Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, blends pearl-diving heritage with bold, modern design. Here, pristine beaches meet dazzling architecture—think the luminous Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and the marble-and-limestone dome of Louvre Abu Dhabi—framed by calm turquoise waters and desert dunes.

Beyond the skyline, the city hums with culture. Explore the restored Qasr Al Hosn fort, taste Emirati classics like machboos and luqaimat, and wander the Corniche promenade at sunset. On Saadiyat Island, world-class art meets a laid-back beach scene; on Yas Island, theme-park thrills and trackside glamour amp up the energy.

Plan for warm weather year-round (peak heat at midday) and modest attire when visiting mosques. Taxis and ride-hailing are reliable and affordable; Dubai sits roughly 90 minutes away if you fancy a day trip. Abu Dhabi’s cuisine is global and generous—expect everything from Michelin-lauded fine dining to fragrant shawarma stands that locals swear by.

Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi offers an elegant spread of experiences: serene mosques, museums that spark awe, and a waterfront made for golden-hour strolls. Saadiyat’s cultural district anchors the city’s artistic ambitions, while Yas Island brings the fun with Ferrari World, Warner Bros. World, and a glittering marina and bay.

Don’t miss the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque’s reflective pools and intricate marble inlay; time your visit for soft morning light. At Qasr Al Watan, admire the kaleidoscopic Great Hall before pausing for Arabian coffee. For art lovers, Louvre Abu Dhabi’s permanent collection and floating galleries reward lingering—and teamLab Phenomena adds an immersive, high-tech counterpoint.

• Top sights: Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Louvre Abu Dhabi, Qasr Al Watan, Observation Deck at 300, Corniche Beach, Qasr Al Hosn, Yas Island parks.
• Dining highlights: Mezlai (elegant Emirati), Al Fanar (heritage Emirati classics), Lebanese Flower (beloved grills), COYA & Zuma (contemporary crowd-pleasers), The Lighthouse (bright Mediterranean plates on Yas Bay).
• Local tips: Dress modestly for mosques (abaya/shayla provided for women if needed). Taxis AUH airport to Corniche: 30–35 minutes, ~AED 70–100. Best beach hours: morning and late afternoon.

Where to stay (handpicked):

• Iconic splurge: Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, Abu Dhabi — palatial grandeur, private beach, destination dining.
• Beachfront luxury: The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Abu Dhabi — serene sands, refined rooms, quick access to Louvre & teamLab.
• Yas Island convenience: Yas Island Rotana — great for theme-park days and the Etihad Arena.
• Good-value business hub: Premier Inn Abu Dhabi Capital Centre — clean, reliable, near ADNEC and central arteries.
• Wallet-friendly in the city: Al Diar Mina Hotel — simple base near the Corniche and Mina Zayed.

Browse more stays: VRBO apartments in Abu Dhabi | Hotels.com Abu Dhabi hotels

How to get to Abu Dhabi (AUH): Search long-haul and regional flights on Trip.com or Kiwi.com. Typical durations: London ~7 hours nonstop; New York ~12–13 hours nonstop; Singapore ~7 hours. AUH to the Corniche takes ~30–35 minutes by taxi (AED 70–100); AUH to Yas Island ~10–15 minutes (AED 30–50).

Day 1: Arrival, Corniche Sunset, and Emirati Flavors

Morning: Fly into Abu Dhabi (AUH). If arriving early, drop bags at your hotel and refresh with specialty coffee at Joud Café (try the Spanish latte) or Brunch & Cake Al Bateen, known for photogenic plates and hearty breakfasts.

Afternoon: Check in, then ease into the city with a Corniche stroll. Start near Nation Riviera Beach Club and walk towards the Family Beach section for calm waters, cycle paths, and skyline views. Pause for fresh juices at Khalidiya’s beach kiosks or a quick shawarma at Automatic.

Evening: Dine at Mezlai in Emirates Palace for refined Emirati cuisine—think fragrant harees, camel sliders, and saffron-kissed desserts in a gilded setting. Prefer something casual? Lebanese Flower’s mixed grill and tabbouleh are local staples, or go heritage at Al Fanar for machboos and regag (thin bread) in a nostalgic setting. Cap the night with a date-and-cardamom gelato from Casa Manfredi at The Galleria.

Day 2: Mosque, Palace, Skyline Views—Plus Art After Dark

Morning: Visit the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque when the marble gleams in soft light. Dress modestly; women can borrow abayas on-site if needed. Consider booking a guided experience to bundle key landmarks:

From Abu Dhabi: Sheikh Zayed Mosque, Royal Palace & Etihad Tower

This tour typically includes the mosque, Qasr Al Watan (the Presidential Palace), and the Etihad Towers Observation Deck at 300 for sweeping city-and-sea views.

Afternoon: If touring independently, head to Qasr Al Watan to marvel at the Great Hall’s celestial patterns and the House of Knowledge. Then ascend to Observation Deck at 300 for coffee or afternoon tea with panoramas from 300 meters up. Lunch ideas: Al Mrzab for homestyle Emirati stews and rice, or Nolu’s Downtown for Afghan-Californian bowls and kebabs.

Evening: Make your way to Saadiyat Island. Explore Louvre Abu Dhabi’s galleries and the spectacular “Rain of Light” created by the perforated dome. Then step into immersive digital art at teamLab’s new venue:

Teamlab Phenomena Abu Dhabi Tickets

Dinner nearby: NIRI for pristine sushi and robata on Mamsha Al Saadiyat, or The Hawksbill at Saadiyat Beach Golf Club for grilled seafood under the stars.

Day 3: Yas Island Thrills—Ferrari World, Warner Bros., and Yas Bay

Morning: Head to Yas Island for rollercoasters and family fun. If you’re a speed seeker, secure your pass for the world’s fastest coaster:

Ferrari World Abu Dhabi Ticket

Traveling with kids or want to pack more in? Opt for a multi-park bundle:

Yas Island 2 or 3 Parks Combo tickets

Afternoon: Break for lunch at The Lighthouse (bright Mediterranean plates and great bakery) on Yas Bay or try Garage at W Abu Dhabi for a lively, multi-kitchen concept. If the heat rises, consider Yas Waterworld for a cool-down.

Evening: Sunset promenade along Yas Bay, then dinner at COYA Abu Dhabi (Peruvian flavors, pisco sour perfection) or Cipriani Yas Island for Venetian classics with marina views. If there’s a show, Etihad Arena is a short stroll away.

Day 4: Desert Dawn Adventure and Departure

Morning: Trade the sea for sand on a 4WD desert adventure—dune bashing, camel rides, and sandboarding—timed perfectly before your afternoon flight:

Abu Dhabi: Morning Desert Safari with Camels and Sandboarding

Pick-up is typically around 7:30–8:00 AM; total time ~4 hours door-to-door. Bring sunglasses, a scarf, and a fully charged camera.

Afternoon: Return to your hotel to freshen up, then transfer to AUH (25–35 minutes from central Abu Dhabi; ~10–15 minutes from Yas Island). If you have extra time, swing by Mina Zayed’s Date Market for edible souvenirs. For a smoother pre-flight, consider lounge access:

Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH) VIP Lounge Access

Evening: If your flight is late, enjoy a relaxed early dinner near your hotel: Jones the Grocer (gourmet burgers and truffle fries) or Al Ulya’s clay-pot lamb if you want one last Emirati note. Then it’s wheels up—ma’a salama!

Practical Notes: Taxis and ride-hailing (Careem) are plentiful; most cross-town rides cost AED 25–50. Dress modestly for religious sites (shoulders/knees covered; remove shoes inside prayer areas). Summers are hot—plan indoor museums midday and strolls at dawn and dusk.

Optional Private Tours: Prefer the ease of a driver-guide? Try a fully private day out that can include the Mosque, Louvre, and markets:

Private Abu Dhabi City Tour with Louvre Abu Dhabi Combo

Getting Around & Timing: Grand Mosque ↔ Qasr Al Watan: ~20–25 minutes by taxi. Saadiyat ↔ Yas Island: ~15–20 minutes. Corniche sunset is best 30–45 minutes before dusk; TeamLab and Louvre are typically less crowded on weekday evenings.

In four days, you’ll have skimmed the best of Abu Dhabi: soul-stirring architecture, world-class art, beachy interludes, theme-park thrills, and a morning in the dunes. This itinerary balances big-name icons with local flavors so you leave with both postcard photos and authentic tastes—and a reason to return.