Abu Dhabi pairs the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and Louvre Abu Dhabi with Yas Island's theme parks, desert safaris and a calmer pace than Dubai. Visit November to March for pleasant weather.
Good to know
- Women should cover shoulders and hair at the Grand Mosque; abayas are lent free.
- Pre-book Yas Island parks online for discounted tickets.
- Alcohol is only served at licensed hotels and venues.
Eat this
Places the planner can use
Mark places as a must or something to skip. The itinerary is built only from this list; ★ marks the destination’s highlights.
Long waterfront promenade with beach clubs and views of the skyline.
Gold-leaf cappuccino and pastries in a lavish hotel lobby.
Panorama of the city and Gulf from the 74th floor.
Dazzling white marble mosque with reflective pools and the world's largest hand-knotted carpet.
Jean Nouvel's domed museum sets world art in a universal storyline.
Ornate palace of domes, gold and sandstone open for tours.
Drive over red dunes, ride camels and share a barbecue under the stars.
Roller coasters and indoor rides designed for thrill-seekers and families.
Paddle through channels with herons, flamingos and jellyfish.
Open-air museum of traditional Emirati life with demonstrations and a souq.
UNESCO oases, Al Jahili Fort and a Jebel Hafeet drive.
Waterfront dining and shops with views of the Grand Mosque.