2 days in Abu Dhabi

Day by day

1. Day 1: Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and The National Aquarium at Al Qana

   Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, The National Aquarium at Al Qana, Louvre Abu Dhabi and Qasr Al Hosn, then Yas Marina Circuit in the evening.

   1. Morning

      Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

      Non-Muslim visitors are welcome outside prayer times, and the free visitor centre explains its design and the life of Sheikh Zayed, who is buried beside it.

   2. Late morning

      The National Aquarium at Al Qana

      The surrounding Al Qana promenade has restaurants and a cinema.

   3. Lunch

      Lunch: Machboos

      Emirati restaurants across the city, mall food courts and hotel Ramadan iftar buffets.

   4. Afternoon

      Louvre Abu Dhabi

      The galleries tell a single story of human civilisation, placing ancient, Asian, Islamic and European works side by side, with loans from French museums alongside the permanent collection. A dedicated Children's Museum offers hands-on exhibits.

   5. Late afternoon

      Qasr Al Hosn

      Restored and reopened as a museum, it traces the city's history from pearl diving to oil. The adjoining House of Artisans shows Emirati weaving and crafts, and the Cultural Foundation next door hosts exhibitions.

   6. Evening

      Yas Marina Circuit

      If you only want to see the track, a guided tour is far less expensive than a driving experience.

2. Day 2: Emirates Palace and Qasr Al Watan

   Emirates Palace, Qasr Al Watan, Observation Deck at 300 and Ferrari World, then Yas Bay Waterfront in the evening.

   1. Morning

      Emirates Palace

      Non-guests can visit the public areas for afternoon tea or the café's gold-flake cappuccino, which is the easiest way to see the interior.

   2. Late morning

      Qasr Al Watan

      The white granite and limestone gardens face the sea, and an evening light-and-sound show is projected on the façade.

   3. Lunch

      Lunch: Harees

      Emirati restaurants and iftar buffets, especially during Ramadan.

   4. Afternoon

      Observation Deck at 300

      A café serves drinks and afternoon tea beside the windows.

   5. Late afternoon

      Ferrari World

      Being air-conditioned, it works year-round, including in the summer heat.

   6. Evening

      Yas Bay Waterfront

      A promenade of restaurants and bars facing the water beside the Etihad Arena, which hosts big-name concerts and shows.

Before you go

• Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque: Entry is free, but visitors are asked to register online for a visit slot in advance; check the dress code (long sleeves and trousers or skirts, headscarves for women) before you go.

If it rains

• Swap in Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi (Yas Island): Families with young children can spend most of the day in Cartoon Junction and Bedrock, where rides have lower height limits.
• Swap in SeaWorld Abu Dhabi (Yas Island): Check the day's show schedule on arrival and plan the realms around the shows you want to see.

Where to stay for this itinerary

Pace and daylight

The sights in this plan add up to roughly 15–20 hours of visiting over 2 days, before meals and getting between them. Daylight runs from about 10.6 hours in December to 13.6 hours in June.

Getting between stops: Taxi. Metered taxis are plentiful and can be hailed on the street, booked by phone or app, or found at malls and hotels.

More or fewer days

• One day in Abu Dhabi
• 3 days in Abu Dhabi
• 4 days in Abu Dhabi
• 5 days in Abu Dhabi
• 7 days in Abu Dhabi

Questions travellers ask