When people think about the UAE, their first thought immediately goes to Dubai and its cultural capital status. But what if we told you there’s another city where you’ll get all the fun and luxury you expect you’ll get in Dubai: Yes, we’re talking about Abu Dhabi, also called the Manhattan of the Middle East. The Emirati city of Abu Dhabi is one of the best places to visit in the UAE and easily rivals the city of Dubai for all its prosperity and glamour. For someone visiting the UAE, exploring Abu Dhabi is a must whenever you visit.
Abu Dhabi is one of the most fun-filled and exciting places on the planet and you can guess that when the majestic city is famous for being a Formula 1 Racing hotspot. Exploring Abu Dhabi requires a considerable amount of time to finally get a feel of the place. But for those on a short trip to the UAE or being on a long layover in Dubai, a day trip to Abu Dhabi can also work wonders and help you know what it has to offer. So for this blog, we’ve made this blog detailing what you do on a day trip to Abu Dhabi from Dubai to make a short trip a memorable and fun experience to remember.
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A Day Trip to Abu Dhabi: How to Explore The City of Dreams
Although exploring Abu Dhabi fully requires 1 to 2 days, a short and fun day trip can also do the deal if you’re short on time. So prepare for a long yet fun day trip to Abu Dhabi with our 1-day itinerary on how to get the best out of this marvelous city:
A Day Trip To Abu Dhabi – 1 Day Itinerary
Morning
First, have breakfast at your hotel and then prepare to depart from your hotel in Dubai. Then get in your vehicle and drive towards Abu Dhabi. The journey takes only an hour and a half. Arrive in Abu Dhabi and then prepare to visit the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, one of the most popular and foremost places to visit in the city on an Abu Dhabi day trip.
The mosque was built in 2007 and can accommodate up to 40,000 worshippers, a staggering number if you think about it. Its magnificent interior coupled with its equally fascinating exterior can blow first-time visitors into awe. Spend nearly an hour here to fully capture the mosque’s surreal presence.
Then visit the Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, another popular destination to see on a day trip to Abu Dhabi. Although only paying customers can stay in the hotel and experience its entries and perks, any outside visitors are allowed to explore the ornate lobby and its scintillating exterior. Then visit the picturesque Marina Mall for lunch where you can pick a variety of options for lunch to get your energy levels back up.
Places Visited in the Morning:
- Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque =1 Hour
- Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental = 30 Minutes
- Marina Mall = 1 Hour For Lunch
Time to Spend at Each Location
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque =1 Hour
Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental = 30 Minutes
Marina Mall = 1 Hour For Lunch
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Afternoon
After having lunch at the Marina Mall, get back in your vehicle and prepare to drive to visit the Louvre Abu Dhabi, a fascinating museum that is one of the must-visit sites in the city. Anything you’ll find here is an extraordinary work of art, including the iconic building itself. Have a look at any exhibitions happening to make your journey memorable on your day trip to Abu Dhabi.
Spend up to 2 hours here then visit the Qasr al Watan Presidential Palace, an iconic building that showcases the structural brilliance of all of Abu Dhabi’s architectures. It is a must-visit site that is filled with mesmerizing splendour, luxury, and opulence, the three words that have come to define all of the UAE these days.
Places Visited in the Afternoon
- Louvre Abu Dhabi
- Qasr Al Watan Presidential Palace
Time To Spend at Each Location
At Louvre Abu Dhabi = 2 Hours
At Qasr Al Watan Presidential Palace = 1 Hour
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Evening
After the visit to the Presidential Palace then visit Saadiyat Beach, a highly popular public spot with a spectacular beach for some rest in peaceful surroundings. Walk on top of the comfortable golden-colored sands while watching the sun go down below the horizon for a memorable sunset on the beach.
Then to close out your evening head to the Mosaic Restaurant in Al Muroor for a lovely and delicious Lebanese meal at one of the top restaurants in Abu Dhabi. Order the traditional Hummus and grilled ribs for a fantastic and authentic meal. After your meal, head back to Dubai to end your unforgettable and fun day trip to Abu Dhabi.
Places Visited in the Evening
- Saadiyat Beach
- Mosaic Restaurant
Time To Spend at Each Location
At Saadiyat Beach = 1 Hour
At Mosaic Restaurant = Up to the traveler
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Frequently Asked Questions About A Day Trip to Abu Dhabi
Q. Is it worth doing a day trip to Abu Dhabi?
A. Yes, it is definitely worth it. If you’re staying in Dubai and have a free day to spend, you can come to Abu Dhabi for a day trip and see this spectacular city.
Q. What to do on a day trip to Abu Dhabi?
A. There are lots of things to do on a day trip to Abu Dhabi such as visiting the Qasr Al Watan Presidential Palace, Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Louvre Abu Dhabi, the Saadiyat Beach, etc to make your trip memorable.
Q. Can I do a day trip from Dubai to Abu Dhabi?
A. Yes, you can do a day trip to Abu Dhabi from Dubai, as Abu Dhabi is only a 1 hour and 30 minutes drive away from Dubai.
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A Day Trip to Abu Dhabi: iLinkTurkey’s Abu Dhabi Travel Guide
Abu Dhabi is a city where you’ll find splendor and luxury in just about everything you look at or visit. It is by no chance any less fun and exciting to visit than Dubai and you’ll find lots of things to do in Abu Dhabi, which certainly cannot be explored in a day. A luxury and fun destination in UAE, Abu Dhabi is a must-visit destination every time you come to the UAE.
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