Abu Dhabi, UAE-7-day-itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration

  • Morning: Arrive at Abu Dhabi International Airport
  • Transportation: Take a taxi or use the airport’s shuttle service to get to your hotel (approximately AED 25-30, ~$7-$8 USD)
  • Place to Visit: Sheikh Zayed Mosque (open daily from 9am-10pm, free admission)
    • Marvel at the stunning architecture and beautiful gardens
  • Where to Eat: Try some traditional Emirati cuisine for lunch at Al Fanar Restaurant (located near the mosque, approximately AED 50-75, ~$14-$20 USD per person)
  • Afternoon: Visit the Abu Dhabi Mall (open daily from 10am-12am) to shop and relax
  • Evening: Enjoy a traditional Arabic dinner at Kazumaa Restaurant (located in the mall, approximately AED 75-100, ~$20-$27 USD per person)
  • Accommodation: Stay overnight at Park Rotana Abu Dhabi (approximately AED 400-600, ~$110-$160 USD per night)

Day 2: Cultural and Historical Experiences

  • Morning: Visit the Qasr Al Hosn (open daily from 9am-10pm, free admission)
    • Explore the ancient palace and fort
  • Transportation: Take a taxi or use public transportation to get to the Louvre Abu Dhabi (approximately AED 15-20, ~$4-$5 USD per ride)
  • Place to Visit: Louvre Abu Dhabi (open daily from 10am-8pm, general admission approximately AED 60-80, ~$16-$22 USD per person)
    • Discover the world’s most famous art and artifacts
  • Lunch: Try some Italian cuisine at Casa Mia Restaurant (located near the Louvre Abu Dhabi, approximately AED 50-75, ~$14-$20 USD per person)
  • Afternoon: Visit the Emirates Palace (open daily from 10am-6pm, free admission)
    • Admire the stunning architecture and beautiful gardens
  • Dinner: Enjoy a dinner at Mezzerie Restaurant (located in the Emirates Palace, approximately AED 100-150, ~$27-$40 USD per person)

Day 3: Adventure and Relaxation

  • Morning: Visit the Yas Marina Circuit (open daily from 9am-6pm)
    • Take a guided tour of the circuit
  • Transportation: Take a taxi or use public transportation to get to the Ferrari World Abu Dhabi (approximately AED 15-20, ~$4-$5 USD per ride)
  • Place to Visit: Ferrari World Abu Dhabi (open daily from 11am-9pm, general admission approximately AED 200-300, ~$55-$80 USD per person)
    • Enjoy the thrilling rides and attractions
  • Lunch: Try some international cuisine at R23 Restaurant (located near Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, approximately AED 50-75, ~$14-$20 USD per person)
  • Afternoon: Relax on the beach or by the pool at your hotel

Day 4: Heritage and Culture

  • Morning: Visit the Traders Hotel Abu Dhabi (open daily from 9am-10pm, free admission)
    • Explore the historic trading post
  • Transportation: Take a taxi or use public transportation to get to the Abu Dhabi Corniche (approximately AED 15-20, ~$4-$5 USD per ride)
  • Place to Visit: Abu Dhabi Corniche (open daily from 9am-10pm, free admission)
    • Enjoy the scenic views of the Arabian Gulf
  • Lunch: Try some traditional Emirati cuisine for lunch at Al Falah Restaurant (located near the corniche, approximately AED 50-75, ~$14-$20 USD per person)
  • Afternoon: Visit the Abu Dhabi Heritage Village (open daily from 9am-10pm, free admission)
    • Explore the traditional Emirati village
  • Dinner: Enjoy a dinner at Le Royal Restaurant (located in the Traders Hotel Abu Dhabi, approximately AED 100-150, ~$27-$40 USD per person)

Day 5: Shopping and Entertainment

  • Morning: Visit the Mall of Arabia (open daily from 10am-12am)
    • Shop and dine at this luxurious mall
  • Transportation: Take a taxi or use public transportation to get to the Galleria Mall (approximately AED 15-20, ~$4-$5 USD per ride)
  • Place to Visit: Galleria Mall (open daily from 10am-12am)
    • Enjoy the shopping and dining experience
  • Lunch: Try some international cuisine for lunch at Spago Restaurant (located in the Galleria Mall, approximately AED 50-75, ~$14-$20 USD per person)
  • Afternoon: Visit the Abu Dhabi Marina (open daily from 9am-10pm, free admission)
    • Enjoy the scenic views of the marina
  • Evening: Enjoy a dinner at Bab Al Qasr Restaurant (located in the Marina Mall, approximately AED 100-150, ~$27-$40 USD per person)

Day 6: Relaxation and Leisure

  • Morning: Spend the day relaxing on the beach or by the pool at your hotel
  • Lunch: Try some international cuisine for lunch at Café Boulud Restaurant (located in the Fairmont Bab Al Qasr, approximately AED 50-75, ~$14-$20 USD per person)
  • Afternoon: Visit the Yas Island (open daily from 9am-6pm)
    • Enjoy the scenic views and activities
  • Dinner: Enjoy a dinner at Mezzerie Restaurant (located in the Emirates Palace, approximately AED 100-150, ~$27-$40 USD per person)

Day 7: Departure

  • Morning: Spend some time shopping for last-minute souvenirs or visiting any last-minute attractions
  • Transportation: Take a taxi or use public transportation to get back to the airport (approximately AED 25-30, ~$7-$8 USD)
  • Departure: Depart from Abu Dhabi International Airport

Things to Know

  • Dress Code: Dress modestly and cover your shoulders and knees when visiting mosques and cultural attractions
  • Respect Local Customs: Be respectful of local customs and traditions
  • Weather: The weather in Abu Dhabi can be hot during the summer months (June-August), so be sure to bring sunscreen and a hat
  • Safety: Be aware of your surroundings and keep an eye on your belongings, especially in crowded areas

Tips

  • Haggle: Haggle at markets and souks for the best prices
  • Tip Your Driver: Tip your driver (approximately 5-10 AED, ~$1.50-$3 USD) for good service
  • Stay Hydrated: Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day

Other Things of Interest

  • Traditional Arabic Coffee: Try some traditional Arabic coffee at a local café or restaurant
  • Local Markets: Visit some of the local markets and souks to experience the vibrant culture and shopping scene
  • Desert Safari: Take a desert safari tour to experience the breathtaking beauty of the desert
  • Water Sports: Enjoy water sports such as kayaking, paddleboarding, or jet-skiing at one of the many beaches in Abu Dhabi