Abu Dhabi 5-day itinerary

1. Stop 1

   Abu Dhabi Cultural Foundation

   A landmark in the Emirates, it holds cultural events and workshops throughout the year. It has a well-stocked library, children's programs, art exhibitions, benefits, and other culture-related activities that are the hallmark of any city. It's well worth a look.

2. Stop 2 · 113 min walk

   Manarat al Saadiyat

   An exhibition space and cultural centre with galleries, a theatre and a restaurant, opened in 2009 and with works by contemporary artists from around the world.

3. Stop 3

   UAE Pavilion

   Sand dune-inspired exhibition centre designed by Norman Foster.

Eat · Fish Market: A fish market with restaurants attached, where you can have your choice of fresh fish cooked with your choice of seasoning, sauce and accompaniments.

1. Stop 1

   Khalifa Park

   The best park by far, built at a cost of US$50 million. It has an aquarium, museum, train, play parks and formal gardens.

2. Stop 2 · 123 min walk

   Umm Al Emarat Park

   It's a vibrant park with a shaded house and a botanical garden. The entrance fee is 10 dirham (April 2022).

Eat · Liwan Mansour Restaurant & Grill - AlKhalidiya: Liwan Mansour Restaurant & Grill - AlKhalidiya is a listed stop in this neighborhood.

1. Stop 1

   Lulu Islands

   A group of artificial islands, already built just offshore at great expense, but sitting there doing nothing after a tourism venture failed to even start construction.

2. Stop 2 · 85 min walk

   Reem Island

   By the time it is completed, it will be a residential, commercial and educational haven. Reem Island is progressing well, with many skyscrapers being built on the island to facilitate its growing population. The Reem Island skyline has impressive number of tall buildings. However, the north side of the island is still quite sparse. Despite this, there are many facilities available and Reem Island is a good place to live.

Eat · The Resto Pinoy, Al Khalidiyah Branch: A Filipino restaurant

1. Stop 1

   Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

   The 8th largest mosque in the world, boasts a total of 82 domes. On Fridays, it is closed to the public and open only for worshippers. You can get there by public bus #54. Make sure to ask the bus driver to tell you when you get there. The public bus stop is 100 m before the mosque and after that is no stop for the next 5 km. The Mosque Centre offers several free tours of the mosque every day. Times vary on a daily basis, so check their website. As it is a place for worshippers, dress conservatively.

2. Stop 2 · 239 min walk

   Qasr Al Watan

   Opened to the public in 2019, this is the presidential palace for diplomatic visits. As one would expect from UAE, the palace is very opulent and features great Islamic architecture. Inside you will find a banquet hall, a library, a museum containing diplomatic gifts and several dining outlets.

3. Stop 3 · 73 min walk

   Qasr al-Hosn

   The oldest stone building in Abu Dhabi, this small fort was first constructed in 1761 and served as the royal palace from the late 18th century until 1966. The site can be visited: the ticket allows you to visit the fort itself, the Cultural Foundation, the House of Artisans and enjoy the Bait Al Gahwa (traditional preparation of Arabic coffee).

4. Stop 4 · 23 min walk

   Corniche Road

   The city's main avenue, it curves around the coastline along Abu Dhabi's spectacular waterfront that stretches for miles from the breakwater near Marina Shopping Mall almost up to the Mina Zayed port. The shoreline is lined with a walkway for the entire length, skyscrapers, lovely beaches, parks, and other landscaped areas. There are many activities like go-kart riding, playgrounds and even stages for shows. Come in the evening and you'll feel as if all of Abu Dhabi has come here for their evening walk.

5. Stop 5 · 352 min walk

   Yas Island

   It has a Formula 1 race track, Ferrari World (a Ferrari-themed park with the fastest roller coaster in the world), the Warner Bros. World theme park, the SeaWorld Abu Dhabi themepark, Yas Waterworld, a shopping mall and a hotel.

6. Stop 6 · 363 min walk

   UAE flag pole

   At 122 m, this is among the world's tallest flagpoles, and you won't miss the massive UAE flag flying from it. It is on Marina Island across from Marina Mall.

Eat · Ghalib Restaurant: Ghalib Restaurant is a listed stop in this neighborhood.

1. Stop 1

   Dubai

   Listed as a next stop from Abu Dhabi. Check the regional train or bus the night before.

2. Stop 2

   Al Ain

   Listed as a next stop from Abu Dhabi. Check the regional train or bus the night before.

3. Stop 3

   Liwa Oasis

   Listed as a next stop from Abu Dhabi. Check the regional train or bus the night before.

Eat · Pack snacks from town. Do not count on a full menu at a small station.