Al Bateen Marina
If you’re looking for an awesome area of Abu Dhabi to explore, you should definitely hit up Al Bateen Marina. Grab an artisanal coffee at No. 57 boutique café, have breakfast at tasha’s, or cake at Brunch & Cake – this area is chock full of yummy places to chow down and make yourself at home. After your coffee or meal, be sure to take a walk around the area to feast your eyes on beautiful views of the marina’s boats bobbing softly in the waves and street art dotted through the buildings. An A-plus place to start our A to Z list.
Al Bateen.
Biking on the Corniche
The Abu Dhabi Corniche is a top destination to get a feel for the vibrant city life in Abu Dhabi, and there is no better way to enjoy it than by bicycle. With the city on one side and the beach on the other, you’ll find the best of both worlds while cycling down this stretch of Abu Dhabi. Don’t have your own bike? No problem. There are plenty of places to rent bikes, scooters, and pedal bikes on the Corniche. Get those pedals moving.
Abu Dhabi Corniche.
Chips Oman paratha
It’s Abu Dhabi’s favourite snack: the one you can find at any tea shop or cafeteria downtown — the famous Chips Oman paratha. Don’t know it? Soft bread and crushed spicy crisps are rolled into a sandwich that always hits the spot. Enjoy it with a Dhs1 karak for a classic Abu Dhabi experience that every local is familiar with. Check out the cafeterias in Port Zayed, hit up Madinat Zayed, or stroll down Hamdan Street for the best of the city’s street food to keep your cravings at bay.
Desert camping
You haven’t really lived in Abu Dhabi until you’ve gone camping in the desert. Whether you’re a glamper or an old-fashioned sleeping-bags-on-the-sand-style camper, there are tonnes of places to enjoy everything the desert has to offer. You’ll find camping spots all over the emirate, but we’d recommend Liwa Desert, Al Ain, and the Al Quaa Milky Way spot for authentic Abu Dhabi. Be sure to bring plenty of firewood, marshmallows, and hot dogs for roasting and wake up early to catch the sunrise turning the dunes pink and orange for an unforgettable view. Just be prepared to bring half the desert home with you in your hair and clothes. That sand gets everywhere.
Emirati food at Meylas
What started out as a famous Abu Dhabi food truck has blossomed into a thriving restaurant for Emirati cuisine. This restaurant is all about authentic Emirati dishes such as chbaab, which are traditional pancakes served with date syrup, local honey, and cheese. Try the diyay mashway with grilled chicken on rgag bread or rice with lentils, chickpeas, and onion, and polish off the meal with Abu Dhabi’s favourite dessert: legeimat with date syrup.
Al Raha Beach Al Muneera (02 444 8884).
Ferrari world
Fancy a ride on the world’s fastest roller coaster? Then you definitely need to take a trip to Ferrari World Abu Dhabi on Yas Island. The Formula Rossa ride at Ferrari World travels at 240 kilometers per hour and it’s so fast that you’ll need to wear protective glasses to ride at such a speed. If you’d rather stay at a slower pace, the park has lots of other rides and activities, including a Hypercars exhibition featuring different Ferrari models through the ages, and other rides such as the Flying Wings hang-glider and Turbo Tower drop tower.
Get ready to scream your head off.
Dhs295 (day pass). Yas Island (600 51 1115).
Galleria Al Maryah Island
Abu Dhabi residents are no strangers to shopping until we drop. If you love to shop, look no further than The Galleria Al Maryah Island. Featuring upscale brands such as Chanel and Dior, delicious dining options, as well as more affordable stores, it’s the perfect shopping destination for when your wardrobe needs an overhaul (or not, we need no excuse).
Al Maryah Island. (02 493 7400).
Hotpot
If you love to eat, you definitely shouldn’t miss out on one of the city’s favourite cuisines: hotpot. Simmering pots of broth, billowing steam, and eating so much you feel like you could burst. Unlike so many other types of dining, this cuisine is all about sharing and working together to cook your meal. Ingredients are brought to your table: thinly sliced meats, bok choy, mushrooms, shrimp, fresh noodles and more. You drop them into the steaming pot and wait until they’re cooked to your liking, then spoon them out and dip them in a sauce of your choice.
Check out Seven Hotpot on Hazza Bin Zayed street, or Qian Zhou Hotpot in Al Markaziyah.
Iris Yas Island Ladies’ Night
Abu Dhabi is well known for incredible ladies’ nights, and Iris has one of our favourites. This swanky spot is the perfect place to get dressed up with the gals and have a night on the town. For Dhs99 ladies can enjoy free-flowing drinks from 8pm until midnight and if you’re really making a night out of it, you can enjoy unlimited drinks from 8pm until 2am for Dhs149. Fire up that WhatsApp group, there’s serious organising to be done.
Dhs99 (8pm to midnight) Dhs149 (8pm to 2am). Yas Island (055 160 5636).
Jet skiing
If you’re looking for the perfect fast-paced activity to beat the heat in the capital, jet skiing is always a blast. Be sure to slather on some sunscreen and drink water before you jet around in the sun. Jet ski along the corniche for views of the city and the water, or head to the Al Mina for plenty of rentals. Just remember to jetski sensibly, the ocean is not a playground.
Dhs300 per hour. Blue Whale Jet Ski Abu Dhabi, Al Mina (050 760 6072).
Kayaking in the Eastern mangroves
Looking for the perfect activity to take your Insta feed to the next level? Kayaking in the mangroves is quintessential Abu Dhabi. Paddle through one of the prettiest natural wonders the emirate has to offer and see crabs, little fish, and seaweed waving gently in the warm water. It’s perfect for a daytime date or adventure with friends. You’ll see loads of wildlife, just try not to drop your phone in the water when you’re taking that perfect snap.
From Dhs50. Sea Hawk Water Sports and Adventures, Anantara Eastern Mangroves Abu Dhabi Hotel, Eastern Mangroves (02 673 6688).
Louvre Abu Dhabi
If you live in the capital and haven’t been to the Louvre Abu Dhabi yet… first of all, how? The Louvre is one of Abu Dhabi’s favourite attractions for a reason and features one of the prettiest architectural wonders of the world: the dome comprised of 7,850 individually sized stars. Stand under the dome’s rain of light and look out at the baby blue water that surrounds this beautiful building. Once you’ve taken in the views, head inside to see some stunning artworks from around the world.
Dhs63. Saadiyat Island (600 56 55 66).
Moonlight swim at Cove Beach
Everybody loves a day at the pool, but how about a night at the pool instead? Cove Beach Abu Dhabi has two night swim packages to beat the summer heat and enjoy the pool at night. On Fridays this super-swish beach club is offering a Moonlight Swim sundowner package. Splash around for three hours with unlimited house beverages from 8pm and 11pm priced at Dhs149 for women and Dhs249 for men. There is also a Moonlight Swim Edition party on Saturdays with a sharing platter for Dhs149, fruity mixed beverages for Dhs190, and a bucket of five hops for Dhs100.
Dhs149 (ladies) Dhs249 (gents) Fri 8pm-11pm; Dhs149 Sat 5pm-1am. Makers District, Reem Island (056 398 7895).
Noodles at UDN
Ready for some of the tastiest new eats in town? If you can’t get enough of slurptastic noodles, this is the spot for you. The restaurant is located on Old Airport Road, and is open from noon-11pm. It’s also fully cashless, so don’t forget your card. UDN makes their noodles each day from scratch and in-house, ensuring your plates are authentic. You can have your udon served as traditional ramen, curry ramen or with chicken katsu.
Daily noon-11pm, Old Airport Road, Showroom 1 (02 441 3037).
Ocean views at Soul Beach
Abu Dhabi has some of the world’s prettiest beaches, and one of our favourites is Soul Beach on Saadiyat Island. If you’re looking for a stunning view of the ocean, nothing beats this spot. White sands, blue skies, and deep blue waves; it’s the perfect place to find your zen. Check out Alkalime nearby for a feel-good dining experience you’ll love with plenty of healthy food and boho vibes.
Dhs50 (weekdays); Dhs75 (weekends). Mamsha Al Saadiyat (050 929 0936).
Pool day at Saadiyat Beach Club
If you’re looking for another must-do experience on Saadiyat, don’t miss out on Saadiyat Beach club. Beautiful cabanas, plenty of comfy sun loungers, plus pool and private beach access… could you ask for more? Day passes are Dhs250 for one person and Dhs350 for two. Ladies can also access sweet ladies’ day deals with pool and beach access for Dhs120 on Mondays. On Tuesdays ladies get three hours of free-flowing beverages from noon to 3pm, pool and beach access, plus a snack for Dhs199. Suncream: ready.
Dhs250 (single) Dhs350 (couples); Dhs120 (ladies) Mon; Dhs199 noon-3pm. Saadiyat Island (02 656 3500).
Qasr Al Hosn
Want to learn more about Abu Dhabi’s heritage and culture? Look no further than Qasr Al Hosn. The oldest and one of the most culturally significant buildings in Abu Dhabi, this site is home to the city’s oldest permanent structure: the watchtower, which was built around the 1790s. Visit the House of Artisans to learn about Emirati craft, pearl diving and fishing, and Bedouin weaving techniques. It’s time to get your culture fix.
Dhs30. Al Hosn (02 697 6400).
Rollercoasters at Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi
If you love theme parks and roller coasters, you’ll love Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi. Located on Yas Island, it’s the world’s first Warner Bros. themed indoor park featuring 29 rides, interactive family-friendly attractions, and live entertainment. Walk alongside some of the world’s most iconic characters, including Batman, Superman and Wonder Woman. Don’t forget to take a snap with Tom and Jerry.
Dhs295. Yas Island (600 51 1115).
Spa day at Chi the Spa
Head to Shangri-La Hotel, Qaryat Al Beri and relax at Chi The Spa. Taking inspiration from the legendary Shangri-La, a place of peace and enchantment, you can settle in for a range of treatments including body wraps and scrubs, Moroccan hammam, a full complement of massages, facials and nail treatments. We’re chill just thinking about it.
Prices vary. Shangri-La Qaryat al Beri, Khor Al Maqta (02 509 8900).
Thrift shopping at Al Yousef Centre
For Abu Dhabi residents, thrift shopping isn’t a pastime, it’s a sport. When it comes to thrifting, the secret lies in the city’s hidden gems. Hit the streets downtown and have a wander to make your best discoveries. We’d recommend Al Yousef Centre for proper hardcore thrifting. This three-storey thrifting complex on Hamdan Street is full of stores bursting with cool finds. Downstairs is deceptively quiet, but when you reach the second floor you’ll find a series of thrift shops bursting with colour and upbeat music. Helping your wallet and the planet? Win, win.
Hamdan street.
Umm Al Emarat Park
Abu Dhabi is full of beautiful parks and green spaces for families to kick back and enjoy being outside. Umm Al Emarat Park is one of the city’s favourite spots for its sprawling green lawns, fountains, a botanical garden, and hidden dining options. Throw a frisbee around, wander through the house of shade, or wave hello to the animals at the petting zoo. The park also features Parker’s (home to the famous Matilda Cake) and Home Bakery with yummy coffee and sweets.
Dhs5. Al Mushrif (02 666 9559).
VaKaVa for dinner and drinks
Located at Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers, VaKaVa is the perfect destination for an exciting night out in Abu Dhabi. This restaurant has a reputation for good food, good times, and a bit of a theatrical execution. Vibrant interiors draw swivelling eyeballs in every direction, colourful furniture competing with even more elaborate artworks adorning every available space, while funky Latin beats provide a lively soundbed. Ladies can enjoy three expertly-made mixed drinks or three glasses of grape, along with one small bite from the dedicated ladies’ night menu on Tuesdays for Dhs99. Sign us up.
Dhs99 (ladies) Tues. Etihad Towers, West Corniche (02 811 5666).
Warehouse 421
Feeling artsy? Warehouse 421 is the ultimate destination for artists and culture-vultures to get a sense of the Abu Dhabi art scene. Check out the latest exhibitions, take part in a conversation with artists and curators, or try one of its workshops to bring out your inner creative.
Free. Port Zayed, (02 676 8803).
Xtreme Zone Abu Dhabi Mall
Take the kids to let out their energy and run around at Xtreme Zone in Abu Dhabi mall, Deerfields Mall, or The Galleria Al Maryah Island. They’ll enjoy bouncing on the trampolines, rock climbing at Active Climb, or challenging themselves at the arcade. It’s the perfect place to let your inner kid out, too.
Prices vary. Abu Dhabi Mall (02 448 8474).
Yas Waterworld
Want to have a splashing good time in Abu Dhabi? Spread over 37 acres, this mega water park has more than 40 rides, slides, and amazing experiences at different thrill levels catering for the whole family. Chill out in the lazy river, surf the world’s largest sheet wave, scream your head off on the world’s longest six-seater water coaster, or free-fall on the Liwa Loop for a real adrenaline rush. We’ll let you go first.
Dhs270. Yas Island (02 414 2000).
Zoo day in Al Ain
Last but certainly not least, Al Ain Zoo is an essential Abu Dhabi experience. Take a day trip to Al Ain and visit with the gorillas, jaguars, crocodiles and more. Al Ain Zoo was established in 1968 and is the largest zoo of its type in the Middle East. Cameras, ready.
Dhs10(kids) Dhs30 (adults). Shiab Al Ashkhar (800 966).
