Qasr Al Hosn
Qasr Al Hosn
4.5
9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Friday
2:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
About
AL HOSN Located in downtown Abu Dhabi, Al Hosn is the original urban block of the city, a witness to the evolution of the city from a traditional pearling settlement to a modern global metropolis. Al Hosn comprises major elements: Qasr Al Hosn, Cultural Foundation, National Consultative Council, House of Artisans, Bait Al Gahwa Initiative, Water Feature and F&B. Incorporating the oldest structure in Abu Dhabi, Qasr Al Hosn is the narrator of Abu Dhabi’s past, telling stories of diplomacy, history & Emirati traditions, as well as those of the men and women who lived in the ruler’s palace. The National Consultative Council building stands as a symbol of the federalization & unity of the UAE, while House of Artisans serves to promote and preserve the tangible and intangible heritage of the UAE. Cultural Foundation represents one of the early achievements of the young nation-state – its first cultural centre, which would go on to become the home of cultural and social life in Abu Dhabi
Duration: 1-2 hours
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Top ways to experience Qasr Al Hosn
The area
How to get there
- UAE Exchange • 9 min walk
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Restaurants
1,353 within 3 miles
Attractions
93 within 6 miles
See what travelers are saying
- Rachy roo82 contributionsHeart of Abu DhabiIncredibly interesting to visit the heart of Abu Dhabi and learn if the history of this Emirate. Guide was very knowledgable. Surreal to stand in this historical fort surrounded by the modern city that has sprung up around it, in such a short time.Visited October 2023Traveled with friendsWritten October 23, 2023
- S K12 contributionsBeautiful culturally and historically - must visitThis place is a must when visiting abu dhabi, I am still shock why it isn't one of the top places on the trip advisor place of things to do in adu dhabi. But if you love hertiage and cultural then definitely visit. It was my second time but my husband's first time and he loved it too. Definitely ask about the traditional coffee experience as it is unique and a must. As everywhere in abu dhabi the staff were hospitable like no other and welcome us by saying welcome home, abu dhabi is your city too, it is your home too. How beautiful and humbling is that. Definitely visit!Visited September 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten October 25, 2023
- GAYLE L23 contributionsWorth a visitWe wanted to learn the history from Abu Dhabi and walk better place. The history of this building is phenomenal and they’ve done a really good job. I totally recommend it. We purchased tickets through GetYourGuide and that included qasr Al watan and the Louvre. Great value for money,Visited November 2023Traveled with familyWritten November 9, 2023
- barrowboy60121 contributionsWell worth a visit if you are interested in Abu Dhabi’s history & cultureI’m not sure this is on everyone’s list of places to visit in Abu Dhabi, but it should be! The fort itself has been well restored and you can walk around freely. There is an excellent exhibition, which for me was the highlight of my visit - well presented and soo much information, there is a timeline showing you how over the years AbuDhabi has developed. Close by is The House of Artisans again well work visiting with the various crafts on display, as well as the women showing you how they produce the tradition items.Visited November 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten November 30, 2023
- r2thebizelPattaya, Thailand3,607 contributionsQasr Al Hosn: SuperbBeautifully presented, kept and restored to perhaps get a feel for ‘the real UAE / Abu Dhabi’. Staff are amazing and the whole thing is incredibly well executed and leaves you with a real sense of fulfilment from the very 1st settlers to present day. Coffee ceremony in the artisan building also worth it and very affordable!Visited December 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten December 12, 2023
- Ihar BeliauskiAbu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates480 contributionsQasr Al HosnAl Hosn Park serves as a captivating testament to Abu Dhabi's transformation. Nestled within its lush surroundings, it provides a unique vantage point to witness the city's evolution, juxtaposing the past and present. The park's serene atmosphere invites contemplation, making it an ideal spot for those interested in observing Abu Dhabi's journey from its roots to its vibrant contemporary identity. A stroll through Al Hosn Park becomes a journey through time, offering a meaningful connection to the city's rich history and dynamic growth.Visited January 2023Traveled soloWritten December 20, 2023
- Jorge PhilipeIreland22 contributionsMust-visit for anyone interested in Abu Dhabi's history and cultureQasr Al Hosn is a must-visit for anyone interested in Abu Dhabi's history and culture. The fort itself is a beautiful, well-preserved piece of architecture. The displays tell the story of Abu Dhabi's evolution, from a small fishing village to a modern metropolis. The surrounding area, Al Hosn, is also worth exploring. It's a lovely park with plenty of shaded areas to relax and enjoy the views. There are also some interesting cultural buildings and a few cafes to grab a bite to eat.Visited July 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten July 27, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
467 reviews
Excellent
244
Very good
143
Average
51
Poor
17
Terrible
12
XPLORING
Johannesburg, South Africa538 contributions
Jan 2020 • Family
This palace or monument is good , unfortunately they have not kept it as original as possible. Due to the upkeep and restoration it looks quite modern with the marble and tiles that they’ve used in certain areas. There’s a few antique cars on display outside . There’s an entry fee. Easily accessible by public transport.
Written January 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
OHonoluluO
Tacoma, WA161 contributions
Feb 2021 • Couples
The oldest building in Abu Dhabi has been lovingly restored. As a past home of the ruling family and the seat of government the fort has a fascinating history. As residents and over 60, we were admitted for free and each handed a bottle of water. The museum exhibits are an excellent insight into the Emirate of Abu Dhabi and the UAE
Written February 9, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kevin D
Manchester, NH430 contributions
Feb 2020 • Family
Heard about this museum from a family member, she said the museum was great. We were not disappointed, the staff was very friendly and helpful. Our guide was great, she was knowledgeable, friendly and professional. The museum its self is excellent, we all learned a lot.
Written February 24, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ihar Beliauski
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates480 contributions
Jan 2023 • Solo
Al Hosn Park serves as a captivating testament to Abu Dhabi's transformation. Nestled within its lush surroundings, it provides a unique vantage point to witness the city's evolution, juxtaposing the past and present. The park's serene atmosphere invites contemplation, making it an ideal spot for those interested in observing Abu Dhabi's journey from its roots to its vibrant contemporary identity. A stroll through Al Hosn Park becomes a journey through time, offering a meaningful connection to the city's rich history and dynamic growth.
Written December 21, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Eddie1087
Newcastle upon Tyne, UK105 contributions
Aug 2022
It was really interesting to visit this fort and to learn about the history of Abu Dhabi. The staff were very helpful and welcoming. Someone even came out of a building to make sure we were going in the right direction! The old photographs of the fort surrounded by desert were great.
Written August 9, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
PeachesShire
Oxford, UK305 contributions
Oct 2024 • Family
I echo the sentiments of other fellow travellers that this is one of the gems to visit in Abu Dhabi, especially if you are interested in history.
We parked in the North car park (underground) which can be accessed from Zayed the first street. You can then take the lift up and walk past the Children’s library to the fort which is a few minutes walk. It provides the opportunity to have a 360 view of the modern architecture surrounding the fort which really puts the location and significant development of the city into context once you enter the exhibition.
We were warmly greeted by friendly and informative staff at the ticket office. We went straight into the exhibition which was thankfully air conditioned as it was pretty hot outside! The exhibition was fantastic. We were taken right back in time to learn about the various rulers of AD as well as stories of how the UAE came to be. It is incredible how quickly (in the grand scheme of things) that the UAE has grown and developed and still does!
We learnt so much, it’s hard to put it all into words. Each section was jam packed with information and fascinating artefacts; there wasn’t too much for it to be overwhelming or too little for you to be wanting more. We particularly enjoyed the interactive timeline.
We then made our way into the tower and across to the corridor of rooms. It’s really great to see the traditional skills used to build the fort- the wooden beams, smooth skimmed walls and archways.
The courtyard areas are so tranquil and peaceful. There was hardly anyone around as we visited on a Tuesday morning, a good time to go!
We then headed over to the House of Artisans- a separate building to the fort. This was just as interesting, focussing on the traditional craft and culture of the UAE. We missed the gahwa presentation unfortunately but hope to return to see it. You could easily spend a few hours here. I am glad we visited when my toddler was at nursery because he would’ve been bored and it gave us an opportunity to really take our time and appreciate the exhibition. It’s the perfect place to take visitors who come to stay with us so they can learn about the history and culture of the UAE. Highly recommend!
We parked in the North car park (underground) which can be accessed from Zayed the first street. You can then take the lift up and walk past the Children’s library to the fort which is a few minutes walk. It provides the opportunity to have a 360 view of the modern architecture surrounding the fort which really puts the location and significant development of the city into context once you enter the exhibition.
We were warmly greeted by friendly and informative staff at the ticket office. We went straight into the exhibition which was thankfully air conditioned as it was pretty hot outside! The exhibition was fantastic. We were taken right back in time to learn about the various rulers of AD as well as stories of how the UAE came to be. It is incredible how quickly (in the grand scheme of things) that the UAE has grown and developed and still does!
We learnt so much, it’s hard to put it all into words. Each section was jam packed with information and fascinating artefacts; there wasn’t too much for it to be overwhelming or too little for you to be wanting more. We particularly enjoyed the interactive timeline.
We then made our way into the tower and across to the corridor of rooms. It’s really great to see the traditional skills used to build the fort- the wooden beams, smooth skimmed walls and archways.
The courtyard areas are so tranquil and peaceful. There was hardly anyone around as we visited on a Tuesday morning, a good time to go!
We then headed over to the House of Artisans- a separate building to the fort. This was just as interesting, focussing on the traditional craft and culture of the UAE. We missed the gahwa presentation unfortunately but hope to return to see it. You could easily spend a few hours here. I am glad we visited when my toddler was at nursery because he would’ve been bored and it gave us an opportunity to really take our time and appreciate the exhibition. It’s the perfect place to take visitors who come to stay with us so they can learn about the history and culture of the UAE. Highly recommend!
Written October 8, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
GAYLE L
23 contributions
Nov 2023 • Family
We wanted to learn the history from Abu Dhabi and walk better place.
The history of this building is phenomenal and they’ve done a really good job. I totally recommend it. We purchased tickets through GetYourGuide and that included qasr Al
watan and the Louvre.
Great value for money,
The history of this building is phenomenal and they’ve done a really good job. I totally recommend it. We purchased tickets through GetYourGuide and that included qasr Al
watan and the Louvre.
Great value for money,
Written November 10, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
barrowboy60
121 contributions
Nov 2023 • Couples
I’m not sure this is on everyone’s list of places to visit in Abu Dhabi, but it should be!
The fort itself has been well restored and you can walk around freely. There is an excellent exhibition, which for me was the highlight of my visit - well presented and soo much information, there is a timeline showing you how over the years AbuDhabi has developed.
Close by is The House of Artisans again well work visiting with the various crafts on display, as well as the women showing you how they produce the tradition items.
The fort itself has been well restored and you can walk around freely. There is an excellent exhibition, which for me was the highlight of my visit - well presented and soo much information, there is a timeline showing you how over the years AbuDhabi has developed.
Close by is The House of Artisans again well work visiting with the various crafts on display, as well as the women showing you how they produce the tradition items.
Written November 30, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
r2thebizel
Pattaya, Thailand3,607 contributions
Dec 2023 • Couples
Beautifully presented, kept and restored to perhaps get a feel for ‘the real UAE / Abu Dhabi’. Staff are amazing and the whole thing is incredibly well executed and leaves you with a real sense of fulfilment from the very 1st settlers to present day. Coffee ceremony in the artisan building also worth it and very affordable!
Written December 13, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jorge Philipe
Ireland22 contributions
Jul 2024 • Couples
Qasr Al Hosn is a must-visit for anyone interested in Abu Dhabi's history and culture. The fort itself is a beautiful, well-preserved piece of architecture. The displays tell the story of Abu Dhabi's evolution, from a small fishing village to a modern metropolis.
The surrounding area, Al Hosn, is also worth exploring. It's a lovely park with plenty of shaded areas to relax and enjoy the views. There are also some interesting cultural buildings and a few cafes to grab a bite to eat.
The surrounding area, Al Hosn, is also worth exploring. It's a lovely park with plenty of shaded areas to relax and enjoy the views. There are also some interesting cultural buildings and a few cafes to grab a bite to eat.
Written July 27, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
is it possible to take pictures inside?
Written August 28, 2020
We went near dusk last time on a weekday. It was practically empty.
Written December 27, 2019
What's the price of a ticket?
Written May 5, 2019
The price is AED 30 for ages 12 and above, and AED 15 for ages 6 - 11.
Written May 5, 2019
Is Qasr Al Hosn open on Fridays?
If YES, what is the opening time?
Written December 21, 2015
The festival starts on the 3rd feb for 11 days, every day the festival is open from 16:00 -23:00
Written December 22, 2015
What is the opening hours for Sunday ?
Written March 14, 2015
This is an annual event. And only for ten Days. Sorry.
Written March 15, 2015
Scott M
Chicago, Illinois
Is breakfast included? If not, does the restaurant offer a la carte?
Written December 23, 2014
No breakfast and meals as this is more like a cultural exibition. Special festivals they provide Emirati food and dates but not on a normal visit day
.Dubai has a place called Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Centrre which has a paid breakfast and lunch booking facility.
Written December 24, 2014
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