Abu Dhabi, UAE-7-day-itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Exploring the City

Morning

  • Arrive at Abu Dhabi International Airport
  • Take a taxi or Uber to your hotel ( approx. AED 60-80)
  • Check-in at Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi or similar

Afternoon

  • Visit the stunning Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque (free admission, dress modestly)
  • Take a guided tour of the mosque (available in multiple languages)

Evening

  • Head to the Corniche Beach for a relaxing sunset view
  • Enjoy dinner at Zaytinya, serving Mediterranean cuisine with a focus on Lebanese and Turkish flavors

Day 2: Cultural Experiences

Morning

  • Visit the Louvre Abu Dhabi (AED 60, book tickets in advance)
  • Explore the museum’s unique architecture and collections

Afternoon

  • Stop by the Abu Dhabi Heritage Village (free admission)
  • Learn about Emirati traditions and culture at this reconstructed village

Evening

  • Enjoy a traditional Arabic coffee and dates at Al Fanar Restaurant & Cafe
  • Relax at your hotel or take a leisurely stroll around the city

Day 3: Adventure and Thrills

Morning

  • Head to Ferrari World Abu Dhabi (AED 295, book tickets in advance)
  • Experience the world’s fastest rollercoaster and other thrilling rides

Afternoon

  • Visit Yas Waterworld (AED 230, book tickets in advance)
  • Enjoy the water park’s slides, wave pools, and lazy river

Evening

Day 4: Desert Adventure

Morning

  • Take a guided desert safari tour (approx. AED 250-350 per person)
  • Enjoy dune bashing, camel riding, and stunning views of the Arabian Desert

Afternoon

  • Visit a traditional Bedouin camp for lunch and relaxation
  • Try your hand at Arabic coffee-making and henna painting

Evening

  • Return to Abu Dhabi city and enjoy dinner at Li Beirut, serving Lebanese cuisine
  • Take a leisurely walk around the city, exploring its modern architecture

Day 5: Nature and Wildlife

Morning

  • Visit the Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital (AED 60, book tickets in advance)
  • Learn about the importance of falconry in Emirati culture and see these majestic birds up close

Afternoon

  • Explore the Mangrove National Park (free admission, kayaking and boat tours available)
  • Spot wildlife such as flamingos, turtles, and fish in their natural habitat

Evening

  • Enjoy dinner at The Fish Market, serving fresh seafood
  • Relax at your hotel or take a sunset cruise around the city’s coastline

Day 6: Luxury and Leisure

Morning

Afternoon

  • Visit the luxurious Emirates Palace (free admission, gold cappuccino available for AED 50)
  • Take a stroll around the palace’s opulent interior and admire its stunning architecture

Evening

  • Enjoy dinner at Mezlai, serving Emirati cuisine with modern twists
  • End the day with a relaxing evening cruise around Abu Dhabi’s coastline (AED 150-300, book tickets in advance)

Day 7: Departure

Morning

  • Spend the morning shopping for souvenirs or exploring a local market
  • Check-out of your hotel and take a taxi or Uber to Abu Dhabi International Airport (approx. AED 60-80)
  • Depart from Abu Dhabi with unforgettable memories

Tips and Essentials

  • Dress modestly: Respect local culture by covering your shoulders and knees when visiting mosques, heritage villages, and other cultural attractions.
  • Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to combat the hot desert climate.
  • Haggle at markets: Expect to negotiate prices at traditional souks (markets) – it’s all part of the fun!
  • Respect local customs: Avoid public displays of affection, refrain from taking photos of locals without permission, and respect Ramadan timings during your visit.
  • Download helpful apps: Get familiar with local transportation options like Careem or Uber, and download maps.me to navigate the city easily.

Transportation

  • Taxis: Available at airports, hotels, and around the city (approx. AED 20-50 per ride)
  • Uber/Careem: Ride-hailing services available in Abu Dhabi
  • Public Transportation: Bus services connect major attractions, but are less frequent than taxis or ride-hailing services

Accommodation

  • Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi: Luxury hotel with stunning beach views and modern amenities
  • The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal: Luxurious hotel with opulent interior and relaxing spa facilities
  • Other options: Rotana Hotels & Resorts, InterContinental Abu Dhabi, or budget-friendly alternatives like Ibis Abu Dhabi Gate

Currency

  • UAE Dirham (AED): Approximately 1 USD 3.67 AED
  • Credit cards widely accepted; ATMs available throughout the city