Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi is the capital city of the UAE and has emerged as one of the prominent tourism hubs in the region. The city has witnessed rapid development in recent times and today, it is a must-visit city for a thrilling adventure. Abu Dhabi is one of the most preferred holiday destinations among tourists due to its natural beauty, historical sites, and the vast number of fun activities to enjoy.
The UAE capital city has witnessed a steady increase in the number of visitors and tourists from around the world due to the numerous tourist attractions, luxury hotels, luxury shopping malls, and the unique culture of the city.
Abu Dhabi’s rich culture and history offer something to suit every taste and budget. With a mix of modern architecture and traditional cultural sites, the city is home to many modern and historical attractions, family and kid-friendly parks, museums, and galleries that cover a wide range of subjects.
The United Arab Emirates capital also has an array of attractions, including desert safaris, outdoor adventure activities, shopping malls, and family-friendly entertainment centers.
A private Abu Dhabi city tour is undoubtedly one of the most ideal choices for tourists to discover and explore the best tourist attractions with no hassle and comfort. This city has a lot of places to visit that must be included in your Abu Dhabi tour itinerary like the National Museum, Heritage Village, Emirates Palace, Dates Market, Qasr Al Hosn, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, Zayed Museum, Louvre Museum, Abu Dhabi Art Museum, Saadiyat Island, Sheikh Zayed Mosque and many more.
The capital city offers a variety of activities and attractions which makes it a great place to stay while visiting the region. The city offers something for everyone whether it is for family or friends. You can enjoy the beautiful nature, historical sites, heritage buildings, shopping centers, art galleries, and much more. There are many places to visit in Abu Dhabi which will offer something new and exciting
I have compiled a list of some of the top places to visit and things to do in Abu Dhabi in this article. So, take a look at below Abu Dhabi tour itinerary with the best things to do in the city and make your next trip to Abu Dhabi the best ever.
Best Places to Include in Abu Dhabi Tour Itinerary
Abu Dhabi is a cosmopolitan city in UAE that offers a wide range of activities from entertainment, sightseeing, and shopping to historical sites. This city has various places to visit.
Here I am sharing the best Abu Dhabi tour itinerary to experience the city’s unique charm with your family, and friends:
You can find more top things to do in Dubai here.
1. Grand Mosque Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi Grand Mosque is the top tourist attraction on the Abu Dhabi tour itinerary as per my experience and must be included in your itinerary.
The white marble mosque is the largest mosque in the Middle East and one of the most famous & beautiful mosques in the whole world. The architecture of this mosque is a blend of modern and traditional designs, creating harmony between both styles.
The Sheikh Zayed Grand mosque features 82 white marble domes of different sizes and has 170m high 4 minarets which increase the beauty of this iconic landmark.
The mosque has got a huge green garden, and the main part of the garden is covered with green grass and green plants and plowers. The green garden with the fountain is very beautiful and swimming pool, especially in the morning time when the sunlight shines on the fountain and the green gardens. This is the place where the women and children can enjoy a peaceful time.
There is no entry fee and anyone can enter the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque any day of the week, but during the month of Ramadan, the mosque is closed to visitors.
While you are at the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, you can enjoy a free guided tour of the mosque and learn about the Islamic culture in the Middle East.
Females must wear Abaya before entry into the Holy Mosque, hair must be covered, men must wear full-size dresses and legs must be covered too.
2. Ferrari World Abu Dhabi
Ferrari World Abu Dhabi is the world’s largest indoor theme park and open its door for tourist and Ferrari Racing events on November 4, 2010. It is located inside Yas Island, which is an entertainment complex and Yas Marina Circuit is part of it also.
This theme park has many exciting attractions and activities for all ages of visitors which include a Ferris wheel, the world’s biggest roller coasters, huge collections of Ferrari cars, water slides, and more, kids can enjoy a ride at Ferrari cars and Roller Coaster too. You can also go to the Ferrari World Abu Dhabi cars collection area if you want to learn about the Ferrari brand cars.
There are several restaurants to choose from, including Il Podio, which is a buffet-style restaurant, where you can get a wide variety of food veg and non-veg at a low price. There are also snack bars, such as the Pizza Express, where you can grab a pizza or pasta.
The theme park also has many shops, from where you can buy souvenirs to clothes and gifts. There are also special events throughout the year, such as the Formula One Grand Prix Racing.
The entry ticket cost for adults is 295 AED per head and the children’s ticket cost is 230 AED, most of the entertainment activities and rides can be avail with the entry ticket.
Ferrari World Abu Dhabi is the best attraction to spend all day with kids and family. If you are planning to visit Abu Dhabi so must include an Abu Dhabi Ferrari World visit in your Abu Dhabi tour itinerary if you are a Ferrari car lover.
3. Heritage Village Abu Dhabi
Emirates Heritage Club Heritage Village is one of the top attractions in Abu Dhabi, it is located near Marina mall which spreads across an area of 16,800 square meters at the breakwater on the Abu Dhabi corniche. Heritage Village is the reconstruction of a traditional desert village, where visitors can see traditional Arabian culture, live a traditional life, and experience a unique Arab traditional shopping and eating experience.
Visitors can enjoy the old-time music and dance shows at the Heritage Village’s Cultural Centre, where they can also taste traditional Arabian dishes and enjoy Arabic coffee.
The village also has an old mosque, a traditional old souq, a museum, and the famous Bedouin tent and camel stables.
Kids can enjoy watching goats, camels, and Arabian horses inside the Heritage Village. Here you can buy traditional handicrafts, handmade soap, clothing, silver jewelry, etc
There is no entry fee and anyone can enter free between 9 AM to 4 PM from Saturday – Thursday & 3.30 PM to 9 PM on Friday
4. Abu Dhabi Corniche
The Abu Dhabi Corniche is one of the most prominent attractions in Abu Dhabi situated along the coastline. The area is famous for its stunning beach and scenic views. The Corniche offers magnificent views of the Gulf of Oman and the Persian Gulf.
The Abu Dhabi Corniche is one of the most popular Abu Dhabi attractions, especially for families with kids because there are so many fun activities to do here.
The Abu Dhabi Corniche is a long stretch of beachfront road, stretching for 8 kilometers along the Persian Gulf in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. It is lined with high-rise hotels, restaurants, bars, and cafes, making it a very popular place for tourists; also it includes children’s play areas, separate cycle and pedestrian pathways, and water fountains.
The area also provides ample space to enjoy a variety of water sports such as boating, water skiing, swimming, and scuba diving.
For a romantic getaway, the Corniche is a perfect place to relax after a day of Abu Dhabi city sightseeing.
5. Louvre Museum Abu Dhabi
The Louvre Museum Abu Dhabi is a world-class museum located on Sadiya Island in Abu Dhabi. The museum is a famous attraction in Abu Dhabi with a large collection of original works of art. The museum has been listed as one of the 10 best museums in the world.
It is home to the world’s largest collection of Impressionist paintings, including the famous “Salvator Mundi” associated with Leonardo da Vinci and Leonardo Da Vinci’s portrait of a woman, called La Belle Ferronniere. The museum is also known for its collection of Islamic art and Middle Eastern antiquities. The museum covers an area of around 26,000 square feet and It has more than 380,000 objects, making it one of the largest museums in the world. As soon as you enter the Louvre, you are greeted by an array of paintings and sculptures on display.
The Louvre Museum Abu Dhabi was designed by the French architect Jean Nouvel, the museum opened for tourists in November 2007.
The entry ticket fee is 63 AED per adult and 30 AED for children below 22 years and old age travelers above 60 years.
If you are truly an art lover then the Louvre Museum is for you, it’s a beautiful museum and should be included in your Abu Dhabi tour itinerary.
6. Emirate Palace Abu Dhabi
The Emirate Palace is a palace located in Abu Dhabi on the shore of the Arabian Gulf; it’s a 5-star luxury hotel showcasing Arabian culture and tradition.
The design of the Emirate Palace hotel reflects the Islamic architectural elements that are used to design mosques, it includes balance, geometry, proportion, rhythm, and hierarchy, but, it also uses modern construction techniques.
The 114 smaller domes and the central big dome, made up of elaborate geometrical patterns, are one of the most impressive aspects of the building.
The palace has a number of very attractive features. There is the indoor pool which is located on the ground floor. There are also 2 spa facilities, a gymnasium, massage services, 2 helicopter landing pads, a steam room, a Turkish bath, a Jacuzzi in the palace and so many international restaurants and luxury shops inside the Emirate Palace.
The palace is surrounded by a green garden and there are many fountains present outside the building. These fountains add to the beauty of the palace.
The palace is made of marble that is imported from all over the world. There are paintings and murals done in the palace. These paintings add to the attractiveness of the palace.
There is no entry fee, but you will either need to book a room or book a cup of tea or dinner/lunch to enter this wonderful Palace.
7. Qasr Al Hosn Abu Dhabi
Qasr Al Hosn is a historical old fort made of stone that dates back to 1768. This place was the residence of the UAE ruler for some time also. Inside the fort is a museum where you can find out about the rich history of the Emirates and the people who lived in this region.
You will find a collection of old weapons, historical artifacts, and memorabilia, such as the robes of the Emir of Abu Dhabi. This is also the place where the 11 days annual Qasr Al Hosn cultural event show is held.
This is the place for historical attractions lovers.
The entree is free.
Abu Dhabi Other Best Places That Can be Included in Abu Dhabi Tour Itinerary:
Apart from the above few top tourist attractions, there are so many other tourist attractions that you can include in your Abu Dhabi tour itinerary that are Dates Market, Iranian Market, Qasr Al Watan, Abu Dhabi Mall, Al Wahda Mall, Warner bros Park, Abu Dhabi Desert Safari, Mangrove Park, etc.
Dubai Tour Itinerary and Places to Visit
Dubai
Dubai is a stunning city. From the beach to the desert to the skyscrapers it is all amazing.
It is a unique destination in many ways. A wonderful city, with its own culture, heritage, and vibe. Although there is a lot to see, the city is compact and easy to navigate.
Dubai is also the city of festivals! From the traditional to the modern, there are plenty of events and festivals in the city. Make sure to join them!
The best way to enjoy Dubai is to rent a car, explore, discover or book a Dubai private tour and set relax in the back seat and enjoy the beautiful sights of Dubai.
You will find that Dubai is quite a multicultural city, with a mixture of Arab, Pakistani, Indian, Persian, and European influences.
The best time to visit Dubai is between November and February because you won’t have to worry about too hot weather or extreme cold.
Dubai has a lot to offer, and a few things are worth mentioning that you can include in your Dubai tour itinerary accordingly. Read more about Dubai local guide here…
1. Burj Khalifa Dubai
The tallest skyscraper in the world and a symbol of Dubai city’s booming economy, the 163-floors hotel Burj Khalifa is an iconic monument that serves as a testament to the city’s success. It is also a major tourist attraction in itself, offering breathtaking views of the Arabian Gulf, the city of Dubai, and beyond.
The building stands at a height of 829 meters and has a total floor space of approximately 5.67 million square feet, and can accommodate over 5,000 guests at one time.
The observatory atop Burj Khalifa is one of the highest viewing decks in the world and offers stunning panoramic views of the entire city. It can be accessed via a glass bridge that connects the tower’s base with the observation deck.
Visit the Burj Khalifa to admire the incredible view over Dubai. The view is breathtaking, especially when you go up to the top floors of the tower.
The Burj Khalifa entry ticket is 60 USD per adult and 50 USD for kids below the age of 12 years.
2. Dubai Future Museum (Museum of the Future Dubai)
It’s an amazing newly open museum with lots of interactive exhibits and technology. It’s in the shape of a cube. The building is designed by Killa Design architects and engineered by Buro Happold engineering consultants.
This museum has been designed to promote innovation and creativity through interactive learning experiences. The museum’s exhibition spaces include several special installations designed by a diverse group of artists. The Dubai future museum is open for tourists on February 22, 2022, this new museum is dedicated to the future of humanity. It offers an impressive perspective of what we might expect from technological progress in the near future.
The Dubai Museum of the Future is one of the must-see attractions in Dubai. This futuristic museum offers a detailed look into our future. See the latest technological advances and learn more about the impact these will have on our lives.
The Dubai future Museum entry ticket fee is 145 AED per adult, children below 3 years are exempt from the entry ticket fee.
3. Dubai Museum
The Dubai Museum is a cultural museum located in Old Dubai Al Fahidi Fort built in 1787. The museum showcases the history and culture of the Arabs. It covers diverse fields of historical and contemporary art forms, ranging from architecture and engineering to music and dance.
Dubai museum is the first of its kind in the world and displays thousands of pieces of art, culture, and history of Arab culture. It is definitely worth a visit. The building itself is stunning and is one of the most visited attractions in the city.
There are several exhibition halls inside the Museum, each hall showcases a collection of objects that showcase the various stages of Arab human evolution and development, from ancient civilizations to modern civilizations.
The entry ticket fee cost is 3 AED per adult and 1 AED for kids below 6 years, the Museum is open from Saturday to Thursday from 8 am to 8 pm and Friday opening time is 2.30 pm to 8 pm, There is also a free tour guide facility available inside the Museum.
If you are history lovers then must include this historical spot in your Dubai tour itinerary.
4. Desert Safari Dubai
Dubai Desert Safari is my favorite activity and same like me if you are also looking for an adventure in the desert then Dubai is the place to be. The Dubai safari offers everything from dunes bashing to quad bike to camel rides and sand boarding, horse riding, desert safari tours, and much more.
The Dubai desert safari is the best way to experience real desert life and get to see amazing sites and desert activities.
If you want to have the real feeling of being in the desert, nothing can beat a ride on a camel and an amazing quad bike ride.
If you are visiting Dubai and won’t include a desert safari tour in your Dubai tour itinerary so you will mess with one of the top adventure activities.
The desert safari cost is 90 AED per adult and children below 3 years are free. There are 3 types of desert safari you can choose from, 1st evening desert safari 2nd overnight desert safari and the 3rd is the morning desert safari. The best one is the evening desert safari which includes all most all adventure activities, so I can suggest you choose the evening desert safari when you plan to visit Dubai for the holidays.
5. Dubai Frame
The Dubai Frame is an architectural landmark in Zabeel Park, Dubai that holds the record for the largest frame in the world. It was designed by the Fernando Donis of DONIS Architects. The structure is made of steel and glasses and has been constructed in the shape of a giant frame.
You can ride on a tram up to the top of the frame where you will find restaurants, galleries, and observation deck, from observation deck you can have a bird’s eye view of old Dubai and new Dubai and see how the city has transformed into a one of a kind metropolitan. You can also enjoy a cup of tea and take a picture of Dubai’s beautiful view from 150 Meter height. The Dubai Frame is a must-visit attraction in Dubai.
Dubai Frame entry ticket fee is 50 AED per adult and AED 20 for children below the age of 12.
6. Burj Al Arab Dubai
Burj Al Arab Dubai is undoubtedly one of the most iconic hotels in the world. The Burj Al Arab hotel literally translates as the Tower of UAE. It is a 7-star hotel that stands on an artificial island nearly 300 m from Jumeirah Beach in Dubai, UAE.
The hotel has 202 rooms with an amazing view of the Arabian Gulf. With its opulent decor and incredible views, this hotel has a total of 56 floors and is a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. Burj Al Arab is an excellent place to stay for any traveler who is looking for a luxury vacation.
7. Dubai Mall
Dubai is famous for its malls and luxury shopping and Dubai Mall is one the most luxurious and costly shopping malls in the world. The Dubai Mall is a huge shopping complex covering almost 502,000 square meters and is the world’s second-largest indoor shopping mall by total land area with 14k+ car parking spaces. It is an architectural masterpiece, this mesmerizing retail haven boasts of some of the biggest brands in the world. Stocked with an exclusive collection of luxury shops, Dubai Mall is one of the best places to shop in the city.
The mall has been the most visited tourist attraction in Dubai since its inauguration on 4 Nov 2008. It houses over 21,200 retail stores spread across 4 floors.
The Dubai Mall is easily accessible by the Metro, bus, and taxi and if you are going by your own car so there are huge free parking spaces available.
If you are a luxury shopping lover then you should add a Dubai Mall visit to your Dubai tour itinerary.
8. Jumeirah Beach
Jumeirah Beach is a long stretch of white sand beach and is a popular tourist attraction. You can hire an umbrella to protect you from the sun and watch the sunset, or enjoy the evening walks and beach parties.
The beaches of Jumeirah in Dubai are one of the most popular beaches in the country. They are clean and safe and are lined with restaurants, bars, and even water sports activities.
If you’re looking for a perfect beach for your next vacation, these are the perfect choices for you.
This beach is considered the most romantic place in Dubai and has a lot of great spots to visit during your stay.
Dubai – Other Best Places That Can be Included in a Dubai Tour Itinerary:
There are also lots of other tourist attractions in Dubai that you can include in your Dubai tour itinerary, that include The Dubai Aquarium, Dubai Fountain Show, the Madinat Jumeirah, Atlantis Dubai, the Gold Souk, the Lameer Beach, the Emirate Mall, the Miracle Garden, the Old Souk, Dubai Creek, Blue Water Island, Dubai Eye, the Jumeirah Mosque, and the Dubai Marina. You can find more about interesting places in both cities to explore in 3 days Dubai and Abu Dhabi tour itinerary