In a nutshell
- City tour of Abu Dhabi: The classic starting point — great for first-timers who want to get their bearings and hit the top highlights.
- Desert tour with BBQ: A trip into the desert is a must-do — just 45 minutes from the city and a world away.
- Ferrari World: The world’s largest indoor theme park — an absolute standout for anyone who loves fast cars (and seriously fun roller coasters).
Lies auch:
City Tour of Abu Dhabi
When you’re in Abu Dhabi, the top attractions in Abu Dhabi — like the Sheikh Zayed Mosque — absolutely need to be on your list.
You can explore on your own or join a guided tour where a knowledgeable guide shares fascinating background stories along the way.
We recommend the guided half-day city tour from GetYourGuide, which takes you to highlights like the Date Market and the Sheikh Zayed Mosque — admission to all attractions is already included.
You’ll also make photo stops at iconic spots like the Emirates Palace, Yas Island, and the Heritage Village.
Hotel pickup and drop-off are included, so you don’t have to worry about a thing.
Half-Day City Tour of Abu Dhabi
Sightseeing by Speedboat
Want to experience the city’s highlights from a totally different angle? This speedboat tour is one of the most exciting things to do in Abu Dhabi — and it’s seriously fun.
During the ride — which hits speeds of over 43 mph — a guide fills you in on everything worth knowing about the city.
You’ll zip past key sights like the Presidential Palace, Al Maqtaa Fort, and Ferrari World, with a stunning panorama of Abu Dhabi’s skyline the whole way.
The tour comes in different lengths, from 45 minutes to just under an hour and a half — pick whatever fits your schedule.
Desert Tour with BBQ
While you’re in Abu Dhabi, don’t miss a trip into the desert — it’s only about a 45-minute drive from the city center, and it feels like a completely different world.
You’ll be picked up from your hotel in a 4×4 and taken on a thrilling ride through the dunes.
The program also includes a visit to a camel farm, sandboarding, henna painting, and a closing barbecue with a Tanoura show and belly dancing at a Bedouin desert camp. Honestly, this is one of those experiences you’ll be talking about long after you get home.
The tour runs for six hours in total and costs around $100 per person.
Desert Tour with BBQ from Abu Dhabi
Day Trip to Dubai incl. Burj Khalifa
From Abu Dhabi, a day trip to nearby Dubai is absolutely worth it. This full-day tour takes you through the best must-sees Dubai has to offer.
You’ll start in old Dubai, visiting popular spots like the Spice Souk, the Gold Souk, and the Dubai Museum.
Then it’s on to modern Dubai — think the Burj Al Arab, the Palm Jumeirah, the Dubai Mall, and of course the iconic Burj Khalifa.
After a packed day of sightseeing, you’ll be bused back to your hotel in Abu Dhabi in the evening.
Day Trip to Dubai from Abu Dhabi
Jet Skiing in the Persian Gulf
Attention adrenaline junkies: this is one of the most action-packed things to do in Abu Dhabi — a jet ski ride across the Persian Gulf!
You can ride solo or with a partner and take in Abu Dhabi and the Corniche from the water while the wind rushes past you.
Before you head out, the rental staff will walk you through how to operate the jet ski — it’s super straightforward. Then you’re free to zoom off on your own at speeds of up to 68 mph.
The rental is for one hour, so make sure to bring your passport and swimwear.
1-Hour Jet Ski Ride in the Persian Gulf
Day Trip to Ferrari World
For Ferrari fans, this world’s largest indoor theme park is practically non-negotiable — but even if you’re not a die-hard car enthusiast, it’s still really worth a visit.
Sure, it’s all about race cars and racetracks, but there are also hair-raising roller coasters (including the fastest in the world), a go-kart track, introductory racing courses, and several Italian restaurants.
The Ferrari exhibition lets you get up close to both historic and the latest models — a treat for any petrolhead.
A Day at Yas Waterworld
Yas Waterworld combines amusement park thrills with water park fun — you can try out over 40 water slides and rides. If you’d rather take it easy, there are calmer options too, like the Lazy River.
The park is massive, covering over 37 acres across four levels. It’s a great way to escape Abu Dhabi’s dry heat for a day.
An all-day ticket costs around $70 per person — just note that lockers are not included.
Get Your Yas Waterworld Ticket
By the way: Since both Ferrari World and Yas Waterworld are on Yas Island, you can visit both in one day with a combo ticket:
Get the Combo Ticket for Ferrari World and Yas Waterworld
Day Trip to Al Ain
On the border between the emirate of Abu Dhabi and Oman lies Al Ain — an oasis city in the middle of the desert.
Surprisingly green, with palm trees and exotic fruit trees lining its streets, Al Ain is considered the cultural capital of the Emirates — and it’s packed with things to see, best explored on a guided tour.
The itinerary covers the Al Ain National Museum and the Sheikh Zayed Palace, plus a visit to the livestock market and the camel racetrack.
Afterward, you’ll head up Jebel Hafeet mountain for a sweeping view over the city. A generous lunch buffet is included too.
This excursion is especially worthwhile if you want something more authentic than Abu Dhabi’s modern architectural showpieces.
Racing Experience at the Yas Marina Circuit
The Yas Marina Circuit is one of the most modern Formula 1 tracks in the world. Where Sebastian Vettel and Lewis Hamilton have burned rubber, you can now try your hand at being a racing driver too.
It starts with a briefing on the circuit and the vehicles. Then you get behind the wheel and spend a solid 20 minutes pushing hard around the track.
An in-car camera captures the whole experience. For an extra fee, you can buy the video of your drive to take home.
Ticket for the Racing Experience
Boat Tour in the Mangrove National Park
Beyond the skyscrapers, luxury hotels, and theme parks, Abu Dhabi has something completely different up its sleeve: the Mangrove National Park.
You can explore this nature reserve from the water — either paddling through the enchanting mangrove forests by kayak, or steering your own speedboat through the lagoon if you want a bit more pace.
It’s the perfect way to step away from the city for a few hours. If you’re lucky, you might spot exotic birds, sea turtles, or even dolphins. There’s also a swimming break built in for a cool-down.
Kayak Tour in the Mangrove National Park
Speedboat Tour in the Mangrove National Park
Warner Bros. World
Did you grow up with Tom and Jerry, Superman, and the gang, and always dreamed of meeting your childhood favorites? At Warner Bros. World on Yas Island, you’ll step into a world filled with iconic movie and cartoon characters.
There are themed worlds, live shows, and a total of 29 roller coaster rides to keep the adrenaline going. If you’re visiting with kids, this is one of the best outings Abu Dhabi has to offer.
