The capital of the United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi welcomes visitors from all around the world to explore the culture and traditions of the UAE. With its museums waiting to be discovered, traditional architecture, historic souks, and heritage, Abu Dhabi is a perfect destination to get to know the Arab culture closely. Less futuristic but more cultural than Dubai, Abu Dhabi is a must-visit destination with activities that it offers, and the city draws millions of visitors from all around the globe, every year. Find below a comprehensive Abu Dhabi guide, get information on how to spend a day in the capital of the UAE, and start planning your day right away. Read the guide until the end so as not to miss anything, and begin your Abu Dhabi journey full of culture, tradition, and discoveries!
Would you like to have a private tour to Abu Dhabi from Dubai? Maybe you’re short of time and want to have an exclusive experience with your family or a small group of close friends. If so, let us help you hire a private driver for an Abu Dhabi tour.
Our private driver service offers you a popular route where you can explore the most iconic gems of Abu Dhabi in a day. While it’s possible to make changes in the plan, these are the must-visit destinations in Abu Dhabi, and the tour is ideal for everyone who would like to have a customized trip. Here are the the routes for a tour with a private driver in Abu Dhabi:
There’s so much to do, and so many places to visit in Abu Dhabi. To explore many of the city’s offerings, the recommended staying period is at least 3-4 days. However, it’s also possible to plan an efficient one-day trip to the capital of the Emirates.
You can plan an individual one-day Abu Dhabi trip, or you can book a guided Abu Dhabi Day trip from Dubai! These activities provide an in-depth sightseeing tour from Dubai and offer you a chance to visit the most famous Abu Dhabi destinations like the Sheikh Zayed Mosque, Etihad Towers, and others, just in a day.
Going to Abu Dhabi from Dubai is pretty straightforward. By land or road, there are various options that you can consider to reach Abu Dhabi. Here are the main options you can choose:
Abu Dhabi is waiting to be explored and there is so much to do for every preference. From mosques with architectural wonders to premium shopping experiences and a day in the desert, here are the 10 best things to do in Abu Dhabi:
One of the most famous attractions in Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Zayed Mosque stands out with its magnificent architecture and is home to the tomb of Sheikh Zayed, the founder of the UAE. Entry to the mosque is free, and guided tours are available outside prayer times. Sheikh Zayed Mosque is the largest mosque in Abu Dhabi, and it offers tourists a deep dive into Islamic culture and architecture.
Located on Saadiyat Island, the Louvre Museum Abu Dhabi was opened in 2017. As a part of an agreement between the UAE and France, the Louvre Museum Abu Dhabi aims to bridge the gap between Eastern and Western art. It houses 12 permanent galleries and audio guides are available. While the museum’s collections span thousands of years, it also features works from all around the world, making it a must-visit in Abu Dhabi.
This presidential palace was opened to the public in 2019 to allow visitors to get to know the culture better. It features a lush garden, lavish interiors, and majestic architecture. Qasr Al Watan’s highlights include the Great Hall, the library, and various exhibitions that showcase the UAE’s history and governance. This destination is especially great for taking photographs, so make sure that your camera is ready.
A complex of five skyscrapers, Etihad Towers stands out for its futuristic design and luxury. Three of the towers are residential apartments, one is for business offices, and the other one is the 5-star Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers Hotel. There’s an observation deck, known as “Observation Deck at 300“, located on the 74th floor of Tower 2. It offers an amazing view over the city and the entry fee includes a food and beverage voucher.
Yas Island is where you should go to find a variety of entertainment options. From Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, which is home to the world’s fastest roller coaster, to Yas Waterworld and Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi, Yas Island stands out with its leisure and shopping experiences. The island also is home to many luxury hotels and a lively nightlife, making it a must-visit destination while visiting Abu Dhabi.
Qasr Al Hosn is renowned for becoming the oldest building that is still standing in Abu Dhabi. It has a significant place in history, as it stands out as a solid symbol of the city’s development. Qasr Al Hosn was built in the 18th century, and now it operates as a museum and takes visitors on a cultural journey with its various exhibitions. It’s a go-to place to have a deeper understanding of the heritage of the region.
Emirates Palace is actually the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Abu Dhabi. Even just for quick sightseeing, this 5-star luxury hotel is a must-visit for its grand architecture adorned with gold, marble, and crystals. The hotel is a synonym for wealth and luxury, therefore, visitors can have a gourmet dining experience, enjoy a drink in its dazzling halls, or simply just take a walk around its public areas and take photographs.
Located next to the Emirates Palace, Marina Mall in Abu Dhabi opens its doors for a day full of shopping and entertainment. With a mix of luxury brands and mainstream retailers, the mall features more than 400 stores and caters to a wide range of tastes and budgets. Marina Mall is also home to a selection of dining options, making it an ideal destination for families, as well as shopping enthusiasts.
Abu Dhabi Desert Safaris are perfect opportunities to discover the vast dunes of the Arabian Desert. This once-in-a-lifetime experience usually includes camel rides, sandboarding, dune bashing, and quad biking. Some options offer a traditional Bedouin camp experience, where visitors get a chance to taste Arabic coffee and watch cultural performances. These desert safaris offer a unique way to deep dive into the culture and lifestyle of Bedouin.
If you want to learn more about the Bedouin lifestyle and traditions, Emirates Heritage Village provides an open-air museum that will take you back in time to the Emirates’ past. Here, visitors can participate in educational workshops, and visit mud-brick houses, a traditional mosque, and a souk. Emirates Heritage Village is especially ideal for families and cultural travelers who would like to discover the historical roots of the UAE.
In Abu Dhabi, as well as history, culture, and tradition, you will also find lively dining destinations where you can have a warm cup of coffee or indulge in various culinary experiences.
Whether it’s a cozy and lovely coffee shop, or a luxurious and elegant restaurant that you’re looking for, Abu Dhabi has different options for every preference and budget. Here are the best restaurants and coffee shops in Abu Dhabi.
In Abu Dhabi, as well as history, culture, and tradition, you will also find lively dining destinations where you can have a warm cup of coffee or indulge in various culinary experiences.
Whether it’s a cozy and lovely coffee shop, or a luxurious and elegant restaurant that you’re looking for, Abu Dhabi has different options for every preference and budget. Here are the best restaurants and coffee shops in Abu Dhabi.
Abu Dhabi, the capital of the UAE, is full of history and culture. There’s so much to see, taste, and explore, and leaving Abu Dhabi without bringing something back home is a big no. Here are the best things to buy in Abu Dhabi before your trip comes to an end:
The distance between Abu Dhabi and Dubai is approximately 140 kilometers. Therefore, you can go from Dubai to Abu Dhabi in 1.5 hours by car.
Abu Dhabi is known as one of the safest cities in the world. Pickpocketing, theft, and similar crimes are pretty uncommon in Abu Dhabi.
Before, there was a license requirement to buy alcohol in Abu Dhabi. However, tourists and locals of legal age (21 and over) can now buy alcohol in Abu Dhabi.
Abu Dhabi is using the currency of the UAE, which is the UAE Dirham, AED for short.
Abu Dhabi is in the Gulf Standard Time zone (GST), which is UTC+4 hours.
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