Abu Dhabi 7-day itinerary

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.

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

   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.

2. Stop 2 · 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.

3. Stop 3 · 123 min walk

   Louvre Abu Dhabi

   Art and civilization museum exhibits artworks from Musée du Louvre and other French collections. Opened in November 2017, the largest art museum in Arabian peninsula with convert|24000|m2

4. Stop 4 · 332 min walk

   Masdar City

   A green city project, open to tourists. Features some unique buildings. Here the UAE try new concepts in reducing energy consumption and environmental impact. You can use podcars here, a still quite rare form of public transport.

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

1. Stop 1

   Emirates Palace

   Even though it's a hotel, Emirates Palace is a very popular tourist attraction. Inside, you'll get to see all the luxury and glamour of one of the most expensive hotels in the world plus, you'll have some picture opportunities. Additionally, you can get to try the very popular Palace Cappuccino, sparkled with 23-karat gold flakes for 75 dirham.

2. Stop 2 · 258 min walk

   The National Aquarium Abu Dhabi

   Home to more than 45,000 animals across 60 different exhibits, this is the Middle East's largest aquarium.

3. Stop 3 · 274 min walk

   Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital

   Covered by TV and media outlets all over the world. Learn everything about falcons and the special meaning of those birds in the UAE. All tours have to be booked in advance.

4. Stop 4 · 150 min walk

   Etihad Arena

   This arena hosts some of the highest-profile events of the year: concerts, comedy shows, and UFC matches.

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

1. Stop 1

   Abrahamic Family House

   The Abrahamic Family House is an interfaith complex on Saadiyat Island. It was inaugurated on 16 February 2023. It features a cultural centre and rooftop garden as well as a mosque, synagogue and church in distinctive and modern architectural styles.

2. Stop 2

   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.

3. Stop 3 · 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).

4. Stop 4 · 56 min walk

   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.

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

1. Stop 1

   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.

2. Stop 2

   UAE Pavilion

   Sand dune-inspired exhibition centre designed by Norman Foster.

3. Stop 3

   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.

4. Stop 4 · 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 · Smart Cafteria: Smart Cafteria 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.

1. Stop 1

   Abu Dhabi Beach

   Abu Dhabi Beach is a listed stop in this neighborhood.

2. Stop 2

   Corniche beach

   Corniche beach is a listed stop in this neighborhood.

3. Stop 3

   Lessons

   Some hotels also offer dance lessons, aerobics classes, and other physical entertainment.

4. Stop 4

   Desert safari

   Trips are a tourist but fun experience. They must be booked ahead, but can often be booked as late as the day before, most hotel receptionists can arrange this for you. Trips start late afternoon and end at night. You will be collected from your hotel and driven to the desert in a 4x4 vehicle. Most packages include a bone-rattling drive over the dunes, a short camel ride, a mediocre Arabic buffet and a belly dancer.

Eat · Go back to a place that already worked.