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Hello! 👋
Abu Dhabi often stays in the shadow of Dubai, but that doesn’t mean it’s not worth a visit. While it’s not packed with attractions at every corner, the city has a few spots that can truly impress—especially if you prefer a more relaxed sightseeing experience over the hustle and bustle of a big metropolis.
Getting here from Dubai is easy. Whether by car or motorcycle, the drive takes about an hour, and the roads are in excellent condition—even at night. You can visit Abu Dhabi as a short getaway or stay longer, as there’s no shortage of accommodation options.
In this post, we’ll share the best places to visit in Abu Dhabi, based on our own travels. If you want to learn more about the UAE, check out our previous articles:
- 🗺️ First Impressions of the Emirates – memories from my first trip in 2019.
- 🦠 Emirates during the pandemic – what was travel like during COVID-19?
- 📖 Our comprehensive ovierview of the UAE – what to know about the country, pros, cons and our impressions.
We hope our experiences help you plan your visit to Abu Dhabi and fully enjoy its serene charm. 😊
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is a place that impresses with its size, luxury, and impeccable organization. Entry is completely free, and the underground parking is spacious enough to easily find a spot – they’ve truly thought this through. Beneath the mosque, you’ll also find a small shopping center, which even includes a McDonald’s. Yes, you read that right – after prayers, you can grab a McRoyal at McDonald’s. 😂
The construction of this remarkable site began in 1996 at the initiative of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the first president of the United Arab Emirates. He envisioned creating a symbol of modernity and unity for the Islamic world. Unfortunately, Sheikh Zayed passed away before its completion in 2004, and the mosque was officially opened in 2007. Today, it stands as one of the most significant landmarks in Abu Dhabi, attracting both tourists and locals alike.
Women are required to cover their heads, shoulders, and legs. Interestingly, even briefly uncovering hair or shoulders prompts an immediate response from the supervising staff. Everything here is impeccably clean and well-maintained – from the floors to the stunning architectural details.
Jadzia, who has seen many mosques before, admitted that this one left the biggest impression on her – and it’s hard not to agree. Compared to the Hagia Sophia in Istanbul, where you now need to pay 50 euros for entry, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque stands out as a much better experience. Free admission, an underground parking lot, and flawless organization – now that’s what we call class. Hats off to the architects!
👉 For more information, visit the official website of Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Center.
Embassy of Poland
In Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, you’ll find numerous embassies representing countries from all over the world. Among them is the Embassy of Poland, officially known as the Embassy of the Republic of Poland. Between the two of us, it’s Filip who’s more intrigued by such places during our travels – for him, an embassy is more than just a building. It’s a representation of the country, reflecting its culture, style, and approach to international relations.
Embassies are not just administrative hubs but also symbolic bridges connecting different cultures. Each one carries a unique story, character, and mission. For those interested in such places, Abu Dhabi is a fascinating destination – home to a diverse range of diplomatic architecture. And for us Poles, seeing our embassy in such a setting always feels a little special. 😊
Worth remembering
We’d like to remind you that taking photos of embassies in many countries, including Arab nations, is often illegal or highly restricted. The photo below was taken from a distance (without detailed focus on the building), respecting the rules and adhering to local regulations. However, it’s always a good idea to double-check whether such actions are permitted to avoid any unnecessary misunderstandings.
Hotel Emirates Palace
The Emirates Palace Hotel in Abu Dhabi is a symbol of luxury and opulence, reflecting the cultural and material wealth of the United Arab Emirates. Surrounded by sprawling 100-hectare gardens and featuring a 1.3 km private beach, it offers guests an unparalleled experience.
Since its opening in 2005, the hotel has attracted tourists from around the world with its impressive architecture and top-tier services. The interiors are adorned with gold and marble details, as well as numerous fountains.
It’s worth noting that the Emirates Palace is larger than Buckingham Palace, with its main building spanning over a kilometer from one wing to the other. Visitors can enjoy numerous restaurants offering cuisines from around the world, as well as a luxurious spa providing traditional Arabian treatments.
The hotel is conveniently located near several tourist attractions, such as Qasr Al Watan and the Etihad Towers, making it an excellent base for exploring Abu Dhabi. Even if you’re not planning to stay overnight, it’s worth visiting to experience the luxurious atmosphere and admire this architectural masterpiece.
👉 For more information, visit the official website of the Emirates Palace Hotel.
Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi
If you’ve ever dreamed of stepping into the world of your favorite cartoons and movies, Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi might just be the perfect place. The park is massive, brilliantly designed, and the cartoon vibe hits you as early as the parking lot. Yes, seriously – from the parking lot. Getting there is super easy, there’s plenty of parking space, and on your way to the entrance, you’re accompanied by speakers playing iconic Warner Bros. music. We felt like we were walking through a real-life cartoon. That music completely got to me – I could barely stop myself from sprinting straight inside. 😂
Costs, or why it hurts the wallet
Let’s be honest upfront: the tickets are insanely expensive. This isn’t the kind of expense you decide on spontaneously, especially if you’re traveling with a family. We couldn’t help but wonder how parents with kids, earning an average Polish salary, could even afford it. But hey, since we were already there, we decided to give it a shot. So, we bought the tickets online and set off to explore.
Once you step into the park, you have to admit – it’s impressive. The interior is designed to make you feel like you’re strolling under an open sky. The themed zones – Gotham City, Cartoon Junction, Bedrock – each have their own unique vibe. The attractions? They’re fun, but mostly geared towards kids. For adults, there’s a bit less to do… unless you’re feeling nostalgic and get excited at the sight of Batman or Wile E. Coyote.
Food and souvenirs
Inside, there are plenty of restaurants and shops, but the prices… oh boy, they’re sky-high. The food is as pricey as in a luxury restaurant, and souvenirs, like keychains, are seriously overpriced. In the end, we decided against shopping – it just didn’t feel worth it.
The biggest highlight was definitely the themed zones and the little details that truly transport you into the world of cartoons. However, when it comes to comparisons, Jadzia felt that Disneyland Paris was more interesting and better designed in terms of attractions. For children with sensory sensitivities, this place might be overwhelming – it’s loud, and there are a lot of stimuli everywhere.
👉 For more information and tickets, visit the official website Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi.
The WB Abu Dhabi, Curio Collection by Hilton
If you’re looking to indulge during your visit to Yas Island, The WB Abu Dhabi, Curio Collection by Hilton is a place that impresses at first glance. This hotel transports guests into the world of Warner Bros., offering not only stylish rooms but also countless details that any movie fan will appreciate.
We didn’t stay here overnight, but we did visit the lobby, and we have to admit – they did an amazing job! You’ll find display cases filled with props, storyboards, and various memorabilia from movie sets. There’s plenty to see, and it feels like a mini museum exhibition.
For those who can afford more
If your budget allows for a little indulgence, you can book a room at this hotel. The prices aren’t exactly low, but staying here comes with a bonus – access to the Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi theme park. For families with kids or fans of Warner Bros., it could be a great option to fully immerse yourself in the world of your favorite movies and cartoons.
Luwr Abu Dhabi
On our second visit to Abu Dhabi, we couldn’t miss the Louvre Abu Dhabi—a museum that has been a true cultural gem in the region since its opening in 2017. Located on Saadiyat Island, it attracts both art enthusiasts and those who appreciate exceptional architecture.
From a distance, the impressive dome immediately catches the eye, seemingly floating above the building. Weighing around 7,500 tons—about the same as the Eiffel Tower—it consists of 7,850 interwoven stars, creating the so-called “rain of light” effect. Sunlight filters through the intricate patterns, casting mesmerizing shadows across the museum’s courtyards and galleries.
Inside, the Louvre offers a journey through the history of humanity. Its collection features around 700 works of art, spanning from prehistoric times to the modern era, showcasing pieces from various cultures and civilizations. Thanks to collaborations with French museums, including the Louvre in Paris, the exhibitions are regularly updated with new masterpieces.
While exploring the museum, we came across remarkable treasures like the 8,000-year-old statues from Ain Ghazal and the painting The Tower of Babel by Abel Grimmer. Every gallery feels like a new discovery, and the way the exhibits are curated highlights the connections between different cultures and time periods, encouraging reflection on humanity’s shared heritage.
Emirates National Auto Museum
If you’re a fan of cars and don’t mind venturing a bit off the main route, the Emirates National Auto Museum is a great stop. Located about 45 minutes south of Abu Dhabi, it’s literally in the middle of the desert. There’s no public transport, so the only way to get here is by car or taxi—and if you’re taking a cab, it’s best to arrange for the driver to wait since return options are limited.
The museum is hard to miss, housed in a gigantic pyramid-shaped building, which already sets the stage for something unique. Inside, you’ll find over 200 vehicles owned by Sheikh Hamad Bin Hamdan Al Nahyan, a man known for his love of extraordinary automobiles. This isn’t just any collection—it features restored classics, massive American cruisers, military vehicles, and even a giant Jeep that looks like it was made for Gulliver himself. Outside, there’s also a decommissioned passenger plane, adding to the museum’s eccentric vibe.
One of the highlights inside is the “rainbow” Mercedes collection—a set of limousines in different colors, specially commissioned by the Sheikh for his wedding. You’ll also spot vehicles that have appeared on Top Gear, along with a variety of custom-built off-road monsters, including some ridiculously oversized trucks that seem ready to conquer any desert dune.
Admission is 50 AED, with free entry for children under 10. The museum is open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, so the best time to visit is in the morning before the desert heat becomes unbearable.
Txai autonomous cab ride
During our stay in Abu Dhabi, we accidentally discovered the option to use the autonomous taxi service Txai. Out of curiosity, we decided to give it a try. How does it work? For now, the taxis are in the testing phase, so there is still a driver on board acting as a safety operator. However, most of the driving is handled by the system itself, which was truly a fascinating experience.
What is Txai?
Txai is the first autonomous taxi project in the United Arab Emirates, currently available mainly on Yas Island. The vehicles use advanced artificial intelligence, camera systems, and geolocation to navigate designated routes. It’s somewhat similar to solutions seen in the US, like autonomous taxis in Phoenix, where similar services have been operating on a larger scale for some time now.
Impressions?
The ride itself was unlike anything we’d experienced before, as we’d never used such technology. The system operates calmly and cautiously. The cars we rode in were very clean and modern, adding to the overall positive experience.
We used a dedicated app to order the ride. To be honest, the app could look better – its design isn’t impressive. Additionally, we had an issue on the way back as the system refused to accept our booking twice, which was a bit frustrating.
It’s definitely an interesting experience that gives you a taste of the future. The cost of the ride? Absolutely nothing – as the classic saying goes, “free is a fair price”. The chance to ride in an autonomous taxi is something that truly leaves a lasting impression.
Mangrove National Park View Point
A wooden viewing platform in the heart of the mangrove forests offers a peaceful spot to take in the lush greenery and winding waterways of Mangrove National Park. There aren’t many attractions here, but if you’re in the area, it’s a nice place for a short stop.
Getting here is easy, best by car or taxi, as there’s no public transport. There are no facilities on-site, so it’s more of a quick scenic stop along the way. The best time to visit is at sunrise or sunset, when the light adds to the beauty of the landscape. If you have more time, renting a kayak and exploring the mangroves from the water is a great alternative.
What to see next?
In addition to Dubai, the Emirates has many other places worth visiting. If you enjoyed this collection, be sure to check out our other articles where we describe:
- 🌇 What to see in Dubai and its surroundings? – A guide to Dubai’s attractions and nearby highlights to help you focus on what’s truly worth your time during your trip.
- 🚘 Trip to Nahwa – how to get to the enclave and what to see there?
- 💧 Hatta Dam – a peaceful route, interesting views and activity suggestions that will make you forget about the heat.
And if you are planning to travel around the UAE by car, be sure to take a look at our article:
- 🚗 How to rent a car in the Emirates? – A practical guide to renting, driving tips and everything you need to know before going on the road.
Each of these posts is a solid dose of practical information and our own experiences. Check them out to plan your UAE trip even better! 😊
Summary
Abu Dhabi is a place that surprises with its calm atmosphere and lower skyline compared to Dubai. The city has its own, more relaxed rhythm, making it perfect for rest or spontaneous exploration. It’s a safe destination, where most attractions can be discovered without the need for detailed guides.
A practical tip to finish: pay attention to curbs and markings near parking areas. Information about payments or private spots is usually clearly visible, so it’s worth following them to avoid any inconvenience. 😊
