Abu Dhabi is a city I got to know well during my time as an expat in Dubai. With so many easy opportunities to visit, I quickly realized that Abu Dhabi is so much more than just the UAE’s capital—it has its own unique charm, rich history, and incredible sights.
Often overlooked in favor of flashy Dubai, Abu Dhabi actually makes for an amazing day trip. It has some of the country’s best landmarks, from the jaw-dropping Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque to the ultra-modern Louvre Abu Dhabi.
Add in world-class dining, thrilling desert adventures, and a blend of tradition and innovation, and you’ve got plenty to do for a few days. But if you only have one day in Dubai, don’t despair – you can easily visit the main attractions in just one day.
In this guide, I’ll take you through the perfect one-day itinerary in Abu Dhabi, covering all the must-see spots, great places to eat, and useful travel tips.
Table of Contents
How to Get to Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi is 86 miles (139 km) from Dubai, and 19 miles (31 km) from Zayed International Airport. The journey takes 1.5 hours and 30 minutes respectively.
If you’d prefer to join a guided tour of the city, you can book this Grand Mosque, Royal Palace, and Etihad Tower from Abu Dhabi. Led by a professional guide, you’ll explore the most important landmarks, including the astounding Mosque, the Qasr Al Watan Palace, and the Etihad Tower as you learn about the history, religion, and culture of Abu Dhabi.
The tour in Abu Dhabi lasts 5 hours and includes pick-up and drop-off from your selected location. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
▶️ If you’re coming from Dubai for the day and prefer to join a guided tour for no hassle, check out this post I wrote about the best tours from Dubai to Abu Dhabi.
▶️ If you’re driving on a day tour from Dubai, you’ll take the E11 and Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan St/E10. The journey includes a toll motorway.
▶️ If you plan to travel by public transportation, you have three bus services to choose from: the E100, E101, and E102. They all depart from different areas in Dubai, so you should check which station is closer to your hotel. They can all be reached by metro.
The E100 leaves from Al Ghubaiba Bus Station, and the E101 and E102 depart from Ibn Battuta Bus Station. The first two services will drop you off at Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station, whereas the E102 line will take you to Musaffah Community Bus Station in Abu Dhabi.
▶️ Coming from the Abu Dhabi airport instead? You can book a private chauffeur, take a taxi, or take the A1 bus. If you’re renting a car, take the Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan St/E10 to reach the city center.
Now that you know how to get to Abu Dhabi, let’s delve into all the attractions you should check out when you visit!
Visit the Jaw-Dropping Sheik Zayed Grand Mosque
The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is arguably the most striking landmark in the country, famous around the world for its incredible architecture.
The design blends traditional Islamic elements with modern influences, resulting in a grandiose marble structure with a thousand columns, 80 domes, and beautiful reflective pools.
The interior design is filled with ornate mosaics, and it boasts the world’s largest hand-knotted carpet, a true masterpiece.
Visiting the Sheikh Zayed Mosque is a must on any trip, even if you only have 1 day in Abu Dhabi, and the best time to visit is at opening time. Otherwise, it can get pretty crowded, especially during the high season.
While it’s open to visitors of all faiths, the Mosque has a strict dress code, especially for women. You need to be completely covered including the head, and make sure that no skin other than your face, hands, and feet is showing, not even your wrists or ankles.
Just FYI, I had a long dress with long sleeves and my hair was covered with a scarf but they still made me buy some ankle leggings because my ankle was showing. They are strict.
Sheikh Zayed Mosque Opening Hours: Saturday to Thursday from 9 AM to 10 PM. On Fridays, it closes at noon and reopens at 3 PM.
Entrance Fee: Free to visit.
Be Awed by Qasr Al Watan
Qasr Al Watan is the magnificent presidential palace of the UAE, with opulent decor and striking architecture that offers a glimpse into the country’s rich heritage and traditions.
The building in itself is worth the visit, made of white granite and featuring intricate designs, lavish decorations, and gorgeous domes lined with gold.
However, it will also introduce you to the political history of the country, its contributions to science and art, and displays of ancient texts and artifacts.
▶️ You need to book your Qasr Al Watan Palace Tickets in advance, as the entrance is timed. You can get a regular ticket or a combo that includes other attractions in the city. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
In the mood for a pick-me-up after your visit? Head to the Emirates Palace to try the famous gold cappuccino, that’s topped with 24-karat gold flakes.
You can also have lunch at one of their restaurants before your next stop.
Qasr Al Watan Opening Hours: Daily from 11 AM to 7.15 PM. Last entry is at 6 PM.
Entrance Fee: AED 65 ( USD 18) for adults, and AED 30 ( USD 8) for children.
Walk Along the Corniche
It’s time to explore the Corniche, a scenic waterfront promenade that stretches for 5 miles (8 km) along the coastline, offering glorious views of the Arabian Gulf and the city skyline.
The Corniche features walking paths and cycling lanes to exercise, and it’s lined with beautiful cafés, restaurants, and parks.
It’s one of the best places to visit in the city to relax in nature and have a fun outing. You might spot families having a picnic, or chilling on the Blue Flag Corniche beach along the coastline.
Nothing beats a leisurely stroll after a meal, and this is the perfect place to do it.
Visit The Louvre Abu Dhabi
The Louvre Abu Dhabi is a striking museum that’s as enticing on the outside as it’s on the inside.
While it’s home to impressive collections of art, the building on its own is a masterpiece, boasting a large dome with intricate geometric patterns, waterways, and a sleek design influenced by traditional and modern elements.
The museum explores, through its art pieces and artifacts, the connections between cultures and civilizations, hosting four major exhibitions every year that include loaned pieces from the original Louvre in Paris.
There’s also Children’s Museum where kids can play and create art, and fascinating temporary exhibits.
If you’re interested in art or history, I highly recommend the visit. I thought the displays were incredibly well-curated, and I loved the museum’s architecture. It’s so Instagrammable!
One of the best things you can do when visiting attractions is to book your tickets in advance. The museum is a popular attraction in Abu Dhabi, so tickets are highly coveted.
▶️ The Louvre Abu Dhabi Museum General Admission Ticket enables you to visit all the museum’s galleries. It also includes access to the Children’s Museum and special exhibitions on your chosen day and timeslot. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Louvre Abu Dhabi Opening Hours: Tuesday to Thursday from 10 AM to 8.30 PM, and Friday to Sunday from 10 AM to 8.30 PM. It closes on Mondays.
Entrance Fee: General Admission costs AED 63 ($17). Children under 18, as well as UAE residents, have free entry.
Alternative: Spend the Afternoon at the Beach
If you’re not a fan of museums, you can visit Abu Dhabi beaches instead! Not many people know that Abu Dhabi boasts some incredible beaches.
Saadiyat Beach, located on Saadiyat Island, is a pristine public beach that looks straight out of a paradise-picture postcard, with white sands that are combed and cleaned daily, and warm turquoise sea.
The beach is safe for families with young children, and it offers quite a few amenities, including sun loungers and umbrellas for rent, changing rooms with showers, beachfront eateries, and equipment to practice watersports.
Saadiyat Beach is Blue Flag certified, and if you’re lucky, you may see dolphins swimming in the distance. Besides, it’s hard to beat a sunset at the beach!
Have Dinner & Drinks
After a successful day sightseeing the hottest attractions in Abu Dhabi, it’s time for a well-deserved Arabian meal and drinks to unwind with.
▶️ For fine dining, you can book a table at Li Beirut, an upscale restaurant located within the Conrad Abu Dhabi hotel that specializes in Lebanese cuisine and has incredible views of the city skyline.
▶️ A great spot for authentic Emirati food is Al Fanar Restaurant, housed within an old-looking building with simple, traditional decor. It serves homemade meals using old family recipes and the freshest of ingredients. The restaurant is located in Yas Mall.
▶️ Table Otto is another highly-rated restaurant in Yas Island, renowned for its Mediterranean cuisine with an Italian and French flair. It features elegant interiors and serves favorite dishes with a gourmet twist, including pizza, pasta, sandwiches, salads, meat dishes, and desserts.
For post-dinner drinks, you have quite a few fantastic options. If you’re in Yas Island, you can head to Diablito, a Spanish rooftop bar that overlooks the Yas Marina and its sleek yachts. It features an extensive cocktail and mocktail menu, as well as Mediterranean bites.
The sophisticated Glo Bar, located on the rooftop of the Rosewood Hotel, features comfortable sofas and bar stools to relax with a craft cocktail, spirit, or your favorite drink. It also boasts astounding views of the city skyline.
Other great alternatives include the fashionable Siddharta Lounge, the cozy rooftop bar at The Beach House Shala, and the speakeasy Dragon’s Tooth.
Tips for One Day in Abu Dhabi
This is the essential information you need to know before setting out to explore Abu Dhabi:
- If it’s summer (not the best time to visit Abu Dhabi weather-wise) you can still enjoy all the activities except walking on the Corniche, and you’ll have to take taxis to move around. The museums and indoor attractions are air-conditioned, so you’ll be fine. I visited in June and it was doable.
- Abu Dhabi is more conservative when it comes to women’s attire, so dress appropriately, covering your knees and shoulders. If you want to visit the mosque, remember you’ll have to be completely covered.
- Book your tickets ahead of time to ensure your slot, especially if you only have a few hours in Abu Dhabi.
- Regardless of the time of year you visit, it’s gonna be hot. Stay hydrated, and wear comfortable and lightweight clothes.
- Plan your Abu Dhabi itinerary beforehand, ensuring it makes sense geographically, and time your visits so you manage to check them all out without rushing.
- Be respectful of the culture and customs of locals, avoiding public displays of affection and eating or drinking in public during Ramadan.
- It’s illegal to take photographs of people without their consent, especially women and children.
