What are the best things to do in Abu Dhabi?
Top picks in Abu Dhabi include Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Louvre Abu Dhabi, Emirates Palace area and Corniche, Qasr Al Watan. See the full list and itinerary on this Abu Dhabi travel guide.
🇦🇪 United Arab Emirates travel guide
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Abu Dhabi Travel Guide
Things to do in Abu Dhabi — Explore Abu Dhabi
Photo: Wadiia · CC BY-SA 4.0
Why visit Abu Dhabi
The city was not intended to be the capital of the UAE. The capital of the UAE was supposed to be a planned city between Abu Dhabi and Dubai and was to be called 'Al Karama' (which means dignity in Arabic) as stated in the first version of the constitution. However, considering the earlier stage of the union was a volatile time, with multiple issues and various ordeals occurring, Abu Dhabi was made the temporary capital as it was the home of the UAE founding father Sheikh Zayed. Later, Abu Dhabi was declared to be… (Source: Wikivoyage, CC BY-SA.)
Abu Dhabi is a stop in United Arab Emirates, not a country-in-a-weekend. Plan about 3 days. If time is short, prioritise Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Louvre Abu Dhabi, Emirates Palace area and Corniche instead of racing the whole list. Mid-range ground costs are about 120–280 USD per person per day, excluding international flights. Best time: November–March for cooler, drier conditions. Rankings, stay length and cost bands on this page come from Global Itinerary’s trip-planning models.
Best time
November–March for cooler, drier conditions
Weather
Varies from tropical to temperate depending on the season
Experiences
Things to do in Abu Dhabi
1
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
2
Louvre Abu Dhabi
3
Emirates Palace area and Corniche
4
Qasr Al Watan
5
Yas Island (Ferrari World / Warner Bros.)
6
Saadiyat Beach
7
Heritage Village
8
Observation Deck at 300
Budget travel
Free things to do in Abu Dhabi
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
Saadiyat Beach
Mostly free or pay-what-you-like — always double-check opening times and any seasonal fees before you go.
Plan your trip
Abu Dhabi itinerary (3 days)
- 1
Day 1
Icons & landmarks
- Visit Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
- Visit Louvre Abu Dhabi
- Visit Emirates Palace area and Corniche
- 2
Day 2
Culture & neighborhoods
- Visit Qasr Al Watan
- Visit Yas Island (Ferrari World / Warner Bros.)
- Visit Saadiyat Beach
- 3
Day 3
More highlights
- Visit Heritage Village
- Visit Observation Deck at 300
Prefer a full 8-day trip with costs and FAQs? Read the Abu Dhabi itinerary guide.
Budget
Abu Dhabi trip cost
Budget
USD 55–90
per person / day
Mid-range
USD 120–280
per person / day
Luxury
USD 320–530+
per person / day
Typical on-the-ground spend in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Hostel/guesthouse + local meals ≈ budget; comfortable hotels + mix of dining ≈ mid-range; luxury hotels and fine dining ≈ luxury. Figures exclude international flights.
Trip budget estimator
Typical mid-range for Abu Dhabi
Estimated total (USD)
$3,300
≈ $1,650 per person · $471 per day group total
Ground costs ≈ $200/person/day (lodging + food + transport + activities)
Defaults match Abu Dhabi mid-range ground costs (budget 55–90 · mid 120–280 · luxury 320–530+ USD/day). Edit freely — flights vary by origin.
Where to eat
Local favourites
- $$
Al Dhafra Restaurant
Emirati / seafood · Harbour fish restaurant locals love
- $
Zahrat Lebnan
Lebanese · City-wide Lebanese favourite
- $$$
Li Beirut
Lebanese · Refined Lebanese at the St. Regis
Where to stay
Tourist favourites & top-rated
- $$$$
Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental
West Corniche · The palace hotel of Abu Dhabi
- $$$$
Rosewood Abu Dhabi
Al Maryah Island · Top-rated modern luxury
- $$$$
The St. Regis Abu Dhabi
Nation Towers · Corniche landmark
Shopping
- Abu Dhabi Mall
- Marina Mall
- Yas Mall
- Al Wahda Mall
- Khalidiyah Mall
- Shams Boutik
Nightlife
- Hemingway's
- The Captain's Arms
- Wakataua Terrace
- Rock Bottom
- Havana Club
- Sax
Museums & culture
- Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
In pictures
Abu Dhabi gallery
Photos: Wadiia, Chris Down, Floness — via Wikimedia Commons
Good to know
Abu Dhabi travel FAQs
When is the best time to visit Abu Dhabi?
November–March for cooler, drier conditions.
How many days do I need in Abu Dhabi?
Plan at least 3 days in Abu Dhabi for the highlights on our suggested itinerary; add more time for day trips.
Where should I stay in Abu Dhabi?
Popular stays in Abu Dhabi include Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, Rosewood Abu Dhabi, The St. Regis Abu Dhabi. Book central areas if you want to walk to major sights.
How much does a trip to Abu Dhabi cost?
On the ground in Abu Dhabi (excluding international flights), budget travellers often spend about 55–90 per person per day, mid-range about 120–280, and luxury about 320–530+ (USD). Typical on-the-ground spend in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Hostel/guesthouse + local meals ≈ budget; comfortable hotels + mix of dining ≈ mid-range; luxury hotels and fine dining ≈ luxury.
Keep exploring
