Abu Dhabi: The Latest 2025 Travel Guide
🏙️ Abu Dhabi Travel Guide | Attractions + Food + Transportation
Abu Dhabi blends Islamic tradition with modern architecture , boasting world-class mosques, museums, a racetrack, and artificial islands. The pace here is slower than in Dubai, but you can experience a deeper sense of Arab culture.
📍 Must-see attractions in Abu Dhabi
1. Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
- Features : One of the largest mosques in the world, with pure white architecture, golden domes and reflections in the pool, it is stunningly beautiful.
- Editor's note : There are dress codes, and women are required to wear a robe and headscarf (available for rental on site).
2. Louvre Abu Dhabi
- Features : The first overseas branch of the Louvre Museum in France, with collections spanning Eastern and Western art.
- Editor’s guide : The building itself is a work of art, don’t miss the spectacular design of the “Light and Shadow Dome”.
3. Ferrari World Abu Dhabi
- Features : The world's largest indoor theme park, themed around Ferrari.
- Must-try : The Formula Rossa , the world's fastest roller coaster, with speeds reaching 240 km/h!
4. Yas Island
- Features : Resort, including Ferrari World, Yas Waterworld and F1 racetrack.
- Editor's suggestion : It is suitable to arrange a whole day and play until you don't want to leave.
5. Corniche Road, Abu Dhabi
- Features : 8 kilometers of coastline, integrating beaches, trails and cafes.
- Editor's guide : Riding a bicycle in the evening to watch the sunset is super pleasant.
6. Emirates Palace
- Features : Luxurious landmark hotel, magnificent and splendid.
- Editor's recommendation : Even if you don't stay overnight, you can still come and have a cup of "Arabic coffee sprinkled with gold foil".
🍴 Must-try food in Abu Dhabi
| gourmet food | Reasons for recommendation |
|---|---|
| Arabic Kebab | Juicy and spicy, a must-order in Arabic restaurants. |
| Shawarma | Street food, grilled meat + pancakes, classic and delicious. |
| Mandi Rice Stew | Traditional Arabic rice dish with lamb or chicken stewed in spices. |
| Machboos | A traditional UAE national dish, rice with turmeric and spices. |
| Dates | Abu Dhabi specialty, sweet but not greasy, often paired with Arabic coffee. |
| Arabica coffee (Gahwa) | Fragrant coffee with cardamom is a symbol of hospitality. |
🚇 Abu Dhabi Transportation Guide
1. How to get to Abu Dhabi
-
Departing from Dubai
- Bus (E100/E101): Approximately 2 hours, cheap fare.
- Taxi/chartered car: about 1.5 hours, more comfortable.
2. Urban transportation
- Bus : The fare is cheap, but the route is complicated.
- Taxi : The most convenient and cheaper than in Europe and the United States.
- Car rental : Suitable for self-driving tours, parking is relatively convenient.
3. Transportation Card
- Abu Dhabi has a Hafilat Card that can be used on the bus system.
💡 My personal 3-day, 2-night itinerary suggestion
Day 1
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque → Louvre Abu Dhabi → Corniche Promenade
Day 2
Yas Island (Ferrari World + Waterpark) → Have coffee at Emirates Palace Hotel in the evening
Day 3
Morning visit to the traditional market (Souk Central Market) → Lunch at Mandi → Return
💬Editor 's Thoughts <br>Abu Dhabi strikes me as more cultural than Dubai—less bustling, yet more solemn and elegant. The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque , in particular, is truly captivating and gives you goosebumps! If you enjoy art and architecture, this place is even more worth savoring than Dubai.
