Abu Dhabi, the capital of the UAE has something for everyone & with some of the best Instagrammable places in Abu Dhabi, it’s not hard to see why it’s a popular day trip from Dubai and why people book a full-day tour. The city is a photographer’s dream with so many beautiful & luxury resorts, world class entertainment venues & museums filled with history and knowledge.
While a lot of people when visiting the United Arab Emirates in the Middle East only choose Dubai as their travel destination, Abu Dhabi shouldn’t be overlooked. It will make you go in awe of all the extravagant landmarks it has to offer & a ton of Instagram spots.
If you are interested in learning about more photography spots in the UAE check out this post about the most Instagrammable places in Dubai. The city of Dubai has made headlines all over the world for having the most impressive skyline and some of the most luxurious hotels in the world, you just can’t miss visiting the city.
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Most Instagrammable Places In Abu Dhabi
1. Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
Undoubtedly the most astonishing mosque in Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Zayed Mosque, also known as the Grand Mosque is mesmerizing and breathtaking in every sense. It is a sight to behold and is the most visited place in Abu Dhabi for all the right reasons. No matter how much time you have in Abu Dhabi city, you must see it to believe how picturesque it is.
Sheikh Zayed Mosque is the largest in the country and is so huge that you can actually see it from a distance. The architecture is beautiful and so well thought out. It is made of pure marble that reflects in sunlight and is decorated with golden details and colorful stones on the floor. Sheikh Zayed Mosque is open to all people of every religion except during Ramadan and normal prayer times. I would advise checking their website for prayer times, which change daily.
Since it’s a religious site, there are certain rules and restrictions that you should know before visiting this beauty in order to have the best experience. Some of them include wearing appropriate clothing and no public display of affection or even holding hands. To avoid disappointment and make the best memories, you can read my guide to visiting Grand Mosque Abu Dhabi.
This is an absolute no-brainer to see this spot as the number one spot on the list of most Instagrammable places in Abu Dhabi.
How to get to Sheikh Zayed Mosque
If you are visiting this mosque on a day trip from Dubai which most people do then depending on how much time you have you can either take the bus from Al Ghubaiba bus station to Abu Dhabi or you can take a taxi to save time. If you don’t have much time then booking Sheikh Zayed Mosque Half-Day Tour from Dubai is a great option too.
If you are staying in Abu Dhabi then taking a taxi is the easiest and saves time but expensive than public transportation. A taxi would take around $10 and will get you to the mosque in 10 mins while the bus from Abu Dhabi Bus Station would take around 50 mins. Line 031 and 054 are the recommended bus routes. Download the DARB app for convenience.
Best Time to visit Grand Mosque
Being one of the most popular places in Abu Dhabi, I highly recommend visiting the mosque as soon as it opens and then again a few hrs before sunset. You will be surprised to see the difference in this place because of the light and it is also good for photography to capture the beauty both times.
Opening Hours
9 AM – 10 PM every day except Fridays (4 PM – 10 PM).
Cost to Visit
There is no entrance ticket hence it’s free to visit.
Google Map Location: Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
SUVARNA’S TRAVEL TIP: Since there is a long line to enter the mosque, fill out your online registration form here to not wait in line.
Read More: The Complete Guide to Visiting Grand Mosque Abu Dhabi
2. Wahat Al Karama
If you are thinking that you have never heard of this place before then you are right but you surely must have seen countless pictures of it on Instagram. Before leaving for my trip to Abu Dhabi, I did extensive research to find the name of this spot because, in all the pictures on Instagram from this place, nobody ever shared the exact location of this spot and I wonder why.
I thought it must be the main entrance of the Grand Mosque but it wasn’t. Well, this spot is called Wahat Al Karama and it is a war memorial and monument right across the road in front of Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. The memorial is composed of three structures: the leaning pillars, the pavilion of honor, and the memorial plaza.
It’s not a very famous place for sightseeing so you won’t find this place listed in many guides while reading about Abu Dhabi but if you put pictures of Abu Dhabi on google then I’m sure one of the pictures from Wahat Al Karama would definitely pop up. This place is one of the best photography spots in Abu Dhabi that looks mind-blowing at sunset and at night with a view of Sheikh Zayed Mosque.
How to get to Wahat Al Karama
Since it’s close to Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, combining a visit here with the mosque would be the best idea.
Best Time to visit Wahat Al Karama
It’s good to visit this place anytime but for people who are here to take that iconic Instagram shot, make sure to reach here 1 hr before sunset to grab your spot.
Opening Hours
Wahat Al Karama opens at 9 AM – 10:45 PM.
Cost to Visit
There is no entrance fee to enter this war memorial ground. It’s Free! Yes, Wahat Al Karama is one of the best places to visit in Abu Dhabi for free.
Google Map Location: Wahat Al Karama
3. Qasr Al Watan
Opened in 2019, Qasr Al Watan is the newest culturally rich landmark in Abu Dhabi that focuses on providing a deeper value and cultural understanding of the nation. Qasr Al Watan is just one part of the Presidential palace compound in Ras Al Akhdar and its beauty is jaw-dropping. As you enter the complex, you will be dazzled by the modern-day Mughal era architecture, lavish courtyards, and manicured gardens making it one of the most Instagrammable places in Abu Dhabi.
There are several zones inside, the great hall being the most mind-blowing and beautiful. After the sunset, you can watch the Palace in motion which is a spectacular light and sound show that happens every 30 mins and is one of the main attractions that tell you about the past, present, and future of UAE’s journey in three acts. You will be in complete awe of this place and it is easy to say why it is one of the most Instagram-worthy spots in Abu Dhabi.
How to get to Qasr Al Watan
If you are coming to the palace by car, there is enough parking space at the Visitor Centre car park and it’s free to park. Valet parking is also available at the Visitor Centre car park at a charge of AED 80. Parking is open seven days a week from 9:30 am to 9:30 pm.
Bus lines 10 and 34 have stops near the Presidential palace but it’s a bit of a walk from the bus stop so a taxi is the most convenient way to reach Qasr Al Watan.
Best Time to visit Qasr Al Watan
It is good to visit Qasr Al Watan any time of the day but going at around 3 PM will give you enough time to explore the building and then see the spectacular light and sound show. If you are into photography and want no crowds or people photobombing your pictures then visit as soon as it opens.
Opening Hours
The opening hours for Qasr Al Watan are as follows:
Sunday – Tuesday – Wednesday: 10 AM – 5 PM
Thursday – Friday – Saturday : 12 PM – 6:45 PM
Closed on Monday.
For more detailed information, visit here.
Cost to Visit
An all-access ticket allows you to enter specific areas, zones, exhibitions, and public spaces in the Palace and costs AED 60 for adults and AED 30 for juniors. If the Palace in Motion show happens to be on the night of your visit, you are allowed to access the show with this ticket.
If you just want a ticket for the show then it costs AED 25 for adults and AED 12 for juniors. In addition to the entry ticket, you can also book an ‘Architectural Craftsmanship Tour‘ for AED 20.
Google Map Location: Qasr Al Watan
4. Louvre Museum
Louvre in Abu Dhabi? Yes, there is one! Well, for sure everyone has heard of the Louvre Museum of Paris but how many of you know that there is one in Abu Dhabi as well?
In Nov 2017, Abu Dhabi opened its doors to the first universal museum in the Arab world. Located in the Saadiyat Island Cultural District, the Louvre Museum is a place for all history lovers. With 8,000 square meters of galleries and 24,000 square meters in size, it’s the largest museum in the Arabian Peninsula. The beautiful architecture of the Louvre Abu Dhabi is a masterpiece in itself.
From Ramses II Pharaoh of Egypt statue to Monumental statue with two heads, Vincent Van Gogh’s 1887 self-portrait, and Young Emir Studying, the museum holds several art pieces from all over the world and comes on the list of Abu Dhabi’s top 10 attractions. The security is as high as it is at airports which shows how much they care about the artifacts.
What makes it one of the most Instagrammable places in Abu Dhabi is the futuristic dome, composed of 7,850 stars that filter light through perforations, creating a dazzling display called the ‘rain of light’. Walk beneath the dome to feel the magic of the architecture.
How to get to Louvre Abu Dhabi
Take the direct bus route 094 which stops right in front of the Louvre Museum (Saadiyat Island). It takes around 30 mins and costs between $1 – $3.
Best time to visit Louvre Abu Dhabi
It is best to visit here when it opens considering Louvre is a popular museum. Even people who don’t like museums often end up visiting here because of its reputation. Also, to take the picture beneath the dome, you would want to be the first few people there.
Opening Hours
Louvre Abu Dhabi opening hours: 10:00 am to 08:00 pm on Tuesday and Wednesday and 10:00 am to 10:00 pm on Thursday and Friday. It is closed on Monday. The hours might differ on festivals like Ramadan and Eid.
Cost to Visit
The ticket price is 63 AED (17 USD) for adults and can be bought at the time of visiting the museum but it is highly recommended to skip the line and book your tickets in advance.
Google Map Location: Louvre Abu Dhabi
5. Emirates Palace
Emirates Palace hotel is a dazzling luxury 5-star hotel that would make you go in awe as soon as you will lay your eyes on it. Though it’s a hotel, looking at the security, the gates, and the grandiose front with manicured gardens and fountains will make you feel like you have stepped into a palace. It costs a whopping 3 million dollars to construct this hotel and you will be bedazzled by all things golden inside.
The famous photo spot at Emirates Palace hotel is the fountain area & right in front of the fountain area (on the opposite side road), you can see Abu Dhabi Skyline. And just to give you an idea of luxury here, head to Le Cafe and you can even enjoy a golden cappuccino with real gold flakes. Super crazy, right? It’s definitely one of the most Instagrammable places in Abu Dhabi and one of the most luxurious hotels in the world.
How to get to Emirates Palace
The closest station to Emirates Palace is Corniche St / Emirates Palace Hotel from bus 34 and is 5 mins walk away. You can also take bus 7 to reach the Emirates Palace.
Best time to visit Emirates Palace
Expect a lot of people taking pictures at the front entrance of the building so try to be the first one to enter the main gate around 9 AM and rush towards the fountain area.
Opening Hours
Though it can be visited at any time of the day but talking from my personal experience, it really depends upon the guard if he can let you enter early in the morning or even at around 8 am. They generally open the gate to visitors at 9 am.
Cost to Visit
It is free to visit the Emirates Palace but you will only be able to access the lobbies and certain exhibitions as all the other areas are reserved for the hotel guests. If you want to experience luxury at its finest & explore all the other areas then I highly recommend booking your stay at Emirates palace hotel.
Google Map Location: Emirates Palace
6. The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi
If we are talking about Instagrammable places in Abu Dhabi then the mention of the Ritz Carlton has to be there. This luxury 5-star hotel has a view of Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque from many places including the gardens, balconies, and the private beach making it one of the best photography spots in Abu Dhabi.
The architecture is modern mixed with Middle Eastern interiors, and huge chandeliers, and the view of the Grand Canal will leave you speechless. This hotel is also a great spot for watching the sunsets overlooking the mosque. Unfortunately, you can only access the photo spots if you are a guest of the hotel so I highly recommend booking a stay to avoid disappointment.
How to get to Ritz Carlton
If you are coming to stay at the hotel then ask for a pickup or take a taxi. If you are not a guest at the hotel then you can try your luck after you visit the Sheikh Zayed Mosque since it’s close to the mosque.
Cost to Visit
As mentioned, only the guests are allowed to enter the hotel so the best advice is to book a room with the hotel. But since many hotels these days allow people to enter with or without a cost to take pictures, there is no harm in asking them at the reception or mailing them in advance when you plan to visit.
Google Map Location: The Ritz-Carlton
7. Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi
Another hotel that makes it to the list of Instagrammable places in Abu Dhabi is this luxury hotel, Shangri La that’s located on a private beach offering really amazing views of Sheikh Zayed Mosque. The whole property has endless possibilities for photography but the main attraction is the pool as it offers views of the Grand Mosque across the canal.
One more amazing thing about Shangri-La Abu Dhabi is the Abra rides they offer to help guests travel through the waterways of the Qaryat Al Beri complex. It’s one of a kind experience that shouldn’t be missed. Click here to check the availability.
How to get to Shangri-La
The best would be to take a taxi but there is also a bus connecting Qaryat Al Beri with the Corniche and downtown. It is only a 15-minute drive from Abu Dhabi International Airport.
Google Map Location: Shangri La, Abu Dhabi
8. Liwa Oasis
Visiting the Middle East would be incomplete without a trip to the desert so Liwa Oasis will let you enjoy the tranquility and vastness of a desert. Located to the south of Abu Dhabi, Liwa Oasis is an offbeat place and one of the finest escapes from the city. This oasis area consists of around 50 villages. Imagine picture-perfect dunes that change color as the sky changes color. It certainly is one of the most quaint experiences and one of the most Instagrammable places in Abu Dhabi.
Liwa Oasis is famous for camel rides, dune bashing/desert safari, a balloon ride over the vast desert, and a break from all the sightseeing making it one of the best photography spots in Abu Dhabi. The nearby Moreeb dune, 22 kilometers is 300 meters (980 feet) high and is one of the largest dunes in the world and one of the top things to do in Liwa.
How to get to Liwa Oasis
Since it’s located 250km from Abu Dhabi which is around 3 hrs drive so it’s better to rent a car so that you can have a great experience. From Dubai, it will take you around 4 hours to reach Liwa.
If you are keen on using public transport then the bus lines X60 and X62 are 2 options and the closest bus stations to Liwa Oasis are: Shabiya Road / New Market is 267 meters away, 4 min walk, and E45 / Madinat Zayed Bus Station is 365 meters away around 6 min walk.
Where to Stay in Liwa
There are not many options to stay in Liwa so it is better to have your accommodation booked in advance. If you want to have an authentic experience in the desert but with all the comforts of a hotel then Liwa nights is a perfect place for it. It offers glamping where you stay in a bedouin tent that includes breakfast, lunch & dinner.
There are other tents and campgrounds too but they are very basic. A few hotels in Liwa including the Liwa Hotel in Muzayri, and the Tilal Liwa Hotel, are run by the government of Abu Dhabi. However, if you are after luxury and want to feel like royalty in the desert then look no beyond the Anantara Qasr Al Sarab Desert resort.
Google Map Location: Liwa Oasis
9. Corniche Beach
Corniche Beach is one of those instagrammable places in Abu Dhabi that offers great photo opportunity but also a fun time. It’s a great place for anyone who wants to enjoy the turquoise waters and soft white sand. This pristine public beach is popular with locals and tourists alike. Come and soak up the sunshine while enjoying a view of the picturesque Arabian Gulf! Sunsets are also fantastic here and is a great time to take pictures.
How to get to Corniche Beach
You can get here by car, taxi or bus. If you are choosing public transport to get to Corniche. beach then the closest station closest stations to Corniche Beach Park are: Hamdan St / Sultan Bin Zayed St is 126 meters away, 2 min walk. Sultan Bin Zayed St / Khalifa St is 258 meters away, 4 min walk. Khalifa Bin Zayed St / Fatima Bint Mubarak St is 487 meters away, 7 min walk.
Best Time to Visit
You can visit anytime to enjoy the beach but sunset is a really amazing time to take photos.
Opening Hours
Corniche beach is open at all times however you can only swim till sunset.
Cost to Visit
The entrance is AED 10 for adults and AED 5 for children. Kids under five go free and you have to pay AED 25 per sun lounger if you need one.
10. Eastern Mangrove National Park
One of Abu Dhabi’s newest attractions that opened in January 2020, Mangrove National Park covers 19 sq km of protected coastal mangrove forests and is protected by the Environment Agency Abu Dhabi. It’s a natural wonder that’s home to hundreds of birds, plants, and other species and is a perfect place for all nature lovers.
You can enjoy kayaking, stand-up paddleboard, or a boat in the pristine waters using one of the operators stationed at the marina on the Eastern Mangrove Promenade. The Mangrove National Park does not allow food and beverages inside its premises so you might want to have your breakfast or lunch before you go out to explore the park.
NOTE: There is a walkway inside the national park & it has a maximum holding capacity. If the number of visitors exceeds then you have to wait for the people to come out before the authorities will let you in.
You can get more info about Mangrove National Park here.
How to get to Mangrove National Park
This newest attraction on Jubail Island is located between Saadiyat Island and Yas Island and opened to the public on January 30. The location can be accessed coming from Yas Island or Dubai or in the other direction from downtown Abu Dhabi and Saadiyat Island. It is best to take a taxi as this place is on the outskirts.
Search for Jubail Island on your GPS and once you arrive follow signs for Mangrove Park.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit the Mangrove National Park is the summer months between April to July to spot rare species like greater flamingos. But in general, visiting the park in the morning is a great choice as you get enough time to explore it.
Opening Hours
The walkway is open daily from 10 am to 12 am.
Cost to Visit
It’s free of charge to visit but the kayaking & other tours are chargeable.
Google Map Location: Mangrove National Park
Map of all the Instagrammable Places in Abu Dhabi
Where to Stay in Abu Dhabi?
As you can already tell from the above-mentioned list of Instagrammable places in Abu Dhabi that the city has no shortage of stunning hotels. You can easily find hotels of all budgets here, however, you will not find any hostels or motels.
If you are a family then staying at Yas Island has more benefits as this area has many family-friendly hotels and fun attractions like Ferrari World, Warner Bros World & more. Click here to check the hotels at Yas Island.
You can see the full list of hotels in Abu Dhabi to check what is best suited for you but here are my recommendations for every budget.
LUXURY HOTEL – St Regis Abu Dhabi Corniche
Located in Abu Dhabi’s Corniche, when it comes to luxury, St Regis Abu Dhabi really knows what it’s doing. It’s signature Abu Dhabi suite which is positioned on a sky bridge high above the city is the epitome of luxury. 3 swimming pools, beachfront, bar, Spa, and valet parking are just a few of the amenities of this hotel.
MID-RANGE HOTEL – Fairmont Bab Al Bahr
Located across the water from Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Fairmont is very nicely located. If you’re staying on a Gold-level floor, you can expect personalized services and amenities like complimentary breakfast, evening drinks and nibbles, laundry services, and dedicated lounges and check-in areas.
BUDGET HOTEL – Saray Deluxe Hotel Apartments
Situated in Abu Dhabi, 9 km from Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Saray Deluxe Hotel Apartments features accommodation with a restaurant, free private parking, an outdoor swimming pool, and a fitness center. The accommodation also offers a sauna.
Final Thoughts
Abu Dhabi is the second most populous and popular city in UAE after Dubai and though it is an impressive city with an amazing skyline and architecture, it is also quaint and not too crowded. Apart from all the Instagrammable places in Abu Dhabi, there are also a lot of things to do in Abu Dhabi for people of all ages and interests.
Even if you can only spare a day to see the highlights of Abu Dhabi then booking a guided tour is the best as the city is worth visiting.
Interested in knowing more about UAE? Don’t miss these posts.
15 Most Instagrammable Places in Dubai
A Complete Guide to Visiting Grand Mosque Abu Dhabi
Best Things to do in Abu Dhabi
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Wow! Abu Dhabi is so beautiful! I need to see that mosque and the Liwa Oasis is so beautiful, I actually didn’t know it existed in that area. Overall, the UAE is definitely a destination I want to visit in the near future. Great guide Suvarna! 🙂
I’m always on the hunt for some Instagrammable locations! These are all so beautiful and unlike anything I have seen before on my travels – saving for my trip to Abu Dhabi!
Amazing Suvarna! I have been invited at a wedding there at the end of 2021 so I might actually go there this year! Your article made me even more excited to visit and will be so useful!
That is an amazing post, Suvarna. You are making me feel like visiting Abu Dhabi now right away 🙂
I have never been to Abu Dhabi, but your photos make me want to go one day. It’s great you’ve covered all these instagrammable places, I love finding IG spots everywhere I go. Thank you for sharing 🙂
I’m always looking for great places to add to our family bucket list and from your pictures this looks like one of those places. Thanks for the great recommendations on the best place to get photos in Abu Dhabi for our “hopefully” trip.
I had heard of the grand mosque but that’s it! Haha I hadn’t heard of or seen these other beautiful places in Abu Dhabi! It’s a great great list and one I’ll be trying to tick off when I do visit the UAE.
Okay, I want to stay at the Emirates Palace Hotel. These places look fairytale-like unreal. What a place this is, in the middle of the desert. It looks absolutely stunning
Beautiful pictures! I had a layover here once and wish I booked a longer layover so that I could explore! Oh well, next time 🙂