In case you haven’t heard, the Coldplay concerts are this week and we’re pretty excited about it.
If you managed to get a ticket, then why not beat the evening rush trying to get to Zayed Sports City Stadium and instead try all the incredible things to do in Abu Dhabi hours before the big gig.
Doors open for the concerts at 5pm, so you’ve got no excuse to declining bags of fun over in Abu Dhabi.
If you like this: Everything you need to know about Coldplay in Abu Dhabi
Whether you’re heading through for a vacation or just the day, here are some of the best things to do in Abu Dhabi before the Coldplay gig.
Things to do in Abu Dhabi
Admire the Grand Mosque
The country’s largest mosque, if you want to do some sightseeing before the concert then you need to add this to your list.
Letting you explore everything from the minarets to the courtyard and the incredible architecture, you can take a cultural guided tour or download an e-guide to explore on your own.
Free. Sun-Thu 9am-10pm, Fri 9am-noon, 3pm-10pm. Al Rawdah, Abu Dhabi, szgmc.gov.ae (02 419 1919).
Dine in some of the city’s best restaurants
There are too many good restaurants in Abu Dhabi for you to not schedule in some decadent dining during your visit.
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Whether it’s stopping into Niri (also known as Time Out Abu Dhabi’s restaurant of the year) for some irresistible sashimi, lunching with a view over the water at La Petite Maison or tucking into a Peruvian steak at COYA, you won’t be going hungry in this city that’s for sure.
Open Sun-Thu noon-11pm; Fri-Sat noon-midnight. Mamsha Al Saadiyat, Saadiyat Island, nirirestaurant.com (02 546 8886).
La Petite Maison, Mon-Fri noon-1am, Sat-Sun 12.30pm-1am. The Galleria, Al Maryah Island, lpmrestaurants.com (02 692 9600).
COYA, Sun-Thu noon-4.15pm & 6.30pm-11.30pm, Fri 12.30pm-4.15pm, 6.30pm-12.15am, Sat 12.30pm-4.15pm, 6.30pm-11pm. The Galleria Al Maryah Island, coyarestaurant.com (02 306 7000).
Explore Warner Bros. World
This immersive indoor theme park has 29 rides all based around the most popular Warner Bros. stories. Kids (and big kids) will be in their element here and they’ll even be able to meet some of their favourite characters.
This theme park is 1.53 million square feet and some of the highlights include getting to chomp down on a Bronto burger in Fred Flintstone’s favourite diner, and exploring Gotham City with Batman in the Knight Flight ride.
From Dhs345. Sun-Mon, 10am-8pm, Tue-Thu, 11am-7pm, Fri, 11am-8pm, Sat, 10am-8pm. Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, wbworldabudhabi.com (600 511115).
Experience the Emirates Heritage Village
If you want to explore some culture before heading to the gigs, then make your way to the Heritage Village, a camp that gives and insight into Abu Dhabi’s past.
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In here you’ll find an old souk, a mosque and a traditional camp, where you can get involved in workshops and even check out the spice shop before you leave. If you pick up a souvenir, double check it’s not on the list of restricted items for the Coldplay gig if you’re heading to the concert straight after.
Free. Sat-Thu 9am-4pm, Fri 7.30am-noon, 3pm-9pm. Corniche, Abu Dhabi (02 681 4455).
Get the adrenaline pumping at Ferrari World
Home to the world’s fastest rollercoaster, this huge theme park is a big hit with fans of fast cars or thrill-seekers in general.
For some serious thrills, head to the major attraction, Formula Rossa, which reaches speeds of 240km an hour and heights of 52 metres, so you’ll certainly get a great view of the island while you’re up there too.
Dhs345 (park entry). Sun-Wed, 10pm-8pm, Thu-Fri, 11am-8pm. Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, Yas Island , ferrariworldabudhabi.com (02 496 8000).
Visit the Yas Marina Circuit
Calling all F1 fans, this is your chance to visit the iconic track (without the price tag of it being a race day).
And you don’t need huge crowds for you to have an incredible time, with everything from driving experiences to go-karting happening at the venue daily.
Prices vary. Open daily 9am-11pm, Yas Island, yasmarinacircuit.com (800 927).
Wander around the Louvre
One of the most beautiful, architecturally awe-inspiring buildings in the region also happens to be home to one of the coolest attractions for kids, too.
The Louvre Abu Dhabi Children’s Museum is a space entirely dedicated to youngsters.
Not only is all artwork displayed at the child’s eye level but there are also loads of interactive exhibits and immersive mini-experiences, as well as hands-on activities, educational workshops and changing exhibits throughout the year.
Dhs63, free for under 18s and over 60s. Open Tues-Thu 10am-6.30pm. Fri-Sun, 10am-8.30pm (varied timings for different exhibitions). Louvre Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, louvreabudhabi.ae (600 565 566).
Heading to Coldplay?
Parking for Coldplay shows in Abu Dhabi: Every spot mapped out
You can’t park at the stadium but you can get a free shuttle bus from these spots.
Staying overnight in Abu Dhabi for Coldplay? Here are 5 breakfast spots to try before heading back to Dubai
You’re gonna need all that delicious food to regain your energy.
Everything you need to know about Coldplay in Abu Dhabi: Show timings, transport, set list and more
All your questions answered in one place.
