Abu Dhabi

How many days: 3

Three days is a sensible first visit. Spend one day around the Grand Mosque and central waterfront, another exploring Saadiyat Island's museums and beaches, and a third visiting Yas Island or the desert.

If you have only one day, prioritise the mosque and one other major attraction rather than trying to cross the city repeatedly. Four or five days works better if you want theme parks, beach time or several cultural sites.

What to do in Abu Dhabi

Visit Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

Explore one of the country's most significant religious landmarks, known for its white domes, courtyards and intricate decoration. Follow the visitor dress code and check official entry arrangements.

Explore Louvre Abu Dhabi

Visit the museum on Saadiyat Island for art and historical collections presented across cultures. Its distinctive dome and waterfront setting are part of the experience.

Walk along the Corniche

Enjoy the city's long waterfront promenade, with landscaped areas and views across the Gulf. Choose cooler parts of the day for walking.

Visit Qasr Al Watan

Explore the presidential palace's public cultural spaces and impressive architecture. Check the official site for access arrangements.

Explore Qasr Al Hosn

Discover an important historic site associated with Abu Dhabi's development. Exhibits provide context for the city's transformation.

Relax on Saadiyat Island

Spend time on the island's beaches and enjoy the quieter coastal surroundings. Respect protected habitats and any beach access restrictions.

Explore Yas Island

Visit the island's entertainment district, with theme parks, leisure facilities and the Yas Marina Circuit. Choose activities according to your interests.

Experience the desert

Head beyond the city to see dunes and open desert landscapes. Choose responsible activities and avoid unnecessary damage to fragile environments.

Visit the Heritage Village

Learn about traditional crafts and aspects of life before the city's rapid development. It provides a useful contrast to modern Abu Dhabi.

Explore Jubail Mangrove Park

Walk along boardwalks through coastal mangrove habitat. Visit respectfully and follow any access arrangements designed to protect wildlife.

What to eat and drink

Try Emirati machboos

Eat fragrant spiced rice served with meat or fish. It is a useful introduction to traditional Gulf cooking.

Sample harees

Try a slow-cooked dish of wheat and meat with a soft, comforting texture. It is associated with traditional Emirati hospitality.

Enjoy Arabic mezze

Share hummus, moutabal, salads, flatbread and other small dishes. It is an easy way to experience several flavours.

Try grilled kebabs

Choose skewered meat or vegetables served with rice, bread and sauces. Abu Dhabi's diverse population brings many regional variations.

Eat luqaimat

Try small fried dumplings coated with date syrup or another sweet topping. They are a popular traditional dessert.

Drink Arabic coffee

Sample lightly roasted coffee flavoured with cardamom, often served with dates. It is an important part of regional hospitality.

Getting around

Abu Dhabi is a car-oriented city, and attractions are often separated by substantial distances. Walking works within places such as the Corniche, individual shopping districts and cultural sites, but is rarely practical between major attractions. Taxis and locally available ride-hailing services are convenient and widely used.

Public buses connect many parts of the city, although routes can take longer than direct car journeys. A rental car is useful if you want flexibility, particularly for attractions outside the centre or desert excursions. Summer heat makes even short outdoor walks demanding, so plan journeys with shaded or air-conditioned stops.

Good to know

• Summer temperatures can be extreme, making outdoor sightseeing uncomfortable or unsafe during the hottest hours.
• Dress modestly at religious and cultural sites. The Grand Mosque has specific visitor clothing requirements.
• Alcohol is regulated and available only in permitted settings. Public drunkenness can lead to legal problems.
• Public behaviour and photography should respect local laws, customs and personal privacy.
• Book popular cultural attractions or major leisure experiences ahead when required.
• The city is generally orderly, but normal precautions still apply when travelling and using roads.