10 Epic Instagrammable Places in Abu Dhabi You Can’t Miss

There’s no shortage of Instagrammable places in Abu Dhabi. From luxury hotels to beautiful mosques and futuristic skyscrapers, the cityscape is a photographer’s dream.

If you’re looking for places to take Instagram-worthy photos in Abu Dhabi, look no further! In this post, you will find some of the most photogenic spots in the city.

Are you visiting Abu Dhabi from Dubai? Then you might be interested in reading my one day in Abu Dhabi itinerary as well as an in-depth article about the most Instagrammable places in Dubai.

*Disclosure: This post contains a few affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through my link.*

Most Instagrammable Places in Abu Dhabi

1. Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque was the main reason I wanted to visit Abu Dhabi for so long. And let me tell you something: it is even more beautiful than it looks in the pictures! This mosque is definitely one of the most instagrammable places in Abu Dhabi.

The dress code is really strict for women: you must wear loose-fitting, ankle-length trousers or skirts and have your arms covered. If you’re not properly dressed you will be asked to wear an abaya and you won’t be able to enter without it.

Back in the day, they used to offer free abaya rentals at the entrance (like the blue one I’m wearing in the photos below) but unfortunately, this has changed and you can no longer get a free abaya.

There are shops near the entrance where you can buy one or you can shop online before your trip.

Although the mosque is really one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever seen, taking photos here is really tough. We didn’t manage to get there for opening time so it was already crowded.

Moreover, there was a marked one-way path for the visitors, and the guards kept rushing us to go forward every time we stopped for a photo. Definitely not the most peaceful experience but it was still totally worth it!

As it’s one of the most popular places in Abu Dhabi, it’s really easy to get here by car or taxi. I recommend going early in the morning or late in the evening to avoid the crowds and get better lighting for your photos.

It’s free to enter but you need to register at the entrance before going in.

Location on Google Maps: Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

2. Wahat Al Karama

Wahat Al Karama is a memorial dedicated to the Emirati martyrs who sacrificed their lives in the service of their country. The landmark was opened in 2016 and is strategically placed directly opposite the Grand Mosque, making it one of the most stunning Instagram spots in Abu Dhabi.

Many people think that this spot is inside the Mosque but I’m here to tell you that it’s not! It’s located right across the highway, meaning you don’t need to go inside the Mosque and you don’t need to adhere to the strict dress code either.

If you have a rental car, simply search for Wahat Al Karama on Google Maps (or use the below link) and drive your car there. You will find a huge parking spot around this place so it’s very easy to park.

If you don’t have a car, taking a taxi is your best option to get there but there are also shuttle buses from the Mosque.

As this place is not as popular as some of the other Instagrammable places in Abu Dhabi, you can go basically any time of the day.

If you want to make some really epic Instagram photos, sunset is the best time for that! The sun sets right behind the Mosque and the whole view is absolutely magical.

Location on Google Maps: Wahat Al Karama

3. Qasr al Watan

Qasr al Watan is a relatively new landmark inside the Presidential Palace that was opened to the public in March 2019. The palace already looks incredible from the outside but wait until you step inside!

It’s definitely one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever seen, no pictures do justice to how beautiful it is in real life. If you’re looking for the best photography spots in Abu Dhabi, you simply can’t miss this one!

It’s important to know that according to the dress code, you need to cover your knees and shoulders. We asked the guards and it was okay to remove my jacket for photos but other than that, you need to dress accordingly.

The palace is open daily between 11 am and 7 pm (closes at 5 pm during Ramadan). Of course, opening time is the best if you want to get some photos without the crowd. But since it’s a huge place, with a little patience you can easily take pictures during the day too!

Another great option is to go 1-2 hours before closing time. This way you can explore the palace and also see the Palace in Motion light show which takes place at 7:30 pm (note that it’s not available during Ramadan).

Access to the light show is already included in the tickets which cost AED 65 ($18 US). You can either buy them online or at the ticket counter.

Location on Google Maps: Qasr Al Watan

4. Emirates Palace

The Emirates Palace is one of the most iconic buildings in Abu Dhabi and it’s definitely one of the best places to take photos. It’s so beautiful that it looks like a real-life Disney castle!

The palace was built for a whopping $3 billion and it’s one of the most expensive hotels in the world. Although it’s definitely one of the best places to stay in Abu Dhabi, the good news is that you don’t need to be a guest of the hotel to take pictures of the exterior and wander around the halls inside.

One of the unique selling points of Emirates Palace is its signature gold cappuccino with 24-carat gold flakes on top of the foam. This fancy drink is served at Le Cafe and even though it’s definitely a splurge (it costs AED 90/$24.5 US), it’s a total vibe and I can only recommend trying it.

One thing to note is that if you want to stroll around the hotel, you need to be dressed properly and cover your knees and shoulders. You don’t need to wear an abaya as I did in the below photos, dressing modestly is enough.

Location on Google Maps: Emirates Palace

5. Louvre Abu Dhabi

You might be surprised, but there’s a Louvre in Abu Dhabi too! While it’s significantly smaller than the one in Paris, it’s an absolute must-visit, especially if you’re a museum lover.

The whole building looks so futuristic, and when the sunlight streams through the intricate roof design, it creates the most magical patterns of light and shadow. It’s honestly a photographer’s dream.

One of the most iconic photo spots is the serene water feature under the dome (check out the first photo below). The good news is that it’s actually really easy to get this shot because people usually form a line to take turns.

If you’re visiting during the day you might need to wait for a while but it’s totally worth it. You can also get some pretty nice shots from the outside of the museum too!

The museum is open every day except on Mondays. The adult ticket costs AED 63 ($17 US) and you can either buy them online to skip the queue or at the ticket counter.

Location on Google Maps: Louvre Abu Dhabi

6. Aptitude Cafe

If you’re planning to visit the Louvre Abu Dhabi, make sure you also stop by Aptitude Cafe – a hidden gem that’s quickly becoming one of the most Instagrammable spots in the city.

This chic little cafe sits right in front of the Louvre, with stunning views of the museum’s iconic dome and the serene waterfront. They serve delicious coffee and pastries, perfect for a quick break from exploring the city.

The outdoor seating area is where all the magic happens. Whether you’re sipping on a latte or posing with the Louvre in the background, Aptitude Cafe is a must-visit for any Instagram lover.

Location on Google Maps: Aptitude Cafe

7. Observation Deck at 300 (Etihad Towers)

For one of the best panoramic views of Abu Dhabi, head straight to the Observation Deck at 300 in the Etihad Towers. Located on the 74th floor, this is the highest vantage point in the city, and trust me, the view is insane!

You have two options for tickets. You can either book a table at the restaurant, in this case, the entrance is AED 90 ($24.5 US) per person and includes an AED 50 ($13.5 US) voucher to spend on food and drinks.

If you don’t want to have a meal, you can also just buy an observation deck ticket at the entrance for AED 35 ($9.5 US). Even if you buy this option, you can still get some food or drinks later if you change your mind!

The restaurant is open daily from 10 am to 8 pm, but I recommend going around golden hour so you can see the city during both day and night.

Location on Google Maps: Observation Deck at 300

8. La Corniche

If you’re looking for a spot that’s perfect for both daytime and golden hour photos, La Corniche is a must. This stunning waterfront stretches for 8 kilometers along Abu Dhabi’s coastline and offers endless photo opportunities.

Whether you want to capture the iconic Abu Dhabi skyline, take a stroll along the Arabian Gulf, or snap some photos with the city’s famous landmarks in the background, La Corniche has it all.

The best time to visit for photos is during golden hour or right after sunset when the light is perfect and creates a magical glow over the city.

Location on Google Maps: La Corniche

9. The Ritz-Carlton, Abu Dhabi

The last two recommendations on this list are certainly not for budget travelers, but they are definitely worth mentioning. I will recommend two of my favorite hotels in Abu Dhabi not only because they are absolutely stunning but also because they offer some amazing photo spots!

First up is The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi which is located right by Al Maqta Creek and it’s definitely one of the most Instagrammable places in Abu Dhabi. The hotel itself is really beautiful but the best part is the location!

The Ritz-Carlton is located in a really scenic area and there are plenty of photo opportunities around the hotel. On one side, you can get a really nice view of the Grand Canal while the other side looks directly over the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.

Although you can see the Mosque practically everywhere from the property, they even have a dedicated ‘Instagram spot’ where you can frame your photos with a beautiful archway.

It’s worth staying at the hotel purely for the views alone but as you expect from a Ritz-Carlton, they definitely deliver the luxury feeling in every aspect.

If you’re interested in staying at the hotel, you can check the prices and availability here or you can read my full review here.

Location on Google Maps: The Ritz-Carlton, Abu Dhabi

10. Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi

Last but certainly not least, we have the stunning Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri which offers some of the most luxurious and Instagrammable experiences in Abu Dhabi.

Not only does this hotel have a beautiful private beach, but it also has stunning infinity pools overlooking the Grand Canal and Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.

The architecture of the hotel is a mix of traditional Arabian design with modern touches, making it a unique and photogenic spot to visit or stay at. And if you want to capture even more amazing shots, you can take a traditional abra boat ride along the canal for an authentic Abu Dhabi experience.

If you’re interested in staying at the hotel, you can check the prices and availability here or you can read my full review here.

Location on Google Maps: Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi

Map of the Most Instagrammable Places in Abu Dhabi

To help you plan your trip and find the most Instagrammable places in Abu Dhabi, I’ve created a map with all the locations mentioned in this article. Feel free to save it for later or use it as a reference during your trip!

How to use this map: This map is fully interactive, so you can move around, zoom in/zoom out, and click on the icons. If you want to see a larger map, click on the bracket in the upper right corner. To see more details and the different layers, click on the tab in the upper left corner. If you want to save it for later, click on the star icon next to the name of the map. Then simply open Google Maps either on your desktop or phone, go to ‘Saved’/’Maps’, and open the map whenever you need it.