When people think of travelling to the UAE, they think of Dubai, but Abu Dhabi—the capital of the United Arab Emirates—offers equally exciting attractions, and often a more culturally rich experience!

Known for its slower pace of life but equally luxurious lifestyle, Abu Dhabi provides travellers with the perfect mix of culture and modernity. In this guide, Borderline Nomad has curated a list of the best things you can do when in Abu Dhabi. Let’s get started!

1. Qasr Al Hosn

Book your experience: Qasr Al Hosn Entry Ticket

To kick off this list, let’s find out more about the oldest stone building of the city: Qasr Al Hosn! It was built as a watchtower in 1761 to defend the only freshwater well on the Abu Dhabi island, and since then, it has expanded into a historical landmark that represents the country’s history and culture.

Qasr Al Hosn currently holds artifacts, weapons, and pictures of significance, making it a must-visit for people who want to explore the culture beyond the glamorous attractions of the UAE!

2. Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Center

Book your experience: Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Center Guided Tour

If you are visiting Abu Dhabi, a visit to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Center is a must! This beautiful white marble mosque showcases the quintessential architecture and cultural experience of the UAE. When visiting the largest mosque in the country, make sure to book a guided tour to learn more about the mosque and its history.

Pro Tip: Make sure to wear appropriate clothes and adhere to the dress code of the mosque. The dress code includes loosely fitted long, ankle-length clothes for men and women. Women visiting the mosque must wear a headscarf too.

3. Louvre Abu Dhabi

Book your experience: Louvre Abu Dhabi Guided Tour

Abu Dhabi brought Paris’s Louvre to the city! This beautifully architected museum on the Saadiyat Island is the Louvre’s largest cultural project abroad, making it a must-visit for all the art enthusiasts out there!

Louvre Abu Dhabi signifies the partnership between the UAE’s vision of cultural progression and France’s expertise in the arts. Across the museum, you will find ancient and contemporary art from the Arab world as well as from around the world. The best part about the museum is definitely the unique architecture that blends traditional Arab elements with modern design. You are bound to have a great time looking at the art and taking pictures with the perfect backdrop at Louvre Abu Dhabi!

4. Ferrari World Yas Island

Book your experience: Ferrari World Yas Island Ticket

Ferrari World stands out as Abu Dhabi’s premier theme park on Yas Island, bringing the legendary Italian racing brand to life! Home to Formula Rossa, the world’s fastest roller coaster, the park offers an exhilarating mix of high-speed attractions for thrill-seekers and interactive exhibits that showcase Ferrari’s respected heritage.

Ferrari World houses everything from racing simulators, authentic Italian food, and live entertainment, making it a must-visit destination for both automobile enthusiasts and families seeking an unforgettable day of entertainment!

5. Yas Mall

You might have heard of Dubai Mall, but Abu Dhabi’s Yas Island is a shopping destination that deserves as much hype: Yas Mall! Connected seamlessly to Ferrari World and Yas Marina Circuit, Yas Mall provides endless options for shopping, dining, and entertainment for every budget.

The mall houses over 370 international brands, ranging from popular chain stores, all the way up to luxury retailers. So whatever your budget might be, you are guaranteed to have the ultimate shopping experience!

Visitors can enjoy numerous dining options featuring a variety of cuisines, participate in regular entertainment events, or grab a tub of popcorn and watch a movie at the VOX Cinema complex–one of the most luxurious movie theatres in the world. Whether shopping, dining, or spending quality time with loved ones, Yas Mall has loads to offer you!

6. Yas Marina Circuit

Book your experience: Yas Marina Circuit Driving and Passenger Experience

F1 fans will recognize this circuit! Home to the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix and as the Middle East’s 2nd of 4 Formula One tracks, Yas Marina Circuit has become a must-visit destination in itself.

To add to the exciting destination, Yas Marina Circuit also offers experiences to the visitors, such as Passenger experience, driving experience, Yas Drift Night, etc. Through these experiences, you get a chance to drive on the same F1 track as your favorite racers.

If you are a major gearhead, you cannot miss a visit to Yas Marina Circuit and participate in at least one of these experiences!

7. Yas Kartzone

Book your experience: Yas Marina Circuit Kartzone

Do you enjoy the thrill of go-karting? If yes, you will enjoy racing with your friends and family at Yas Kartzone! Located in Yas Marina Circuit, this 1km long go-kart offers exhilarating twists and turns with 3 track configurations—so you can choose how challenging you want your go-kart experience to be.

The experience is available for everyone, from 5 and 7-year-old kids to adults seeking a pumped-up experience, so book your experience today!

8. Warner Bros World, Yas Island

Book your experience: Warner Bros World, Yas Island Ticket

Being the world’s second-largest indoor theme park, you are in for a fun-filled day at Warner Bros World in Abu Dhabi! The theme park has 6 themed lands with 29 thrilling rides and attractions for you and your loved ones.

When you are done enjoying your favorite rides, you can indulge in themed dining, shop for souvenirs, watch shows, and meet and greet your favorite characters at each themed land! With so much to do, you are bound to enjoy 1 or 2 days of your Abu Dhabi itinerary here at Warner Bros World!

9. Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi

Book your experience: Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi Ticket

What is a better activity than a water park in Abu Dhabi’s soaring heat! Located next to Yas Mall is Yas Waterworld, the largest waterpark in Abu Dhabi, where you and your family can beat the heat and enjoy a thrilling day out in the sun.

Load up on sunscreen and board your favorites out of the 40+ rides, slides, and experiences based on your thrill level. Whether you love mild rides or the most thrilling water slides, Yas Waterworld has everything!

But if you prefer to chill by the water on your Yas Waterworld visit, just book Al Waha Cabanas and take a break from the electric vibe of a water park.

10. Emirates Heritage Village

Emirates Heritage Village offers an authentic glimpse into the traditional Emirati life before the oil boom transformed the UAE. Located on the Al Marina Island, this reconstructed village features mud-brick houses, a traditional mosque, and an old market where artisans demonstrate traditional crafts like pottery, metalwork, and weaving.

In contrast to Abu Dhabi’s modern architecture and luxury offerings, Emirates Heritage Village offers an opportunity to experience the Emirati culture and understand how Emiratis once maintained their desert lifestyle!

11. SeaWorld Abu Dhabi

Book your experience: SeaWorld Abu Dhabi Ticket

SeaWorld Abu Dhabi stands out as one of Yas Island’s newest attractions, housing the world’s largest multi-species aquarium! Here, you can witness 400+ marine species, experience thrilling rides like the Manta Coaster, and eat at restaurants with underwater views! 

In the aquarium, you can witness eight immersive realms that display marine ecosystems ranging from tropical oceans to polar environments. The best part? SeaWorld Abu Dhabi aims to provide marine life conservation education rather than animal performances, and is an ethical venue!

12. Marina Mall Abu Dhabi

Located on the Corniche waterfront, Marina Mall stands as one of Abu Dhabi’s most popular shopping destinations. This five-level shopping center features 400+ retail outlets offering international brands, local boutiques, luxury retailers, and everyday items.

Marina Mall features tons of entertainment options! You can have some fun at the bowling alley or the ice skating rink, or head up to the observation tower that offers sweeping city views!

There are tons of dining options as well, ranging from fast food to fine dining. If you’re looking for a fun day at an air-conditioned place to avoid the UAE’s heat, make a visit to Marina Mall Abu Dhabi!

13. The National Aquarium Abu Dhabi

Book your experience: The National Aquarium Abu Dhabi Entry Ticket

In contrast to SeaWorld Abu Dhabi’s more entertaining approach, The National Aquarium Abu Dhabi offers a more themed, educational experience. The aquarium houses over 300 species of marine animals, and you can see them by walking through the amazing underwater tunnel. 

Beyond just displays, the aquarium offers supervised ray feeding sessions, and even a “Shark Encounter” program where you can dive and swim alongside sharks, if you’re brave enough!

The entire tour will typically take about 3 hours, and we highly recommend visiting National Aquarium Abu Dhabi for both families and nature enthusiasts!

14. The Corniche

The Corniche is an 8-kilometre promenade stretching along Abu Dhabi’s waterfront, featuring multiple white sand beaches with calm waters perfect for swimming. Here, you can take a stroll and take in breathtaking views of the Arabian Gulf, or rent a bicycle and ride along the entire promenade (we promise it’s worth it!).

There are numerous cafes and restaurants lined throughout the Corniche promenade, and it even has playgrounds and fitness areas with outdoor exercise equipment! If you want an escape from Abu Dhabi’s hustle and have a slow evening, we highly recommend visiting The Corniche.

15. Saadiyat Beach

Located on the shores of Saadiyat Island, Saadiyat Beach is the perfect place for a relaxing escape from the city. This beach offers pristine white sand, clear blue waters, and day beds ideal for sunbathing or swimming in the waters.

If you want to enjoy the beach after sundown, head to any of the upscale restaurants and clubs lined up by the beach!

16. Saadiyat Beach Club

If you’re looking for a luxurious beachfront party destination, then Saadiyat Beach Club is the place to go!

This luxury day club features an amazing infinity pool surrounded by lounges and private cabanas, and private beach access. Events are held regularly here, including pool parties and sunset DJ sessions.

The club offers casual poolside dining options and even an upscale restaurant serving Mediterranean-inspired cuisine. Perfect for celebrating an occasion, make sure to book your experience here!

17. Zayed National Museum

Another one for the art enthusiasts! Want to learn about the United Arab Emirates’ rich culture, heritage, and history? Visit Zayed National Museum in Abu Dhabi. Opening in 2025, the museum will have 6 galleries and an outdoor gallery showcasing a collection of artifacts as old as 300,000 years!

In addition to the artifacts and art from the past, learn about the history of the country and its founding father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.

18. CLYMB Indoor Skydiving

Want to experience what it feels like to skydive without the big risk? Why not try indoor skydiving at the world’s biggest indoor skydiving flight chamber! Get trained by the expert instructors who guide you and help you develop skydiving skills, based on your comfort level.

As you get comfortable with the technique, experience the sensation of skydiving in this 32-foot-wide and 104-foot-high flight chamber! Everyone from 3-year-olds to grown adults can enjoy this thrilling adventure. If you are an adrenaline junkie, CLYMB should be in your Abu Dhabi bucketlist!

Get Discounts on Abu Dhabi Experiences

While we talked about so many ‘must-do’ experiences in Abu Dhabi and Yas Island, it can burn a hole in your pocket very quickly! To save money while experiencing all that Abu Dhabi has to offer, you can book the Klook Pass for Abu Dhabi and save major dimes—adding extra fun to your trip.

So this was Borderline Nomad’s guide to the best things to do in Abu Dhabi! Whether you’re chasing cultural experiences, thrilling adventures, or just some much-needed relaxation by the sea or swimming pool, Abu Dhabi has it all!