Abu Dhabi: Private City Tour with BAPS Hindu Temple & Grand Mosque

Summary

Abu Dhabi’s vibrant city tour with temple, mosque, palace and more

You’ll step inside Abu Dhabi’s new BAPS Hindu Temple, wander through Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque’s sunlit halls, explore Emirates Palace’s opulent corridors, and taste local life at Heritage Village—all with private pickup and a local guide who knows every shortcut (and joke). Expect sensory surprises and real moments you’ll remember long after you’re home.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect to stand barefoot on cool marble in Abu Dhabi, listening to a guide explain how the BAPS Hindu Mandir was built stone by stone—each one hand-carved and shipped here. The scent of sandalwood clung to the air inside, and I caught myself staring up at the ceiling so long I almost lost the group. Our guide, Ahmed, joked that if we got lost he’d just find us by our shoes at the door. There’s something about seeing this new temple rising out of the desert that made me feel like cultures really do overlap here—not just in books.

We’d barely finished at the temple before heading for Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. It’s huge—like walking into a sea of white marble and gold. Sunlight bounced off every surface; I squinted a lot. Ahmed pointed out tiny gold calligraphy above us (I’d never have noticed), and there was this hush even with all the visitors around. Later at Emirates Palace, I tried to imagine what it would be like to stay there—gold everywhere, velvet under your hands on the banister, fountains outside catching bits of sky. I probably looked out of place taking photos of carpets instead of chandeliers.

The Heritage Village felt different—kids running around goats and camels, women weaving baskets by hand (one let me try but my fingers fumbled). Smelled like strong Arabic coffee and something sweet frying nearby. We stopped for bottled water under a palm tree because it was hotter than I thought it would be in March. Quick photo stop at Ferrari World—red roof gleaming in the sun—and then back through the Corniche where you see all these towers lined up against the water. That view sticks with me more than I expected, honestly.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Abu Dhabi cultural and landmark tour

• Visit BAPS Hindu Mandir
• Explore Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
• Tour Emirates Palace hotel
• Visit Abu Dhabi Heritage Village
• Photo stop at Ferrari World entrance

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included in this Abu Dhabi city tour?

Yes, private hotel pickup and drop-off are included in your day trip.

What is special about the BAPS Hindu Mandir on this tour?

It’s Abu Dhabi’s newly opened traditional Hindu temple—the first built using digital modeling and seismic simulation.

Can I visit Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque during this tour?

Yes, entry to Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is part of your itinerary.

Are children or infants allowed on this Abu Dhabi city tour?

Yes—infants can use prams or strollers; specialized infant seats are available.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?

The tour is wheelchair accessible for all main sites listed.

Does this private city tour include lunch?

No lunch is included; bottled water is provided during your visit.

How many travelers can join this private Abu Dhabi city tour?

The maximum group size is 7 travelers per booking.

Are there dress codes for visiting mosques on this tour?

Yes—modest clothing required: no shorts, skirts, sleeveless or tight clothes allowed inside mosques.

What’s included

Your day includes private hotel pickup and drop-off in an air-conditioned vehicle, entry to BAPS Hindu Mandir Abu Dhabi (the new Hindu temple), a guided visit to Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Center, stops at Emirates Palace and Heritage Village Abu Dhabi, bottled water along the way, a photo stop at Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, plus a scenic drive along the Corniche before returning to your hotel.