Yas Island
9/10214 Reviews
Abu Dhabi
|24.11km from city centre
Check in staff behaviour was too bad and not at all friendly. And the overall service was pathetic. The room keys stopped working several times and took them very long time to get us the new keys. The staff disconnect the phone while talking.
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FromAU$339
Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi
9.5/10134 Reviews
Abu Dhabi
|11.09km from city centre
During the Christmas season, I spent several delightful days at the Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi, the very same Park Hyatt where Liu Yifei once stayed, and it turned out to be my favorite place where I lingered the longest during this trip. Coincidentally, the room number was the same as my birthday (a rare occurrence for someone born in January). *Highlights: The hotel boasts its own private beach, free from the hustle and bustle of tourists, offering a tranquil and comfortable atmosphere with a great vibe. *Relaxation: There are multiple swimming pools, restaurants, and a library, all exquisitely beautiful, and you can enjoy the sight of eagles during breakfast. *Activities: Morning yoga classes are available, along with tennis courts, a golf course, a gym, and a spa. *Service: The welcome gifts included a large box of chocolates and a fruit platter—the chocolates were absolutely delicious. The staff were all very warm and provided attentive service. *Amenities: The toiletries were from Le Labo, a brand that I adore. *Location: The Louvre is nearby, making it convenient to visit. *The rate during the Christmas season was approximately $1100 per night. *Drawback: It was so comfortable that I ended up staying in the hotel for several days without venturing out, missing many of Abu Dhabi's attractions.
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FromAU$401
Sheraton Abu Dhabi Hotel & Resort
8.9/10128 Reviews
Abu Dhabi Corniche
Abu Dhabi
|3.78km from city centre
Simply the best hotel in Abu Dhabi!!!! I loved the gym which is so spacious and professional (and brownie points to the sauna in the shower/changing room) Food was also excellent, had breakfast and dinner buffet at the hotel when I felt lazy and didn’t want to go out
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FromAU$152
Le Méridien Abu Dhabi
8.6/1072 Reviews
Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi
|3.88km from city centre
I had a nice 7 day stay with my husband at this hotel .everything was good and clean, the service was great and the people were so welcoming and nice . We went to the beach and swimming pool , and the breakfast was so delicious with so many options.we asked about a birthday cake and they made a wonderful carrot cake the best I’ve ever had ! Even the dinner was great . Thank you so much .and a big thanks to miss imane the helpful receptionist and Mr chandara 😍
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FromAU$156
Premier Inn Abu Dhabi Capital Centre
8.8/10203 Reviews
Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi
|9.09km from city centre
This is the best hotel I've stayed in during this trip. The reception staff are really nice, warm and good - looking. Many famous attractions are in close proximity. There are lots of taxis downstairs, so it's convenient to get around. The rooms are very clean and cozy. It's highly recommended. Don't miss out on it, and you'll have a wonderful memory.
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FromAU$72
Park Arjaan by Rotana Abu Dhabi
9/1044 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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FromAU$150
Centro Al Manhal
9.1/1057 Reviews
Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi
|0.68km from city centre
Excellent hotel in the city center, 10-15 minutes by car to the Corniche beach, 25-30 minutes to the airport. There is a shopping center nearby where you can buy everything from groceries to electronics. Many restaurants for every taste and small grocery stores if you don't want to waste time at the supermarket. At the reception they speak different languages, friendly Ahmed spoke to us in Russian. The hotel has everything: a cafe, a bar, a store, a swimming pool, a gym. Excellent breakfasts: rice, noodles, scrambled eggs, cereal, from fruits we had: watermelon, passion fruit, pineapples, melons, grapefruit and kiwi.
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FromAU$98
DoubleTree by Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island Residences
9.4/1055 Reviews
Abu Dhabi
|23.47km from city centre
What a wonderful trip we had. The check in process was easy and included a warm cookie! The room was perfect for the three of us. It even had a kitchen which I did not expect. Room service food was delicious and we were able to save left overs and reheat them. Breakfast was worth it for the good food and so many choices. The staff was fantastic and so helpful. A taxi was ordered for us so we could get to the airport.
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FromAU$300
Bab Al Qasr Residence
8.4/1033 Reviews
Abu Dhabi Corniche
Abu Dhabi
|4.8km from city centre
The location is a little bit far from the city center, however, the views were outstanding. The room size were huge with great aircondition despite the summer weather. The breakfast was ok but we expected more varieties for a 5star residence hotel. The pool and beach were beyond excellent. The floor hallway carpet smells a little bit musty. Joaquim who helped us with our bags upon arrival was very helpful.
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FromAU$172
Pearl Rotana Capital Centre
9.4/1088 Reviews
Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi
|9.18km from city centre
I had a wonderful stay at the hotel! The staff was incredibly friendly and accommodating, the room was clean and comfortable, and the amenities exceeded my expectations. The central location made it convenient for exploring the city. I would highly recommend this hotel for a pleasant and memorable experience.
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FromAU$113
Copthorne Downtown Abu Dhabi
8.7/10472 Reviews
Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi
|2.48km from city centre
I had an amazing experience at Copthorne Downtown Abu Dhabi. From the moment I arrived, the calm and quiet atmosphere made me feel completely relaxed — exactly what I needed. The staff were extremely pleasant and welcoming, always ready to help with a smile, which added a personal touch to my stay. The valet parking was very convenient and efficient, making check-in and check-out smooth and stress-free. One of the highlights of my stay was the outstanding breakfast — a great variety, fresh ingredients, and perfect start to each day. Honestly, everything about the stay was perfect. From now on, I’ve decided that whenever I visit Abu Dhabi, this will be the only hotel I’ll choose. Highly recommended for anyone looking for comfort, service, and peace in the heart of the city.
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FromAU$68
Ramada by Wyndham Abu Dhabi Downtown
8.1/1064 Reviews
Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi
|2.99km from city centre
Very helpgul staff geat service, good location, good restaurants within walking distance and abu dhabi mall is 5-10 mins walk away. Very convenient for hailing taxis
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FromAU$72
Ivory Hotel Apartments
7.2/1016 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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FromAU$88
Andaz Capital Gate Abu Dhabi, By Hyatt
8.9/1063 Reviews
Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi
|8.72km from city centre
We first stayed at Andaz Capital Gate in 2022, and ever since, we couldn’t wait to return. During our recent trip to Abu Dhabi, we were fortunate to stay there again, and the experience was nothing short of amazing. From the moment we arrived, the staff was welcoming, friendly, and made us feel right at home. Their top-notch customer service truly sets this hotel apart. The rooms are incredibly spacious, comfortable, and beautifully designed. This time, we were lucky enough to receive an upgrade, which made our stay even more special. A heartfelt thank you to the entire team for making our visit so memorable. We’re already looking forward to our next stay!
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FromAU$180
Novel Hotel City Center
8.5/1051 Reviews
Abu Dhabi Corniche
Abu Dhabi
|2.46km from city centre
First of all it has to be said, that we had a very pleasant welcoming! The location of the hotel is perfect. The staff is very friendly and we really enjoyed the pool area. We also added breakfast at check-in and got a discount for it which we appreciated!
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FromAU$64
Trianon Hotel
6.3/1040 Reviews
Abu Dhabi Corniche
Abu Dhabi
|3.05km from city centre
The sanitary conditions are average and the hair dryer is repaired. The hotel does not include meals, and ordering breakfast is too slow.
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FromAU$87
VOGO Abu Dhabi Golf Resort & Spa formerly Westin Abu Dhabi Golf Resort & Spa
8.5/1040 Reviews
Abu Dhabi
|17.08km from city centre
This specific hotel is always my escape because it has come and I like the facilities everything is perfect from the bed to the stuff and when you order something to the room it gets to you within seconds the reception people are very friendly and helpful and they always bonus me with upgrades I really recommend it
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FromAU$155
Staybridge Suites Abu Dhabi - Yas Island
8.9/1079 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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FromAU$276
Palette - Top Stars Hotel
7.5/1028 Reviews
Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi
|1.51km from city centre
We booked this hotel knowing we wouldn't spend a lot of time in it and it would be a place to sleep. We found the things we wanted to see in Abu Dhabi were pretty spread out but this was central enough to it all. The hotel is located about 30 minutes from Zayed International Airport and Yas Island and about 15 minutes away from the Saadiyat Cultural District with all its museums and the Galleria area. There are some dining options and smaller stores nearby but it is a short drive away from some better options. We booked a room with a king bed and had a good stay in it. The room was small but considering the price we felt it was well appointed with a mini fridge, coffee/tea station, small TV and a closet. The pillows were pretty comfy and we felt we had a good night's rest when we stayed. We booked a non smoking room and so did our cousin but it seems that despite what our booking website showed the smoking is allowed in many of the rooms. They did spray our room with a deodorizer before we got in and we felt it helped. There are enough plugs throughout the rooms and there was enough lighting even though it only came from the table side lamps. The area is very active and late into the night and my wife found it a bit noisy, had issues sleeping and needed to use ear plugs but I found it was quiet enough and had no issues falling asleep each night. We didn't need AC during our stay in February because our room was the right temperature for us but there was a thermostat on the wall. The bathroom had lots of room and a good sized bath tub. The shower felt great and offered good pressure and plenty of steam. They had shower gel, shampoo and body lotion that are restocked each day. The ventilation could have been a bit stronger because the condensation from our steamy showers left the floor damp. Thankfully there is daily housekeeping to help with this issue. There aren't any amenities at this hotel other than a small business centre. There are some restaurants nearby to grab a quick bite but we had to drive a bit to go to places we wanted to try. The parking nearby is all paid but is free between 11:00pm-8:00am and we were lucky our first night getting a spot right in front of the hotel with Unais' help but the second night we had to park about a block away. Parking costs 2 AED per hour but there are special rates for longer stays like 24 hours. We felt this hotel was convenient for our stay in Abu Dhabi because we didn't want to spend a lot on a place we wouldn't spend much time in. This met our needs perfectly.
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FromAU$48
Emirates Park Resort
8.5/1057 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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FromAU$118
EXECUTIVE SUITES
8.7/1057 Reviews
Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi
|2.07km from city centre
The room facilities are a bit old and the price is really high during the exhibition period. In addition to the price, the overall service is in place. There is an independent washing machine and an independent bathtub, which is very convenient to use.
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FromAU$94

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