Abu Dhabi is an incredibly beautiful place! As the capital of the United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi holds significant ties to this region and is an important historical and cultural center. There’s plenty to do in the capital city and there are also so many picturesque places that make for great Instagram spots! Find out the best Instagram Spots in Abu Dhabi.

Map of the Best Instagram Spots in Abu Dhabi

The Best Instagram Spots in Abu Dhabi

Check out these great Instagram spots in Abu Dhabi! It is really easy to get around with taxis and Ubers available. I never had to use cash while I was in Abu Dhabi and used Uber for getting from place to place.

If you are interested in venturing out of the city and into other parts of Abu Dhabi, check out my other article here.

1. Secret Garden Cafe

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by 𝓢𝑒𝑐𝑟𝑒𝑡 𝓖𝑎𝑟𝑑𝑒𝑛 (@lovesecretgarden.ae)

Secret Garden is one of the newest Abu Dhabi Instagram spots! This cute cafe was recently opened and is located in the Galleria Al Maryah Island. Not only is the decor super chic, but the food looks amazing here as well! They serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner with a wide variety of dessert and drink options. Their pastries and drinks look and taste fantastic!

2. Forever Rose Cafe

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Elona • travel blogger (@elona)

If you’ve ever wanted to visit a 2D cafe, here’s your chance! Forever Rose Cafe is also located in the Galleria Al Maryah Island, just steps away from Secret Garden. You’ll feel like you stepped right into a storybook as you enter this cafe! The decor and desserts look straight out of a fairytale.

3. Power of Words Sculpture

The Power of Words sculpture is located in Qasr Al Watan and it is such an impressive piece of art! The sculpture was created by Mattar Bin Lahej and has the following message inscribed in Arabic: “Wealth is not money and oil. Wealth lies in people, and it is worthless if not dedicated to serve the people.“

One of the most meaningful sculptures I have seen in my life!

4. Emirates Palace

Emirates Palace is a luxury hotel that is open to visitors! Even if you’re not staying at the hotel, you can still visit for free. It is certainly worth a visit as the hotel is extraordinary! It is complete with high ceilings and gold and marble finishes everywhere. Don’t miss out on exploring the hotel’s vast gardens as well.

You can also dine and shop here! There are several notable restaurants at the hotel and luxury stores as well. Tip: Head to Le Café and order a 24-karat cappuccino and sip your drink with a fantastic view of Abu Dhabi! Makes for a perfect Instagram spot.

5. Founder’s Memorial

The Founder’s Memorial is one of the most significant public art I have seen! It is dedicated to the founder of the United Arab Emirates

The main centerpiece of the Founder’s Memorial is a monument called “The Constellation“. This memorial is comprised of geometric shapes suspended in the air to form the likeness of the late founder. The shapes are supposed to represent stars and together they form a constellation! I highly recommend visiting at night so you can see the memorial light up.

6. Marina Eye

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Abu Dhabi (@visitabudhabi)

The Marina Eye is a giant ferris wheel near the Marina Mall. Although the actual ride itself is closed, it still makes for a great Instagram spot with the cityscape of Abu Dhabi in the background.

7. Corniche Beach

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by DEBI FLÜGGE (@debiflue)

Corniche Beach is a great place to visit regardless of whether you’re looking for a photo opportunity! This pristine public beach is popular for locals and tourists alike. Come and soak up the sunshine while enjoying a view of the picturesque Arabian Gulf! Sunsets are also fantastic here.

Note: Entrance is AED 10 for adults and AED 5 for children. Kids under five go free. 

8. Wahat Al Karama

Wahat Al Karama is a war memorial dedicated to the veterans of UAE and it is free to visit! It also offers the best view of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. I highly recommend coming just before sunset to see the mosque change colors!

9. Ritz Carlton Abu Dhabi

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Jennifer Tuffen (@izkiz)

The Ritz Carlton Abu Dhabi is a five-star hotel with fantastic views of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque! This hotel makes for a luxurious stay with its own private beach and 8 restaurants on property. Typically access to the hotel is reserved for guests only, but it doesn’t hurt to ask permission to see the gardens.

10. Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is one of the most beautiful places in the world! It is the largest mosque in Abu Dhabi and is open to visitors. You can book timed tickets to visit this magnificent place of worship and marvel at this architectural wonder in person. It is easy to get a photo here with no one else as no one is allowed to be in the center! Plus, there are designated photo spots at the Grand Mosque. Trust me when I say that there are plenty of photo opportunities.

Be sure to read about rules for visiting the mosque and the dress code in advance! Women need to be covered from head to toe and no sheer and tight clothing is allowed. Be sure to pack a headscarf and modest clothing for visiting the mosque.

11. Bani Hashim Mosque

The Bani Hashim Mosque in Abu Dhabi looks a lot like the Al-Aqsa Mosque which is located in the Old City of Jerusalem. I used the arches to frame the Bani Hashim Mosque and was very pleased with my photo! This is certainly a very beautiful place.

12. The National Aquarium

Did you know the largest aquarium in the Middle East is located in Abu Dhabi? The National Aquarium is a fun place to visit for all ages. The aquarium features 10 thematic zones, over 330 unique species, and over 46,000 animals. Take a journey through the Arabian Gulf and beyond! The tunnel at the end makes a great Instagram photo spot.

13. Cultural Foundation

The Cultural Foundation is dedicated to the creation and appreciation of Emirati arts and literature. It is free to visit and I highly recommend stopping by to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of Emirati culture.

The building itself is also beautifully designed with mosaic tile work on the exterior and interior. There’s a Children’s Library inside that is definitely worth stopping by as well. There’s even a super cute ice cream shop within the Cultural Foundation. This was probably the most unexpected place in Abu Dhabi!

14. Qasr Al Hosn

Qasr Al Hosn is actually the oldest building in Abu Dhabi! Visit this fortress to learn about the history of Abu Dhabi and how it has changed from a settlement to a modern, global metropolis.  

I loved seeing the juxtaposition of the old fort with the skyscrapers in the background – truly a living representation of the past and the present.

15. Umm Al Emarat Park

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Nadira | UAE Influencer ❥︎༄ (@nadirasworld)

Umm Al Emarat Park is one of the largest and oldest parks in Abu Dhabi! There are a ton of attractions within the park itself too including a zoo, botanical garden, amphitheater, and greenhouse! Plenty of Instagram photo opportunities in this vast green space.

16. Louvre Abu Dhabi

The Louvre Abu Dhabi is one of the best museums I’ve ever visited! The actual building itself is a work of art. Stop by to see its wonderfully curated galleries and exhibits and admire the architecture of the space.

17. Saadiyat Beach Club

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Veronica Bielik (@veronicabielik)

Saadiyat Beach Club is a great place to just relax, lounge, and enjoy the warm weather! You can book a day pass on their website to access the club!

18. Pura Eco Retreat Jubail Island

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by مَها حِسَنْ | (@_maha_hasan)

If you want to go beach glamping, here’s your chance! Pura Eco Retreat Jubail Island offers beachfront accommodations with a restaurant, a bar, and a private beach. Enjoy luxury beachfront glamping at its finest while you’re in Abu Dhabi.

19. Jubail Mangrove Park

Jubail Mangrove Park is one of Abu Dhabi’s newest attractions and it is a very serene place! Take a walk on the boardwalk while admiring the beauty of the mangrove forests. Or if you’re feeling adventurous, book a tour to kayak through the mangroves!

20. Yas Bay Waterfront

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Abu Dhabi (@visitabudhabi)

Yas Bay is Abu Dhabi’s newest waterfront destination with tons of fun entertainment and delicious dining options! I can’t even begin to describe the countless things to do in Yas Bay. Some highlights of Yas Bay include Cafe del Mar, Pier71, and the Etihad Arena.

There’s more to Yas Island than the waterfront as well! If you’re on Yas Island, some of the popular attractions on the island include Yas Mall, Yas Waterworld, CLYMB Abu Dhabi, Ferrari World, and Yas Kartzone.

LIKE THIS POST? SAVE IT ON PINTEREST!

The post The 20 Best Instagram Spots in Abu Dhabi appeared first on GoAnnieWhere.

Abu Dhabi is such an underrated destination! I recently visited Abu Dhabi and I think it is one of the most beautiful places in the world. Abu Dhabi is one of seven emirates that form the United Arab Emirates. Although it is only one out of seven, Abu Dhabi covers the most land! Before I visited, I imagined Abu Dhabi to be just an urban city, but it is so much more than that! You’ll find sand dunes, mountains, ocean, desert, and even wetland! I spent over a week exploring Abu Dhabi and I am so excited to share the best things to do in Abu Dhabi with you.

Note: People commonly think that Abu Dhabi is a country or that it is a city in Dubai, but both are misconceptions. Abu Dhabi and Dubai are both separate emirates within the UAE. It is less than an hour and a half drive between Abu Dhabi and Dubai so the mix-up is totally understandable.

Map of Things to do in Abu Dhabi

Where to Stay in Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi is known for its collection of grand hotels and resorts! Check out some great places to stay in Abu Dhabi –

Best Things to do in Abu Dhabi

Part 1: Places to Visit Within Abu Dhabi City

Abu Dhabi is both a city and a region, so I wanted to cover both in this article. I am starting out first with the best things to do in the city of Abu Dhabi. The places listed in this first part are all within the city and you can easily use Uber for transportation between these spots.

1. Qasr Al Watan

Qasr Al Watan is the presidential palace of the United Arab Emirates and one of the newest landmarks in Abu Dhabi! It was built in 2017 for official governmental business but later opened to the public in 2019 so all could admire the beauty of the palace. The architecture of Qasr Al Watan is absolutely stunning! It is well worth a visit and you can reserve a ticket here.

I recommend visiting at a later time as there is a light show (Palace in Motion) at 7:15 PM daily that you can’t miss out on. The tickets for the light show are separate from visiting the actual palace and you can reserve those here.

2. Emirates Palace

The Emirates Palace is a 5-star luxury hotel in Abu Dhabi that is open to all! Even if you’re not staying at the hotel, you can still visit for free. It is certainly worth a visit as the hotel is extraordinary! It is complete with high ceilings and gold and marble finishes everywhere. Don’t miss out on exploring the hotel’s vast gardens as well.

You can also dine and shop at Emirates Palace. There are several notable restaurants at the hotel and luxury stores as well. If you truly want to feel like you’re in one of the most luxurious places in the world, you should get the 24-karat gold-flecked cappuccino at Le Café!

3. The Founder’s Memorial

The Founder’s Memorial is dedicated to the Founder of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. He united the seven emirates in 1971 to form the country of UAE. He is also the first president of the UAE and his son currently serves as the second president.

Come learn about the life and legacy of the founder of the UAE through art, words, and stories. The main centerpiece of the Founder’s Memorial is a monument called “The Constellation“. This memorial is comprised of geometric shapes suspended in the air to form the likeness of the late Sheikh, The shapes are supposed to represent stars and together they form a constellation of the founder of the UAE. I highly recommend visiting at night so you can see the memorial light up.

4. Cultural Foundation

The Cultural Foundation is the UAE’s first center dedicated to the creation and appreciation of Emirati arts and literature. It is free to visit and I highly recommend stopping by to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of Emirati culture. Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan founded the Cultural Foundation in 1971 and it serves multiple purposes today.

The building was recently reopened to the public in 2018 and today it is a dedicated space for community exhibitions, performances, workshops, and events. It is home to a 900-seat theatre, the Abu Dhabi Children’s Library, and the House of Calligraphy. Additionally, it houses dedicated studio spaces for artists from all over the UAE as part of the Art Residency program.

5. Qasr Al Hosn

How would you like to visit the oldest building in Abu Dhabi? Qasr Al Hosn was originally built in 1761 and founded by the Bani Yas tribe when they discovered water on the island that is modern-day Abu Dhabi. Throughout the years the fort was turned into a fortress and then further expanded to house the royal family of Abu Dhabi.

Visit Qasr Al Hosn to learn about the history of Abu Dhabi and how it has changed from a settlement to a modern, global metropolis. I loved seeing the juxtaposition of the old fort with the skyscrapers in the background – truly a living representation of the past and the present.

6. Louvre Abu Dhabi

Did you know that there is a Louvre in Abu Dhabi? This art museum itself is a work of art! I loved visiting this world-class museum both for the architecture of the building and the galleries within. I thought the gallery was wonderfully curated and definitely well worth a visit even if you’re not a fan of art museums.

You can even go kayaking at the Louvre Abu Dhabi! Take a tour of the museum by water while learning about its architecture from a unique perspective.

7. Jubail Mangrove Park

Jubail Mangrove Park is one of Abu Dhabi’s newest attractions and it is a very serene place! Take a walk on the boardwalk while admiring the beauty of the mangrove forests. Or if you’re feeling adventurous, book a tour to kayak through the mangroves!

8. Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is the largest mosque in Abu Dhabi and one of the largest in the world! You can book timed tickets to visit this magnificent place of worship and marvel at this architectural wonder in person. This mosque is unique in that it incorporates architectural styles from different Muslim civilizations to celebrate cultural diversity and creates a symbolic haven for all. Designs from Turkey, Morocco, Pakistan, Egypt, and several other Islamic countries influenced the design of the mosque.

Be sure to read about rules for visiting the mosque and the dress code in advance! Women need to be covered from head to toe and no sheer and tight clothing is allowed. Be sure to pack a headscarf and modest clothing for visiting the mosque.

9. Wahat AlKarama

Wahat AlKarama is a war memorial and monument that is across the street from the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.

The best view of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is actually from Wahat AlKarama. I highly recommend watching the sunset from this spot and seeing the mosque change colors.

10. The National Aquarium

Come visit the largest aquarium in the Middle East! The National Aquarium is a fun place to visit for all ages. The aquarium features 10 thematic zones, over 330 unique species, and over 46,000 animals. Take a journey through the Arabian Gulf and beyond!

Part 2: Places to Visit Outside Abu Dhabi City

There are several remarkable places outside the city of Abu Dhabi that you should definitely check out. These are in the city of Al Ain which is two hours from Abu Dhabi city. Al Ain is significant to Abu Dhabi and the UAE as the founder of UAE was from Al Ain. I highly recommend visiting Al Ain to gain a better understanding of the history and culture of Abu Dhabi and the United Arab Emirates.

11. Jebel Hafit Desert Park

Did you know you can go glamping in Abu Dhabi? This desert park is located near the border of Oman and is home to fascinating archaeological and historical remains.

You can choose from different accommodations from budget to luxury. I stayed in a glamping dome and it did not feel like I was staying in a luxurious hotel. The amenities and accommodations are amazing here and I recommend booking a stay!

You can also book a variety of activities at the park! Go hiking, mountain biking, star gazing, dune buggying, or camel trekking – you can’t go wrong.

12. Al Ain Oasis

The Al Ain Oasis is a UNESCO World Heritage site that is home to over 147,000 date palms.

Wander through this park and observe the traditional irrigation system on display. It preserves a culture and way of life going back thousands of years.

13. Al Ain Palace Museum

The Al Ain Palace Museum is a very important historical site for both Abu Dhabi and the UAE. The palace was home to the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan who was the Founding Father of the UAE. He lived here with his family until the 1960s when he moved to Abu Dhabi to serve as the first president of the UAE.

You can tour the palace and see the private residences of the royal family to gain a better understanding of the history of this region. It was opened as a museum in 2001 and each room has been restored to what it used to look like.

14. Al Jahili Fort

Built-in the late 19th century, the Al Jahili Fort is one of the largest forts in the UAE. It was opened to the public in 2008 and serves as a cultural center and tourist attraction with rotating galleries and exhibits.

15. Qasr AlMuwaji

Qasr AlMuwaji is another highly significant site in Al Ain as it was the birthplace of the current president of the UAE! Come learn about the life of Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

There are several fascinating exhibits on display at Qasr AlMuwaji and it is well worth a visit!

LIKE THIS POST? SAVE IT ON PINTEREST!

The post The Best Things to Do in Abu Dhabi appeared first on GoAnnieWhere.