Museums in Abu Dhabi
- 01
Louvre Abu Dhabi
Jean Nouvel's museum on Saadiyat Island, opened in 2017, shelters its galleries under a perforated 'floating' dome that scatters light like a palm canopy. It shows art from many cultures side by side.
- Time needed
- 2 to 3 hours
- Walking
- Easy
- Best time
- Weekday morning; the dome's light patterns are best in daylight
- Tickets
- Tickets are sold by the museum; check the official site for current prices, opening days and any family or child concessions before you book. Photography rules vary by gallery.
- 02
Zayed National Museum
A museum on Saadiyat Island, opened on 3 December 2025, that tells the story of Sheikh Zayed and the UAE under five towers shaped like falcon wings. Designed by Foster + Partners.
- Time needed
- About 2 hours
- Walking
- Moderate
- Best time
- Morning or late afternoon, with the garden in winter
- Tickets
- Wikipedia lists adult tickets at about AED 70, with under-18s free; prices change, so check the official site before you book.
Culture in Abu Dhabi
- 03
Abrahamic Family House
A free-to-enter interfaith complex on Saadiyat Island that brings a mosque, a church and a synagogue together, designed by David Adjaye and opened in March 2023.
- Time needed
- About 1.5 hours
- Walking
- Moderate
- Best time
- Morning or late afternoon; winter months
- Tickets
- The complex is free and open to everyone, according to Wikipedia. Visit procedures and any booking requirement may change, so check abrahamicfamilyhouse.ae before you go; dress modestly for the three houses of worship.
Neighbourhoods in Abu Dhabi
- 04
Abu Dhabi Corniche
An 8 km curving sea front along the west of the island, with separate walking and cycling paths, parks, play areas and cafes, and a view of the city's towers.
- Time needed
- 1 to 2 hours
- Walking
- Easy
- Best time
- Late afternoon to evening, November to March
- Tickets
- Free and open at all hours; public beach areas may have rules and some sections may close for works. Check signage locally.
Temples in Abu Dhabi
- 05
BAPS Hindu Mandir, Abu Mreikhah
A traditional carved-stone Hindu temple near Al Rahba, built on land gifted in 2015 and opened to the public on 1 March 2024. It has seven spires, many carved stories and an evening Ganga Aarti.
- Time needed
- 2 to 3 hours including travel buffers
- Walking
- Moderate
- Best time
- Weekday morning, or late afternoon for the evening aarti
- Tickets
- Registration is mandatory and unregistered visitors are denied entry, according to the mandir's site. Book only after arriving in the UAE, and carry a physical passport or Emirates ID. Dress code and any charges are not stated there, so phone ahead.
Experiences in Abu Dhabi
- 06
Ferrari World Abu Dhabi
A mostly indoor theme park on Yas Island opened in November 2010, with six coasters including Formula Rossa, plus family rides and Ferrari exhibits.
- Time needed
- Half to full day
- Walking
- Moderate
- Best time
- Weekday, November to March; arrive at opening
- Tickets
- Book tickets on the park's site or an authorised seller; check current prices, height rules and any ride restrictions. Medical conditions can limit access to some rides.
Landmarks in Abu Dhabi
- 07
Observation Deck at 300, Etihad Towers
A viewing deck on the 75th floor of Tower 2 of Etihad Towers, about 300 metres up, looking across the Corniche, Emirates Palace and the Gulf. Check that it is open before you plan around it.
- Time needed
- About 1 hour
- Walking
- Easy
- Best time
- Clear afternoon or sunset in winter
- Tickets
- Check the official ticket seller for current opening status and prices, and book a timed slot. Operating arrangements for observation decks can change.
Forts in Abu Dhabi
- 08
Qasr Al Hosn
The oldest stone building in Abu Dhabi, a fort begun in 1761 as a watchtower over the island's freshwater well. It reopened in 2018 as a museum and heritage site.
- Time needed
- About 1 to 1.5 hours
- Walking
- Easy
- Best time
- Morning or evening in the cooler months
- Tickets
- Check the current entry terms and hours on the official page before going; fort access, exhibitions and festival areas can differ, and the annual festival changes opening arrangements.
Palaces in Abu Dhabi
- 09
Qasr Al Watan
The UAE's working presidential palace, open to visitors since 2019, with a white granite facade, a great hall under a 37-metre dome and a library of over 50,000 books.
- Time needed
- About 2 hours
- Walking
- Moderate
- Best time
- Morning; the interior light is best before noon
- Tickets
- Entry is ticketed and security is tight; check the palace site for current prices, dress rules and opening times. Official events can close parts of the palace.
Places of worship in Abu Dhabi
- 10
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
Abu Dhabi's largest mosque, finished in 2007, with 82 white domes, a vast marble courtyard and one of the world's largest hand-knotted carpets. Open to non-Muslim visitors outside prayer times.
- Time needed
- About 1.5 to 2 hours
- Walking
- Moderate
- Best time
- Morning on a weekday from November to March; evening for the lit pools
- Tickets
- The official site says visitors must pre-book an online access pass, and that guided cultural tours are complimentary and last about 45 minutes. Dress is modest, with arms and legs covered; check the Mosque Manners page on the official site for the current rules.
