United Arab Emirates
Abu Dhabi travel guide
Plan a trip to Abu Dhabi: what to eat, where to stay, the best day trips and ready-made day-by-day plans.
What to eat in Abu Dhabi
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MachboosA fragrant rice dish cooked with saffron, dried lemon and chicken or fish, served for lunch and dinner.
ShawarmaThinly sliced lamb or chicken rolled in flatbread with garlic sauce, popular at street kiosks.
HummusCreamy chickpea spread eaten with warm khubz, common at breakfast and mezze.
LuqaimatDeep‑fried dough balls drizzled with date syrup, sold at night markets during Ramadan.
Where to stay in Abu Dhabi
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families, leisure
Beachfront promenade with many mid‑range hotels and easy access to parks and restaurants.
families, entertainment
Home to theme parks and several international hotel chains, ideal for visitors with kids.
business travelers
Modern financial district with luxury hotels and a waterfront mall, quiet after work hours.
culture seekers
Cultural district with museums and upscale resorts, quieter beach atmosphere.
Day trips from Abu Dhabi
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Al Wathba Wetland Reserve
33 km
A protected wetland with flamingos and walking trails, good for birdwatching.
Al Qasr Beach
22 km
A public beach with clean sand and shallow water, convenient for a quick swim.
Al Dhafra Beach (Mina Zayed)
21 km
A quiet stretch of shoreline near Mina Zayed, ideal for a relaxed seaside walk.
Al Ain Oasis
143 km
A historic palm grove with shaded pathways and a chance to see traditional irrigation.
Best time to visit
Best time to go: December – March
Midday highs, based on last year's weather. Green months have comfortable temperatures and few rainy days.
Turn this into a day-by-day plan with Triptime AI, or start from a ready-made one.
Plan 2 days in Abu Dhabi
Layover in Abu Dhabi
What to pack in October
Ready-made plans for Abu Dhabi
Questions about Abu Dhabi
Do restaurants serve alcohol?
Only licensed hotel bars and a few upscale venues serve alcohol; it is not available in most street eateries.
Is it safe to walk at night?
Abu Dhabi is rated very safe; walking in well‑lit areas is fine, but keep usual precautions.
What is the best way to get from the airport to the city?
A taxi costs about 70–90 AED and takes 20‑30 minutes; rideshare apps are also available.
Are there vegetarian options?
Yes, many Indian restaurants and local mezze include vegetarian dishes; ask for “vegetarian” to avoid hidden meat.
