... der 7 days ist auch nicht viel mehr eingefallen.
Mich wuerde noch dieser 'Iranian Souq' interessieren - daneben soll auch der Fisch- und Gemuese-Markt liegen.
(@PeWe - Wo ist das - und lohnt sich das?)
Explorer top 10
aus 7days Monday 7 Dec, 2009
1 The Corniche
Abu Dhabi’s Corniche is a masterpiece of urban planning, and its six kilometres of walking and biking paths connect four gorgeous parks. Each park is themed; there is a Family Park with creative climbing structures, an Urban Park with a beautiful garden, a Lake Park, and a Formal Park, known for its architecture and maze. Bikes can be rented from the Hiltonia Club for dhs20 per day and there are several restaurants and cafes where you can sip a coffee while watching the city roll by.
2 Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
Featuring 80 domes, more than 1,000 columns, 24 carat gold-plated chandeliers and the world largest hand-woven Persian carpet, this architectural work of art is a must for any visitor. The mosque is one of the few in the country open to non-Muslims, and free hour-long tours are available Sunday to Thursday at 10am. The mosque is closed to non-Muslims on Fridays. For information on tours and visiting hours, call 02 444 0444 or visit
http://www.visitabudhabi.ae
3 Dhow Building at Al Bateen Wharf
Located in one of Abu Dhabi’s most affluent areas, the Bateen dhow yard is well worth a visit, with its evocative smells of freshly cut African and Indian teak. Craftsmen use traditional skills to build the dhows and racing hulls that can be seen in competitions off the Corniche. If it’s not too busy, the craftsmen will happily share the intricacies of their art. The yard is open every day except Friday, and the best time to visit is around 5pm.
4 Heritage Village
The picturesque Heritage Village is situated on the Breakwater and offers an interesting glimpse into the country’s past. The open museum presents traditional aspects of the traditional Bedouin way of life and includes a campfire with coffee pots, a goats’ hair tent, a well and a falaj irrigation system. Craftsmen demonstrating metal work, pottery and weaving an spinning are happy to share their skills. There’s also a small spice shop and a beautiful waterside restaurant. Contact them on 02 681 4455.
5 Corniche Beach Park
The latest addition to the city’s renovated Corniche, the beach park is overwhelmingly popular with both residents and visitors. The 2km stretch of beach extends along Corniche Road from the Hilton Hotel to beyond Al Khaleej Al Arabi St, where the main entrance is located. There are plenty of lifeguards and showers and the park itself is incredibly clean. Try to visit during the week when it’s possible to snag one of the 170 beach umbrellas. Admission is a cheap and cheerful dhs5 for families and dhs10 for single males.
6 Gold Souk
Though not as large as the one in Dubai, the Gold Souk in Madinat Zayed is worth a visit for its garishly ostentatious wedding jewellery. Bring in your own design and the shops will make jewellery to order. If you need a small keepsake, you can have a necklace with your name in Arabic in silver or gold made in about a week. The back streets surrounding the Gold Souk are great for window shopping and the shops sell a bizarre mix of musical instruments, electrical appliances and knick-knacks.
7 Qasr Al Hosn
Qasr Al Hosn (also known as the Old Fort or the White Fort) is the oldest building in Abu Dhabi and dates back to 1793. Situated in the centre of Abu Dhabi, the fort has undergone a series of renovations over the years. Although there aren’t any guides, you can walk around the exterior and marvel at the incredibly high walls. The site is undergoing renovations, but you should still be able to get close enough to be amazed.
8 Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital
The Falcon Hospital has been treating falcons and other bird species for over ten years and now offers tours. The two-hour tours are the best way to get up close to the birds and learn about an important aspect of Emirati culture. Tours must be booked in advance by calling 02 575 5155 or visiting falconhospital.com. The tours cost dhs170 or visitors can opt for a more extensive three-hour tour that includes lunch and costs dhs220.
9 Kayak Tours Through The Eastern Mangroves
Until recently, the incredible mangrove forest lining Abu Dhabi Island was only accessible if you owned your own kayak. Thankfully, Noukhada Adventure Company (
http://www.noukhada.ae) now offers a variety of eco-tours through this unique eco-system. The basic two-hour tours cost dhs150 per person, including kayak, paddle and life-jacket rental. Call 050 721 8928 for more information.
10 Emirates Palace
Emirates Palace is one of Abu Dhabi’s top cultural and entertainment centres. It stages several international music concerts each year, ranging from the annual Abu Dhabi Classics season (
http://www.abudhabiclassics.com) to world-renowned pop artists Coldplay, The Killers and Elton John. Emirates Palace also hosts major art exhibitions that have featured the likes of Pablo Picasso. abudhabitourism.ae