Abu Dhabi Travel Bucketlist
Going to Dubai and thinking about heading to Abu Dhabi but don't know what to do there? Let me help you. I spent two days in Abu Dhabi and could have spent more there if I had more time. Abu Dhabi has a lot to offer. If you are looking for a more Arab vibe and less of the glitziness of Dubai, this is the place for you.
Below is a travel bucket list for Abu Dhabi. I chose to drive into Abu Dhabi from our hotel in Dubai. It costs 400 AED ($146.87 CDN) for a private driver for an hour and a half drive to our hotel in Abu Dhabi.
Travel Bucket List:
1. SHEIKH ZAYED GRAND MOSQUE
The Grand Mosque is located in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the UAE. It is the country's largest mosque. You will enter through the underground mall called Al Jami Souk. You need to register with their registrar kiosk in the mall and get a code. This code will allow you to enter security at one end of the mall which allows you to walk through the tunnel to the Grand Mosque. The mosque was constructed between 1994 to 2007. The mosque had the most beautiful tilework and the architecture is amazing. Do not miss this one.
Location: Al Rawdah - Abu Dhabi - United Arab Emirates
Hours: 9:00am - 10:00pm
Entrance Fee: Free
2. EMERITES PALACE MANDARIN ORIENTAL HOTEL
The Emerites Palace is a hotel with the finest luxuries one could dream of. It put Abu Dhabi on the map with its 114 domes, 1002 chandeliers, 200 fountains and white sand imported from Algeria for the beach. If planning to visit, the dress code is smart casual attire for lunch and dinner. Find yourself a terrace and have a look outside and take in the views.
Location: West Corniche Road - Al Ras Al Akhdar - Abu Dhabi - United Arab Emirates
Hours: Open 24 hours
Entrance Fee: Free
3. GOLDEN CAPPUCCINO
4. EMAAR TOWERS
5. QASR AL WATAN - PRESIDENTIAL PALACE
The President's Palace, also known as Qasr Al-Watan, is an actual working palace and not to be missed! You will head to the ticket office first and then wait for a shuttle bus to come and take you to the palace. Once at the palace, you can walk around and see all the rooms and famous library. There is an art piece inside of the palace and visitors can take pictures inside of it. The sculputer is a beautiful oval golden cage created with the inscription that is a direct quote of the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan. It is called Power of Words. When you are done, you can hop on the next shuttle bus that will take you back to the ticket office.
Location: Al Ras Al Akhdar - Abu Dhabi - United Arab Emirates
Hours: 10:00am - 5:30pm
Entrance Fee: 65 AED ($23.87 CDN)
6. WAHAT AL KARAMA
At night, the Grand Mosque is lit up in a soft blue light and the perfect photo op is across the street at Wahat Al Karama, which translates to Oasis of Dignity in English. It is a war memorial and monument in Abu Dhabi for their brave fallen heroes. The water at the memorial reflects the mosque perfectly. Come back at night for this one.
Location: 3rd St Khor - United Arab Emirates
Hours: 9:00am - 10:45pm
Entrance Fee: Free
7. THE LOUVRE
The Louvre is a beautifully built piece of architecture. It houses loans from the Louvre in France as well as from other museums. The history will amaze you. When you are done looking at all the artifacts, you can take pictures inside the exit area. There are turtles swimming in the green pools of water inside and outside of the Louvre. This Louvre runs under the agreement between UAE and France.
Location: Saadiyat - Abu Dhabi - United Arab Emirates
Hours: 10:00am - 8:30pm
Entrance Fee: 63 AED ($23.13 CDN)
8. BREAKFAST WITH GIRAFFES AT THE ZOO
Ever wanted to share your breakfast with a giraffe? Have Dinner with Elephants? Lunch with Big Cats? Or Have Breakfast with Parrots? Here's your chance. The Abu Dhabi Zoo lets you enjoy your meals with your favourite animal. Click on the link for further information.
Location: 12th St - Al Bahyah - Abu Dhabi - United Arab Emirates
Hours: 8:00am - 10:00am
Experience Fee: 2100 AED ($771.08 CDN)
9. AL WATHBA SALT LAKE
The Al Wathba Salt lake is a man-made lake which has left behind three large salt pads in the lake. The water becomes a beautiful clear green hue below the pads. It has become a tourist attraction. It takes 40 minutes to drive from the city to the location. When I went, the only way to get there was to drive there yourself. However, I can now find tours online that will take you to the Long Salt Lake.
Location: Al Bihouth - Abu Dhabi - United Arab Emirates
Hours: Open 24 Hours
Entrance Fee: Free
10. AL WATHBA FOSSIL DUNES
How to visit the fossil dunes.
On the way to the Al Wathba Salt Lake? Why not take in the strange scenery of large hard mounds of sand dunes shaped by natural forces.
Location: Unnamed Road - Abu Dhabi - United Arab Emirates
Hours: 8:00am - 4:00pm
Entrance Fee: Free
11. QAYRAT AL BERI SOUK
A nice little shopping centre. There wasn't alot of foot traffic in this mall so you will be able to find some good deals.
Location: Shangri-La Hotel - Rabdan - Abu Dhabi - United Arab Emirates
Hours:10:00am - 10:00pm
Entrance Fee: Free
12. SHANGRI LA ABRA BOAT RIDE
If you are staying close by or just want to experience a ride in an Abra boat, you should head to the Shangri-La Hotel. You can ride through the canal and back as a great way to wind down. They take payment at the reception desk of the hotel. You can also have photos taken of you sitting on the Abra before it leaves. The captain of the Abra knows all the photo angles one would want and then take you on the journey into the canal. It is a lovely experience.
Location: Khor Al Maqta Qayrat Al Beri
Hours: 4:00pm - 10:20pm
Experience Fee: 25 AED ($9.18 CDN)
13. FERRARI WORLD - YAS ISLAND
For those who are car enthusiasts, this is the ultimate experience. Head over to Ferrari World in Yas Island and bring out your inner child. There's everything from driving luxury Ferrari cars to riding the many rollercoasters available. Go-Karting, shopping and dining are also some experiences you can have at Ferrari World. Check it out if you are a fan of Ferraris.
Location: Yas Island - Abu Dhabi - United Arab Emirates
Hours:11:00am - 8:00pm
Entrance Fee: 380 AED ($139.53 CDN)
These are just some of the experiences that can be had in Abu Dhabi. You can do all of this in 3-4 days. Remember to download the Careem app if you haven't already. This is great for finding taxis. There is plenty to see and experience in 3-4 days. Don't short change it just because people say there's not much here. I was told only 1 day would suffice. They were wrong. Abu Dhabi has a different vibe from Dubai. Everything is at a slower pace but they still have so much to offer.
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