Abu Dhabi is a surprising city full of contrasts. 50 years ago there was nothing but desert and a few humble homes, but oil changed everything . Today, skyscrapers and luxury are the protagonists in the capital of the United Arab Emirates. But don’t worry, you can still live some traditions that still last. We propose the 12 best excursions in Abu Dhabi , as well as some tours of emblematic places in the city. We tell you 25 things to do in Abu Dhabi for you to enjoy beyond your excursions. Discover the best areas and hotels to stay in Abu Dhabi . We stayed in two different hotels: Nehal by Bin Majid in the center of Abu Dhabi and Yas Island Center by Rotana . on Yas Island. We recommend both for their good value for money.
Don’t forget your travel insurance with a 5% discount to visit the United Arab Emirates . You will have attention in Spanish for all kinds of unforeseen events: delays or cancellations in transport, loss of luggage, accidents that require medical attention…
12 Best Excursions In Abu Dhabi
Safari in the desert, one of the most popular excursions in Abu Dhabi
No visit to Abu Dhabi is complete without going through the desert. They will pick you up from your hotel and in less than an hour you will be planted on some huge dunes . Walking on them with bare feet is a unique experience . But the best thing is to get into a 4×4 and go through them at full speed , it’s an adrenaline rush! Then you visit an Arab camp with lots of entertainment options : shishas, henna tattoos, tea and cakes and even a belly dance show. You can also ride a camel or take photos with falcons . But we do not recommend these activities because they involve animals and their welfare is not guaranteed . To end the day, there’s nothing like a traditional barbecue dinner under the stars. Surely when the day is over you will understand why it is one of the most famous excursions in Abu Dhabi . You can also go to the desert at sunrise . It is an experience that we recommend if you only want to feel the sensation of walking on the dunes, driving through them at full speed and even sliding over them on a surfboard. It’s super fun! If you want to save money by not including dinner and additional entertainment, this morning tour is one of the most affordable tours in Abu Dhabi .
Also Read: Abu Dhabi desert safari
Sheikh Zayed Mosque, the most impressive building in the city
The most famous building in Abu Dhabi is the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. In fact, we dare to say that it is the most impressive construction we have ever seen around the world . This mosque was inaugurated in 2007 and has a capacity for 40,000 worshipers. Its marble exterior contrasts with an interior full of gold , the lamps and carpets are really amazing. You can visit it on your own or take a guided tour in Spanish of the mosque and other places of interest in Abi Dhabi.
Emirates Palace , a luxury hotel worth a visit
Another icon of Abu Dhabi is the 5-star Emirates Palace hotel. Its name is totally correct because it looks like a real palace. The cheapest room costs around €400 per night , while to sleep in the most expensive suite you have to pay more than €10,000. But don’t worry, you don’t have to pay those barbarities to enjoy the hotel. You can enter its hall for free , which will leave you speechless. You can also book dinner at the Emirates Palace , an experience you won’t forget.
Dubai, another fascinating city full of contrasts
Have you never been to Dubai? Take advantage of your time in Abu Dhabi to get closer to the most famous city in the United Arab Emirates! You will be amazed to see the 828 meters of the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world . It is very easy to go from Abu Dhabi to Dubai on your own. But if you prefer, you can book an excursion that includes transportation and the explanations of a guide in Spanish during the visit to Dubai.
Tour through the entrails of the Yas Marina circuit, a dream if you like F1
This is one of the excursions in Abu Dhabi that no fan of Formula 1 wants to miss. The Yas Marina circuit is one of the most modern and advanced in the world . With this guided tour you can walk around the track, sit in the grandstand, visit the race control area and even get on the podium . If you dare there is even the option of driving a Formula 1 car . If the visit is not enough for you, you can book a night with a view of the circuit at the Yas Hotel . It is very cool and has reasonable prices within luxury.
Ferrari World , a theme park for speed lovers
Near the Formula 1 circuit there is one of the most exciting theme parks in the world . Any lover of attractions will enjoy like a child, but even more lovers of the Ferrari team. Don’t miss the Formula Rossa rollercoaster , which reaches a whopping 240km/h. The park has shops, restaurants, simulators… It is one of the best excursions in Abu Dhabi to spend a fun day surrounded by cars .
Also Read: 10 Best Tours and Excursions in Dubai
Boat ride, one of the best excursions in Abu Dhabi
How does it sound to see the main attractions of Abu Dhabi from the water? Hop aboard a speedboat to see the Grand Mosque, a fishing quarter, the imposing Emirates Palace, and the city’s waterfront . There are several boat tours throughout the day with various durations. If you like sailing, this is one of the best excursions in Abu Dhabi. There is also the option of enjoying a slower paced cruise on a traditional boat . It is done at night and includes dinner. We think it’s a great way to end a day in Abu Dhabi.
Louvre Abu Dhabi , one of the best tours in Abu Dhabi for art lovers
The Louvre museum in Abu Dhabi is one of the newest attractions in the city. Although not as attractive as the Louvre in Paris , it is worth a visit. It was inaugurated in 2017 and has hundreds of pieces brought from prestigious French museums . You will be able to see works by geniuses such as Picasso, Mondrian or Magritte . There is also room for historical objects from East and West. But the most striking thing at first glance is its large dome, which lets in light creating a wonderful effect . You can buy tickets online in advance to avoid queues . This way you can go directly to the museum first thing in the morning to enjoy its rooms and dome almost alone. There are no buses that arrive at the door of the museum. Therefore, the most practical thing is to take a taxi or book tickets with transfer included.
A day at the beach on Saadiyat Island, one of the most refreshing excursions in Abu Dhabi
Did you know that Abu Dhabi has very beautiful beaches ? Just go to Saadiyat Island, bathed in warm and calm turquoise waters. It can be reached by taxi in just 15 minutes from downtown Abu Dhabi. Once there, there are several private beach clubs and also a public beach. Despite being public, you have to pay 25AED (€6) to enter. Thus, all the services it offers are maintained: lifeguards, sun loungers, parasols, showers, toilets and ample parking space. Going to Saadiyat Island seems to us to be one of the best excursions from Abu Dhabi to spend a day cooling off . If you want to enjoy the island and its beaches for a few days, you can stay in one of the five luxury resorts in Saadiyat. If you want to teleport to the Maldives without leaving Abu Dhabi, we have the solution . The luxurious Zaya Nurai resort occupies a private island with all kinds of amenities and surrounded by crystal clear waters. Not bad for pampering yourself or celebrating a special occasion.
Also Read: Where to stay in Abu Dhabi
Warner Bros World , one of the best excursions in Abu Dhabi with children
If you like theme parks and are traveling as a family, Warner Bros World is an ideal place to take an excursion from Abu Dhabi. There are 29 different attractions set in the worlds of superheroes like Batman or Superman . Nor can the classic Looney Tunes or the Flintstones be missing . Without a doubt, it is one of the most fun excursions in Abu Dhabi for the little ones in the house . It can be reached by bus 103 from the center of Abu Dhabi, by taking a taxi in 20 minutes or by booking a ticket + transport package from your hotel .
Qasr Al Watan Palace , one of the best excursions in Abu Dhabi to appreciate luxury
If the Sheikh Zayed Mosque has managed to leave you speechless, surely you will also enjoy visiting this palace. It is inside the presidential compound of Abu Dhabi. Qasr Al Watan is a luxurious space with attention to detail. Each of its rooms is a true marvel of architecture. In addition, during the visit it is intended to transfer the traditions, values and culture of the United Arab Emirates to the visitors . The palace is surrounded by beautiful gardens that will also leave you speechless.
Also Read: The Burj Khalifa
Al Ain, one of the best excursions in Abu Dhabi to discover the Emirati tradition
To finish with our ideas of excursions in Abu Dhabi, we suggest you visit Al Ain. It is not as famous as Dubai or Abu Dhabi, but it is also very worthwhile. This city shows a completely different face of the country . It is known as the “Garden City of the Gulf” because of the number of parks it has. Also, you won’t find a single skyscraper, it’s all low-rise buildings with a traditional look . You cannot miss the National Museum of Al Ain to discover the history of the place. To end the day, a sunset from the Jebel Hafeet mountain is amazing. It’s right on the border with Oman, so you’ll have views of both countries.
