It takes about 1.5 hours to drive from Dubai to Abu Dhabi. If you plan to spend at least a week in Dubai, you should not let the opportunity to travel to Abu Dhabi pass you by. Abu Dhabi is a fascinating city that deserves at least a day of your time, for the city is very different from Dubai.

The capital of the United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi, attracts less attention than its neighbor. While Dubai is a flashy and booming city, Abu Dhabi is richer than Dubai and has watched it grow while putting an emphasis on the arts and preserving the city’s heritage.The latter has a street layout similar to Manhattan, with wide avenues and lots of lush green spaces. Like Dubai, Abu Dhabi has its share of beaches, gold souks, and international restaurants. With its golden beaches, water parks, and desert trips, the emirate is now well-established as a tourist destination. Abu Dhabi is a great place to soak up the sun in winter.

Places to Visit in Abu Dhabi with Family

If you plan a family trip to Abu Dhabi, there are plenty of places to visit. This trip will be remembered fondly by the children in particular. To experience the essence of Abu Dhabi, you should plan your visit for multiple days.

Ferrari World

The Ferrari World Park opened in 2010. It has a big red roof covering 86,000 square meters and a big Ferrari logo. It is the largest theme park in the world.

The park has several simulators, virtual tours, and 3D attractions that allow visitors to travel through the history and world of Ferrari. Aside from these, there are some attractions that are just for kids. For example, they can drive a small Ferrari Spider F430 GT or a Formula 1 model.

Warner Bros. World

The Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi, the largest fully air-conditioned indoor theme park in the world, allows you to meet all your favorite characters from this famous studio. Come and have fun with Superman, Batman, or Wonder Woman, but also with Bugs Bunny, Scooby-Doo, Fred Flintstones, and more, all present within this impressive theme park of 1.65 million square meters, which hosts 29 rides, state-of-the-art facilities, interactive family attractions, exhilarating entertainment, a diverse array of restaurants, and exclusive shopping.

As soon as you pass the Warner Bros. threshold, you’ll be taken to six magical, immersive worlds that are full of action and adventure. Caillouville, Dynamite Gulch, Cartoon Junction, Gotham City, Metropolis, and Warner Bros. Plaza, are so many magical countries, each with its own decor and theme restaurants. The attractions you will find there have all been designed in pure Warner Bros. style and even include some movie sets to give you a truly immersive experience. You’ll be taken back in time as soon as you walk into the park.

Mangrove National Park

The Mangrove National Park is located just outside the city center of Abu Dhabi. This vast national park is a real treasure in the capital of the UAE. It delights families, bird watchers, and photographers looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city for a few hours.The Mangrove National Park is essential for protecting biodiversity. It has about 75% of the mangrove forests in the United Arab Emirates, as well as salt marshes, mudflats, algae, and mangrove forests. The Environment Agency of Abu Dhabi (EAD) protects this beautiful and surprising natural area. It is still one of the most important environmental assets of the Emirate.

Family Friendly Places to Stay in Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi successfully converts its oil reserves into a success story. At first, Abu Dhabi was a tiny fishing town, but the discovery of the oil reserve in the region made this little town a wealthy place. Today, Abu Dhabi is one of the most visited places in the Middle East. Thus, it takes time to decide where to stay in Abu Dhabi.

Millenium Capital Gate: Millennium Capital Gate is in the heart of the town’s commercial district. Just a 20-minute drive from Abu Dhabi International Airport, Millennium Capital Gate is easily accessible. The hotel’s children’s pool and spa center are excellent places for families. The hotel is near Ferrari World, Yas Waterworld, and the Yas Marina Circuit, which hosts the Formula One Grand Prix. The hotel is among the best places to stay in Abu Dhabi.

Yas Island Rotana: Yas Island Rotana is one of the ideal places for families with children. Its location is close to Warner Bros. World, Yas Waterworld, Yas Mall, and Ferrari World. In addition, the children’s pool in the hotel is one of the places that children will not want to leave. The hotel also has an Indian restaurant called Rangoli, an Aquarius pool bar, Island Café, and Y bar.

Hilton Abu Dhabi: When you think about it, Hilton is one of the first hotels that come to mind when you think of a good place to stay. Hilton Abu Dhabi also demonstrates this reputation. One of the best hotels in Abu Dhabi, which is very close to many places to visit with children, also offers the pleasure of a jacuzzi on the terrace with an Abu Dhabi view after a tiring day. Hilton is one of the best choices if you are looking for a place to stay in Abu Dhabi with family.

See also: Where to stay in Sharjah

Places to Visit in Abu Dhabi for Couples

You can have a great holiday in Abu Dhabi, full of art, eastern culture, and history. You can have a One Thousand and a One Night experience in the city.

Louvre Abu Dhabi

As a result of the cooperation between the United Arab Emirates and France, the museum is interested in art from prehistoric times to the present day. The museum opened in 2017 and has 12 permanent galleries that are set up in order of when they happened: the first villages, the first civilizations, religions, trade, and the modern world. The museum is stylish and well-done, and the works are perfectly highlighted. Explanations are in Arabic and English. The Louvre Abu Dhabi also has temporary exhibits, a children’s museum, an auditorium, a restaurant, a café, and a shop, in addition to these galleries. After visiting the galleries, don’t miss the outdoor part of the museum, located at the water’s edge. You will be able to appreciate its very particular architecture and admire its steel dome, which lets light through.

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

Completed in 2007, it is in this symbolic monument that rests the one who is nicknamed the father of the nation and who gave his name to the mosque: Sheikh Zayed. The Sheikh was the first president of the United Arab Emirates and commissioned the mosque (which he did not see completed, as he died in 2004). The place is simply marvelous, covering an area of more than 22,000 m², with its four minarets, 82 domes, and thousands of columns.

Even having seen several photos before going there, I can assure you that you will only be impressed by its architecture and atmosphere. Purely white, the mosque houses thatenormous chandelier in the world (12 tons anyway!) and the largest hand-woven carpet in the world. It took almost a year and 1200 workers to weave the 5627 m² of this Persian rug. Its cost is estimated at more than 6 million euros.

Corniche Beach

If you want to walk during your trip to Abu Dhabi, visit Corniche Beach. This long pedestrian promenade takes couples along the seaside for 8 kilometers. A lane is also reserved for bicycles. You can rent them at the rental stations spread all along. Playgrounds border the Corniche for children, cafes, and restaurants. It also gives access to supervised beaches divided into sections: those for families, those reserved for singles, and the public beach. On weekends, the Corniche is very popular.

Places to Stay in Abu Dhabi for Couples

Abu Dhabi is one of the few places where couples can enjoy luxury. In such a city, hotels tend to reflect the general atmosphere. In Abu Dhabi hotels, you can relax in the spa, have fun at the bar, or enjoy different flavors at the famous restaurants. These are the best places to stay in Abu Dhabi for couples.

Emirates Palace: As the name suggests, Emirates Palace is a palace for couples. Emirates Palace is one of the best places to stay in Abu Dhabi. With its location close to essential city points like Sushi Central and Hakkasan restaurants and its private beach, Emirates Palace offers an unforgettable hotel experience.

Le Royal Meridien Abu Dhabi: With its perfect location right next to the Corniche, Le Royal Meridien is the best place to stay in Abu Dhabi. You can have a romantic dinner while viewing the panoramic view of Abu Dhabi at the hotel’s ten restaurants and bars.

Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel and Villas: In addition to luxurious hotel rooms, you can enjoy your holiday in private villas at the Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel and Villas. Si Ristorante Italiano & Bar, Larte Restaurant, and Mu at Saadiyat Public Beach in the hotel are also the best restaurants you can go to in the city. The Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel and Villas is the top-notch place where to stay in Abu Dhabi.

Places to Visit in Abu Dhabi for Singles

Abu Dhabi has something to offer everyone. You could spend days here and never run out of things to do. It’s up to the adventurer to choose where they want to go.

Yas Marina Circuit

Speed and sports enthusiasts should visit the Yas Marina circuit. It is located on Yas Island, not far from Ferrari World. The course was built to host the Abu Dhabi Formula 1 Grand Prix, the first race in 2009. You can discover the driving school, the various racing cars, the paddocks, or even the garages of the F1 teams, and even take a ride in the stands and on the track. The circuit also organizes driving sessions. You can try driving an authentic Formula 3000, a Chevrolet Camaro, or an Aston Martin GT4. It is the best place to go in Abu Dhabi.

Qasr Al Hosn Fort

The Qasr Al Hosn fort, built in the 18th century, is the city’s oldest structure. It was recently fixed up and now has a museum with displays, historical items, and films about Abu Dhabi’s past. And you can visit the artisans’ houses to learn more about traditional weaving methods or the making of palm baskets. The house is outside the fort, in the large square where the cultural foundation is also located. The court offers a beautiful view with modern buildings in the background.

Masdar

Masdar, near the airport, is worth a visit. Cars are banned in this pioneering “zero-carbon” city, which is still the size of a village, but projects are on the way. The eco-city is powered entirely by the sun and the hot, strong winds that blow off the desert. Students and researchers are working on this project so that cities like these can soon grow all over the world. If you think about where should i go in Abu Dhabi, Masdar is an interesting choice.

Where to stay in Abu Dhabi

You will have a hard time deciding where to stay in Abu Dhabi. Abu Dhabi is not only a tourist paradise but also a hotel heaven. The best hotels in the city are different from the kind that can be counted.

Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers: At Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers, where is the best place to stay in Abu Dhabi. The spectacular view of the hotel is breathtaking. The pools and private beach of the hotel welcome you to the Arabian Gulf. You can unwind in the spa, which has 13 treatment rooms.

Holiday Inn Abu Dhabi: This is the best area to stay in Abu Dhabi if you want to be close to tourist attractions and the business center of the city’s embassies district. Holiday Inn Abu Dhabi offers an unforgettable holiday experience with its indoor and outdoor swimming pools, spa section, cafes, and restaurants.

The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort: Located on Saadiyat Island, the St. Regis offers an endless view of the Arabian Gulf. With its indoor and outdoor swimming pools, gym, special spa section, private beach, and Mediterranean architecture, the hotel offers a fairy-tale experience.

See also: Where to stay in Ajman?