Topknot Travels | Abu Dhabi
Exploring Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi gave our family an amazing two-night escape filled with culture and adventure. It’s only about an hour’s drive from Dubai on a smooth, well-paved road, and we actually enjoyed the drive! Compared to Dubai, Abu Dhabi felt more about celebrating culture than impressing with flash, and we loved that vibe.
Where We Stayed in Abu Dhabi
We stayed at the Sofitel Abu Dhabi Corniche, and wow—what a great spot! Our stay included breakfast (not sure if that’s standard or just how we booked), and we reserved a suite but got upgraded on arrival—score! Even better, we had Club level access, which meant afternoon snacks and drinks for a couple of hours each day. The location was super convenient, too.
What We Did in Abu Dhabi
Ferrari World Theme Park
This indoor theme park on Yas Island was a hit! We got there around 11 a.m., and the lines were pretty long, but we still managed to ride a few attractions. Everything was spotless, and the kids had a blast. Our car-loving boys were in heaven!
Warner Brothers Theme Park
Also on Yas Island, this park was a total win. Learning from our Ferrari World visit, we arrived right when it opened at 10 a.m. (actually, a couple of minutes before) and got to watch them turn on the lights—so cool! We knocked out six rides by noon, but since a lot of them were simulators, we started feeling a little queasy and decided to take a break. Heads up: it’s chilly inside, so bring a sweater!
Cultural and Spiritual Highlights
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
This place is jaw-dropping! Entry is free, but you need to reserve tickets online in advance. It took us about 45-50 minutes from parking to walking inside, including security. Tip: park near the souk entrance across the street for easier access. Ladies, make sure your arms and legs are covered. I wore a jacket and long pants, but I still needed to cover my head—luckily, scarves are sold right by security for about $5.
Abrahamic Family House
I was so excited to visit here. The mission of the Abrahamic Family House builds on that historical legacy and is inspired by concepts laid out in The Document on Human Fraternity signed by His Holiness Pope Francis and the Grand Imam of Al Azhar His Eminence Dr. Ahmed El-Tayeb in 2019, and particularly the belief that open dialogue, understanding, and acceptance are paramount to addressing the many challenges humanity faces today. It’s a serene space with a mosque, Catholic church, and synagogue, all promoting unity and understanding. The whole place just felt peaceful and meaningful—a beautiful reminder of how connected we all are. You can also book tickets for this beforehand, but if none are available, you can enter as a worshipper.
Louvre Abu Dhabi
This museum is stunning! It’s modern but still manages to feel grand. Chloe loved the kids’ section so much we could barely get her to leave. There are cafés and comfy spots to relax, and buying tickets online ahead of time saves some hassle.
Iconic Hotels and Good Eats
Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental
Talk about fancy! We had lunch at Episodes, and it was delicious. We didn’t have a reservation, so we waited about 35-40 minutes, but it was worth it. Next time, I’d book ahead—there are so many cool dining options there. This is where they have the coffee topped with gold leaf. We ordered it
MOTN Festival
We lucked out with this vibrant street festival. It was packed with rides, food stands, and activities for the kids—a super fun bonus to our trip.
One for Next Time
We didn’t make it to Qasr Al Watan, the UAE’s presidential palace, but it’s definitely on our list for the future. It looks breathtaking and full of history.
Abu Dhabi gave us the perfect mix of culture, adventure, and relaxation. It felt authentic and welcoming, and we made so many great memories. If you’re in Dubai, definitely plan a day or two in Abu Dhabi as well. Can’t wait to go back!
xoxo
