Things to do in Abu Dhabi
History, great food, and the places locals actually go, no luxury tax required.
This is Abu Dhabi for the traveller who wants to eat well without a reservation a month out, see the city's best new and old institutions, and still have money left for a proper cocktail. The plan moves between the Corniche, the palace district, and Saadiyat Island, three distinct moods across three days, all tied together by great-value dining and genuine local landmarks.
Day 1: Corniche, old stones, Lebanese
Start at Abu Dhabi's oldest building, eat Lebanese twice, and browse the mall in between, a gentle first day that grounds you in the city before it gets more ambitious.
- 10:30 AM
Qasr Al Hosn
Abu Dhabi's oldest stone building, museum of pre-oil life with the House of Artisans; a genuine local landmark worth the visit.
Map - 12:30 PM
AlFarah restaurant
Lebanese grills and mezze in Al Zahiyah; share a mixed grill, fattoush and fresh bread.
Map - 2:30 PM
Abu Dhabi Mall أبو ظبي مول
Browse Abu Dhabi Mall right after lunch, local shops, a proper afternoon wander without going far.
Map - 7:30 PM
Almayass
Great-value Lebanese, the one memorable dinner of the day, great value for the quality and a short ride from the mall.
Map
Day 2: Palaces, Indian lunch, Japanese dinner
The presidential palace in the morning, an acclaimed curry at lunch, and the city's top-rated Japanese counter at night, the highest-concentration day of the trip.
- 10:30 AM
Qasr Al Watan
Working presidential palace with jaw-dropping ceremonial halls, gold, marble and soaring domes, one of Abu Dhabi's unmissable sights.
Map - 12:30 PM
- 2:30 PM
Marina Mall
Marina Mall on the breakwater for an air-conditioned browse and views back over the Corniche.
Map - 7:30 PM
3Fils - Abu Dhabi
The Abu Dhabi outpost of Dubai's favourite Asian small-plates kitchen; order lots to share and book ahead.
Map
Day 3: Saadiyat: market, waterfront, new museum
An early market run, a great-value Lebanese lunch on the water, the UAE's big new museum, and Italian on Mamsha to close.
- 10:15 AM
Al Mina Fruit & Vegetable Market
The wholesale fruit and veg halls at Mina Zayed: dates, mangoes in season and the noise of real trade.
Map - 12:30 PM
Beirut Sur Mer
Great-value Lebanese right on the waterfront, the heart of this trip's neighbourhood and the locals' top pick.
Map - 2:30 PM
Zayed National Museum
Opened December 2025, 1,500+ objects across six galleries on UAE history and pearl diving, the must-see new museum on Saadiyat.
Map - 7:30 PM
Antonia
Italian on the Mamsha Al Saadiyat promenade, an easy last dinner a short walk from the museum.
Map
Where to stay
Beach Rotana
Sits right between Abu Dhabi Mall and the Corniche, which means Days 1 and 2 start at your doorstep.
Saadiyat Rotana Resort & Villas
On Saadiyat Island and a short walk from Beirut Sur Mer and the Zayed National Museum, the right base if Day 3 is your priority.
Make Abu Dhabi your trip
Swearby drafts the days from places people swear by. Swap any stop, then invite the crew by text, even friends without the app. Vote on dates, track costs as you go, and everyone gets one number at the end.
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Book ahead
- Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque: a few days ahead
- Louvre Abu Dhabi: a few days ahead
- Zayed National Museum: a few days ahead
- teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi: a few days ahead
- Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi: a few days ahead
- Ferrari World Abu Dhabi: a few days ahead
Skip these
- The sub AED 100 desert safari: overfilled vehicles, aggressive driving, long pickup circuits and a vast camp with a mediocre buffet. Book the reputable version.
- Doing Yas as a day trip sprint from downtown with small children. Base a night or two on Yas, or pick one park.
- Ferrari World at full price for non riders: Warner Bros. or SeaWorld will make the same party happier for less.
- Emirates Palace as a sight without a booking: you need a restaurant, tea or spa booking to be there legitimately.
The full Abu Dhabi travel guide: when to go, safety, getting around