You have heard about Dubai but have you heard of Abu Dhabi? Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates is quickly becoming a city that tourists from around the world flock to for unforgettable and unique experiences. With unique experiences, rich history and culture you NEED to add Abu Dhabi to your travel bucket list. You may use this city as a place for a stopover. However, we highly recommend spending a few days here to truly enjoy everything Abu Dhabi has to offer.
In this blog post we are sharing all of our recommendations for visiting Abu Dhabi. From best restaurants to things to do and where to stay and eat in Abu Dhabi, we’re letting you in on all the information you need to know.
Best Time To Visit Abu Dhabi
Best Weather/ Peak Season: The winter season of November through March is considered the BEST time to visit Abu Dhabi. The most pleasant weather (think warm but not scorching) is during this time. It also comes as the peak travel season so expect some crowds and more expensive hotel rates.
Shoulder Season: April and October are considered shoulder season. This time still offers great temperatures and beautiful weather without the massive crowds. You can also find cheaper hotel rates during this time.
Summer Season: May to September is considered the Summer season in Abu Dhabi. That can bring some hot temperatures. Think 45 degrees celsius or 113 degrees fahrenheit. This is a great time to enjoy some of the incredible indoor attractions Abu Dhabi has to offer.
Currency and Payment in Abu Dhabi
The local currency is the UAE Dirham (AED or Dhs). You can exchange currency at the Airport which is what we did and highly recommend. It is best to always have cash on you when traveling , however most establishments took major credit cards like Visa, Mastercard and American Express.
We always recommend traveling with a Travel Rewards Credit Card. We personally love The Platinum Card from American Express, but there are so many great cards to choose from for a variety of different budgets and lifestyles. The benefits that rewards cards offer like lounge access which makes airports much more enjoyable. If you are thinking of getting a new card, a great time to do so is before a trip to help you hit a minimum spend. Some of our current favorite Travel Reward credit cards are here!
How To Get To Abu Dhabi
Fly into Zayed International Airport- Abu Dhabi is home to Zayed International Airport and Etihad Airlines headquarters. This is the International airport where almost all travellers fly in and out of. This airport is home to the world class Etihad lounges and an award-winning concierge-style check-in!
Bus from Dubai – There are two bus lines that travel between Abu Dhabi and Dubai. E100 bus service operates between Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station and Dubai’s Al Ghubaiba Bus Station. This bus is perfect for those traveling to Abu Dhabi from The Dubai Mall, Burj Khalifa, Dubai Creek or Jumeirah. The E101 bus service operates between Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station and Dubai’s Ibn Battuta Bus Station. This route is perfect for those traveling from Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Marina, JBR or JLT areas. You can read more about this bus service and timetable here.
Where To Stay in Abu Dhabi
Perfect For Luxury and Couples:
Al Bateen Marina in downtown Abu Dhabi: This central location is a great jumping off point to see many different attractions in Abut Dhabi. We stayed at The Abu Dhabi Edition which is a stunning 5 star hotel that offers modern rooms, a great breakfast, a fitness centre, 2 pools and an incredible spa. It is located in a Marina with a lot of different coffee shops and restaurants within walking distance and is a great spot to watch the sunset.
Perfect For Those That Want To Walk and Explore The City:
Dubai City Centre – If you are looking to be in the centre of the hustle and bustle but still want a serene escape, we recommend a stay at The Sheraton Abu Dhabi Hotel and Resort. This hotel sits on a private beach and is within walking distance to some great shopping and restaurants.
Perfect For Families:
Yas Island – A new development in Abu Dhabi, this area is home to some of the most sought after attractions in the city. This is the perfect area for you to stay, if you are looking to visit Super Mario Bros World, Ferrari World, or Sea World! We recommend a stay at the Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island.
Things To Do In Abu Dhabi
Cultural Experiences
Abu Dhabi is a city full of vibrant culture and experiences rich in their history. Here are a few places we think you should visit:
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque: This Mosque is an absolute MUST visit in Abu Dhabi and draws visitors from all around the world. Although entrance is free, you do need to reserve a time to enter, you can do that on their official website here. There is a strict dress code to visit and rules that they ask you to respect as this is a religious site. You can read more about the dress code and rules to know before visiting the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque here! You can pay to rent traditional outfits that are approved to enter the mosque prior to your entry if you do not have anything to wear. Our hotel also had complimentary women’s Abayas and head coverings to use during our stay.
Wahat Al Karama: This is a FREE site to visit and we highly recommend coming to watch the sunset behind the Grand Mosque. We also recommend visiting the Grand Mosque and Wahat Al Karama at the same time as there is a free shuttle between both sites and a walking path.
Qasr Al Watan: This absolutely stunning national palace is a MUST see in Abu Dhabi. We recommend coming prior to sunset to explore in the inside of the palace and then watching the sunset on the grounds. Also, make sure to stay for the evening light show. Entrance as 65 AED or roughly $18 USD per person.
Qasr Al Hosn: This cultural centre is home to the oldest stone building in Abu Dhabi. It is really interesting to see the contrast of the older architecture with the new sky scrappers surrounding it. This spot is also home to the House of Artisans which celebrates many traditions in Emirati culture, including a traditional coffee making experience which shouldn’t be missed. Entrance fee is 30 AED or roughly $8 USD per person.
Unforgetable experiences to have
A Desert Safari: If you are looking for an unforgettable adventure then we definitely recommend a Desert Safari. You will start by being picked up at your hotel. Then you will dune bashing your way through the desert before you get to a camp where you can experience sand boarding, ride a camel and enjoy traditional coffee, dinner and a show. We did this Desert Safari and highly recommend. The drivers were professional, the BBQ was delicious and the show was great!
The National Aquarium: This aquarium is home to over 46,000 different animals ranging from sea life to birds and more. It has a range of exhibits that are not only immersive and informative, but also extremely unique. The entrance is 110 AED or roughly $30 USD per person. We recommend booking your tickets online here.
The Louvre Abu Dhabi: If you love art and history then you will definitely need to visit to the Louvre Abu Dhabi. There are permanent and exhibition galleries with art work collected and shared with the UAE in partnership with France’s renowned cultural institutions. We recommend purchasing tickets from their official website here.
Kayak The Louvre: If you want to add something extra special to your experience at the Louvre we recommend doing the Kayaking tour around the exterior. It offers a unique perspective on the incredible building and the guides share some great information. You can check out the tour we did here!
Jubail Mangrove Park: If you love nature then we absolutely recommend visiting Jubail Mangrove Park. This is an educational, nature and leisure destination that is absolutely stunning. You can walk around and explore on your own, or take a guided tour. You can also kayak around the site. The entrance fee is 15 AED or roughly $4 USD which includes access to the board walk. Check out their website here for more information.
Yas Island
A visit to Abu Dhabi is not complete without a visit to Yas Island. This new development has some incredible activities for every kid (or kid at heart) in your group.
We had SO much fun exploring Sea World at Yas Island. This is an immersive theme park that not only has rides, but also offers a variety of wildlife encounters and one of the largest aquariums in the world.
Other theme parks and attractions to visit include Ferrari World, Yas Water World, and Super Mario Bros World. You can get theme park ticket packages to save money for your trip. We recommend getting your tickets through their official website here.
Where to Eat in Abu Dhabi
There are a lot of incredible restaurants to eat at in Abu Dhabi and it is hard to decide where to go. Here are a few of our favourites!
Alba Terrace: While we normally stay away from hotel dining establishments, we can confirm this one should not be missed. Located inside the Abu Dhabi Edition Hotel, this restaurant offers indoor and outdoor seating with a great atmosphere. We enjoyed their Intro Menu which included a set menu with choices and drinks included. They also have an A La Carte menu with a lot of yummy options. You can check out their website and make a reservation here!
Buddha Beach Bar: This came as a recommendation from some friends that live locally. This beach bar, located on Saadiyat beach, is great for lunch or dinner. There is a resident DJ to set the vibe of the restaurant. Enjoy some great food, unique cocktails and shisha. We recommend visiting around sunset. You can visit their website here to make a reservation.
Marmellata: A local favourite pizza place that is absolutely worth the visit. They have a rotating menu of 5 pizzas with focaccia and focaccia sandwiches. This is a great stop for lunch!
Final Thoughts on Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi is a city that seamlessly blends rich heritage with modern luxury, offering travelers a unique and unforgettable experience. Whether you’re marveling at the architectural beauty of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, exploring the cultural treasures of Louvre Abu Dhabi, or indulging in the thrills of Yas Island, this vibrant destination has something for everyone.
From its golden deserts to its shimmering skyline, Abu Dhabi invites you to discover its charm at your own pace. So, pack your bags and get ready to explore the magic of this Arabian gem!
