From mangroves to museums – the best of Abu Dhabi in one day!
Every time you visit Abu Dhabi, it’s a brand new adventure. Whether you are interested in cultural travelling or want to connect with nature, the UAE’s capital never disappoints. But what if you have only 24 hours to explore this beautiful emirate? Then our comprehensive guide on the best things to do when spending a day in Abu Dhabi has you covered!
MORNING – WHERE TO BEGIN
HAVE A FILLING BREAKFAST
Start your day right with a nutritious meal in Abu Dhabi. There are many excellent breakfast options in the capital, but we’ve picked Nolu’s Restaurant because it is close to the next location on our list. You can order their superfood oatmeal or everyone’s favourite, steak and eggs.
Note that every item is served with a side, with choices including fruit salad, roasted potatoes or toast. A healthy breakfast at Nolu’s will juice up your batteries for the action-packed day ahead!
- Location: Al Seef Resort, Near Al Seef Village Mall, Khalifa Park Area, Abu Dhabi
- Breakfast Timings: Monday to Friday 08:00 am to 12:00 pm | Saturday and Sunday 08:00 am to 02:00 pm
- Cost: AED 305 for two people
- Contact: 800-66587
VISIT THE MANGROVE NATIONAL PARK
A short drive away from Nolu’s is Anantara Eastern Mangroves hotel, from where you can book a tour to Mangrove National Park. Abu Dhabi’s typical high temperatures can be sweltering, so exploring the mangroves by kayak in the early morning is the best option.
The Mangrove National Park is one of the best places in Abu Dhabi to see nature in all its grandeur. Home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, the park is a popular tourist destination.
The mangroves are free to see; however, you can contact the Anantara Hotel for their two-hour kayak and other hourly packages. Visit the official website of the hotel for more information.
- Location: Al Salam Street – Zone 1 – Eastern Mangrove
- Contact: +9712-656-1000
AFTERNOON – SOME SIGHTSEEING AND SHOPPING
RELAX WHILE LOOKING OVER THE MANGROVES
By the end of the exciting tour to the mangroves, you’ll need some time to collect your breath. From the Impressions lounge atop the Anantara Eastern Mangroves Hotel, take panoramic views of the national park while enjoying your piping hot afternoon tea. Also, savour mini canapes, scones and assorted mini pastries. They serve a fine selection of mocktails and cocktails as well.
- Location: Anantara Eastern Mangroves Hotel
- Timings: All days 08:00 am to 01:00 am
- Contact: +971-56-503-5121
Discover the Louvre
When it comes to art, Louvre Abu Dhabi is a marvel in its own right. The museum features precious artefacts from South East Asia and Ancient Egypt, strategically placed between the works of Paul Gauguin, Piet Mondrian and Monet.
Have 24 hours in Abu Dhabi? This place is worth every minute you spend here. Note that Green Al Hosn status is required to enter the museum. For further information, call +971-800-1717.
- Location: Saadiyat Cultural District
- Contact: +971-600-56-5566
- Timings: 10:00 am to 06:30 pm | Closed on Monday
Shop at Central Market Souk
Next on our list of things to do when spending a day in Abu Dhabi is a trip to the Central Market Souk. A day in Abu Dhabi would be incomplete without a local shopping experience and this souk is all about that.
Welcoming you to a host of shops selling various items – from gold and antiques to perfumes and carpets – this place is a shopping buff’s paradise. Buy some fresh dates, get a henna tattoo or bring some keepsakes for your visit. There is just so much to purchase here.
Location: Hamdan Street
EVENING – THIS IS NOT THE END!
Experience the Dhow Cruise
A 10-minute drive will take you to Marina Mall. If you want to indulge in a unique sightseeing experience while spending a day in Abu Dhabi – the Dhow Cruise is your best option. The Dhow cruise in Abu Dhabi takes you on a spectacular water journey allowing you to witness the best views of Abu Dhabi’s waterfront developments.
You can see the Abu Dhabi Marina, the Emirates Palace Hotel, the Ferris Wheel and everything else that passes by when the dhow sails towards Lulu Island. The tour companies offer different cruise packages in Abu Dhabi to choose from. Contact the company for booking, timings and other information.
- Location: The Marina Mall
- For booking: Extreme Tours: +971-2-666-1255 | My Abu Dhabi Holidays: +971-2-815-7951
Visit the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
If you spend 24 hours in Abu Dhabi without visiting the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, this means you haven’t explored the city at all. This mosque boasts grandeur everywhere you look. Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque will leave you in awe, from the spectacular domes to the intricately designed minarets. It even offers one of the best mosque tours in the UAE. If possible, make sure you sign up for it.
- Location: Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Street
Take your culinary experience up a notch at Emirates Palace
There are a lot of restaurants – big and small that you can try for dinner or just a quick bite, depending on your schedule. But if you’re looking for an excellent fine dining experience in Abu Dhabi, try any of the restaurants at the iconic Emirates Palace. The taxi ride from Sheikh Zayed to the hotel will take roughly 14 minutes.
Hakkasan is an excellent option for those who love Chinese cuisine. Peking duck, dumplings and cocktails are worth trying at this chic eatery. The other option is Vendome, which offers exquisite Mexican and European dishes curated by chef de Cuisine Johannes Tafel and his skilful team.
- Location: W Corniche Road – Al Ras Al Akhdar
- Contact: +971-2-690-9000
Getting Around in Abu Dhabi for Tourists
Taxis are the standard mode of transportation in Abu Dhabi and they are readily available everywhere. The regular taxi prices in Abu Dhabi start from around AED 12, but taxis coming from the airport usually have a minimum rate of AED 20. Besides the taxis, you can take the bus, which is relatively cheap. Fares across the city begin from AED 5. Buses are more affordable, but they take longer than taxis to take you from point A to point B.
The Big Bus Tours Abu Dhabi
One of the best and most affordable ways of spending a day in Abu Dhabi is to get a 24 hours Big Bus Tours ticket. This hop-on, hop-off tour takes you through the city, visiting all the prominent tourist spots in Abu Dhabi. The best part is that you learn a lot about the city, thanks to the on-bus explanations available in 8 different languages. You can even enjoy a free Corniche Dhow Cruise and entry into Marina Sky Towers on purchasing the tickets.
That’s about it from our end. You might observe that this post doesn’t include major recreational facilities in Abu Dhabi, like Ferrari World, Yas Waterworld or the Yas Marina Circuit. The reason is simple. None of these places would have allowed you to truly see the essence of Abu Dhabi in the shortest possible time frame. Still, if you’re an adventure junkie who loves rides and thrills, skip everything and spend your 24 hours in Abu Dhabi at Yas Island! If it’s summertime when you are visiting, you will fall in love with the indoor theme park of Warner Bros World Abu Dhabi.
FAQs
What Can You Do in Abu Dhabi at Night?
There are a lot of things to do at night in Abu Dhabi, but keeping in mind the 24-hour time constraint, these rank top of the line:
- Enjoy a night stroll at the Corniche. This waterside district comes alive with locals, tourists and the pleasant breeze – an experience that will introduce you to the heart and soul of Abu Dhabi. While you’re there, try out all the other things to do at Abu Dhabi Corniche.
- Experience the tasteful nightlife in Abu Dhabi at one of the city’s several bars and nightclubs. The atmospheric sundowner sessions at Asia de Cuba shouldn’t be missed.
- Witness the glorious vistas of Abu Dhabi from the 300-metre Observation Deck located on the 74th floor of Jumeirah at Etihad Towers.
Can You Drink Alcohol in Abu Dhabi?
Yes, you can drink alcohol in Abu Dhabi at licensed restaurants and bars as long as you are above 18. However, the hotels in Abu Dhabi are prevented by law to serve alcohol to anyone less than 21-years-old. The legal drinking age in Dubai and other emirates (except Sharjah) is 21. Drinking alcohol is illegal in Sharjah.
What Language is Spoken in Abu Dhabi?
Abu Dhabi’s official national language is Arabic, widely spoken among the local Arab community. However, the city has a large population of Pakistani, Indian and other south Asian expats who speak fluent English, Urdu, Hindi, and other regional languages.
Is it Safe to Travel to Abu Dhabi?
The UAE is one of the safest places to travel for women and men alike. Like Dubai and Sharjah, Abu Dhabi is home to a large number of expats, which makes the city a multicultural hub of different nationalities and religions. Therefore, it is safe to travel to Abu Dhabi, whether it’s for work or vacations.
What Should I Know Before Going to Abu Dhabi?
- Public display of affection is considered unacceptable behaviour.
- Smoking publicly is banned in Abu Dhabi, but most establishments and restaurants have separate smoking rooms.
- Dress modestly. Unless you are at the beach, make sure your shoulders and knees are appropriately covered.
- Know the mosque etiquette, such as taking your shoes off, covering your head etc.
We hope this 24 hours travel guide to Abu Dhabi proves helpful for you. This beautiful city has tons to offer to anyone willing to explore, but of course, without time constraints. There are some fantastic free things to do in Abu Dhabi that you add to your schedule when you are spending a day in Abu Dhabi.
