14 Best Things to Do in Abu Dhabi cntraveler.com

Abu Dhabi might have a reputation as a business city, but there's no shortage of playtime activities in the capital of the United Arab Emirates. Abu Dhabi is full of the sorts of things you may be expecting: jaw-dropping modern architecture, historic mosques, over-the-top shopping experiences. But the city is also full of activities that might not immediately come to mind for first time travelers: Eco-minded tours that immerse travelers in tangled mangroves, seaplane tours offering a falcon's-eye-view of the city, and serene spas out in the middle of the biggest sand desert in the world. And while you're exploring, don't overlook the city's underrated parks and palm-lined promenades, which offer even more scenic places to explore—weather permitting, of course.