5 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 and Louvre Abu Dhabi, then Yas Marina Circuit in the evening.

   1. Morning

      Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

      Arrive in the late afternoon to see the marble turn gold at sunset and the lighting switch on after dark. (1.5–2 hours, free).

   2. Late morning

      The National Aquarium at Al Qana

      Pair it with an evening visit to the Grand Mosque, about five minutes away by taxi. (2 hours, mid-priced).

   3. Lunch

      Lunch: Machboos

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

   4. Afternoon

      Louvre Abu Dhabi

      Walk the waterfront promenade under the dome at the end of your visit; the light patterns are strongest in the late afternoon. (2–3 hours, mid-priced).

   5. 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: Qasr Al Hosn and Emirates Palace

   Qasr Al Hosn, Emirates Palace and Ferrari World, then Qasr Al Watan in the evening.

   1. Morning

      Qasr Al Hosn

      Visit the House of Artisans in the same compound to see Al Sadu weaving demonstrations. (1.5 hours, low cost).

   2. Late morning

      Emirates Palace

      Dress smart-casual; beachwear and very short clothing are not suitable in the lobby and cafés. (1 hour, mid-priced).

   3. Lunch

      Lunch: Harees

      Emirati restaurants and iftar buffets, especially during Ramadan.

   4. Afternoon

      Ferrari World

      Ride Formula Rossa early, before queues build, and bring nothing loose; goggles are provided. (Half to a full day, expensive).

   5. Evening

      Qasr Al Watan

      Stay on for the evening light show on the palace façade, which needs a separate or combined ticket.

3. Day 3: Corniche promenade and beach and Observation Deck at 300

   Corniche promenade and beach, Observation Deck at 300 and Yas Waterworld, then Yas Bay Waterfront in the evening.

   1. Morning

      Corniche promenade and beach

      Rent a bike near the western end and ride towards the Breakwater at sunset for skyline views. (1–3 hours, free).

   2. Late morning

      Observation Deck at 300

      Go about an hour before sunset to see the city in daylight and as the Corniche lights up. (1 hour, mid-priced).

   3. Lunch

      Lunch: Thareed

      Emirati restaurants and home-style kitchens; most common on Ramadan menus.

   4. Afternoon

      Yas Waterworld

      Arrive at opening in summer and claim a shaded cabana or lounger before midday. (Full day, expensive).

   5. Evening

      Yas Bay Waterfront

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

4. Day 4: Day trip to Al Ain

   About 1.5–2 hours by car or intercity bus each way. Getting there: Car, tour or intercity bus.

   1. Morning

      Travel to Al Ain

      About 1.5–2 hours by car or intercity bus (Car, tour or intercity bus); about 160 km.

   2. Day

      Al Ain

      The UAE's garden city has UNESCO-listed oases where falaj channels water thousands of date palms, Al Jahili Fort, the Al Ain Palace Museum in Sheikh Zayed's former home and the winding mountain road up Jebel Hafeet. Best for culture, families and quiet stays.

   3. Evening

      Back in Abu Dhabi

      Dinner: try Luqaimat.

5. Day 5: Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi and SeaWorld Abu Dhabi

   Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi, SeaWorld Abu Dhabi and Saadiyat Beach, then Al Maryah Island in the evening.

   1. Morning

      Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi

      Families with young children can spend most of the day in Cartoon Junction and Bedrock, where rides have lower height limits. (Full day, expensive).

   2. Late morning

      SeaWorld Abu Dhabi

      Check the day's show schedule on arrival and plan the realms around the shows you want to see. (Full day, expensive).

   3. Lunch

      Lunch: Luqaimat

      Emirati cafés, heritage festivals, iftar buffets and food stalls at events.

   4. Afternoon

      Saadiyat Beach

      Combine a morning at the Louvre Abu Dhabi with an afternoon here; the two are about 10 minutes apart by taxi. (Half a day, low cost).

   5. Evening

      Al Maryah Island

      Terrace bars and restaurants along The Galleria's waterfront promenade, popular after work.

Before you go

Reserve timed tickets for Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque before you travel; the rest of this plan needs no advance booking.

Where to stay for this itinerary

With 5 nights, Corniche and Al Khalidiyah keeps most of this route within easy reach. For a calmer or cheaper base, Ras Al Akhdar and the Breakwater ($$$$) suits luxury, couples and beach. Compare every area.

Pace and daylight

The sights in this plan add up to roughly 37–51 hours of visiting over 5 days, before meals and getting between them. Daylight runs from about 10.6 hours in December to 13.6 hours in June.

More or fewer days

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

Questions travellers ask