Abu Dhabi

Things to do in Abu Dhabi

Compare tickets, tours, transfers, hotels and flights for Abu Dhabi in one place, and see who provides each one before you book.

Photo: Wadiia, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

AirportsZayed International Airport (AUH)
Getting aroundTaxis, ride apps and buses
CurrencyUAE dirham (AED)
Best monthsNovember to March

Abu Dhabi in brief

Abu Dhabi is the capital of the United Arab Emirates, built on islands in the Gulf. It is calmer and more spread out than Dubai, and you will need taxis to get between its sights.

The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is the visit no one skips. Around it, the city offers the Louvre Abu Dhabi on Saadiyat Island, the palace of Qasr Al Watan and the theme parks of Yas Island.

From November to March the weather is warm and dry. In summer it is extremely hot and humid, and life moves indoors.

Top attractions in Abu Dhabi

Tickets and guided visits for the city’s best-known sights.

Photo: Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque — Viator (); Louvre Abu Dhabi — Francesco Bini (CC BY-SA 4.0); Qasr Al Watan — Viator (); Ferrari World Yas Island — Viator (); Corniche — FritzDaCat (CC BY-SA 3.0); Qasr Al Hosn — Darthjipsu (CC BY-SA 4.0) · Wikimedia Commons

Tours and day trips

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Getting there and around

Airport transfer from Zayed International Airport (AUH)A pre-booked car from arrivals to your hotel. Alternatives are the metered airport taxis or the public bus.
Getting to DubaiDubai is about an hour and a half away by road. Intercity buses link the main bus stations, and taxis make the trip too.
Car rentalUseful here. Roads are wide and parking is easy, but speed limits are strictly enforced by cameras.

Flights

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Where to stay

Pick a neighbourhood first, then compare hotels.

1

Corniche and downtown

The city centre, by the seafront, with shops and restaurants close by.
2

Saadiyat Island

Beach resorts beside the Louvre Abu Dhabi. Quiet, with a long natural beach.
3

Yas Island

The theme parks, the racing circuit and a big shopping mall. Best for families.
4

Grand Canal area

Waterside hotels near the Grand Mosque, between the centre and the airport.
Hotels in Abu Dhabi with live prices

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Abu Dhabi day by day

  1. Day 1: The Grand Mosque and the palaceThe Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in the morning, Qasr Al Watan in the afternoon, then sunset on the Corniche.
  2. Day 2: Saadiyat IslandThe Louvre Abu Dhabi in the morning, the beach in the afternoon, then Qasr Al Hosn in the evening.
  3. Day 3: Yas IslandA full day at one of the theme parks, then dinner at the marina beside the racing circuit.
  4. With a fourth dayTake a desert safari, or a day trip to Al Ain.

Local tips

  • At the Grand Mosque, wear long, loose clothing. Women must cover their hair.
  • Register online for the Grand Mosque before you go. Entry is free.
  • Taxis are metered and easy to find. Distances are too long to walk.
  • In summer, plan indoor visits in the middle of the day. The heat is extreme.
  • Alcohol is served only in licensed hotels, restaurants and bars.

Before you go

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Travel insuranceCover for medical costs and cancellations.
Luggage storageLeave bags near the station or the sights.
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Everything for Abu Dhabi

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Attraction ticketsMuseums and landmarks, with timed entry explained
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Car rentalLocal and international companies
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Travel guide

Abu Dhabi is best from November to March, and two to three days covers the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, the Corniche and Saadiyat Island. There is no metro, so plan to use taxis or ride apps.

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Frequently asked questions

When is the best time to visit Abu Dhabi?

November to March is warm and dry. From June to September temperatures pass forty degrees, with high humidity.

How many days do I need in Abu Dhabi?

Two to three days cover the main sights. Add a day for the desert or a theme park.

Do I need to book the Grand Mosque ahead?

Entry is free, but you should register online and choose a time. Evening slots near sunset are the most popular.

How do I get from the airport to the centre?

From the airport, metered taxis wait outside arrivals, and public buses run to the city. The centre is about half an hour away. Pre-booked transfers are also available.

Can I visit Abu Dhabi on a day trip from Dubai?

Yes. The drive takes about an hour and a half each way, and the Grand Mosque, the Louvre and Qasr Al Watan fit into one day.