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Planning a trip to Abu Dhabi? Well, there’s plenty here to keep you busy!
The UAE’s dazzling capital city is known for its jaw-dropping architecture, desert surroundings, and luxurious experiences. So if you want to get the full Abu Dhabi experience, this guide has got you covered.
We’ve spent plenty of time exploring this vibrant city, and done everything from riding camels through the desert to visiting the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, and taking advantage of all of the fun day trips on offer. So whether it’s your first or fifth visit to Abu Dhabi, we’ve got the ultimate top 10 list of things to do!
Don’t Miss Out On Our Top Choice!
The tour we loved the most and suggest booking ASAP is this one!
Our personal favorite thing we did was this desert safari in Abu Dhabi! We rode 4×4’s through the dunes, had a sunset camel ride, and relaxed in a lavish Bedouin camp for dinner and a show. This tour was a dream!
Check out the 2,800+ 5-star reviews and book this tour here.
- Don't Miss Out On Our Top Choice!
- Things to do in Abu Dhabi
- 1. Go on a desert safari, including camel riding, sandboarding, and BBQ dinner
- 2. See Abu Dhabi’s top sights – Sheikh Zayed Mosque, Royal Palace, and Etihad Tower
- 3. Watch the sunrise in the desert
- 4. Explore Abu Dhabi on your own with the hop-on hop-off bus
- 5. Visit the National Aquarium
- 6. Take a day trip to Dubai
- 7. Get on the water and see Abu Dhabi from a boat sightseeing tour
- 8. Have a romantic dinner in the desert
- 9. Explore the historic city of Al Ain
- 10. Drive your own speed boat through Yas Island Mangroves
- Where to Stay in Abu Dhabi
- Thanks for reading!
- Why We Book Tours with Viator
- Don't Forget Travel Insurance!
Things to do in Abu Dhabi
1. Go on a desert safari, including camel riding, sandboarding, and BBQ dinner
- Price: $90 USD
- Duration: 6 hours
- Time: 2:30 pm or 3:30 pm
- Highlights: dune bashing, sandboarding, camel rides, shisha, tanoura dance performance, relaxing at a Bedouin camp, barbecue dinner, trying on local dress
- Inclusions: hotel pickup and drop-off, all activities, entertainment, Bedouin camp access, dinner, shisha, dress, local costumes
- Rating: 5 stars (check 2,900+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: yes
This desert safari experience was hands down the best experience that we had in Abu Dhabi! We cannot recommend it enough.
We knew we were in for a treat when we were picked up in a super sleek 4×4 and met our uber-friendly driver and guide, Sudhi. He shared stories about the Bedouin community as we made our way to the dunes, where we dune bashing in 4x4s. We were whooping and hollering at the top of our lungs as the car slid down the side of the dunes – it was such a rush!
We had a blast sandboarding, too! We felt like big kids as we zoomed down the dunes, and we also experienced childlike glee when it was time for a camel ride. After all, it’s not every day that you get to ride a camel through a desert – and at sunset, no less!
Once it was dark, we arrived at the luxurious Bedouin camp, which truly felt like a whole other world. We were welcomed with coffee and dates, before diving into the variety of activities on offer, including henna painting, smoking shisha, and simply relaxing under the stars. Then, we enjoyed a sumptuous barbecue buffet and finished the night by watching a spellbinding belly dance performance, which was epic.
We loved every part of this tour, from the beautiful desert landscapes to the fun activities and of course, all of the food! If you only do one thing in Abu Dhabi, this desert safari should be it!
Book this tour with over 2,800 5-star reviews here to experience it for yourself!
2. See Abu Dhabi’s top sights – Sheikh Zayed Mosque, Royal Palace, and Etihad Tower
- Price: $81 – $122 USD
- Duration: 5 – 6 hours
- Time: 9:30 am
- Highlights: Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, the Corniche, Qasr Al Watan Palaces, Etihad Towers
- Inclusions: hotel pickup and drop-off, transport, admission fees, English-speaking tour guide, abaya for women
- Rating: 4.9 stars (check 500+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: yes
We always take a sightseeing tour on our first day in a new city, and this specific one proved to be the perfect introduction to Abu Dhabi!
We were able to hit all the highlights in one day, with zero hassle. It was well-organized and stress-free, and our guide, Aditya, was just fantastic!
The day began with a visit to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, which was breathtaking. We loved walking through its marble halls and admiring the intricate Islamic architecture. Bailey was provided with an abaya to wear (a traditional long dress and scarf to visit the mosques), so that we didn’t need to worry about renting one ourselves.
We drove along the Corniche, which is the waterfront area where the city’s skyscrapers meet the gulf. We made a photo stop at the incredible Emirates Palace hotel, and we got to head up to the observation deck for first-class views of the city. These stops really gave us a taste of the city’s luxurious side!
The tour finished with a stop at Qasr Al Watan Palace, where we enjoyed checking out the design and cultural exhibits. I mean, where better to learn about the history and development of Abu Dhabi than the presidential palace?
This tour made seeing the city’s top sights so easy and enjoyable, and it truly had us falling in love with Abu Dhabi! It was great value for money, too, since all admission fees were included. So if it’s your first time in the city, make sure to book this tour before it sells out.
Book this tour here to get FREE cancellation 24 hours before you depart!
3. Watch the sunrise in the desert
- Price: $69 – $150 USD
- Duration: 3 hours
- Time: 4:30 or 5:30 am
- Highlights: watching the sunrise on the dunes of the desert, dune bashing, camel riding, mini photo shoot, visiting a traditional desert camp
- Inclusions: hotel pickup and drop-off, dune bashing, experienced guide, coffee, tea, fresh dates, bottled water
- Rating: 4.9 stars (check 100+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: yes
There are few experiences as awe-inspiring as watching the sunrise on the sand dunes, so don’t hesitate to book this small group sunrise tour while you’re in Abu Dhabi!
We were picked up bright and early – well, I say “bright”, but it was still dark! We drove into the desert and watched the sun rise from the top of the golden sand dunes, which was a breathtaking experience, not to mention a photographer’s dream.
Once the sun was up, we got back into the 4×4 and went dune bashing. We felt a huge surge of adrenaline as our vehicle flew over the towering dunes!
We finished off our desert time with a short camel ride to our breakfast spot, which was such a cool experience! Once we got to our desert camp we enjoyed Arabic coffee and fresh dates in the most serene of settings.
This tour was the perfect mini escape from the city, and an unforgettable way to start a day in Abu Dhabi – although we did need an afternoon nap! We thought it was really well-priced, too, especially as it gets cheaper as you add more people, or you can book a private tour.
This tour is very popular, book your spot here before it sells out!
4. Explore Abu Dhabi on your own with the hop-on hop-off bus
- Price: $81 – $111 USD
- Duration: flexible
- Time: 9 am – 5 pm
- Highlights: Abu Dhabi Mall, Louvre Abu Dhabi, beaches, Emirates Palace, Presidential Palace, Al Hisn Fort, World Trade Center, the Promenade, Sheik Zayhed Mosque
- Inclusions: bus tickets, Sheik Zayed Mosque tickets and tour, Presidential Palace admission (with 72 hour ticket), on-board commentary, Louvre Abu Dhabi admission (with 72 hour ticket)
- Rating: 4.5 stars (check 850+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: yes
This hop-on hop-off bus tour is the perfect way to explore both Abu Dhabi’s modern marvels and cultural treasures. We love hop-on hop-off tours because they’re so flexible and allow you to take the tour at your own pace.
We actually opted for the 3-day pass so that we could see as much as possible, and that meant that we also got complimentary admission to the Louvre and the Presidential Palace, so it saved us a big chunk of change!
All tickets include entry to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, too, so we were able to go and marvel at its incredible architecture.
We loved riding around on the open-air double decker bus, especially along the palm-fringed Corniche! The views of the city skyline were amazing and we never had to rush because we could just hop on and off as we pleased.
It was such a fun and convenient way to explore the city, and the buses are super punctual so we were never left waiting around. The staff were so friendly and helpful, too, and they were happy to answer any questions that we had.
Basically, if you want to explore Abu Dhabi on a budget, but without the stress of navigating, this tour is perfect. It saved us time, money, and stress, so we really can’t fault it! We definitely recommend booking the 72-hour option, as it’s definitely the best deal.
Check out all the options and reserve your seat here!
5. Visit the National Aquarium
- Price: $31 – $59 USD
- Duration: 1-2 hours
- Time: 10 am – 10 pm
- Highlights: visiting the largest aquarium in the Middle East, 10 different zones to explore, walking across the glass bridge (if selected), exploring on a glass bottom boat (if selected), feeding the fish (if selected)
- Inclusions: aquarium admission, access to all 10 zones, glass bridge walk (if selected), glass bottom boat ride (if selected), fish food (if selected)
- Rating: 5 stars (check 1,200+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: yes
Abu Dhabi’s National Aquarium is considered one of the best in the world! It’s the largest aquarium in the Middle East, and it’s home to over 46,000 animals, which are spread across 10 different zones.
With a reputation as impressive as this one, we made sure to purchase our admission tickets in advance to ensure entrance!
We loved walking through the Aquarium, as there was just so much to see, from sharks and rays to seahorses. The shark tunnel was particularly awesome, and we loved the turtle exhibit, too. But what really made our visit special was the fact that we upgraded to the all-access tour!
Going all-access meant that we got to enjoy a glass-bottom boat ride, which was an amazing way to see all of the aquatic life from above. And hey, when you’re already in one of the world’s top aquariums, you may as well, right?
We also loved the fish feeding experience. Watching all of the colorful schools of fish gather around was just amazing! They gave us a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the conversation work that the aquarium does, which left us well and truly impressed.
Adventure-seekers even have the option to go shark diving or scuba diving in the aquarium, which we think would be an incredible experience! So whether you’re up for an adrenaline rush or a peaceful exploration of marine life, a visit to the National Aquarium really is a must.
This experience is popular – book your entrance tickets here before it sells out!
Why We Book Tours with Viator
Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:
- Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
- Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
- Lowest price guarantee – If you happen to find the same tour at a lower price elsewhere, Viator will refund you the price difference.
- Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
- Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.
Check out the Viator website here! Or, for more info, read our detailed review about Viator here.
6. Take a day trip to Dubai
- Price: $86 USD
- Duration: 9 hours
- Time: 8:30 am
- Highlights: Palm Jumeirah, Burj Al-Arab, Burj Khalifa photo stop, taking an abra along the Dubai Creek, visiting the Dubai Museum, free time to shop at the Dubai Mall, exploring the souks in Old Dubai
- Inclusions: hotel pickup and drop-off, professional guide, air-conditioned transport, abra ride,
- Rating: 4.6 stars (check 250+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: yes
Dubai is too close – and honestly, just too cool – to miss out on when you’re in Abu Dhabi. You just have to make time for a day trip, and this full-day tour makes it so easy! We had a blast, and we got to see Dubai’s highlights in just one day.
It took just under 2 hours to get to Dubai, and we kicked off with a stop at the marina to snap jaw-dropping photos of the skyscrapers and shimmering water. Then, we visited the Pointe on Palm Jumeirah and admired the uber-luxurious Atlantis Hotel. We even got to see Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world and just as impressive as it sounds!
After free time to grab lunch and shop in the sleek Dubai Mall, we then hopped on a traditional abra and took a ride across the Dubai Creek. It was like taking a boat to another world, because Old Dubai couldn’t be more different than the ultra modern central area.
Our guide taught us all about Dubai’s humble trading roots, and we visited old-school gold and spice souks. It was fascinating to see the contrast between this area and the modern city we had spent the morning in.
This tour really ticked all of our boxes. It had modern marvels, cultural gems, and a great guide. So if you’re keen to see what all the hype around Dubai is about, book this tour and all will become clear!
Book this tour here and get FREE cancellation before you go!
7. Get on the water and see Abu Dhabi from a boat sightseeing tour
- Price: $56 USD
- Duration: 45 min – 1 hour
- Time: 3 pm or 5 pm
- Highlights: thrilling boat ride, chance to spot dolphins, live commentary, Corniche, Yas Island, Emirates Palace
- Inclusions: boat ride, on-board skipper, lifejacket, live commentary
- Rating: 4.8 stars (check 100+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: yes
If you’re short on time but want to pack in some serious sightseeing, then this sightseeing boat cruise is a must! It was a great way to take in the city’s glamorous skyline, but it was also so much fun to zoom along at high speed.
We received a warm welcome from the crew, and then before we knew it, we were flying across the waves! It was pretty thrilling, actually, and the views were unmatched. We loved being able to admire the skyscrapers from here, and we were lucky enough to glimpse a pod of dolphins in the distance!
Our route took us along the beautiful Corniche, and we also got to see the shimmering Etihad Towers. We also saw the Emirates Palace, which honestly belongs in an Arabian fairytale, and circled around the man-made Al Lulu Island. Our skipper shared fascinating stories with us as we zipped past these famous landmarks.
This tour is a great way to sightsee if you’re short on time, but the main reason we loved it was because it was a fun adventure. Plus, cruising out on the water was a nice way to take in the views while escaping the heat.
Check availability and book this unique sightseeing tour here!
8. Have a romantic dinner in the desert
- Price: $600 USD
- Duration: 5 hours
- Time: 3:45 pm
- Highlights: private desert safari, romantic sunset dinner, camel farm visit, dune bashing in a 4×4, stargazing
- Inclusions: hotel pickup and drop-off, dinner, all activities, shisha, Bedouin camp access, local guide, private tour
- Rating: 5 stars (check reviews here)
- Free cancellation: yes
If you’re looking for a romantic experience in Abu Dhabi, this private sunset dinner in the desert is it! We booked this as a special treat during our trip, and it was truly an amazing experience.
The tour began with private pickup, and then we headed into the desert for some fun adventures before our romantic dinner. I’m talking about dune bashing in a 4×4, snapping photos, and visiting a camel farm to see these gentle creatures up close. I never realized how sweet and docile camels were!
Then, we headed onto the Bedouin camp for dinner, and the setting was absolutely magical. We were seated in our own little area, with comfy cushions and beautiful views over the dunes. It was so nice to enjoy some privacy, away from the main camp area, and watching the sunset was just spectacular.
We enjoyed Arabic coffee, dates, and fresh fruit as we waited for the main meal to be served, and then we tucked into an amazing barbecue dinner. It was a true feast, featuring flatbreads and hummus, koftas, falafel, and lots of fresh salads.
Then, once we had eaten, we had time to relax and enjoy some stargazing, which is a pretty incredible experience when you’re out in the desert, far away from any light pollution.
This was an unforgettable romantic experience. It was absolutely magical, so if you’re planning a couples’ trip to Abu Dhabi, booking this tour is a surefire way to delight your other half!
Reserve this tour now and pay later when you book it in advance here!
9. Explore the historic city of Al Ain
- Price: $115 – $270 USD
- Duration: 9 hours
- Time: 8:30 am
- Highlights: Al Ain National Museum, Sheikh Zayed Palace Museum, seeing the water channels, visiting traditional markets, going to the camel race circuit, admiring city from a viewpoint on Jebel Hafeet mountain
- Inclusions: hotel pickup and drop-off, professional guide, lunch, air-conditioned transport, admission tickets
- Rating: 4.5 stars (check 100+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: yes
Abu Dhabi is known for its gleaming urban landscape and surrounding desert, but if you’re craving some nature and culture, then book this tour to the Garden City of Al Ain! It was so refreshing to visit this lush oasis, and we also loved learning about its rich history.
On the way to Al Ain, our guide taught us all about the history of the area, from the Bronze Age to the present day. The first stop of the day was the Al Ain National Museum, where we got to dive even deeper into the past. Then, we went to the Sheik Zayed Palace Museum to learn about the UAE’s founding father, which was super interesting.
We enjoyed a fascinating glimpse into the local culture with a visit to the camel and livestock market. It felt a million miles away from Abu Dhabi’s giant, modern malls, let me tell you!
Then, we got to enjoy a buffet lunch at a 4-star hotel. There were tons of international options, but most of all we loved trying raqaq, a yummy Emirati crisp bread.
After checking out the city’s unique irrigation system, we took a drive up to Jebel Hafeet Mountain. From the summit, we had gorgeous views of Al Ain and the surrounding desert, and we ended the day by soaking our feet in the nearby hot springs.
We weren’t sure what to expect from Al Ain, and we were honestly surprised by how much we loved it. So if you’ve got a day to spare, don’t hesitate to book this tour!
Reserve this tour here to access flexible cancellation and payment options!
10. Drive your own speed boat through Yas Island Mangroves
- Price: $154 USD (for 2 people)
- Duration: 1.5 – 2 hours
- Time: 6 am – 4:30 pm
- Highlights: thrilling speedboat ride, exploring the mangroves, seeing wildlife including dolphins, cruising around Yas Island, seeing the circular Aldar HQ Building, swimming at Yas Island Beach
- Inclusions: speedboat, life jacket, professional guides
- Rating: 4.4 stars (check reviews here)
- Free cancellation: yes
Last, but certainly not least, this speedboat tour is the perfect way to combine adventure with a splash of sightseeing. We couldn’t stop grinning as we zipped through mangroves and enjoyed views of Yas Island. Whether you’re a speed demon or a first-timer, you’re sure to have a blast on this tour – and no experience is required!
Our guide, Irfan, was so friendly and made us feel super safe and we climbed aboard our speedboat. His safety briefing was super easy to follow, and he made sure that we felt confident before we headed out. Then, the thrills began as soon as we cruised out of the Al Bandar Marina.
We loved whizzing through Mangrove Alley, which is a serene channel that’s flanked by lush greenery. It was amazing to be in the heart of this gorgeous natural scenery, whilst being able to spot Abu Dhabi’s skyscrapers shimmering through the heat haze in the distance.
Then, we made our way towards a stunning and secluded islet. We took a dip and had some time to relax and enjoy the sunset before zooming back. It was so cool to race past iconic landmarks like the futuristic Aldar HQ building!
This tour combines adrenaline, natural beauty, and some of Abu Dhabi’s most impressive architecture, so we highly recommend it.
Check availability and reserve your speedboat in advance here!
Where to Stay in Abu Dhabi
It can be tricky finding the best place to stay in a city as large as Abu Dhabi! That’s why we’ve done the work for you and put together three fantastic hotel options in some of the best parts of the city.
Luxury – $$$
The WB Abu Dhabi is a luxury hotel located on Yas Island, which is one of the best areas in the city to stay in! This hotel is also connected to the theme park and is centrally located to many of the top sights on Yas. The rooms here are trendy and upscale, and you can enjoy the pools, restaurants, and large property full of activity.
Prices start around $255 USD but vary by time of year and room choice. Check availability and book this stay on Booking.com.
Mid-range – $$
The InterContinental is a great option for a moderate price point. It’s located in the Corniche area, which is the most walkable part of the city and near the beach! The rooms here are comfortable and sleek, some even have water views. There are two large, luxurious pools and eight restaurants, so you may never want to leave!
Rooms average from $200-$300 USD per night and can be reserved on Booking.com.
Budget – $
Premier Inn Abu Dhabi Capital Centre is a top rated hotel that is budget friendly. It’s located in central Abu Dhabi, near the National Exhibitions Centre. The rooms are clean and simple, but provide everything needed for a comfortable stay. Prices average around $50-$100 USD per night.
Check availability and book this stay on Booking.com.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!
If you’re looking to save money on travel insurance, we currently use and recommend SafetyWing. We’ve been using their coverage since 2018 and they’ve had our backs when we needed emergency flights and got sick overseas.
SafetyWing is one of the cheapest providers out there and covers everything from medical costs to lost luggage, travel delays, and emergency flights. A huge difference we’ve found between them and other companies is that they let you take out a policy AFTER leaving your home country. We’ve also found it handy that it’s a monthly payment rather than a lump sum, and you can get a refund for unused time.
SafetyWing has helped us out in some scary situations before and their affordable coverage has given us peace of mind. You can read our honest review of SafetyWing for all the pros and cons.
Thanks for reading!
Abu Dhabi is truly unlike any place I’ve ever visited. We loved exploring this city where history meets culture and there was so much to see – as you can tell from this loaded list of things to do! I’m sure that if you check off just a few of these activities, you’ll get a good feel for Abu Dhabi and already begin planning your next trip back!
If you found this blog helpful, be sure to check out our other travel guides! We’ve been all over the world and love sharing our favorite places and experiences. I’ll leave a few related reads below to help you plan your next great adventure – cheers!