Culture of Abu Dhabi. Places to visit - old town, temples, theaters, museums and palaces
Abu Dhabi is a beautiful modern city that never ceases to amaze its visitors by the beautiful parks, skyscrapers, and fabulous mansions. The most beautiful villas and palaces are located close to the waterfront. You will find luxury shopping malls, entertainment centers and restaurants there. In the city’s suburbs you will find beautiful old mosques, beautiful Al Hosn Palace built in the end of the 19th century, and, finally, famous Hafeet Mountain. Magnificent Sheikh Zayed Mosque never ceases to attract travelers from different countries of the world. It is present in the list of the ten largest mosques in the world. The opening ceremony of the masque was held in 2007. The tomb of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the first President of the UAE, is located near the mosque. Quite a notable fact - the mosque can be entered by anyone. Every day here are organized excursions for tourists, during which you can enjoy the beautifully decorated interior of the mosque and learn a lot about the culture and traditions of local residents.
Luxury restaurants of Abu Dhabi have always surprised their visitors by largest choice of meat and vegetable dishes, as well as all kinds of sweets. In order to prepare meat dishes, here are … Open
Local residents are distinguished by quite a peculiar character. They have great attention to all the religious customs and traditions, so guests of the city also have to respect the … Open
Car enthusiasts should definitely visit another place in the capital of the UAE, which is the Emirates National Auto Museum. It is a private collection of Sheikh Hamad bin Hamdan Al Nahyan. The most valuable exhibit here is a Rolls-Royce, which was in the possession of the royal family of Great Britain. Also in the collection is a 5-meter tall Dodge, and a chic trailer, where there is everything for a luxurious life. In order to take a proper look at the beautiful city which at a height looks as though it were in your palm, you should climb the viewing platform Observation Deck at 300. It is part of the Etihad towers – another symbol of the United Arab Emirate (UAE) capital. From here you can see the Persian Gulf, the islands that make up Abu Dhabi, as well as the legendary hotel Emirates Palace.
A large part of entertainment complexes, restaurants and nightclubs is located near the waterfront. Many entertainment venues are located in the territory of major hotels. It should be noted … Open
There are two towers in the city that are certainly worthy of a visit. We are referring to the Etihad towers as well as the Al Bahar towers. The first is a complex of five skyscrapers, among which is located one of the tallest buildings in the city (300 meters high). Al Bahar is sort of a combination of tradition and modernity. Here, both Arabic architecture and fashionable design all merge into one, presenting a bizarre combination. Due to all this, the towers have an extraordinary and at the same time futuristic look. Another interesting skyscraper is called the Capital Gate. When you look at it, it conjures up in your mind a clear image of a falling tower, whereas the building is well-known for its functionality and environmental friendliness. Nonetheless, Aldar Headquarters skyscraper has the most interesting design – it is built in the shape of a seashell. Be sure to take at least a glimpse at the miracle of architectural and engineering design.
In the section below, you can get one of our excursion, activities or city discovery tours over Abu Dhabi and surroundings. Our website offers 10-30% lower ticket prices, when compared to the offline purchase on the spot.
City tours, excursions and tickets in Abu Dhabi and surroundings
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What to visit during two-day excursion in Abu Dhabi
Emirates Palace
Where: The Corniche, Abu Dhabi; Telephone: +971 2 690 9000; Tickets: Free;
Where: The Corniche, Abu Dhabi; Telephone: +971 2 690 9000; Tickets: Free;
Al Maqtaa Fort
Where: City Approach Road (near Al Maqtaa Bridge, Abu Dhabi; Telephone: +971 2 444 0444 (Tourist Office); Tickets: Free;
Where: City Approach Road (near Al Maqtaa Bridge, Abu Dhabi; Telephone: +971 2 444 0444 (Tourist Office); Tickets: Free;
Emirates Heritage Village
Where: The Breakwater, Abu Dhabi; Telephone: +971 2 681 4455; Opening hours: Mon-Thurs & Saturday; Tickets: Free; More info: Info@torath.ae;
Where: The Breakwater, Abu Dhabi; Telephone: +971 2 681 4455; Opening hours: Mon-Thurs & Saturday; Tickets: Free; More info: Info@torath.ae;
Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan Mosque
Telephone: +971 2 444 0444 (Tourist Office); Tickets: Free;
Telephone: +971 2 444 0444 (Tourist Office); Tickets: Free;
Qasr Al Hosn Palace
Where: Corner of Sheikh Zayed First Street and Khalid Sin Al Waleed Street, Abu Dhabi; Telephone: +971 2 621 5300; Opening hours: Open 7:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. and 5 p.m. – 9 p.m. Saturday to Thursday.; Tickets: Free;
Where: Corner of Sheikh Zayed First Street and Khalid Sin Al Waleed Street, Abu Dhabi; Telephone: +971 2 621 5300; Opening hours: Open 7:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. and 5 p.m. – 9 p.m. Saturday to Thursday.; Tickets: Free;
Women’s Handicraft Centre
Where: Al Karamah Street, Abu Dhabi; Telephone: +971 2 447 6645; Opening hours: Open 8 a.m. - 2 p.m. Sunday - Thursday.; Tickets: Free;
Where: Al Karamah Street, Abu Dhabi; Telephone: +971 2 447 6645; Opening hours: Open 8 a.m. - 2 p.m. Sunday - Thursday.; Tickets: Free;
Reference information
Art galleries in Abu Dhabi and around
♥ Art museum 'Guggenheim Abu Dhabi' Abu Dhabi, 8.7 km from the center. On the map Photo
♥ Art museum 'Zayed National Museum' Abu Dhabi, 9.2 km from the center. On the map Photo
♥ Art museum 'Salwa Zeidan Gallery' Abu Dhabi, 9.9 km from the center. On the map Photo
♥ Art museum 'Louvre Abu Dhabi' Abu Dhabi, 10.6 km from the center. On the map Photo
♥ Art museum 'Guggenheim Abu Dhabi' Abu Dhabi, 8.7 km from the center. On the map Photo
♥ Art museum 'Zayed National Museum' Abu Dhabi, 9.2 km from the center. On the map Photo
♥ Art museum 'Salwa Zeidan Gallery' Abu Dhabi, 9.9 km from the center. On the map Photo
♥ Art museum 'Louvre Abu Dhabi' Abu Dhabi, 10.6 km from the center. On the map Photo
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Photogallery of cultural heritage of Abu Dhabi
Landmarks of culture on Abu Dhabi map: art-galleries, monuments, palaces, etc
Culture guide to Abu Dhabi. Which fascinating sights to visit once you are in Abu Dhabi: temples, churches, museums, theaters and castles. Recommendations (with addresses, phone numbers and links) on the places 'must visit' in Abu Dhabi. Plan your own city excursion by using this page info!