Got three days in Abu Dhabi? Not sure how to make the most of your time? Take a look at our action-packed itinerary that perfectly blends the capital’s history and culture with its vibrant tourism scene. From soaking up the sun to thrills and spills at the Yas Island Theme Parks, we’ve got the perfect 3 Day Itinerary for you!
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Things to Know Before Visiting Abu Dhabi
Before we dive into the juicy details of WHAT TO DO, make sure you’ve checked out our essential planning information too. We cover in much greater detail:
- Things to know before planning a visit to Abu Dhabi – Visas, laws, customs & religious aspects to be aware of.
- What to pack for Abu Dhabi – dress code advice and a comprehensive packing list for Abu Dhabi can be found here.
- The best places to stay in Abu Dhabi – we talk budget and best locations for tourists in more detail.
- Abu Dhabi dining guides – all our favourite places to eat, dining specialities, bars and special occasions.
- Best times to visit Abu Dhabi – don’t be caught out by the weather or religious events, here are the ideal times to visit Abu Dhabi.
- Free & discounted stays with Etihad – if you’re a fly-through passenger, check if you’ll be eligible for an Etihad stopover deal, it could save you a LOAD on your stay!!
Transport in Abu Dhabi for 3 days
While Abu Dhabi has an extensive local bus network, buying tickets as a short-term visitor is not always straightforward. You need a Hafilat card and ticket machines are not always located near major hotels and attractions. Instead, we highly recommend visitors use the free Visit Abu Dhabi shuttle bus service.
Alternatively, have taxi/rideshare apps downloaded on their phone, such as Yango (for AD Taxis), Careem, and Uber – all of these allow you to pay via the App.
You can find out more about getting around Abu Dhabi on public transport here.
If you are a confident driver, you might also consider hiring a car through a reputable car hire company, though this is only really neccassary if you want to head beyond the city.
You can learn more about driving in the UAE here.
What can I fit into 3 days in Abu Dhabi?
With only 3 days, you can expect to cover most of the city’s prominent cultural landmarks and also have some time for relaxation or a little thrill-seeking. We recommend making a cultural sandwich, with a day of sightseeing either side of a day of relaxation, but you can of course, mix things up and do them your own way.
We’ve kept this itinerary brief, but you can find out everything you need to know about each location by clicking through the links to more extensive guides.
We would suggest keeping your exploration within Abu Dhabi, though it is possible to dedicate one day to visiting Dubai on a Day trip – we cover this in more detail at the end of the article!
Timing can be everything! Note that many flights arrive into Abu Dhabi in the early hours of the morning – we suggest you book your hotel room to cover this first night and get some rest before an action packed few days in the Capital! What you choose to do on your three days in Abu Dhabi, will depend on the time of year that you visit, with many outdoor options only really possible from late September until late April.
Day 1 – A day of majesty, The Grand Mosque and the Palaces of Abu Dhabi
- 9.00 am – Start your day by arriving early at the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque (dress code applies). Take a tour through this magnificent building before heading to the Ritz-Carlton for morning coffee and views of the mosque from a distance.
- 11.00 am – Take a taxi to Qasr Al Hosn, the old palace-fortress of Abu Dhabi, where you can find out about life in the Emirate over the years. Don’t forget to visit the adjoining House of the Artisans to learn about traditional local crafts, like basket making and al-sadu weaving.
- 1.00 pm – Grab a spot of lunch on Abu Dhabi Corniche. Sandy beaches and the crystal clear waters of the Persian Gulf flank the Abu Dhabi Corniche. Here, you will find a variety of hotels and shopping centers, offering a range of dining options.
- One option is to take lunch at the luxurious Emirates Palace Hotel. Here you can try all sorts of local delicacies, from a tasty camel burger to a luxurious gold-topped cappuccino, in an opulent gold-glad setting (dress code applies).
- Another nice, more relaxed spot, can be found in the form of Cafe Bateel, in the Nation Towers Mall. This specialist date shop also serves up a variety of salads, sandwiches, and local dishes with beautiful sea views.
- If you want to find some ‘traditional’ gifts for family and friends, you could opt to visit the modern souk on the ground floor of the WTC (World Trade Centre) Mall, where you will also find some cost-effective cafes and date shops.
- 2.30 pm – Head to Qasr Al Watan, the UAE’s magnificent presidential palace, for an awe-inspiring journey through one of the world’s most beautiful architectural wonders. Guided tours are recommended as the building is huge.
- 5.00 pm – Take sundowners at Observation Deck at 300, Conrad Hotel at Etihad Towers for stunning 360 degree views across the city.
- 7.00 pm – Prepare for an evening out with dinner at one of Abu Dhabi’s best restaurants.
- If you’re looking for dining on Middle Eastern flavours, we recommend Tean at the Jumeirah Saadiyat, or Beirut Sur Mer in the Mamsha area of Saadiyat.
- Catch at the St.Regis Abu Dhabi offers excellent seafood with sea views if you’d like to stay along the Corniche.
- Galleria on Al Maryah Island offers a plethora of reasonable dinner options, along with a range of fine dining establishments at the adjacent Rosewood and Four Seasons hotels.
- Alternatively, head to the Yas Bay Waterfront for a variety of delicious and affordable dinner options.
Day 2 – You Choose: A Day of Fun, or 5* Relaxation
After a huge day of tourism around the city, it’s time to enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your hotel before heading to either Yas Island or Saadiyat Island for a day of adrenaline-pumping thrills or mind-calming relaxation.
- If you choose the Yas Island option, you can easily enjoy two of the four current Miral-owned theme parks (Ferrari World, WB World Abu Dhabi, Sea World Abu Dhabi, or Yas Waterworld) in one day and avail of the two park pass which gives you discounted entry.
- Most of the parks open at 10.00 am, although the hours do differ depending on the time of year.
- Don’t forget to bring your driving license if you fancy having the chance to drive a real Ferrari around Yas Island (you’ll also need your credit card for the security deposit)!
- Towels can be hired if you include a stop at Yas Waterworld, so no need to lug these around all day.
- After a day of thrills and spills, head to Yas Marina, at the heart of the Yas Marina Circuit for sundowners and a relaxed bite, or book yourself on a traditional dhow cruise around Yas Bay.
- Alternatively, indulge in some retail therapy before dinner to suit all budgets at Yas Mall.
- Had to one of our favourite nighttime hotspots, Yas Bay Waterfont. Offering a wide range of dining options from pub vibes at Lock Stock or family bowling and beers at Central, through to high end dining choices such as Asia Asia, Hunter and Barrel, or the super chilled Cafe Del Mar beach club (adults only).
Prefer a day of chilled vibes over theme park thrills?
- Choosing the Saadiyat option, you could book yourself a spa experience at one of Saadiyat’s beautiful 5* resorts, or treat yourself to a day at one of the hotel’s or public beach clubs.
- Many hotels offer water sports, as well as access to the beach and pool at a day rate, even if you’re not staying at one of these ultra luxury hotels.
- Look for ladies days deals, or some of the best beach clubs will offer rates fully redemmable on F&B
- After a chilled-out day, enjoy dinner in a beachfront restaurant whilst watching the sunset – Mamsha al Saadiyat has many fabulous options for this, or head back to Abu Dhabi Corniche for a traditional Dhow Cruise.
Day 3 – From Beach to Desert – A Cultural Journey
- After breakfast, head to Saadiyat Cultural District on Saadiyat Island, where you will find a number of museums, galleries, and cultural centres.
- We recommend a visit to the architectural masterpiece that is the Louvre, Abu Dhabi. Medina-like complexes from around the world highlight the similarities in human history and creativity across civilizations.
- Travelling with children, there’s also a small Children’s Museum to add on to your experience, as well as simply enjoying the stunning domed roof and water features.
- There’s also the newly opened Zayed National Museum and the Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi.
- You could also choosee to visit the Abrahamic Family House, a unique multifaith complex that houses a mosque, church, and synagogue. The project was designed to foster interreligious dialogue, peaceful coexistence, and tolerance, and offers the chance for visitors to learn more about the three Abrahamic religions.
- Each deserves at least 2-3 hours so you will need to select which of the major attractions to visit, don’t cram them all in! We’d recommend one morning and one early afternoon.
- Another option is to return to Abu Dhabi Corniche and visit the old dhow harbour and fish market, or stroll along the Corniche, taking in the sights and sounds of the city. The fish market is actually a new build, but carries much of the charm of ‘old Abu Dhabi’ with fresh catch of the day cooked in front of you!
- After a day of sightseeing in the city, get picked up (from various locations) for a taste of life in the desert. As you embark on your desert safari, you’ll get to grips with local flora and fauna, as well as have the opportunity for camel riding, sand surfing, and so much more.
- Most desert safaris offer a buffet dinner as well as entertainment (belly dance, tanoura dance, and oud player) well into the evening.
- Most companies will offer you a return service door-to-door to your city hotel, though a limited number offer overnight camping.
- Pop over to this in-depth review of dessert safaris in Abu Dhabi and how they compare.
- If a desert safari is not for you (and let’s be honest, during the hottest summer months, June – September, we wouldn’t recommend it), enjoy dinner at one of Abu Dhabi’s snazziest spots, before heading to a rooftop terrace to relax under the stars.
More For Your Abu Dhabi Itinerary
If you’d like to fit more into your 3 days, or swap out some activities that don’t interest you, here are some more ideas for 3 days in Abu Dhabi:
- Take a boat trip to one of Abu Dhabi’s many desert islands! Whether you’re looking for a deserted space, or want to spend the day at a 5* luxury resort, there’s something for everyone just of the city’s shores!
- As you drive along the Corniche, you could also check out the Founders Memorial (close to the Emirates Palace, an incredible three-dimensional portrait of the UAE’s late beloved leader.
- Abu Dhabi’s National Aquarium is home to 46,000 marine creatures and is one of the region’s largest aquariums. Split into 10 zones, it is the perfect place for adults and children alike to learn about the local and worldwide marine environment. Follow up with lunch or dinner in the Al Qana area of the city.
- Take a kayaking tour of Abu Dhabi’s famous mangroves. These are available at various locations around the city, including the Eastern Mangroves and Yas Island.
- For anyone who would like to experience the beauty of the mangroves but keep their feet on dry land, we recommend a visit to the Jubail Mangrove Park, where you can enjoy spotting flamingos and other visitors to this stunning natural habitat from a network of interconnected walkways.
- If you have time to spare and would like to relax in green surroundings, we would recommend a trip to Umm Al Emarat Park. This beautiful park and botanical garden is a stunning example of modern Arabian urban design. There are numerous water features, flower gardens, restaurants, and playgrounds (including a splash pad), and a petting zoo, making this a wonderful place to pass a few hours, especially if you’re travelling with children.
- Make a day trip to Al Ain and visit Al Ain Oasis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Discover royal palaces and ancient tombs, and perhaps even visit the local camel market! You can see the highlights in a day but an overnight trip is ideal to fit in the highlights of the historic Oasis City.
- Here on a weekend? Make sure to check out some of the best brunches in Abu Dhabi! These are all afternoon dining feasts, most commmonly on a Saturday afternoon that show off the best cuisine Abu Dhbai has to offer in all-includive packages with drinks and entertainment thrown in.
- Don’t forget to check what’s on at the Etihad Arena, which has in the past hosted runs of West End shows such as Mamma Mia! and The Lion King, as well as performances by Guns ‘n’ Roses, Monster Trucks, NBA games, and UFC matches.
You can find out more about what’s happening in Abu Dhabi from our annual events calendars and monthly guides.
Abu Dhabi in 3 days with Family
Travelling to Abu Dhabi with kids? We would stick to a fairly similar itinerary to the one outlined above.
For younger children, we’d slow the pace and perhaps remove a stop from Day 1 to keep kids energised and interested. With older kids, they’ll still get plenty of enjoyment out of the city’s incredible sites and architecture, but may want more emphasis on the theme parks, dessert sports and indoor entertainment options.
Some further useful guides on your site for families to dig into:
Got Longer in the UAE?
With more than 3-days in Abu Dhabi, we’d suggest adding in a day trip to another Emirate in the UAE (Abu Dhabi is one seven ‘Emirates’).
The most obvious choice is neighbouring Dubai (in fact, your journey may start or end here).
- Only around 160km away, Dubai makes for an easy day trip from Dubai, with many tour operators able to take you on a highlights trip or you could easily take the Intercity coach from Abu Dhabi Central Station to Dubai.
- We explain all the best options for day tripping from Abu Dhabi to Dubai here.
- Highlights you mignt want to include in a day:
- Burj Khalifa and Downtown Dubai, followed by a show at Dubai Opera
- Take in the Al Fahidi Hictorical District and cross Dubai Creek by abra to ‘Old Dubai’
- Meet the modern side of Dubai around Dubai Marina and Bluewaters Island
As for the other five emirates (commonly referred to as ‘the Northern Emirates’), these all involve a drive through Dubai first, which depending on the time of day can be a traffic nightmare!
Nonetheless, you could hire a car and visit the Hajar Mountains of Ras Al Khaimah, or go snorkelling at Snoppy Island in Fujairah – albeit with travel time we’d recommend you’re better of tackling these as overnight trips.
We explain the other seven emirates in much greater detail on our partner website Family Travel in the Middle East – this website includes more resources on transport around the UAE and where to stay in each of the Emirates.
With additional time within Abu Dhabi Emirate, we also recommend you add:
- A night in the Liwa Dessert, explore the giant Moreeb Dune and stay overnight in the spectacular Qasr al Sarab by Anantara for a truly magical 5* desert experience.
- Road trip past Ruwais in the Western Region to the incredible wildlife reserve on Sir Bani Yas Island. A safari is included in your stay, along with three accomodation options on the island, also operated by Anantara.
Before you go… Important things to consider when planning a trip to Abu Dhabi
- Pop into our essential planning information page; it includes everything you need to know about getting around Abu Dhabi, a handy guide on what to pack and top tips for first-timers on the dos and don’ts, laws, and customs in the UAE.
- Start planning your itinerary around the 60+ top places to visit in Abu Dhabi.
- Don’t forget to pack your travel insurance!
- Discover the best places to stay in Abu Dhabi.
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