Looking to go on holiday without spending hours on a long-haul flight? Abu Dhabi offers an ideal escape, with its white marble domes, authentic eateries, and enchanting beaches. Discover the best things to do if you visit Abu Dhabi for the day, and if you can’t get enough of it – turn it into a long weekend for the ultimate staycation.
Off the beaten path, you’ll find the city’s hidden gems away from the touristy sites, from falcon hunting and watersports, to moonlight kayaking under the stars. Find out the hidden spots to feast on machboos, or head to the city’s top rated steakhouse. Pack your bags and experience the Manhattan of the Middle East in this Abu Dhabi Guide for young travelers.
So you want to experience the city like a local? These unique experiences in Abu Dhabi will make your trip an unforgettable one.
The Yas Waterworld on Yas Island has attractions for all ages including waterslides, static surfing waves, shopping, and dining. Or, if you prefer, head to one of the Abu Dhabi beaches, like the tranquil Corniche Beach.
Take in the fresh sea air or go for a swim in the beautiful sea in the Mamsha Al Saadiyat residential area. Here long and wide beaches await, perfect for strolls taking in the social scene. There are also many dining options for when the sun goes down.
The Galleria on Al Maryah Island is any shopaholic’s playground. Explore this titan of a shopping centre with its 400+ retail and entertainment brands and 100+ eateries. Yas Mall is the largest mall on Yas Island and comprises 370+ brands, 68 FB outlets and loads of entertainment options.
You can not only go wall-climbing in this huge indoor adventure centre, you can also skydive from within its walls. CLYMB is home to the world’s tallest indoor skydiving flight chamber – so gear up for breathtaking fun.
Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi lets you right inside the zany and wacky world of super heroes and beloved classic cartoon characters. In this themed amusement park you can try all the fun rides your body can handle, then take in some entertaining live-action shows, and classic snacks and desserts, until you’re ready to ride again.
If you’re curious about the fascinating history of the area, don’t miss out on the House of Knowledge in the Presidential Palace – Qasr Al Watan. Located in the East Wing, the collection of artefacts and antiquities documents the Islamic Golden Age, which inspired the European Renaissance. Many of the manuscripts stand out as some of the earliest Arab contributions to science, literature, and art.
Built in the 1790s, Qasr Al Hosn first served as a fortress during the early settlement of Abu Dhabi. After a series of renovations, the fortress was converted into the House of Artisans, a museum dedicated to local history and culture. Today you can tour the art installations, hear musical performances, and participate in workshops.
Partygoers arrive by car, helicopter, and yacht at this beachfront club. The bar serves up house cocktails made with fresh fruits with day-to-night dance parties lasting until sunrise.
Motor enthusiasts will get their fix at this large theme park dedicated to all things world’s most famous sports car. Located on Yas Island, Ferrari World has the world’s fastest roller coaster, which charges 240km/h in 4.9 seconds. Or, cruise the city in a luxury sports car with The Driving Experience.
Whether looking for an authentic, homestyle meal or eager to splurge on a fine dining experience, Abu Dhabi has no shortage of places to eat. Don’t miss some of these best local restaurants in Abu Dhabi.
Zuma
Fine dining, moderately expensive
This modern restaurant presents delicately-prepared sushi, grilled meat and seafood, tempura and their own signature Japanese dishes – all created authentically but not traditionally and perfect for sharing.
Bait El Khetyar
Casual, affordable
Cash-only, this Jordanian restaurant serves up shawarma with hummus and labneh. Bait El Khetyar is located on Al Nagda Street Next to the Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank.
SALT
Casual, food truck
Abu Dhabi’s first food truck has become a permanent fixture in Al Mushrif. Top dishes include hamburgers, fries, fried cheese, and chicken cheetos sliders.
Ethr Design & Café
You’ll feel amazingly elegant as you order your coffee and pastry from Ethr. The establishment combines café services, a design studio and space for young creatives to gather – all in its open showcase area.
Rain Café
A cute and whimsical café where you wish it would rain coffee this good all day long. Enjoy your well-made coffee drink with easy breakfast to go, snack and cookies, ice cream and delicious fresh desserts.
Joud Café
This is the place you want to hang out in to get a feel for the local neighborhood. Relax in their ultra-cozy setting and enjoy a delicious coffee or even some comfort food or classic dishes from their wide menu.
Close to home, Abu Dhabi offers an enchanting getaway without the long flight. Hop in the car or take a laid back bus ride to explore the city’s attractions.
Those coming from the north can reach the city in just over an hour from Dubai via E11, in two hours from Sharjah via E11, and two and half hours via E311 from Ras Al Khaimah. Driving from Fujairah, you can reach Abu Dhabi in about three and a half to four hours.
A bus service now connects Ras al Khaimah, running from Thursday to Saturday. Tickets cost Dh45 from Ras Al Khaimah and Dh35 from Abu Dhabi. Currently direct buses do not run from Fujairah to Abu Dhabi, but you can take a bus and transfer in Dubai.
Once you get there, you’ll have no trouble getting around by bus or taxi. Use the DARB interactive map to help navigate during your stay. Although walking is an option, mind the heat during the day.
Cabs are relatively affordable. starting at Dh3.50 to Dh4 with every kilometer costing an additional Dh1.60 to Dh1.69. Prices go up between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m.
The city’s extensive bus network of over 95 routes connects you to all corners of town. Buses run at all hours of the day and night.
To reach Yas Island, the Yas Express free shuttle service has two lines: blue and red. The Blue Route stops at the Yas Plaza hotels, the W Abu Dhabi Hotel, Yas Central, Ferrari World and Yas Waterworld. The Red Route also stops at the Yas Plaza hotels and the W Abu Dhabi, and continues on to Yas Beach, Yas Marina and the Yas Links.
Parking fees are fairly cheap: Expect to pay around 3 AED every hour for up to four hours or 2 AED per hour for up to 24 hours.
Ready for your getaway? From world-class dining to desert safaris, all of the unique experiences Abu Dhabi has to offer will create a staycation you won’t soon forget.
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