How to See the Best of Abu Dhabi in One Day

Planning a day trip to the capital of the United Arab Emirates and wondering how to see the best of Abu Dhabi in one day? Then you’re in the right place as I’m going to help you plan the perfect one day in Abu Dhabi itinerary!

Despite being the capital of the UAE, Abu Dhabi is often overshadowed by its glitzy northern neighbor. Sure, Abu Dhabi is smaller, quieter, and has slightly fewer things to see than Dubai. However, it still offers lots of unique attractions, landmarks, and views.

With an inspiring mix of contemporary and historic architecture, modern amenities, and traditional culture, Abu Dhabi is a great addition to your travels in the Middle East. But when you have only 24 hours in Abu Dhabi you need to fill them in a way that maximizes your time, which is why I’m here to help!

Let me tell you exactly what to see in Abu Dhabi in one day, how to get around the city, and how to get there.

*Disclosure: This post contains a few affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through my link.*

Overview Your One Day Abu Dhabi Itinerary

Breakdown of your one day in Abu Dhabi itinerary

  • Morning: Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Etihad Towers
  • Afternoon: Qasr al Watan, Heritage Village
  • Evening: Wahat Al Karama, Dinner at The Corniche

Map for the best things to do in Abu Dhabi in one day

Below you can find a customized map that includes all the locations you’re going to visit on this Abu Dhabi itinerary.

I marked your one day in Abu Dhabi with different colors – I used blue for the morning, green for the afternoon, and red for the evening, plus I marked the bus station and the airport with yellow. This way you can easily see which places you’re going to visit at each time of the day.

How to use this map: This map is fully interactive, so you can move around, zoom in/zoom out, and click on the icons. If you want to see a larger map, click on the bracket in the upper right corner. To see more details and the different layers, click on the tab in the upper left corner. If you want to save it for later, click on the star icon next to the name of the map. Then simply open Google Maps either on your desktop or phone, go to ‘Saved’/’Maps’, and open the map whenever you need it.

Morning

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

Of all the places to see in Abu Dhabi in one day, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is one you really won’t want to miss. The largest mosque in the country is a beacon of sparkling white marble.

Beyond the beaming symmetrical facade, you’ll see a number of solid gold chandeliers as well as the world’s largest hand-knotted carpet.

The late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan commissioned this mosque to convey a message of peace, tolerance, and diversity. He intended that its construction would link ancient and modern Islamic architecture while at the same time creating a place of learning that would reflect Islamic values.

Entrance to the mosque is free and it opens its doors for visitors between 9 am – 10 pm. On Fridays, it is open from 9 am to 12 pm and reopens from 3 pm to 10 pm.

But make sure to arrive earlier as you can expect a large queue and a big crowd. Prepare to spend around an hour at the mosque.

Since it’s a deeply religious place, all guests must be modestly dressed. The dress code is really strict for women: you must wear loose-fitting, ankle-length trousers or skirts and have your arms covered. I recommend buying an abaya in one of the shops close to the entrance if you don’t have any.

The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is insanely beautiful and it’s definitely one of the most Instagrammable places in Abu Dhabi. However, be prepared that taking photos inside is really tough.

There is a marked one-way path for the visitors and the guards usually keep rushing everyone who spends too much time taking photos. Definitely not the most peaceful experience but it’s totally worth it!

Etihad Towers

Located a 25-minute drive from the mosque, the Etihad Towers is a complex of five attractive skyscrapers that provide panoramic views of the Persian Gulf. The towers are used for shopping, hotels, restaurants, and luxurious residences.

For the purpose of sightseeing in Abu Dhabi in one day, you want to know about the observation deck. The Observation Deck at 300 is located on the 74th floor of Tower 2 at a height of – you guessed it – 300 meters above sea level.

Entry to the tower is AED 95 ($25.5 US) and you can book your ticket online. This includes a credit voucher of AED 50 ($13.5 US) which you can redeem against food or drinks at the Jumeirah cafe on the day of your visit. Alternatively, you can also buy your tickets on site without food credits that cost AED 35 ($9.5 US).

The Observation Deck at 300 is open daily, from 10 pm to 8 pm. Plan to spend 30-45 minutes enjoying the view and add on additional time if you want to eat at the cafe.

Afternoon

Qasr al Watan (UAE Presidential Palace)

After having lunch in or around the Etihad Towers, you can stroll over to your first post-lunch attraction. Qasr al Watan is a wing of the UAE Presidential Palace which only recently opened to the public.

Translating into ‘Palace of the Nation,’ Qasr al Watan was established to give non-officials the opportunity to explore this wonder. Inside the palace, you will discover the legacy of the UAE through some of the most beautiful and intricate architecture in the country.

Admission to Qasr al Watan is AED 65 ($17.5 US). Because you only have one day in Abu Dhabi I recommend that you book your tickets in advance to save time having to queue. But if you forget, you can buy them at the entrance.

You should plan to spend one hour to 90 minutes at the palace and make sure to dress modestly by covering your knees and shoulders.

Heritage Village

A 10-minute taxi ride takes you to the Heritage Village. This installation gives you a glimpse into life before the oil industry boomed – there is a traditional Bedouin camp, souk, and mosque to explore. It’s an immersive way to gain an understanding of the earlier Emirati people living in Abu Dhabi and beyond.

If you want to buy some artisanal souvenirs, then you can purchase them here from the tradespeople. Entry to the Heritage Village is free.

It is open from 9 am to 4 pm from Sunday to Thursday and runs on limited opening times on Fridays and Saturdays. You will want to spend around an hour exploring.

Evening

Wahat al Karama

If you have only 24 hours in Abu Dhabi, you need to make sure you choose your sunset position carefully. My tip is that you head to Wahat al Karama for the golden hour.

Wahat al Karama is a massive sculpture that was erected in honor of Emirati martyrs who sacrificed their lives to serve their country.

What you will love is the view that the Wahat al Karama offers you of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque because the structure is right across the road! The sun drops right behind the mosque and it’s an absolutely magical experience to see.

Wahat al Karama is yet another thing to do in Abu Dhabi in one day that is totally free!

Dinner at The Corniche

After sunset, you can commence with your onward travel or stick around for dinner.  You won’t be surprised to hear that Abu Dhabi has a lot of choices.

Where you eat might depend on where your hotel is but in case you don’t necessarily want to eat at or around your hotel, my recommendation is dinner by The Corniche.

The Corniche is the waterfront of Abu Dhabi, with a long sandy beach. You can eat nearby then have a wander along the cool sand or even eat with a view.

Useful Info for Visiting Abu Dhabi

Where to stay in Abu Dhabi

While technically it’s possible to visit Abu Dhabi on a day trip from Dubai by coming early in the morning and leaving late in the evening, if you want to maximize your time, it’s better to stay for one night in Abu Dhabi. This way you can wake up early and you can have a full day of exploring!

Since Abu Dhabi is a popular destination among travelers, you can find a wide range of accommodations in Abu Dhabi. Although you won’t find any hostels, luckily you can still find some budget options too.

In case you’re interested in knowing more about the most popular neighborhoods in Abu Dhabi and what each one has to offer, check out my in-depth guide about where to stay in Abu Dhabi.

If you don’t want to spend a lot of time searching, just check out my recommendations below!

Abra ride at Shangri-La Abu Dhabi
Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri

How to get to Abu Dhabi

Getting to Abu Dhabi is straightforward, whether you’re traveling from Dubai or overseas.

If you’re already in the UAE, visiting Abu Dhabi in one day from Dubai is a popular option. The most convenient way is to rent a car and drive the 90-minute journey, giving you flexibility to explore. This way you don’t need to spend any extra for taxis to get around!

Alternatively, you can take the E100 bus from Al Ghubaiba Bus Station in Dubai, which runs every 15-20 minutes and takes 90 minutes to 2 hours. I wouldn’t recommend this option though if you’re coming for only one day, as it’s too much hassle and you will lose precious time.

For more comfort, you can hire a private taxi, though this is the priciest option. If planning feels overwhelming, booking a full-day sightseeing tour from Dubai is an excellent choice.

For international visitors, Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH) offers flights from major cities worldwide and is just a 20-minute drive from the city center.

If you’re staying in Dubai, consider flying into Dubai International Airport (DXB), a larger hub with more connections. Airlines like Emirates and Etihad often promote deals, so keep an eye on their offers to save on your trip.

Best time to visit Abu Dhabi

As with Dubai, the temperatures in Abu Dhabi are overwhelming at certain times of the year so you might want to plan your trip around the cooler weather.

The best time to visit Abu Dhabi is between November to March which are the winter months in the UAE. During these months, the weather is hot and dry, with temperatures hovering around the mid-20°C (77-84°F). Evenings are slightly cooler due to the desert climate.

From April onwards, the temperature rises. The city becomes very hot, and locals avoid wandering the streets while the sun is up. It can get as hot as 40°C (104°F) during June, July, and August.

How to get around in Abu Dhabi

Getting around Abu Dhabi is relatively easy, with several options depending on your needs and budget.

For those driving in from Dubai, a rental car allows flexibility to explore the city, but navigating Abu Dhabi’s many one-way streets can be tricky. Parking is widely available and affordable, but renting a car specifically for one day in Abu Dhabi may not be worth the effort.

Taxis are the most efficient way to get around, especially for a short visit. They’re plentiful, metered, and reasonably priced. Rideshare apps like Uber and Careem are also great alternatives for easy, hassle-free transport.

While Abu Dhabi lacks a metro system, buses are an option for budget travelers. Fares cost around AED 2 ($0.5 US), but you’ll need a Hafilat card, available at malls and bus stations. However, if you’re short on time, taxis are far more convenient for a one-day itinerary.

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4 Comments

  1. I see on one of you post that you mentioned that to enter to Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque we needed to borrowed a abaya. Is this something I can buy or rent there?

    1. They used to offer free abaya rentals on site but after covid they stopped this service. I think now your best chance is to buy it at the mall if you don’t have any.

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