The Essential Guide to Planning a Trip to Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi is often overshadowed by Dubai, but the capital of the United Arab Emirates is a perfect blend of tradition and modernity, making it a must-visit destination in its own right. From the beautiful Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque to the world-renowned Louvre Abu Dhabi, the city is rich in cultural and architectural marvels. Simply put, it caters to adventure seekers, culture enthusiasts, and leisure travelers alike—there’s truly something for everyone.

“As the capital of the UAE, the destination beats to a different rhythm than its neighboring state of Dubai. Abu Dhabi is the financial and cultural hub of the UAE and without a doubt the backbone of the country,” Mo Noubani, a director at Travel Box International and a Travel + Leisure A-list advisor, told T+L. “The pace feels different than in Dubai and can be perceived to be less glitzy. This isn’t to say [it’s] less luxurious than Dubai. Abu Dhabi’s opulent and over-the-top experiences are abundant throughout the city and are showcased in a more conservative manner than seen in Dubai.”

The emirate has experienced significant growth in tourism in recent years: in 2024, it welcomed more than 4.8 million visitors, up 26 percent from 2023 and a substantial increase from previous years.

“Abu Dhabi offers an array of world-class sites and experiences unique to its environment and location,” Noubani said. “The destination’s rich heritage, extensive cultural offerings, architecturally stunning sites, beautiful beaches, world-class theme parks, and a vast collection of hotels to suit any traveler’s taste make it the ideal bucket list destination.”

Here’s how to plan a visit.

Best Hotels

Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental

Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental is considered one of the most prestigious hotels in Abu Dhabi, combining opulent architecture with contemporary elegance. Located along the stunning Corniche, this iconic hotel has exceptional views of the Persian Gulf. Guests can enjoy a variety of amenities, including multiple outdoor swimming pools, access to a private beach, and world-class dining like Hakkasan, a Michelin-starred Chinese restaurant serving modern Cantonese cuisine under chef Ho Chee Boon, and Martabaan by Hemant Oberoi, a fine-dining Indian restaurant.

Anantara Eastern Mangroves Abu Dhabi Hotel

Anantara Eastern Mangroves Abu Dhabi Hotel is a luxury resort located along the serene mangroves, offering a peaceful escape while still being close to the action of the downtown. Guests can enjoy kayaking, paddle boarding, and boat tours in the mangroves, providing unique nature experiences.

The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Abu Dhabi

This resort sits on the pristine beaches of Saadiyat Island, just 10 minutes from the center of the emirate, with views of the Persian Gulf. St. Regis hotels are famous for creating the Bloody Mary and The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Abu Dhabi has the “Arabian Snapper,” which is a local take on the drink. (Spoiler: it’s infused with za’atar.) This spring, the property is welcoming an outpost of Café Ginori, which will bring a taste of Italy to the resort.

Things to Do

There’s no shortage of activities in Abu Dhabi. Visitors can relax on pristine beaches; explore the thrilling attractions of Yas Island; head into the stunning dunes for sandboarding, dune bashing, camel rides, and an unforgettable Arabian desert sunset; and visit Ferrari World or the newly opened teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi. Still, here are some standout things to experience when you’re visiting the emirate.

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is a masterpiece of Islamic architecture, showcasing intricate craftsmanship and grandiose design with 82 domes, reflective pools, and marble-clad courtyards. Visitors can marvel at its stunning chandeliers adorned with millions of Swarovski crystals and the world’s largest hand-knotted carpet. Open to people of all faiths, travelers should abide by the modest dress code, which is outlined on its website when you purchase tickets.

Qasr Al Watan

Qasr Al Watan, the Presidential Palace in Abu Dhabi, is a testament to the UAE’s rich cultural heritage and modern achievements. It opened to the public in 2019 and showcases extraordinary architecture, with intricate Arabian designs, towering domes, and sprawling gardens. The majestic Great Hall is so stunning, in fact, that you could get lost in its beauty.

Mangrove National Park

Mangrove National Park gives travelers a unique glimpse into the emirate’s unique ecosystem. This protected area is home to dense mangrove forests, waterways, and diverse wildlife, including flamingos, herons, and fish species. Visitors can kayak through the lush mangroves, paddleboard along the calm channels, or enjoy guided eco-tours that highlight the importance of these wetlands in combating climate change.

Louvre Abu Dhabi

Paris’ iconic Louvre has an outpost in Abu Dhabi: Louvre Abu Dhabi. It opened in 2017 and blends art, history, and innovation under a stunning dome that creates a “rain of light” effect. The museum has a world-class collection, including works by iconic artists like da Vinci, Monet, and Van Gogh, alongside ancient artifacts. Plan a trip around golden hour to enjoy the sunset from the outdoor space.

Al Ain

This UNESCO World Heritage Site, also known as the “garden city,” is located near the Oman border, about 90 minutes outside of Abu Dhabi, making it the perfect day trip. It has historic forts, lush oases, souks, and traditional camel markets—just be sure to reserve your visit to the camel market in advance. While here, travelers can also visit Jebel Hafeet, the only mountain in Abu Dhabi. You can enjoy stunning sunset and sunrise views from its peak, or explore the larger Jebel Hafit Desert Park on foot, by bike, or horseback.

Best Restaurants

The most popular cuisines in Abu Dhabi reflects the emirate’s diverse cultural influences, with Middle Eastern and Arab flavors taking center stage. Traditional dishes like shawarma, falafel, and hummus are widely enjoyed, alongside rich, spiced dishes such as machboos (a rice dish with meat and vegetables) and khuzi (slow-cooked lamb with rice). Additionally, influences from South Asian, Persian, and international cuisines are readily available, with Indian, Iranian, and Italian restaurants also being quite popular.

Erth, which sits in the Qasr Al Hosn cultural site, is the first Emirati restaurant to receive a Michelin star. Some dishes on the menu here include Emirati spiced hasselback potatoes, braised lamb machboos, and margooga (a type of stew) ravioli.

Some of Noubani’s favorites are Fresh Basil, where you dine in pitch darkness; Asian restaurant Li Jang; and Kopitiam by Chandy’s for a Michelin Malaysian meal.

Arva Ahmed, the Dubai-based founder of the food tour company Frying Pan Adventures, told T+L her current picks are Al Khabbaz, which she said is her favorite bakery in the country; the pie shop Al Safwa; and an Indonesian spot called Rempah. If you want to dive deep into Abu Dhabi cuisine, Frying Pan Adventures has a special walking tour that merges local bites with art. “The whole experience is about uncovering layers of multiculturalism, coexistence, and harmony—ideas that aren’t just concepts here, but something you can see, taste, and feel,” Ahmed said.

And of course, you’d be missing out if you didn’t try to score the “Can’t Get Knafeh of It” bar from Fix Dessert Chocolatier (aka the original viral “Dubai chocolate bar,” which now delivers directly to Abu Dhabi through the app Deliveroo). Pro-tip: orders open at 2 p.m. and 5 p.m., and sell out within minutes, so be ready on your phone a few minutes prior and know exactly what you want.

“All of our bars start with a feeling or memory. Whether it’s a childhood dessert, a traditional sweet, or even a scent from a Friday gathering at home, we pull from those moments and try to reimagine them through chocolate,” Sarah Hamouda, the founder of Fix Dessert Chocolatier, told T+L. “We don’t just recreate traditional desserts in chocolate form; we like to twist them, surprise people, and make them smile.” (Hamouda said her favorite right now is the Catch Me If Pecan bar.)

Best Time to Visit

Spring, fall, and winter are the best seasons to visit Abu Dhabi, as summer temperatures can soar up to 120 degrees Fahrenheit. However, budget travelers can score deals between June to September, according to Noubani. “The winter months—December to April—are the best times to visit for the most pleasant weather,” he said. “It is more lively, outdoor cafes and restaurants thrive, and it is generally busier.”

Noubani advised keeping Ramadan in mind for planning purposes. “During the month of Ramadan, some operators and sites amend their operational hours and services,” he said. Ramadan changes annually according to the Islamic calendar, which is based on lunar cycles.

How to Get There

Visitors can fly in and out of Zayed International Airport (AUH). Etihad Airways, one of two national carriers of the UAE, has direct flights from New York City, Boston, Chicago, and Washington, D.C. Travelers can also consider Dubai International Airport (DXB), which is roughly one and a half hours (about 93 miles) away. Emirates, the other flagship airline of the UAE, has 96 flights a week between Dubai and the U.S.

How to Get Around

Cars are the best way to get around. Travelers can hail a taxi via the Abu Dhabi taxi app or opt for ride-hailing options like Uber or Dubai-based Careem.

Local Etiquette and Culture

When traveling to any international destination, it’s important to be mindful and respectful of the culture. Noubani noted that English is readily spoken in the country and within the service industry. He also said that all hotels, restaurants, and sites have information in both Arabic and English. “Alcohol is served at resorts and certain supermarkets, and when visiting religious sites, it is important to be mindful of the dress code,” he adds. As for tipping, Noubani said gratuity is common (10-15 percent) but never expected.