The United Arab Emirates is one of the many destinations which offers a variety of attractions for tourists to visit and once you reach the UAE, it will be like you are in a whole other world. Among the seven emirates, while everyone hypes about Dubai for its versatility, one should never forget the capital city of the UAE. Abu Dhabi is not just the capital of the UAE but also a place of rich cultural and historical importance. Being the largest and second-most populous city of the seven emirates, it stands as a home to several attractions from mosques to theme parks. Apart from this, the best thing about Abu Dhabi is that it also lets one experience several free things to do. This one among the many reasons that makes it unique and distinctive to choose Abu Dhabi over Dubai.

Also read: Abu Dhabi vs Dubai – Where To Go On Your Next UAE Holiday?

Sunrise in Abu Dhabi — Photo by Emma Van Sant on Unsplash

Top free things to do in Abu Dhabi

Sometimes when we want to explore the most out of a city, our wallet might not support. At times, we would start looking for the best free things to do. You know what? Abu Dhabi has plenty of such attractions that you could visit for free. Lets now have a look at the top 10 things to include on your to-do list in Abu Dhabi for free.

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
Emirates Palace
Heritage Village
The Mina Markets
A day at Corniche
Qasr Al Hosn
Yas Marina Circuit
Al Wathba Track
Film in Manarat Al Saadiyat
Al Bateen Beach

Also read: Top 15 Places in Abu Dhabi That are a Must Visit in 2020

1. Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is one of the most popular mosques in the world. The mosque is built with pure marbles and stands as an iconic place attracting a huge number of tourists. Featuring 82 domes and 1000 columns, this beautiful piece of art and architecture surely deserves to be on the top of the best free things to do in Abu Dhabi.

Also read: Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque – Abu Dhabi’s Crown Jewel

2. Emirates Palace

The hotel popularly called a palace because of the amazing sight it really holds. Said to be the most luxurious in the entire UAE, it is also one of the best places to have the golden cappuccino. Though it took around 3 billion for the construction of this building, it allows the tourists to just admire its beauty for free. Kindly note that you will be allowed to visit only the lobby and outdoor courtyard which is nevertheless enough to leave you in awe.

3. Heritage Village

If you are a person who loves old treasures, then you would for sure love this place. Here, you will be able to see palm leaf houses, Bedouin tents with campfires and stone huts. Being home to a few souvenirs and potteries, this is said to be a recreation of an Emirati village. You will also be able to see Arabian horses and camels. If you make it at the right time, you may get to watch falconry demonstrations as well. Make sure you visit this place and it would surely be a feel-good experience for anyone.

Also read: 10 Day Trips From Abu Dhabi: Best of UAE

A picture of the entrance of heritage village in Abu Dhabi — Image Credits: Google Images

4. The Mina Markets

The Mina Souk is one of the traditional markets in Mina Zayed Port. Right from selling traditional mattresses to fruits and vegetables, it becomes one of the best souks for shopping. Being located near the port gives it an amazing sight, thus just walking through the market itself can be one of the fun things to do in Abu Dhabi.

5. A day at Corniche

If you are tired of the busy and buzzing places, Have a relaxing day at Corniche which can turn out to be beautiful and exciting. When I said beautiful, I meant sitting at one of the benches and falling in love with the beauty of the beach. To add more fun and make it exciting, you can walk down the promenade and cycle. While you are visiting, make sure you plan it in the evening to witness an amazing sunset.

Sunset at the Corniche Beach — Image Credits: Google Images

6. Qasr Al Hosn

Being on the list of top things to do, is the Qasr Al-Hosn, the ancient stone watchtower in Abu Dhabi. This serves the purpose of commanding the coastal trade routes and protecting the settlements. Apart from this, it also serves as a home to the rulers and seat of the government. This has now become a tourist destination for one to look at the relics and artefacts. Kindly note that you will have to pay if you are planning to visit the inside the fort, other than the artists’ area.

Qasr Al Hosn in Abu Dhabi — Image Credits: Google Images

7. Yas Marina Circuit

Here comes one of the best places for free fitness in Abu Dhabi. Visit this place to cycle or run around the motorsport circuits on three nights of the week. Stay fit at the Yas Marina Circuit with beautiful lights all over the place!

StratYAS – Sunday night from 6 PM
TrainYAS – Tuesday night from 6 PM
GoYAS – Only for Ladies – Wednesday night from 6 PM

Also read: Top 5 Shopping Malls in Abu Dhabi

Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi — Image Credits: Google Images

8. Al Wathba Track

One of the relaxing things to do for free in Abu Dhabi is a day of cycling at Al Wathba Track. It is open any time of the day to offer a splendid cycling experience. Do not worry about riding in the night as you will have solar-powered lights along the road. Moreover, to witness some beautiful views, cycle during the time of dawn or dusk.

Also read: Souks of Abu Dhabi – Modern Amenities with the Traditional Charm

9. Film in Manarat Al Saadiyat

Watching a movie is one of the fun things to do in Abu Dhabi for free. It is a treat for all the Hollywood lovers with movies starring legends like Gregory Peck, Ingrid Bergman and many more. They even screen some beautifully restored classics which is loved by many people. It is surely a must-visit when you are visiting Abu Dhabi.

10. Al Bateen Beach

Al Bateen Beach is probably one of the best places to visit in Abu Dhabi for free. Not just to admire its beauty but also enjoy the best food available near the beach and experience some amazing activities like fishing. And the best part about visiting this beach is that, its completely free. Pay a visit to this beautiful place and build your own sandcastle!

Also read: Warner Bros. World In Abu Dhabi: Things to Know Before Visiting

The above are only the top 10 of many things that you could do in Abu Dhabi for free. There are lots of other places to explore in this beautiful city once you make it. While you are visiting Abu Dhabi, never miss trying out these as you might regret it later. To plan a trip to Abu Dhabi, visit the website of Pickyourtrail and check out some packages to Abu Dhabi. We will help you customize it in the best way possible. We will also make sure you receive continued support via the Mobile App to help you have a great vacation.

Happy travelling!