Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), is located on an island in the Persian (Arabian) Gulf and has a perfect balance of cultural heritage and modern infrastructure. This city has many world records – the World’s largest hand-loomed carpet, the highest High Tea, the tower with the greatest lean, the fastest roller coaster, and the largest cluster of the cultural building of the 21st century. MARHABA (Welcome) to this beautiful city and learn more about Best Things to Do on Abu Dhabi City Tour or places to visit in Abu Dhabi with the best Abu Dhabi Itinerary.
Best Things To Do In Abu Dhabi City Tour | Abu Dhabi Itinerary
Day 1 – Abu Dhabi Itinerary
Start your day with a cup of strong Arabic coffee known as Qahwah and then go for an Abu Dhabi skyline tour along Corniche – main city tour.
CORNICHE
A stretch of stunning 8 km. curve – the city’s pristine and clean beach-front has gained Blue Flag status. This waterfront has well-maintained manicured gardens, beach umbrellas, restaurants, a children’s play area, a cycling track with a stunning skyline view.
CLICK HERE TO BOOK LUXURIOUS STAYCATIONS OR HOTELS IN ABU DHABI
ETIHAD TOWERS – EMIRATES PALACE HOTEL – QASR AL WATAN PALACE
Etihad Towers, an iconic building prominently adorning Abu Dhabi skyline, has an Observation Deck on the 74th floor to get a glimpse of Abu Dhabi. Click here to book tickets to Observation Deck at Etihad towers with a view of stunning Abu Dhabi and Arabian Gulf.
Emirates Palace, a 7-star hotel, is known for its regal opulence. It welcomes you with 24-Karat gold-painted interiors, lavish chandeliers, and ballrooms. The tea and coffee served here are garnished with edible 24 Karat Gold flakes. High Tea is recommended here. This luxury Palace also has a beach, landscaped gardens, and lovely fountains.
Even a Gold vending machine is present inside, where you to feed the machine with cash or a card, and you will get Gold biscuits/bars. A special Christmas lighting ceremony takes place during December, and you can see the world’s most bejeweled Christmas tree here. Click here to book the famous coffee at Emirates Palace in advance.
Also have a tour of spendid and magnificent palace – Qasr Al Watan – which will enchant you with its magnificent architecture and cultural heritage of UAE. Click here to book the tickets for Qasr Al Watan Palace with gardens visit in advance.
SHEIKH ZAYED GRAND MOSQUE
This masterpiece, magnificent architecture of Abu Dhabi, has 80 marble domes, 1000 pillars, and a perfect combination of modern Islamic design and architecture. This mosque can accommodate up to 50,000 worshippers. About 90,000 tonnes of white Greek marble has been used with intricate floral patterns, adorned with precious stones like agate, Amethyst, Jasper, Pearls, and many others. When you enter the prayer hall, you will be impressed by the world’s largest loomed carpet and a 24 Karat Gold galvanized chandelier with Swarovski crystals.
Visitors are not allowed to enter the mosque during prayer times. A strict dress code is to be followed inside the premises by wearing long ankle-length loose-fitted trousers or skirts with full-sleeve shirts and a head scarf(for women). You can even borrow traditional attire for free at Security gates. During and after sunset, this mosque looks splendid, and it is recommended to visit during that hours.
Day 1 ends here, and in the evenings, you can take Dhow (traditional style Arabic boats) Cruise along Corniche or go to Yas Viceroy hotel at Yas Island for special light effects on its unique roof.
Click here to book the Dubai to Abu Dhabi day trip with the best Abu Dhabi attractions.
Day 2 – Abu Dhabi Itinerary
Day 2 of the Best Things to do in Abu Dhabi city tour starts with Adventure and ends with Art Tour. This city has three theme parks – Ferrari World, Yas Water World(water park), and Warner Brothers World. You can buy a combo ticket for the Ferrari World and Yas Water World. Warner Brothers World is a huge indoor theme park that covers 1.65 million sq. ft. and is divided into 5 lands.
FERRARI WORLD
Take a ride on the world’s fastest roller coaster, a Ferrari-themed adventure indoor park. There are nearly 20 adventurous rides which are a massive dose of adrenaline. If you love fast cars and various models of Ferrari, then go for this. As weekends (Friday & Saturday) are very crowded, plan your trip on weekdays (Sunday to Thursday). There are many good ticket deals on Entertainer & Groupon. Sometimes, it Buys 1 and Gets 1 free.
This park is located at Yas Island, adjoining Yas Mall. You can spend your whole day at this place and proceed to the Louvre museum. Or you can go for Warner Brothers –Click here to book Ferrari world tickets.
The entrance of Ferrari World Theme Park
LOUVRE ABU DHABI
It is located on Saadiyat Island, an art and Civilization museum developed jointly by UAE & France. This museum presents a historical narrative of art from different eras and how art evolved from ancient times till today. Its special 180m wide filigree dome, with geometric openings, represents the interlacing of palm leaves roof, creating a Rain of Light effect in 23 galleries.
DAY 3 – Best Things To Do In Abu Dhabi City Tour – Places to Visit in Abu Dhabi
Check out beautiful skylines on other islands of this city – Al Maryah Island and Al Reem Island. Also, you can go for the world’s largest uninterrupted desert-sand dunes, which start about one hour from the city center. Also, you can plan your stay in virgin deserts where nobody is around – only shaded sand dunes, camels, and stars.
I opted to stay a night in the desert at Tilal Liwa – Desert resort and had a beautiful sunset view, camel farms, and adventure in the deserts. Annually, Camel Festival and Dates festivals are held where there are many competitions like Most Beautiful Camel, Camel Races, and many more.
If you love cars from the vintage era or some unique models, you can plan a small stopover at National Car Museum while going to this Liwa Desert area. This museum has a beautiful collection of massive, mini, truck-style, vintage cars.
Architecture lovers should appreciate the unique buildings of this city, like Aldar Headquarters. Sheikh Zayed Bridge, Al Bahar Towers (unique latticed window panes which reduce interior heat gain by 50%), Gate Towers, and Cleveland Clinic. Also, you can take a tour of MASDAR CITY, a 100% eco-friendly city dependent on solar energy and other renewable sources. Masdar city is the world’s most sustainable eco-city.
GUIDE TO ABU DHABI – Things To Do In Abu Dhabi In One Day
HOW TO REACH ABU DHABI
This city has the finest airports in the world, with Etihad’s home ground and other major flights also connecting this city. If you visiting for Abu Dhabi for a short layover, then read these things to do in Abu Dhabi within 24 hours.
If you are staying in Dubai, you can catch a public Bus or Taxi to reach here. Intercity Bus from Dubai runs every 20 minutes and is very comfortable, has a luggage facility to store all your suitcases, air-conditioned and takes around 2 hours to reach Abu Dhabi. You can take this Intercity bus from Ibn Battuta Metro station or Ghubaiba Bust station of Dubai and drop at Abu Dhabi’s Al Wahdah Mall Bus station. One-way fare for an adult is approximately 25 AED. Check more about Intercity buses on the official RTA site.
BEST TIME TO VISIT
October to April. December to February is the peak tourist season with many open ripe markets, Christmas markets, and arts & crafts markets. These markets are usually held on weekends at beach fronts, water-fronts, and gardens. One of the most famous is the Ripe Market at Umm Al Emarat Park.
CURRENCY & LANGUAGE
- Dirhams.
- Arabic is the primary language, but everyone can speak and understand English. Other common languages that many people understand are Hindi, Urdu, Malayalam, and French.
MODE OF TRANSPORT IN THE CITY
Taxis are very safe, reliable and not very expensive. You can also catch a city bus. For self-driving, you have to bring International License and the driving is similar to US-style – Left Hand Drive. Check time-table of Abu Dhabi Bus – routes.
FESTIVALS AND EVENTS OF ABU DHABI
There are many International Annual Events and Festivals held here, and it is highly recommended to at least visit one of them. List of all these events and festivals is as follows-
- Eid- Ul –Fitr is a significant festival, and this 3-day festival is celebrated with many events around the city.
- UAE National Day – National Day Celebrations take place all over UAE. It comes on 2nd December and commemorates UAE Independence. There are special events arranged all over UAE.
- Abu Dhabi Golf Championship
- Camel Beauty Contest, Camel races at Liwa Desert (takes place in winter)
- Red Bull Air Race World Series
- The Emirates Photography Competiton andExhibition.
- Formula 1 – F1 Race hosted by Grand Prix at Yas Marina Circuit
- Liwa Date Festival – Festival of Dates harvest
- Abu Dhabi Science Festival
- Abu Dhabi Film Festival
- Mother of the Nation Festival – 10 days long festival in March with many street performances.
- Abu Dhabi Food Festival – International & Local chefs demonstrate their skills. Generally hosted in March.
- Abu Dhabi International Book Fair
- Bride Show Abu Dhabi
- Abu Dhabi International Hunting & Equestrian Exhibition
- International Jewelry & Watch show.
- Qasr Al Hosn Festival
- Al-Ain Aerobatic Show
BEST AREAS TO STAY
Corniche or Yas Island.
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SHOPPING IN ABU DHABI
- WTC Souk for spices, Arabic style Kaftans, Attars, Saffron, and many ethnic home décor.
- MINA PORT for fresh farm products like fruits, vegetables, Plant saplings, etc. MARINA, AL WADAH, AND YAS MALL for luxury brands,
- HAMDAN STREET – for touristy knick-knacks, huge Gold showrooms, fabric, souvenirs, and leather goods. Hamdan Street is very vibrant and located in the city’s heart.
FAMOUS BEACHES
Corniche, Saadiyat Beach, Yas beach, LULU Island, Al Maya Island, Al Bateen Beach, etc. Check Beach timings and days before going there as some beaches have specific Ladies Only days and time slots.
FOOD
Try Arabic food all over the city, Shisha cafes, and all cuisines from all over the world at various locations in the city.
This capital city of UAE depicts rich Emirati heritage, beautiful harbors, absorbing peace at stunning Cornice, modern skyline, and many more adventures. Abu Dhabi is one of the wealthiest cities on earth and has extraordinary wonders of white-domed mosques, romantic deserts, and welcoming locals representing the true essence of beautiful Arabia. Feel the speed at Formula 1 races – Yas Marina Circuit or traditional Camel races on burning-red sand dunes.
A place with a perfect blend of old traditions and modern wonders. I have lived here for more than 4 years and have been constantly impressed by its cultural heritage and modern infrastructure. Very safe city and a nice relaxing place. Get in touch with me if you have more queries or guidance on this beautiful city of the United Arab Emirates. Also, read about what to wear in Abu Dhabi.
RELATED READS
- Read about Al-ain attractions and go for Jabal Hafeet mountain drive.
- Stay at Liwa Desert or
- Know about Dubai Attractions.
- New Nature Attractions in Abu Dhabi – Perfect Picnic Places
SHUKRAN (Thank You in Arabic)
So, until then KEEP TRAVELING……………… KEEP EXPLORING……………………………………………………
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Abu Dhabi is not really a place I’ve ever considered, except for a layover. Your images have inspired me though it looks fascinating. The Grand Mosque looks absolutely breathtaking.
i had the regret of not getting out of the airport when i had a 9 hour layover in the airport. Can you suggest some things i can do for when i have a layover next time? SOmething that is close to the airport and can be done in a few hours.
Grand Mosque is very close to airport and can be done within few hours. A must visit during a short layover.
Abu Dhabi is slowly becoming one of the biggest tourist destination in the world. It is fascinating how they are transitioning away from fossil fuels towards tourism. It will be interesting to see how it pans out in the future.
Thanks for sharing. Keep travel blogging. Adventure is better shared with friends!
Yes, Abu Dhabi is growing up beautifully
I live in Abu Dhabi and this is such a fab guide! Reminds me I’m lucky to live somewhere so lovely x
Yes, it is always so great to live such a peaceful and safe city.
This really has everything I could possibly need for visiting Abu Dhabi! A few years ago I went to UAE but stayed in Dubai the the whole trip. I’d love to go back and see some of the amazing architecture there, especially the Grand Mosque!
Alex, you must visit again, especially for Abu Dhabi
I always thought Dubai was everything that i wanted to see but your guide is changing my mind to start thinking of Abu dhabi. Forgive my ignorance but i actually had no idea that Emirates palace is a 7 star hotel!! wow, it must be such a sight
Yes Emirates Palace is one of the most luxury hotel of the world.
Abu Dhabi looks gorgeous, with some of the most stunning architecture. Maybe it’s because I’m training for a half marathon right now, but as soon as I started reading about Corniche, I started thinking about how lovely it would be to go for a run along the 8km stretch. I had no idea there was a Louvre in Abu Dhabi as well! The city just looks so vibrant, and I’d love to experience the energy for myself.
Thanks Diana, Abu Dhabi also hosts triathlon and many fitness event too.
I wouldn’t even know where to begin to fully explore Abu Dhabi! There’s so much to see and do, and the scenery is beautiful too! What time of year do you think is best to visit?
For Abu Dhabi, winter is perfect
I would love to visit since it doesn’t seem to be as over the top as Dubai. Most of all I’d like to go for the Louvre, that must be fantastic. I had a layover at Abu Dhabi some time ago. If I had known that it has so much to offer, I would have thrown in a little extra vacation 😉
Yes Abu Dhabi is also worth visiting and next time when you have layover then you can take out some time for this beautiful city.
I have heard a lot about Abu Dhabi as someone we know stays there and whenever we would meet him, he had great things to share. But so far, could never venture. This Abu Dhabi itinerary looks great with amazing suggestions for a day tour. How majestic to be there for the special Christmas lighting ceremony and see the world’s most bejeweled Christmas tree at Emirates Palace. Gold vending machine and gold galvanized chandelier with Swarovski crystals..Seriously. The most beautiful camel competition sounds fun! With so many things to do in Abu Dhabi, think it would be a good idea to plan a few days to adsorb it all.
Yes Abu Dhabi has all types of activities suiting all ages and tastes. Thanks Navita and you would surely love Abu Dhabi
Being beach lovers, we definitely have to visit Corniche! A trip to the UAE is certainly on the list of places to visit so thanks for sharing!
Thank you
I am curious to know more about the quality of the collections on show at the Louvre. How many pieces do they have? What are the most valuable highlights?
They have splendid collections of murals, statues, and many excavated pieces from all over the world. They have highlighted how we evolved historically and culturally by depicting all religions, civilizations and people living in different parts of world from ancient times till today.
Great tips for visiting, gonna bookmark it for my Middle East trip. I hear about Ferrari world, how did you like the rides? Also I heard it’s a bit pricy, but hopefully I’ll be lucky enough to get a deal 🙂
There are many deals going on always and you can get a good price if you grab it wisely. I loved the rides and also the Italian circus show in Ferrari world.
I’ve been meaning to visit Abu Dhabi since a long time, especially since I have family living there at the moment. I had no idea that it had the world’s most bejeweled Christmas tree! The architecture looks really interesting. How are the beaches? Do the beaches have a dress code?
You can wear your swimsuit on beaches and are lovely with pristine white sands.
a really fantastic guide to the city – I’ve not been back since the Lourve has opened but it looks stunning! did you enjoy your visit there?
Yes, visiting Louvre is great as its architecture is splendid and also its collection inside is amazing too
Photos are really great specially Etihad towers. Thanks for sharing the photos.
Thanks Rajat
Great post! I’d love to visit Abu Dhabi some day, and this is an awesome guide! I’d especially love to explore the desert like you di.
No better way to start the day than with Arabic coffee, one of the best coffees in the world. I am quite impressed with the variety of things there is to do. It is definitely worth spending a fe days exploring this area. The Mosque is exquisite and probably tops my places to visit. The beach and desert would probably follow after. Hope to visit one day
I loved it all! So much to do in Abu Dhabi and it looks fabulous, my favorite part the Mosque. I hope to visit soon and your guide will be very useful.
Abu Dhabi is like a kid dream come true, especially with the ferrari world. What a fun place to tour and the opulence of the different buildings sound spectacular. I would love to have high tea at the emirates palace. So sophisticated. Actually, I wouldn’t mind staying there.
What a fantastic guide! I’ve spent time in Dubai but never Abu Dhabi and this has convinced me I really need to go!
Great guide! I’ve only ever passed through Abu Dhabi airport. I never realised there was so much to do there. I’d love to see a camel beauty concert and races!
Wow, lot of things to do in ABu Dhabi. The towers looks really amazing, wonder how it will look at night. And the famous Ferrari. I hope I can go there soon 🙂
I recall my visit to Abu Dhabi while reading your wonderful post. Even wore burka to enter the mosque as was required as dress code.
Wow, Gr8 you loved your visit to this city.
Very interesting post and lovely pictures! I’ve only ever been to the airport when changing flights but will plan to spend more time exploring next time!
Yes sire, next time have spend some days in this city.
What an awesome trip! I haven’t made it to that side of the world yet but would love to visit! The architecture of that Mosque is gorgeous. I’d love to try the coffee as well 🙂
Yes Brittany, Abu Dhabi is having beautiful architecture.
Such great tips, thank you! I know often people don’t consider Abu Dhabi as safe, even though it’s probably is. Did you try yourself taking a bus there? I so would love to visit, totally different experience, and Arabic food.. mmm…
I always take Intercity bus that too all alone from Dubai to Abu Dhabi. It is highly safe city and I think most safest in all the world.
Great guide- very thorough! This is such an intriguing city to me. I hope to make it there someday- there is so much to see and I’d love to experience the culture.
Waow, this guide made me interested in visiting Abu Dhabi. Especially the desert part really draws my attention to itself. Such a nice journey! Thanks to you:)
Abu Dhabi is not high on our bucket list, yet your gorgeous photos have done a great job changing our minds! I think that a lovely walk along the Corniche would be the absolute highlight for me!
Yes Maria, Abu Dhabi is really worth visiting place.
Abu Dhabi is one of our favourite cities and we always try to do a layover here on our travels. The Grand Mosque really is breathtaking! I didn’t realise they had so many international events and festivals! During our last visit, we had royal high tea at the Emirates Palace, I would definitely recommend it!
Wow, Rosie royal high tea in Emirates Palace is really worth
Wow!! That is amazing!!! I wanna go soon. I’ve been to Dubai but not to Abu Dhabi. Thinking about going back to Dubai next year and maybe go to Abu Dhabi for one day or two!! Saving this post. Very good one!
Thanks Esther, yes you should visit Abu Dhabi this time with your Dubai visit.
Will be in Doha soon. Would love to add Abui Dhabi to the itinerary. Do they have camel races like they do in Doha? I love the architecture and of course, how can you NOT love the coffee. 😉 Well, I suppose if you don’t like strong coffee.
I think Abu Dhabi hosts best camel races in whole Middle East area. All regions of this part come here to take part in camel races.
Wow, I really want to jump on a flight to Abu Dhabi right now! it looks amazing! The Grand Mosque looks stunning and I would love to experience the desert!
I love that day one involves local coffee, you sold me haha. Just kidding, you sold me on all the other awesome stuff to do in Abu Dhabi. I had no idea there were theme parks there, especially a Warner Bros. park. Thanks for the solid 3 day itinerary to Abu Dhabi and insight into the culture and extras like the best beaches and shopping. Hopefully I can use it someday!
Thanks Susanna, make your plans soon.
Wow! Abu Dhabi is stunning! I’d love to visit the Grand Mosque. It’s so beautiful. My boys (husband included :-)) would absolutely want to visit Ferrari World and a stay in the desert would be a must-do experience. Those camels are huge!
Yes, boys love Ferrari World and Desert adventures, and I am sure your boys would love it.
I have never been to UAE, so never in Abu Dhabi so I appreciate seeing what there is to do there. It helps me consider if it should be on my bucket list.
The Emirate Palace Hotel looks gorgeous! It is hard to believe that it is painted in 24 karat gold interiors – oh the opulence!
The Grand Mosque looks like a must see as well! And interesting architecture on the Louvre Abu Dhabi. Actually, it looks like the city should have an architectural tour.
Thanks!
Great! Your report is really great and has shown me that I should definitely fly to Abu Dhabi. I like the huge skyscrapers, the architecture is impressive. Shopping could also appeal to me and Ferrari would be a must visit. I love car racing!
Thanks Susanne
I hve never been to the middle-east so I loved this all the more. Such a beautiful view of the glorious city rich in gold and culture 😀 Would love to check out the skylines from beautiful islands and take a camel safari tour. The Eitihad tower is simply something you cant miss
Yes Sinjana, Abu Dhabi is amazing and can be enjoyed by all age groups
What a lovely itinerary for Abu Dhabi. I’m not that interested in the adventure parks but between the architecture and scenic recommendations, I can see spending three days in the area. I’d like to do the overnight in the desert too. But I’m especially looking forward to sampling some delicious Arab coffee and food and shopping!
I love that the Grand Mosque lets you borrow traditional attire for free on Security gates (I think that is so sweet and such an encouraging way for people to experience that in a respectful way). I had no idea that Malayalam was an understood language (I didn’t think it was too common). Glad to know the city is safe!
Abu Dhabi presents such grand architecture very different from Western cities. And the affair with the desert!
Thank, yes it has lovely architectures
I visited Abu Dhabi few years ago and never thought I would need to go back but your post surely makes me change my mind. Its always growing and there is so much more to do there now. I need to visit the Grand Mosque which is beautiful and was not there when I visited. Love the views from Corniche and the thrills at the Ferrari word. There is so much on offer for the entire family must say. Thanks for these tips and one I will use to go back again
Yes, Abu dhabi has lots to do and that too for whole family. The richness and development of this city always amazes me.
I’ve never been to Abu Dhabi but this was a fabulous detailed guide. The camel beauty contest looks like an interesting experience! The Emirates Palace and the mosque look amazing- I would definitely want to check them out.
OMG! Arabic coffee is the best coffee in the entire world!! I didn’t know they had a camel festival!!!! Those camels seem so much bigger than the ones I have seen in Jordan, and Morocco, lol…. the guys on the 4-wheeler look so tiny compared to them!
I’ve never been to Abu Dhabi so really appreciate this guide, it’s very detailed. I’d like to try a coffee with 24-carat gold flakes, how decadent. The mosque is stunning from all the photos I’ve seen, so would like to see it for myself. The camel beauty content is hilarious, they’re such beautiful animals to me!
Thanks Lisa, yes I too love camels a lot.
The architecture looks stunning, and a big attraction to view the ornate details on the mosque, the bridge and various grand buildings. I am fascinated to learn there is a Louvre as well, a joint venture with Paris. Had no idea!
Yes Kavita, Louvre opened recently in 2017.
This was a fabulous guide!! You have made me want to book a trip to Abu Dhabi, it looks amazing! Can anyone go in to the palace even if they aren’t staying there? It seems so fancy I would love to check it out!
Yes, you can to Palace though you don’t stay there. Any visitor can go inside but with proper formal dressing, no swim or beach shorts type of clothing.