Any absolutely 'must sees' in Abu Dhabi?

[Aridane]

Having a stopover / beach break in Abu Dhabi (staying in Saadiyat Island).

I'll take a city tour which will take in the amazing looking main mosque?

Are there any 'must dos'?

I was thinking of perhaps a Friday brunch somewhere - though not sure if they are as big a deal in Abu Dhabi as Dubai.

There is also a mangrove tour but as I have spent quite a bit of time in mangroves before so will probably give it a miss.

There are none. The AD Louvre branch, if you are interested in art.

And the big mosque is grotesquely vulgar inside, and notable only for its giant chandelier and the fact that it has the biggest carpet woven as a single piece in the world, if I remember rightly.

The falcon hospital! When I went a few years ago, you could book a tour where they take you behind the scenes and let you handle the birds. It was amazing.

Thanks, jarvis.

And, book, maybe I should perhaps have expressed my opening post as any suggestions for one or two things to see if I get bored of the beach?

I went - I really enjoyed the Louvre (as a non art lover!) - large, airy, spacious and well-labelled and crowd free.

And the great mosque stunningly beautiful with its white marble exteriior and internal mosaics - reminded me of the Taj Mahal in some ways. And the scale.

Didn’t manage to get to the Falcon Hospital though - maybe next time!

It's an amazing place, buzzing with life, and a culture that is completely unique.

The Louvre is amazing.

Also the best thing we did in Abu Dhabi was riding around the Formula 1 track. Every Sunday and Tuesday night they open up the track and you can cycle, walk or run around it. We timed it just as the sun was setting and the view was incredible. It’s the highlight for DS every time we go to Abu Dhabi. Yas Mall is nice as well if you fancy a spot of shopping.

I lived in Abu Dhabi for 3 years and there are loads did brunches. The best one was at the Shangrila (not spelt properly sorry) near the mosque. You will need to book. Also the Ritz Carlton brunch is v good. Go to Ethiad Tower to the top rays bar have good views and good cocktails! Abu Dhabi is way more chilled and less pretentious than Dubai for me much better 👍🏻😆

Another vote for the Louvre and the mosque!

The airport departure lounge.

(there’s always one)

(there’s always one) who doesn't tolerate countries with staggering rates of human rights abuses.

Nothing much but lovely warm sea, malls and huge pools

The airport departure lounge

I came on the thread to see how long it would take for that comment

(I'm only jelly as you beat me to it lol)

My daughter also loved the Mosque and had a great time cycling round the F1 track.

I was thinking of perhaps a Friday brunch somewhere - though not sure if they are as big a deal in Abu Dhabi as Dubai.

They certainly are. The best one we had was at The Emirates Palace but the Intercontinental and Jumeirah Etihad Towers were amazing too. I love Abu Dhabi. We stayed at the St Regis on Saadiyat for my birthday one time. Loved it as had a proper beach with big waves.

@YgritteSnow

I was at the Park Hyatt on Saadiyat Island and this September return to Saadiyat Island but to the St Regis! (Was tempted to term to the lovely Park Hyatt but thought I would try somewhere slightly different).

What’s it like?

I did have lunch at the Shakespeare cafe there and that seemed very nice. (Plus there seemed to be a small convenience store there which would be, et, convenient )

Theres a spinneys convenient store which is great for snacks, water, fruit. Reasonably priced and just across from the hotel but still in the same complex. Theres also a salon with very reasonably priced treatments and a dry cleaning place.

Restaurant wise theres Shakespear and Co, Koi and Le Noir restaurants.

We are staying at the St Regis now. Its lovely. I'd recommend. The rooms and bathroom are huge. Service is good.

Thank you, @PicnicPie - good to know!

To be fair, the architecture in the airport is stunning - prettiest airport I've ever been in.
Not that there's much competition.

Glad it's got a bit more interesting since i was there and it was the mosque, the tiny museum which took an hour max, and then giving up and going shopping and eating. But no plans to go back (parents lived there for a couple years), as apart from human rights I'm on prescribed codeine.

@jackparlabane - it’s lot easier now on the drugs front - for codeine, you do an online form with prescription copy and passport and doctors’ confirmation and you get the approval the next day. It’s a class 2 narcotic and you can take enough for the duration of your stay, maximum a month . I think this has only been in place for a year or so

Oh the museum - not that dreadful fake heritage open air museum with a few sad looking camels and a Bedouin tent?

Emirates palace hotel amazing afternoon tea beautiful .

I wasnt planning on going to Yas Island. Does anyone recommend? The only other things weve booked apart from the mosque which weve already done, are the Louvre, and the Emirates Palace afternoon tea followed by a visit to see Qasr Al Watan (the real palace!). Will report back....

Qasr as Watan isn’t the real palace - it’s some tacky ceremonial palace that was recently built and (despite their claims) is almost exclusively there for tourists.

Qasr Al Hosn in the city IS the original historical palace and has recently (ish) opened up to visitors and is meant to be amazing.

It also has a national children’s library in the grounds which is stunning and lots of fun.

The newly opened mangroves boardwalk on Juhail Island (nest Saadiyat) is beautiful and a lovely place to go for a peaceful walk. You can also hire kayaks.

Umm al Emarat park in the city is so lovely and well worth a visit, especially if you have kids.

I did a half day city tour on day 1 which was a really good intro / whistle stop tour - including to Yas Island (Formula 1 track, W hotel). Can provide details if you want.