All citiesAbu Dhabi Things to do and walking itinerary
United Arab Emirates Abu Dhabi travel guide
20 things to do in Abu Dhabi, where to stay, airport transfers, 2 MICHELIN-starred restaurants. Pick places on the map and get a day-by-day walking route from your hotel with steps, kilometres and minutes.
Top things to do in Abu Dhabi
- St. Joseph's Cathedral, Abu Dhabi — church in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (visit ≈ 35 min)
- Mary, Mother of Jesus Mosque — Mosque in Abu Dhabi (visit ≈ 30 min)
- Sheikh Zayed Mosque — grand mosque in Abu Dhabi (visit ≈ 30 min)
- Louvre Abu Dhabi — art museum in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (visit ≈ 120 min)
- Zayed National Museum — museum from United Arab Emirates (visit ≈ 120 min)
- Imam Al-Tayeb Mosque — mosque in Abu Dhabi (visit ≈ 30 min)
- Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi — museum in the United Arab Emirates (visit ≈ 120 min)
- Moses Ben Maimon Synagogue — synagogue in Abu Dhabi (visit ≈ 30 min)
- Al-Aziz mosque, Abu Dhabi — Mosque in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (visit ≈ 30 min)
- Wahat Al Karama — monument in Abu Dhabi (visit ≈ 15 min)
- Emirates Park Zoo — zoo in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (visit ≈ 150 min)
- Zayed the Second Mosque, Al-Hisn — mosque in Abu Dhabi (visit ≈ 30 min)
- Umm Al Emarat Park — park in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (visit ≈ 45 min)
- The National Aquarium Abu Dhabi — Aquarium in Abu Dhabi, UAE (visit ≈ 150 min)
- Mangrove National Park — national park in United Arab Emirates (visit ≈ 45 min)
- Ḩadīqat at Turāth — park in the United Arab Emirates (visit ≈ 45 min)
- Ḩadīqat al Mīnā' — park in the United Arab Emirates (visit ≈ 45 min)
- Ḩadīqat al ‘Āşimah — park in the United Arab Emirates (visit ≈ 45 min)
- Ḩadīqat al Khubayrah — park in the United Arab Emirates (visit ≈ 45 min)
- Ḩadīqat al Khālidīyah lil Aţfāl — park in the United Arab Emirates (visit ≈ 45 min)
3-day Abu Dhabi walking itinerary
Starting point: Corniche. The top 5 places at a normal pace (up to ~10 km of walking a day), in this order. Change places or your hotel on the map and the route is recalculated; distances are estimates with a street allowance.
- Day 1 (≈ 5.2 km · 7,060 steps · 1 h 9 min on the way): Ḩadīqat al Khubayrah → Ḩadīqat al Khālidīyah lil Aţfāl
- Day 2 (≈ 6.1 km · 8,210 steps · 1 h 22 min on the way): Emirates Park Zoo
- Day 3 (≈ 7.5 km · 10,120 steps · 1 h 40 min on the way): Ḩadīqat al ‘Āşimah → Zayed the Second Mosque, Al-Hisn
Where to stay in Abu Dhabi
- Corniche: Beach, promenade and big hotels.
- Al Zahiyah: Central and good value, near malls.
- Al Maryah Island: Modern financial district, luxury hotels.
- Saadiyat Island: Louvre Abu Dhabi and calm beaches.
- Yas Island: Theme parks, F1 circuit and close to the airport.
Getting from the airport to Abu Dhabi
- Zayed International (AUH): A1 bus ≈ 40 min; taxi ≈ 30 min
Getting around
The city is car-oriented; taxis are cheap and Uber/Careem common. Buses need a Hafilat card.
Classic places to eat
- Le Café: Gold-flake cappuccino at Emirates Palace.
- Lebanese Flower: A local favourite; mezze and grills.
- Al Mina Fish Market: Pick your fish and have it cooked next door.
- Al Ibrahimi: Affordable Indian food.
- Hakkasan: Cantonese cuisine at Emirates Palace.
- Café Arabia: Arabic and Mediterranean breakfast in a villa.
MICHELIN-starred restaurants
Last known stars; check the MICHELIN Guide before you go.
- Hakkasan Abu Dhabi — 1 MICHELIN star, Cantonese
- Erth — 1 MICHELIN star, Emirati, modern
Romantic views
- Corniche Beach (Evening): The palm-lined promenade and calm sea are best in the cool evening.
- Heritage Village (Breakwater) (Sunset): From the breakwater the Corniche skyline lines up across the water.
- Eastern Mangroves (Early morning): A quiet boardwalk through the mangroves.
- Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque (Sunset): The white marble courtyards change colour as the sun goes down.
Football stadiums in Abu Dhabi
- Al Nahyan Stadium: Home of Al-Wahda S.C.C.
- Mohammed Bin Zayed Stadium: Home of Al Jazira Club
Day trips
- Sheikh Zayed Mosque — 9 km from the centre
Good to know before visiting Abu Dhabi
- Fine: Swearing and rude gestures, including online and in messages, are criminal offences.
- Fine: Photographing people or sharing their images without consent is a crime.
- Fine: Zero tolerance for drugs; even traces in your blood can count as an offence.
- Fine: Drink only in licensed hotels, restaurants and bars; public drinking or drunkenness is an offence.
- Fine: Zero tolerance for drink-driving.
- Fine: Government buildings, military sites and palaces can't be photographed; drones need a permit.
Extra rules for Abu Dhabi
- Warning: Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque has a strict dress code: loose long sleeves and headscarf for women, long trousers for men.
- Hotels add a per-night tourism fee and municipality tax.
- City buses use the Hafilat card or contactless payment.
- Emergency: 999 (ambulance 998, fire 997)
- Plugs: G, 230V
- Tap water: Tap water is desalinated and safe, though most people drink bottled.
- Tipping: If service isn't included, 10–15% is customary.
Sources: UK FCDO — Foreign travel advice: United Arab Emirates, Wikivoyage — United Arab Emirates, T.C. Dışişleri Bakanlığı — Türk vatandaşlarının tabi olduğu vize uygulamaları · For information only; rules change, check official sources before you go. Last checked: 2026-10
Abu Dhabi travel FAQ
- How many days do you need in Abu Dhabi?
- The top 5 places in the centre take about 3 days at a normal pace on a walking route from your hotel. Add extra days for day trips (Sheikh Zayed Mosque).
- What are the top things to do in Abu Dhabi?
- Highlights: St. Joseph's Cathedral, Abu Dhabi, Mary, Mother of Jesus Mosque, Sheikh Zayed Mosque, Louvre Abu Dhabi and Zayed National Museum. The map has 20 things to do in total.
- Where to stay in Abu Dhabi?
- Corniche: Beach, promenade and big hotels. Other options: Al Zahiyah, Al Maryah Island, Saadiyat Island and Yas Island.
- How do you get from the airport to Abu Dhabi city centre?
- Zayed International (AUH): A1 bus ≈ 40 min; taxi ≈ 30 min
- How do you get around Abu Dhabi?
- The city is car-oriented; taxis are cheap and Uber/Careem common. Buses need a Hafilat card.
- Which MICHELIN-starred restaurants are in Abu Dhabi?
- According to the last known data there are 2 starred restaurants: Hakkasan Abu Dhabi (1 star), Erth (1 star). Check the MICHELIN Guide before you go.
- What is the emergency number in Abu Dhabi?
- Emergency: 999 (ambulance 998, fire 997).
- Do you tip in Abu Dhabi?
- If service isn't included, 10–15% is customary.
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