BEST 1 DAY IN ABU DHABI ITINERARY
I really enjoy visiting Abu Dhabi – this bustling capital city, located within the United Arab Emirates, has enough attractions to keep one busy for several days. And while I have been to Abu Dhabi many times, often staying for more than a day, I created this Abu Dhabi itinerary for one day, so you know what to expect.
Abu Dhabi in one day is not a lot but enough to see some of the main sights and attractions. I share my favorite places in Abu Dhabi with you – places I think are the best if you only have one day in Abu Dhabi.
Disclaimer: This post also contains affiliate links. This means I might earn a small commission when you buy a product/service via my links (at no extra cost to you). More about it here.
TRAVEL TIPS FOR ONE DAY IN ABU DHABI
Before talking about your 1-day Abu Dhabi itinerary, here are some tips for your trip! Do´s and Don´ts in Abu Dhabi – as in many places in the Middle East, you better know the main rules as you do not want to end up in trouble.
- Any intimacy between couples should be reduced to a minimum (even holding hands) and is forbidden in some places (mosques etc.).
- Never drink alcohol in public (except in restaurants etc.) and do not get totally drunk.
- Follow the dress code. Abu Dhabi is a bit more conservative than Dubai, but you can show some skin (arms, legs), my tip is always to respect the culture and religion, and don’t forget that it is not a Western country. Check out my guide on the dress code for Dubai.
Is Abu Dhabi Safe for Tourists?
Abu Dhabi and Dubai are known as some of the safest cities in the world, so if you’re looking for a peaceful place to visit, then this is it!
Of course, always remember that wherever you go it’s best to use caution. Let´s not forget that Abu Dhabi, or the UAE in general, is neither democratic nor transparent and we do not have any reliable data, I think – overall – Abu Dhabi will treat you right. Make sure to exercise common sense and keep your valuables with you – with a bit of caution, I think Abu Dhabi is a very safe destination.
Solo Female Travel in Abu Dhabi
I’m all about solo female travel, and Abu Dhabi is a great place to kick off your adventure!
This Islamic country can seem intimidating at first – but don’t let that stop you. I mostly visited Abu Dhabi on my own (and once visited with my cousin) and not once had any issues. I felt safe and cannot recommend it enough. However, as always and everywhere, exercise common sense. It probably helps, if I do not drink (and especially do not get drunk) when in Abu Dhabi.
- Read more about safety in the UAE here.
Best Time to Visit Abu Dhabi For a Day
I recommend visiting Abu Dhabi between late October and March, as it gets boiling in summer (from April to the beginning of October). I personally just do not like heat – not only, because I get sweaty, but also because it makes sightseeing much more difficult. Unless you enjoy the heat and/or want to spend most of the time at the beach/pool, try to visit Abu Dhabi not during the summer months.
I prefer visiting in the winter months, though, in December some days can be really foggy. I experienced it myself and it was hard to do sightseeing as I wished to do, because it was just cloudy/foggy. Luckily, I had seen many attractions of Abu Dhabi before, but it can be a bummer for Abu Dhabi first-time visitors (especially if you cannot see the top of the skyscrapers).
If you visit the UAE (or any Islamic country), you probably should avoid the time during Ramadan as well.
During this time, which lasts about 4 weeks, Muslims are not allowed to drink or eat during the day, which also affects tourists as some restaurants are not open during the day. Drinking and eating in public is not forbidden but not welcome. There is also a stricter dress code and less alcohol available.
In 2024, Ramadan is probably from 10th March to 9th April (it may change a bit, but this is roughly the dates)
Where to Stay For a Night
If you stay overnight, then I have some hotel recommendations for you. Though hotels in Abu Dhabi seem a bit more affordable than in Dubai (one more reason for me to love Abu Dhabi), it is not a budget destination.
- Here is my detailed accommodation guide for Abu Dhabi.
- Luxury Accommodation: Emirates Palace is one of the most luxurious hotels in the world.
- Mid-Range Accommodation: Shangri-La Hotel Qaryat Al Beri is a beautiful 4* hotel with a view of the Grand Mosque.
- Budget Hotels and Hostels: Click here to find budget-friendly hotels and hostels
How to Get to Abu Dhabi
1 day in Abu Dhabi most likely means you will get there from Dubai as a day trip, or you will have a stopover. Here are tips on how to get to the city center from either Abu Dhabi Airport or Dubai.
From Abu Dhabi Airport
Abu Dhabi’s airport is close to the city center. So even if you only have an eight to ten-hour layover, you can still visit many great places in Abu Dhabi.
- There is public transportation from the airport in Abu Dhabi. Buses take about 40 minutes and cost around 1€.
- If you take a taxi from the airport, you have to pay $6-20 to the first stop (depending on the exact location).
From Dubai to Abu Dhabi
There are two main ways to visit Abu Dhabi from Dubai – do an independent tour or book a guided tour.
Independent Tour
You can explore Abu Dhabi by public transportation, taxi, guided tours, or a rental car. If you stay a full day in Abu Dhabi, an independent trip (by public transportation and taxi or a car) is the best option.
- Depending on your exact location, a taxi ride might cost around 70€ ($75) and take about 90 minutes.
- A public bus is much cheaper, but it will take more time, and you are less flexible.
- You can also rent a car and drive to Abu Dhabi – the main highway is quite easy to drive. In Abu Dhabi, driving might become a bit more stressful, though it is nothing compared to driving in Dubai.
Tours From Dubai to Abu Dhabi
Different tours take you from Dubai to Abu Dhabi. The choices seem endless. Though those itineraries might not be 100% the way you want them to be, you can see which of the activities mentioned in the tour descriptions are the most appealing to you. Many tours have bundled a couple of great activities in Abu Dhabi.
- Check out this full-day trip from Dubai to Abu Dhabi.
- This tour covers THE main attraction in Abu Dhabi and is perfect if you have less than a day in Abu Dhabi.
- Here you have a tour from Dubai to Abu Dhabi that focuses on the cultural attractions.
- And here is a tour that focuses on the main attraction plus Ferrari World
PLACES TO VISIT IN ABU DHABI IN 1 DAY
Though exploring Abu Dhabi in one day is possible (I have done that myself), it does not leave much room for resting, so my tip is not to waste time and start with the highlight first.
Grand Mosque / Sheikh Zayed Mosque
I begin with the most awe-inspiring place in Abu Dhabi: the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, also known as the Grand Mosque.
The Grand Mosque is located towards the inland side of Abu Dhabi Island, about 20 kilometers from the airport. It is probably the most beautiful building in the world. Even if you are not religious or Muslim, I still highly recommend visiting it.
It’s lovely during the day and at night! If you want to feel a special atmosphere, you can visit during prayers. When the muezzin calls for prayers you get a feeling of this exceptional experience.
During the prayers, however, you cannot enter the prayer room itself.
Compared to other mosques I visited this is huge – and comes with many people. The crowd (which I was part of), is the only thing that made the visit less fun for me.
- There is a dress code. Females have to cover their heads, legs, and arms. Men also have to cover their arms and legs. You can either use your own clothes or rent clothes for free. There is also a changing room.
- It is always open to the public except on Friday mornings or on special occasions.
- There is no entrance fee.
- I would plan one to three hours for a visit. Here are my travel tips for the Grand Mosque.
Emirates Palace
I would then head to the Emirates Palace, another must in 1 day in Abu Dhabi (at least to me). The Emirates Palace is one of the most expensive hotels in the world, and it is absolutely stunning!
Unlike Burj al-Arab in Dubai, where only overnight guests or people with a written reservation for a restaurant/spa can enter, you can visit Emirates even if you are not a guest. Only certain areas are open to the public – which was fine with me, as the hotel is so huge, it probably would have taken me days, to explore it.
The guards, at least in my experience, are very nice and will let you in so that you can take a look at the amazing, stunning lobby or have a meal or some coffee in one of the numerous restaurants. Of course, even the food/drinks are rather expensive, but it was worth the experience.
- Buses run between the Emirates Palace and the Grand Mosque. However, it can be a little bit difficult on public transport as it is not yet perfect in Abu Dhabi. An alternative is taking a cab.
Heritage Village
From the Emirates Palace, head to Heritage Village! It is a reconstruction of a traditional oasis village that gives you a little feeling of ancient Arabia.
Find public workshops where craftsmen demonstrate traditional skills such as metalwork, pottery, weaving, and spinning yarn.
I just loved strolling the area and having a look – however, it’s quite small, and I did not spend too much time here.
- It’s located at the Marina Mall, which is a great place to have a quick lunch or get some retail therapy.
- Open daily from 11:00 am – 11:00 pm and it is free of charge.
Corniche Walk and Beach
One of my favorite things to do in Abu Dhabi is to take a walk along the Corniche. It is a lovely promenade and includes children’s play areas, separate cycle and pedestrian pathways, restaurants, cafés, and the public Corniche Beach.
If you’re fit you might want to walk the whole eight-kilometer stretch of the promenade.
In my opinion, Abu Dhabi’s beaches are nicer than the ones in Dubai. Here you can enjoy some time at the beach as there are sections that are public and free to visit. It’s lovely to relax after the walk whether you sit down on a bench or at the (sandy) beach.
If you like spending time at the beach, then you can probably spend half a day there and have the time fly by. If you are not that much into beaches, you can just see them in an hour or so. Since I am not the biggest beach person, I only stayed there for an hour or so, before continuing the journey.
So, all of the above activities actually will take between 4-8 hours, so you can see a few more attractions.
Louvre Museum
The Louvre Museum is a beautiful museum with stunning architecture that opened in late 2017 – add it to your one-day Abu Dhabi itinerary.
In case you might be wondering why it is named after the famous Louvre in Paris – this one is a separate museum, although the two are linked by a thirty-year branding and training agreement.
- The Louvre is located on Saadiyat Island Cultural District, which is further away. It takes about 15-20 minutes to get there from Corniche by car or 35 minutes from the airport.
- It can get busy at times, so you probably should book your tickets in advance.
Abu Dhabi at Night
So, what about the evening in Abu Dhabi? Here are my tips: If you stay a full day in Abu Dhabi and spend the evening/night in Abu Dhabi, then you have several options for the evening.
You can always go back to Emirates Palace, where the area is illuminated very nicely after dark.
Or you could go to Downtown Abu Dhabi, which is not very far from the beach section. Here you have more shopping areas, restaurants, and cafes. Plus, it’s a fab place to stop for dinner!
Alternatively, do a desert safari and spend the evening in the beautiful desert.
Alternative: Desert Safari
I am a big fan of desert safaris – I have enjoyed a few in Dubai and one in Abu Dhabi, and highly recommend doing at least one in the UAE.
Normally, the evening tours include a hotel pick-up in the afternoon and drop-off in Abu Dhabi before midnight. The one I did, and this goes for most desert safaris, included dune bashing, star gazing, a belly dance show, and a great BBQ (with lots of options for vegetarians and vegans).
HOWEVER, with only one day in Abu Dhabi, you need to make sure you have time for it because it will not allow you to see many other sights/places on a typical 1-day Abu Dhabi itinerary.
- Click here to find out about desert tours in Abu Dhabi in the evening.
- If you want to do a morning desert safari, then check out this tour.
- Keep in mind that if you arrive during the day in Abu Dhabi, your flight might be late and it takes time to get out of the airport.
Alternative: Visit a Theme Park
Ferrari World on Yas Island is another top attraction – many people actually come to Abu Dhabi just to visit Ferrari World. It is situated close to the airport (about 10 kilometers / 6 miles) and if you have a layover for a few hours, you could still visit.
Ferrari World is a mostly indoor theme park – it is the world’s first Ferrari-themed park and features the world’s fastest roller coaster. It is an ideal trip for those who either love Ferraris, and cars in general, or those who are totally into rollercoasters. However, you will not have much time to visit other places if you head to Ferrari World.
Some tours from Dubai have the Grand Mosque and a trip to Ferrari World as one tour.
- To check out day tours from Dubai to Ferrari World, click here.
FINAL THOUGHTS ON ONE DAY ABU DHABI TRIP
One day in Abu Dhabi is not a lot of time – but it will allow you to get a good idea of what the city is about. Visit some of the main attractions and see the most beautiful places in a day in Abu Dhabi.
The above-mentioned places are my top recommendations if you spend one day in Abu Dhabi.
I hope these have given you some great inspiration for what to do in Abu Dhabi in 1 day – whether you explore Abu Dhabi as a layover or a day trip from Dubai.
As you have seen, I have added tours here for you. I personally love GetYourGuide and use them regularly for my own tours.
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