{"id":39587,"date":"2019-10-17T07:18:46","date_gmt":"2019-10-17T14:18:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wearetravelgirls.com\/?p=39587"},"modified":"2025-08-27T18:19:55","modified_gmt":"2025-08-28T01:19:55","slug":"abu-dhabi-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wearetravelgirls.com\/abu-dhabi-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"A COMPLETE GUIDE TO ABU DHABI"},"content":{"rendered":"

Abu Dhabi is the capital of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) but the city often gets overshadowed by it’s much larger and glitzier neighbour Dubai just 1 hour down the road.<\/p>\n

Abu Dhabi<\/a>, however, is a great place to spend a few days as it can often be much cheaper than Dubai<\/a>, plus there are more and more tourist attractions opening all the time!<\/p>\n

It is also a very safe city, and whilst Arabic is the official language, English is spoken widely as there is a very large expat<\/a> community. I spent almost 4 years living in Abu Dhabi so let me share with you my favourite tourist attractions, restaurants, and hotels in Abu Dhabi!<\/p>\n

\"A<\/p>\n

THINGS TO SEE IN ABU DHABI<\/h2>\n

Sheikh Zayed Mosque<\/h3>\n

Sheikh Zayed Mosque, also known as The Grand Mosque<\/a>, is Abu Dhabi’s most famous attraction and for good reason – it is simply stunning!<\/p>\n

With its white marble walls, 82 intricately detailed domes and reflective pools in the courtyard, many people believe this to be the most beautiful mosque in the world.<\/p>\n

It is also one of the world’s largest mosques (it can fit a staggering 40,000 people inside) and houses the world’s largest carpet and third-largest chandelier (covered in Swarovski crystals)! It cost half a billion USD to build!<\/p>\n

\"Sheikh<\/p>\n

As it is a holy place of worship you must dress appropriately. If required, women will be loaned an abaya to cover themselves up with as they must be covered from their wrists to their ankles, as well as have their hair covered.<\/p>\n

Sheikh Zayed Mosque is open daily from 9 am until 10 pm except on Fridays. Friday is the holy day in Islam so opening times on a Friday are from 4.30 pm-10 pm.  It is free for tourists to visit and it does get pretty busy here so arrive first thing to avoid the crowds as much as possible. At night time it is lit up beautifully so it is also nice to visit just after sunset. You can read my guide on taking great photographs at the mosque here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Across from Sheikh Zayed Mosque is Wahat al Karama park – head here for a fabulous view of the mosque. There are very few people here even during sunset.<\/p>\n

For more information, read our complete guide to visiting the Sheikh Zayed Mosque in Abu Dhabi<\/a>!<\/p>\n

\"Sheikh<\/p>\n

Desert Safari<\/h3>\n

No visit to Abu Dhabi is complete without doing a desert safari! The desert is less than an hour away and a desert safari is a really fun adventure. You can do morning or evening safaris, or even an overnight one camping in the desert!<\/p>\n

By far the most popular one is the evening safari<\/a> which usually lasts from 3 pm-9 pm as guests get to watch the sunset in the desert which is really magical. It includes pickup and drop-off, dune bashing, sandboarding, riding a camel, holding a falcon (the national bird of the UAE) and then a BBQ buffet and a belly dancing show at a Bedouin-style camp under the stars in the desert.<\/p>\n

It is a really special and exciting experience and you definitely shouldn’t leave Abu Dhabi without experiencing it!<\/p>\n

There are many companies that offer very similar desert safaris for a very reasonable price. There are several desert safaris available, including overnight stays<\/a> and half day tours<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"Abu<\/p>\n

Pay Less, Travel More eBook<\/h2>

Subscribe to get our FREE eBook with tips on saving money when you travel!<\/p>\n\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/form>\n\t\t<\/div><\/div><\/h6>\n

Louvre Abu Dhabi<\/h3>\n

Even if you are not into museums it is definitely worth it to check out the impressive Louvre Abu Dhabi<\/a> on Saadiyat Island, just a 10-minute drive from downtown Abu Dhabi. Opened in 2017, the Louvre Abu Dhabi is the first of it’s kind to open outside France.<\/p>\n

The building itself is a masterpiece – the roof is metallic and looks almost like a cosmic dome! Natural light pierces through the latticework and creates a beautiful illusion inside.<\/p>\n

The collections here are very impressive and include civilisations all over the world, from ancient times until the present day. They also feature pieces from Monet, da Vinci and Van Gogh.<\/p>\n

Make sure to view the opening times<\/a> before you go. Note Louvre Abu Dhabi is closed on Mondays. Entrance is 63 dirhams ($17).<\/p>\n

\"Louvre<\/p>\n

Gold Cappuccino And Ice Cream At Emirates Palace<\/h3>\n

Emirates Palace<\/a> in Abu Dhabi’s most iconic hotel. This elaborate and grand hotel is beautiful both on the outside and on the inside, yet it is far too expensive for most people to stay in (the cheapest rooms<\/a> start at $560 per night!). However, you can visit the Palace for free to have a look around and take in the grandeur and beauty of the floor to ceiling marble and gold.<\/p>\n

What’s more, you can head to Le Cafe in the lobby to experience the renowned Palace cappuccino! This cappuccino is sprinkled in 23 karat gold flakes (yes they are real!). If coffee isn’t your thing, try the vanilla and chocolate ice-cream covered in 23 karat gold. I’ve tried both of them and they are equally delicious! The coffee is priced at 60 dirhams and the ice cream at 40 dirhams.<\/p>\n

\"GOLD<\/p>\n

Corniche<\/h3>\n

A walk along the Corniche (seafront) is a must when in Abu Dhabi. It stretches for 8km along the coast but the most popular part is around the Corniche Beach\/Family Beach area, just a few minutes walk from Emirates Palace.<\/p>\n

The pedestrianized promenade along The Corniche is very elegant and relaxing and there are several restaurants and cafes you can stop in along the way which offer beautiful views of the beachfront.<\/p>\n

\"Abu<\/p>\n

Yas Island<\/h3>\n

Yas Island, a 30-minute drive from downtown Abu Dhabi features a whole host of activities. Ferrari World, Warner Brothers World, Yas Waterworld<\/a> – that’s enough theme parks to keep you entertained for a while! Ferrari World<\/a> features the world’s fastest rollercoaster that reaches 240km\/h (150mph) whereas Warner Brothers World<\/a> has the world’s largest indoor theme park.<\/p>\n

Additionally, Yas Island features the huge Yas Mall as well as the Formula One circuit. The Formula One takes place each November in Abu Dhabi and is a really fun event! Nearby Yas Marina also offers a nice vibe in the evening with several nightlife options available.<\/p>\n

If you want to try driving a race car for yourself, you can even book a Yas 3000 Driving Experience<\/a>!<\/p>\n

\"Yas<\/p>\n

Visit The Mangroves<\/h3>\n

For something a little different and to keep you in shape on your trip to Abu Dhabi head to the Eastern Mangroves for some Stand Up Paddleboarding or kayaking. The natural mangrove forest is really beautiful and home to a variety of marine life.<\/p>\n

It is very calm here, certainly a world apart from fast-paced Abu Dhabi! For 2 hours paddleboarding, the price is 140 dirhams per adult. Click here for more info.<\/p>\n

If you fancy trying some other water sports whilst you are in Abu Dhabi you can go surfing at Saadiyat Beach or jet skiing at Yas Beach.<\/p>\n

\"Kayak<\/p>\n

Sightseeing Boat Trip<\/h3>\n

Abu Dhabi is made up of over 200 islands so the best way to see the city is from the water! Jalboot<\/a> does a really great boat sightseeing tour of Abu Dhabi. It covers the best sites of Abu Dhabi, from the striking skyline of downtown Abu Dhabi to Emirates Palace, going past the Grand Mosque and even heading down to Yas Marina.<\/p>\n

\"A<\/p>\n

RESTAURANTS AND DINING<\/h2>\n

Abu Dhabi is a cosmopolitan city. It has residents from many different countries and its restaurants are a reflection of this. The variety of cuisines available in this city is genuinely impressive!<\/p>\n

And from award-winning restaurants to eateries with more modest prices, there is something to suit every tastebud and pocket in Abu Dhabi! As a general rule of thumb, restaurants specialising in Arabic food will often be cheaper than restaurants serving international cuisine.<\/p>\n

Fine Dining<\/h3>\n

Many of Abu Dhabi’s finest and expensive restaurants can actually be found inside its top hotels. Some of these restaurants that I really recommend include:<\/p>\n