10 Best Places to Visit in Abu Dhabi for Free

If you’re looking for a vacation destination that offers something for everyone, look no further than Abu Dhabi. This amazing city has something to offer everyone, from stunning beaches to world-class shopping. And best of all, many of the top attractions in Abu Dhabi are free! In this blog post, we will discuss 10 of the best places to visit in Abu Dhabi for free. So whether you’re on a tight budget or just want to explore everything the city has to offer, read on for some great ideas!

1. Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

One of the most popular tourist attractions in Abu Dhabi, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is must-see. This massive mosque is one of the largest in the world and features an incredibly intricate design. Visitors can explore the mosque for free and even take a tour to learn more about its history and architecture.

Discovering it will make you feel like you are not in Abu Dhabi but somewhere in Morocco, Istanbul or even Cairo.

The mosque is open daily from 09:00 to 22:00.

2. Emirates Palace

The Emirates Palace is one of the most luxurious hotels in Abu Dhabi, and it’s also one of the city’s top tourist attractions. This stunning hotel features an incredible design, world-class amenities, and a breathtaking location on the waterfront. While you can’t stay at the Emirates Palace for free, you can explore the grounds and take some photos. The hotel is open daily from 09:00 to 21:00.

3. Abu Dhabi Heritage Village

For a taste of traditional Emirati culture, head to the Abu Dhabi Heritage Village. This living museum showcases traditional architecture and lifestyles from the past. Visitors can see how Bedouins lived in tents, watch craftsmen at work, and learn about traditional Emirati customs.

The Abu Dhabi Heritage Village is open daily from 09:00 to 17:00.

Yas Island

Yas Island is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Abu Dhabi and for good reason! This man-made island features world-class attractions like Ferrari World, Yas Water world, and Yas Marina Circuit. Visitors can also enjoy beautiful beaches, great restaurants, and plenty of shopping. While some attractions on Yas Island do have an admission fee, there are plenty of free things to do as well.

Ferrari World Abu Dhabi

Even if you’re not a car enthusiast, Ferrari World is worth a visit. This theme park is home to the world’s fastest roller coaster and features rides, shows, and attractions for all ages. Ferrari World is open daily from 11:00 to 18:00.

Yas Water world

If you’re looking for a fun-filled day at the water park, look no further than Yas Water world. With over 40 slides and attractions, this water park has something for everyone. Yas Water world is open daily from 11:00 to 18:00.

4. Saadiyat Public Beach

For a relaxing day by the water, head to Saadiyat Public Beach. This beautiful beach features white sand, crystal-clear water, and plenty of amenities. Visitors can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, paddle boarding, and more. Saadiyat Public Beach is open daily from 08:00 to 19:00.

5. Emirates Park Zoo

Located just outside of Abu Dhabi, Emirates Park Zoo is a great place to spend the day with family and friends. This large zoo is home to over 3000 animals from all over the world and offers plenty of activities for visitors. The Emirates Park Zoo is open daily from 09:00 to 17:00.

6. Hili Archaeological Park

For a taste of history, head to Hili Archaeological Park. This park is home to several ancient tombs and ruins dating back over 4000 years. Visitors can explore the park on their own or take a guided tour. Hili Archaeological Park is open daily from 08:00 to 16:30.

7. Al Ain Oasis

The Al Ain Oasis is one of the largest oases in the world and a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. Visitors can explore the palm groves, date farms, and archaeological sites. The Al Ain Oasis is open daily from 08:00 to 17:00.

8. Corniche

This stretch along the coast of the Dhow Harbour in Abu Dhabi is a great place to take a stroll, go for a jog, or just relax and enjoy the views. The Corniche is also home to several restaurants, cafes, and shops, so you can grab a bite or do some shopping while you’re there.

9. Al Jahili Fort

Al Jahili Fort is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Abu Dhabi. This 19th-century fort was once used as a prison and now houses a museum. Visitors can learn about the history of the fort and see some of its original furnishings. Al Jahili Fort is open daily from 08:30 to 17:30.

10. Qasr Al Muwaiji

For a glimpse into Abu Dhabi’s past, visit Qasr Al Muwaiji. This restored fort was once the home of the ruling family and is now open to the public. Visitors can explore the grounds, learn about the fort’s history, and even see some traditional Emirati weapons on display.

The Qasr Al Muwaiji is open daily from 08:00 to 17:00.

These are only a few of many interesting places that you could visit while being on vacation in Abu Dhabi! If you are looking for more ideas of things to do, feel free to ask the locals or your hotel’s concierge for suggestions. Have a great trip!

What are some of your favorite places to visit in Abu Dhabi? Let us know!

If you enjoyed this article, be sure to check out our other blog posts about things to do in Abu Dhabi:

Abu Dhabi’s real estate deals exceed Dh11.3b in Q1