Abu Dhabi One-Day Itinerary

Known for its high-end living, Formula-1 race circuit, and being the getaway spot for influencers and the rich and famous, Abu Dhabi in the UAE (United Arab Emirates) is fast becoming a popular spot. With so much culture and high-end architecture to see, having an Abu Dhabi one-day itinerary is definitely a plus point to get the most out of your stay.

As the hub of Etihad Airlines, the airline actually offers free stopover programs where you can stay a night for free (with hotels all paid for) and continue your journey a day or so later without any penalties. With this being the case, you have a whole day to explore this amazing city. 

But what is there to see and do in this Emirati city, and what can you feasibly get done in just one day? Well, I’ve been there and done it, so here is my tried-and-tested Abu Dhabi one-day itinerary, complete with alternatives, budget info, and more. Let’s dive in and find out more.

Getting Around Abu Dhabi

Sadly, if you only have one day in Abu Dhabi, time is of the essence. That means that the more affordable public buses in the city are going to be off the table as they’re pretty slow to get around. That leaves three main options:

• Uber/local taxis
• Car hire
• Escorted tours/driver hire

Of course, none of these options are particularly cheap. However, Ubers are probably the best option for a one-day itinerary. This means you don’t have to worry about parking, and you’re not overspending on a tour that might not be at your pace.

For context, the 25-minute Uber from the Abu Dhabi Airport to the Abu Dhabi Mall in the center of the city costs between AED 85 ($24). It’s not ridiculous, but it’s also not super cheap.

Unfortunately, the main sights aren’t close together, so Ubers or taxis are going to be essential. If you want to make the most of these Ubers, remember to link your Uber account to your frequent flier program of choice and earn points as you ride!

One-Day Abu Dhabi Itinerary

Okay, so onto my one-day itinerary. While you can pack a lot more into this itinerary, it’s best to give yourself plenty of time to see the sights, get between places, and have enough time to eat and soak up the vibes. So, with that in mind, I targeted three main sights for my day in Abu Dhabi with a pit stop after lunch. 

Let’s go through each part of the day and see what we’re doing on this one-day adventure!

Breakfast

The most important meal of the day can’t be skipped with an itinerary like this. Either have your breakfast at your hotel or head to a local cafe. Grab a large cup of Arabic coffee to power up your day alongside some fresh fruit, tasty bread, and of course, some date syrup if there is some available! 

If you’re not getting breakfast at your hotel, try and get it close by so you don’t end up spending more money on taxis than you need to!

The Louvre

Of course, we all know that the main Louvre is in Paris, filled with iconic art, including the ever-popular Mona Lisa. However, what you might not know is that there is a secondary Louvre in Abu Dhabi. 

Done in collaboration with the Paris original, it’s been described as “France’s largest cultural project abroad”, and is set to be open until at least 2047. If you’re looking for a major culture fix during your day in Abu Dhabi, there is no better place to visit.

The collection here is so eclectic that there is a little something for everyone. From a Viking throne-style chair to Hokusai’s iconic Great Wave to Renaissance-era masters, you could easily spend all day here. There’s an awesome mix of worldwide artifacts, including a large selection of Middle Eastern and Arabic art that stood out. 

Even the building itself is a work of art, created by the architect Jean Nouvel. It’s bright and modern, with some amazing features like the giant silver floating dome, designed to resemble traditional Cupola styles, but in a more contemporary way. 

Located on Saadiyat Island, you’re right on the Arabian Gulf, so there’s a good mix of desert, city, and watery vibes here. You can even arrive at the Louvre Abu Dhabi by boat if you want to!

Opening times: Tuesday-Thursday from 10 am to 6.30 pm, Friday to Sunday 10 am to 8.30 pm, closed on Mondays.

Ticket price: AED 63 (roughly $17-18)

Address: Saadiyat, Abu Dhabi

Lunch

After you’ve had your fill of exploring some of the finest works of art in the world, it’s time for food. While you’re on Saadiyat Island, you can find a ton of fine dining spots that overlook the white sandy beaches and crystal clear waters. Perfect for some fresh seafood or a light lunch bite.

It’s not the cheapest part of Abu Dhabi, but it will help you save on transport if you grab a bite here. Expect a few beach clubs, a lot of fish restaurants, a few gastropubs, and some hotel-style dining options. It’s much more relaxed than many parts of Abu Dhabi, so if you want to extend the calming vibes from the Louvre into lunch, stick around here. 

Alternatively, you could travel to the Corniche Beach area, around a 20-minute drive away, and eat there. As there’s still a lot of waterfront dining, the vibes are much the same, except it’s a bit busier.

This busier status is because it’s a lot closer to the heart of the city. There’s the seaside walkway that’s ideal for a little wander after your meal.

Check Out Corniche Beach

Once you’ve eaten, it’s time to soak up some rays at the beach. Corniche Beach is an ideal option. It’s a little lagoon with two main swimming areas – one is free and one is paid. The paid side has a lot more upkeep and lifeguards, so it’s a little safer and nicer. To get into the paid side, it’s just AED 10 ($2.75).

You can go for a dip in the water, lie down for a while on the soft sands, check out the gardens, or wander up and down the boardwalk and people-watch. The beach is surrounded by small shops and eateries, so you can grab an ice cream and enjoy the vibes. Corniche Beach also has a great view of the Arabian Gulf, so bring your camera!

It’s a nice break from more of the indoor attractions that Abu Dhabi is known for and allows you some much-needed heat and daylight before heading to the next stop.

Note: While the beach is open 24 hours a day, you can only go swimming between 6 am and sunset.

Presidential Palace Qasr Al Watan

Just a five-minute drive from Corniche Beach lies the Qasr Al Watan, or the Presidential Palace, or the Palace of the Nation. Despite the many grand names and historic-sounding provenance, this Abu Dhabi icon has actually only been open since 2015.

Apparently, it’s the main government building in Abu Dhabi and has been opened to show the inner workings of the government, however, this isn’t like any government building I’ve ever seen. I’d have believed you if you’d said it was a historic palace that was now a museum or cultural attraction.

A lot of the time, you won’t see that many employees wandering around. It’s predominantly tourists coming to appreciate the gold-gilded ceilings and ornate architecture. For sure, it’s a stunning building and well worth a visit, just don’t expect it to show you the inner workings of the UAE government!

Even as you pull up to this palace, it’s impossible not to gasp at the scale of the domed white buildings, the huge tiled piazza outside, and just the sheer size of the place. There are a few key zones inside the Palace, including:

• The Great Hall
• The Presidential Banquet Hall
• The Qasr Al Watan Library
• The House of Knowledge
• Exhibitions of Presidential Gifts
• The Spirit of Collaboration room, where Middle Eastern councils and diplomats meet

Each room seems to be grander than the last, and you can even have your photo taken in the Media Room as if you’re leading the news. This is like the equivalent of being behind the White House Press Podium.

It’s definitely an impressive place to spend a couple of hours during your day trip to Abu Dhabi. It gives you an idea of how the royal families and higher ends of government work, as well as giving you an insight into the political history of the area. 

Note: You can come back after the sun sets for the “Palace in Motion” show. It’s a light show that shows the past, present, and future visions of the UAE. This is a separate ticket that costs AED 25 ($6.80), but you also need to have a general admission ticket and enter before the last admission.

Opening times: 10 am to 5.15 pm

Ticket price: AED 65 ($17.70)

Address: Al Ras Al Akhdar, Abu Dhabi

Sunset at Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

Another 20-minute taxi ride further inland will bring you to one of the most popular sights in Abu Dhabi: the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. I’d highly recommend coming here at sunset for stunning lighting against the stark white of the Grand Mosque. If you come just before sunset, you’ll be able to capture the mosque in both daylight and at sunset for variety.

The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is the largest mosque in the whole country and is one of the most visited sights in the region. It’s a spectacular building with 82 domes and countless rooms for worship. 

At its full capacity, it can fit 40,000 people, which should give you an indication of the scale. There are plenty of beautiful spots in the mosque, including intricate flower murals, hand-knotted rug areas, and interesting windows that are designed to manipulate the light and cast intriguing shadows and patterns across the room.  

It’s worth noting that there are free guided tours around the mosque that are definitely worth your time more than the pre-recorded e-guides. Not only do you have to pay for the audio guides, but they just don’t have the same insight and context as the free in-person tours. 

Of course, as this is a functioning mosque, you need to be mindful of prayer times, worshippers, and customs around that. There are numerous signs telling you what you can and can’t do, as well as where you can and can’t go. Pay attention to them.

This includes not being able to bring any food or drink into the mosque, including water. You need to plan accordingly and be respectful. 

If you’re traveling to Abu Dhabi during the Holy Month of Ramadan, the visiting hours to the mosque are severely limited. There are also limitations on the opening hours of many of the attractions and eateries around the city. 

What to Wear at the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

In order to be allowed into the mosque, women must be in loose-fitting clothing that is full length, covering both legs and arms. You’ll also need a head covering of some kind, most likely a head scarf or hijab. 

If you don’t have this, you can rent an abaya for your visit. The nicest ones cost around AED 100 ($27.25) to rent, but you can rent cheaper ones for the visit if you’re not taking photos of yourself. You can also purchase an abaya elsewhere which can be more cost-effective if you’re visiting numerous mosques and places of worship around the world. 

The key rules for everyone around clothing are:

• No tight-fitting clothes
• No transparent clothes
• No shorts
• No skirts that are above the ankle
• No shirts with profanity or offensive symbols on them
• No sleeveless shirts

Opening times: Saturday to Thursday, 09:00 am to 10:00 pm (Last admission at 09:30 pm) On Friday, Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is open from 09:00 am to 12:00 pm (Last admission at 11:30 am) and reopens from 3:00 pm. to 10:00 pm (Last entry at 09:30 pm)

Ticket price: Free to enter

Address: Al Rawdah, W54, Abu Dhabi

Dinner & Cocktails

Once you’ve enjoyed a sunset visit to the Grand Mosque, it’s time to grab dinner and some cocktails. There are so many amazing places to choose from for this, and I’d recommend a spot with a rooftop cocktail bar that gives you panoramic views of the city and the bay.

The downtown area, back towards Corniche, is great for a variety of cuisines at reasonable prices. You can also grab drinks at one of the beach bars and enjoy the sound of the Gulf as you rest your feet after a long day of exploring. 

Alternative Options For Your Day Trip To Abu Dhabi

While this is my go-to one-day itinerary for Abu Dhabi, we’re all different with different tastes and vibes. If you’re not feeling a culture-filled day, there are plenty of alternative options for your day trip to Abu Dhabi. 

Hit The Beach Clubs

If there is one thing that Abu Dhabi is known for, it’s the beach club scene. When you want more of a relaxing day trip, you can buy a pass for the day and enjoy a private stretch of beach with drinks, food, music, and more.

This is ideal if you need a break after a long flight or just want some rest and relaxation. The prices of the beach clubs can vary massively, and some offer more than others. The most popular spots for beach clubs are around Corniche Beach or Saadiyat Island and they’re ideal if you just want to soak up the rays with a cocktail or three.

Head To The Desert

Dune buggies, excursions by camel, and even dune bashing are popular trips that run from Abu Dhabi. You’ll want to jump on an organized tour for this kind of trip, as just driving into the desert rarely goes too well for travelers!

If you’re looking for a more tranquil, natural escape, opt for a camel or a guided historic tour of the region. However, if you want to get your heart racing, you can put your foot down in a dune buggy or sandboard and have the time of your life!

Visit Yas Island

If you absolutely love theme parks, you need to go to Yas Island. This is a whole island dedicated to fun and entertainment. It’s here that you’ll find Ferrari World, Waterworld, Sea World, and Warner Brothers World. So whether you love fast cars, ocean giants, water slides, or the magic of the movies, this place has it all.

This is a super popular area, so make sure you book your tickets and passes as far in advance as possible. Also, have a plan of action for which areas you want to prioritize because it’s four big parks, so it’s a lot to cover in just one day. 

How Much To Budget For Your Day In Abu Dhabi

While Abu Dhabi isn’t the cheapest place to visit in the world, if you’re enjoying cultural attractions that are relatively well-priced, you may not spend as much as you might think. However, if you’re rushing around trying to see everything in one day, then you might spend a small fortune on Uber and taxis. Going back and forth in Ubers on this itinerary means it’s relatively easy to spend $60+ on Ubers alone. 

The attractions may be reasonable, but the food and drinks will soon rack up. In most decent cocktail bars with a view, you’re looking at around $18 a cocktail. Again, if you’re coming from a major US or European city, this might not be too extravagant for you, but it’s certainly not cheap.

If you’re there with friends, obviously some of these costs are going to be split, which goes a long way. You can also hit up local grocery stores or markets to save money or eat away from the main tourist spots like Corniche Beach or Saadiyat Island. However, if you only have one day in Abu Dhabi, why not treat yourself?

I‘ve lived abroad for many years and love helping others find work abroad and figure out their “Move Abroad Plan.” Check out my class below to get you started ASAP!

Where Did I Stay?

I stayed in the Four Seasons Abu Dhabi at Al Maryah Island. This is a gorgeous five-star hotel, right by the Galleria, with amazing views of the Gulf. Now, I appreciate that this isn’t in everyone’s budget or vibe, but it is super central for the main sights. 

It only took me 10-15 minutes in a taxi to reach both the Louvre and Corniche Beach, which was great as I could maximize my time, rather than being stuck in traffic all day long.

Should You Go On A Tour?

If you’re only in Abu Dhabi for a day, I personally would not bother with a tour. I love a great food tour or cultural guide for certain places, but for the sights within the city, you don’t need it. The only reason you’d do it is so that you don’t have to plan your transportation. 

However, if you’re looking to go out to the desert or do specific activities like boat trips or dune bashing, then I’d 100% recommend joining a tour. Anything in the desert really needs a tour, especially if you’re not planning on hiring a car. 

If you are considering a tour, Get Your Guide is a great place to find them. They have reliable review systems and there is always a wide range of options that I appreciate. 

Tips For Women Traveling Solo In Abu Dhabi

Overall, Abu Dhabi is pretty safe for solo female travelers. There are a lot of expats and solo women living in the city and, much like Dubai, this has helped improve the situation for solo female travelers.

Of course, there are some key things to keep in mind to stay safe:

• Dress modestly. This is a Muslim country, and the customs are to remain relatively covered up without a lot of skin on show. The only place where this isn’t a thing is on the beach and in the water parks. Otherwise, get some loose, floaty clothing.
• Avoid walking alone at night. Sadly, this is a reality pretty much everywhere in the world, so it’s little wonder that it applies to Abu Dhabi as well.
• Make sure you have reliable transport. Buses are few and far between, so if you’re heading out of the city, make sure you’re able to get a taxi or Uber back. I have the desert in mind here!
• No PDA. This goes with the modesty culture. No one wants to see you eating each other’s faces in public. Keep it low-key here as it can make people feel uncomfortable. 

Overall, it’s your standard thing to be aware of as a female solo traveler with more modesty added in. These are general for the whole city, and if you’re going into mosques or places of culture or worship, they’ll have extra considerations, including headscarves and more strict clothing rules.