Before we flew to southern Africa for three months, we made an exciting stopover in Abu Dhabi. We’d always wanted to explore the capital of the United Arab Emirates and see what the metropolis on the Persian Gulf has to offer.
While Abu Dhabi was still an insignificant little island city with simple houses and, in some cases, no electricity or sewage system in the 1960s, it was transformed into a gigantic metropolis thanks to the oil boom starting in the 1970s.
Today, Abu Dhabi and its approximately 1.5 million inhabitants are spread across more than 200 islands and are just a 90-minute drive from Dubai. We were there for three days and took a closer look at the city’s amazing highlights.
In our article, we introduce you to the most famous Abu Dhabi sights and tell you what you can experience during a short stopover in the metropolis.
- Stopover in Abu Dhabi with Etihad Airways
- Our hotel: 5* Grand Hyatt Abu Dhabi
- Abu Dhabi sights
- Other highlights in Abu Dhabi
- Costs and price level
- Getting from A to B
- Safety in Abu Dhabi
- Best time to travel to Abu Dhabi
- Stopover in Abu Dhabi – Our conclusion
Stopover in Abu Dhabi with Etihad Airways
On the Etihad Airways* website, you can include a stopover when booking your flight. So instead of flying directly on after a short transfer, you simply stay in the city for 2, 3, or a maximum of 4 nights before continuing on to your final destination.
After booking your flights including a stopover, you can select a partner hotel on the homepage at significantly lower prices (up to 40%). These are first-class 4- and 5-star hotels.
During our stay (beginning of November 2025), the 5-star Grand Hyatt Abu Dhabi* was still available, which we naturally booked. Because instead of €600 for two nights, we only had to pay €143 including breakfast.
For our round-trip flight to Johannesburg with a 3-day stopover in Abu Dhabi, we paid €603 per person. ☞ Book your stopover in Abu Dhabi* here. Including the stopover, it ended up being approximately €675 per person.
Book a stopover:
When booking your flight, you will be asked if you would like to add a stopover. You can then add this stay in Abu Dhabi to your outbound or return flight for 2, 3, or 4 days.
After booking, you will receive your booking or ticket number, which you can then use to select your available hotel on the Etihad* stopover page. Depending on availability, you can then choose from 11 great hotels.
You can choose from the following hotels depending on availability:
- Anantara Eastern Mangroves Abu Dhabi Hotel*
- Andaz Capital Gate, Abu Dhabi*
- Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi*
- Fairmont Bab al Bahr, Abu Dhabi*
- Grand Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel & Residences Emirates Pearl*
- InterContinental Abu Dhabi*
- Novotel Abu Dhabi Al Bustan*
- Park Rotana Hotel Abu Dhabi*
- Royal M Hotel & Resort Abu Dhabi*
- Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi*
- Traders Hotel, Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi*
Our hotel: 5* Grand Hyatt Abu Dhabi
After we arrived on time in Abu Dhabi after a relaxing flight landed, we grabbed a taxi in front of the terminal and drove to our hotel. While in Berlin we had to pay €30 for a 14 km journey, we paid just €40 for the approximately 36 km from the airport to the hotel. Taxi rides are generally very cheap in Abu Dhabi, but more on that later.
The 5-star Grand Hyatt Hotel is located between the impressive Etihad Towers in the west of the city and made a very good impression even from the outside. While we sorted out a few formalities at the reception, our luggage was already brought to the room. After checking in, we went to the 56th Floor of the hotel, where we checked into our room for the next two nights.
The view from up there was, of course, spectacular; we could see numerous islands and the sea. The room was very spacious, furnished to a high standard, and featured a large double bed, floor-to-ceiling windows, a bathroom with a toilet, shower, and bathtub, a walk-in closet, a seating area, a minibar, and a balcony.
The hotel itself also offers a fitness center, a wellness area, several restaurants and bars, as well as an infinity pool, beach, and whirlpool. In the morning, we feasted on a large breakfast buffet with countless delicacies from various countries. We can definitely recommend the hotel! ☞ You can book your room here*.
Abu Dhabi Sights
While Dubai was too big and too busy for us, we didn’t feel overwhelmed by all the sights in Abu Dhabi. We took a taxi (or even walked) to various Abu Dhabi sights and took in the sometimes gigantic and imposing buildings.
Abu Dhabi is one of the most modern cities in the world, and we felt this in many corners of the mega-city. In the following chapter, we’ll introduce you to some of the sights in Abu Dhabi that we visited during our stopover.
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1. Qsar Al Watan Palace
The 380,000 square meter Qsar al Watan presidential palace is one of the top sights in Abu Dhabi and should definitely not be missed during your trip. We also set out to get a picture of the presidential palace.
Before entering the palace, we looked at this impressive and magnificent building from the outside and couldn’t stop marveling. WOW! What a masterpiece! The facade with its gold-decorated domes is made of white granite and limestone, and the gardens with various pools and plants invite you to relax.
The largest dome of the palace has an incredible diameter of 37 meters, making it one of the largest domes in the world. Inside, you’ll find a chandelier with 350,000 crystal stones and numerous chambers.
The imposing “Great Hall”
After entering the opulent entrance, we were surprised by further superlatives. Particularly beautiful inside the palace is the “Great Hall,” measuring 100 by 100 meters. Colorful mosaics, plenty of gold, and beautiful archways decorate the meter-high walls.
Also very impressive is the enormous Al Barza Hall, which is used for official state receptions and summit meetings. In the palace library, you can browse over 50,000 books or marvel at the impressive collection of artifacts, manuscripts, and antiques in the “House of Knowledge.” Plan enough time, as you shouldn’t miss the palace’s many rooms. Entrance fees are currently AED 65 for adults (approx. €16) and AED 30 for children (approx. €7.50).
- Opening hours: open daily from 11am – 5:45pm
- Entry fee: AED 65 (approx. €16) ☞ BOOK TICKET HERE*
- Bus shuttle from the visitor center to the palace is included
- Light show “Palace in Motion” every evening at 7:15pm (price: AED 25 extra)
- Clothing: knees and shoulders should be covered
- Restrooms, souvenir shop & Café on site
2. Sheikh Zayed Mosque
We’ve always wanted to see the famous and imposing Sheikh Zayed Mosque, and during our last trip, this dream finally came true. In the early evening, we spontaneously took a taxi to the mosque and marveled at this imposing and impressive sacred building.
The mosque has four minarets, a main dome (the second largest mosque dome in the world), and 40 smaller domes, and can accommodate up to 55,000 worshipers. We learned that the construction of this mosque cost approximately 545 million US dollars. But that didn’t surprise us, since only the highest quality materials and plenty of gold leaf were used.
Inside, you can marvel at the over 5,000 square meter hand-knotted carpet, which was made in Iran. It is said to weigh a whopping 47 tons! The view of the mosque is particularly beautiful in the evening when the many lights are switched on.
On site, you are only allowed to walk on selected paths. You are not allowed to enter the large open space, but you can always take photos behind the barriers. This also means, among other things, that you don’t see any crowds in most photos. We suspect that this concept is intentional.
After all, you want to present the buildings from their most beautiful side. We were repeatedly asked on Instagram why it always looked so empty in our photos. Now you know.
Note for all women:
Women must cover their shoulders, arms, knees, and heads. Since we went to the mosque spontaneously, we naturally had neither a scarf nor a long-sleeved top with us. However, we were able to buy a cloak or burka (approx. €10) in one of the many shops in front of the mosque.
The locals are very prepared for tourists who don’t wear appropriate clothing. Women are also closely scrutinized, while men’s clothing is less strict. Make sure your hair is always covered. If you take a photo without a head covering, the security personnel will come directly to you and ask you to delete the photo immediately.
They meticulously ensure that even your order with the deleted images is deleted. Men are allowed to wear T-shirts and shorter trousers and are not required to cover their heads. Unfortunately, you have to pay this price if you, as a woman, want to see one of the most beautiful buildings in the Emirates.
- Opening hours: daily 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. (Fridays 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. + 3 p.m. to 10 p.m.)
- Admission: free (you must print out a visitor ticket at the machine)
- Tours: guided tours are offered on site
- Clothing: knees and shoulders must be covered (women must also cover their heads, arms, and legs)
- Restrooms, souvenir shop & Great food court (cheap!!!) on site
- Brochure with all information & e-Pass: ☞ Click here
3. Louvre of Abu Dhabi
The Louvre art museum in Abu Dhabi is located in the north of the city on the artificial island of Saadiyat. The architect Jean Nouvel, who also designed the concert hall in Copenhagen, the Doha Tower, and the National Museum in Qatar, was able to immortalize himself in Abu Dhabi with a futuristic universal museum.
The museum is located directly on the sea and has an area of 24,000 square meters. On the approximately 8,000 square meter exhibition space, you can view art from antiquity to the 21st century. There is a special children’s museum on site, where even the little ones have a lot to offer.
Beautiful domed roof
Even if you’re not particularly interested in art, a visit is well worth it. The architecture is unique and combines modernity with tradition. While the 55 individual buildings are arranged like a kind of Arabian medina, the huge open domed roof (180 meters in diameter) allows for a very special incidence of light.
Sunrays are refracted, filtered, and muted by the many different layers of the dome, appearing inside the museum as a kind of “rain of light”. Take your time, sit by the water, and enjoy this play of water, light, and shadow. The view is particularly beautiful in the early evening, when the sun gradually disappears behind the horizon.
- Opening hours: Tue. – Sun. from 10am to 6:30pm (weekends until 8:30pm)
- Admission: AED 63 for adults, children under 18 free
- Tickets: ☞ Book your ticket for the Louvre Museum in advance here*
- Tours: 2x “Essential Tour” daily at 11am and 2pm (duration 90 minutes)
- Guide: best to use the Louvre app on site
- Clothing: knees and shoulders must be covered
- Restrooms, souvenir shop, restaurant, bars & On-site cafes
4. Emirates Palace Hotel
The Emirates Palace Hotel is one of the most expensive and luxurious hotels in the world and belongs to the ruling family of Abu Dhabi. According to online information, the construction cost approximately 3 billion US dollars. Crazy, right? The 7-star hotel has 302 rooms and 92 suites, 17 shops (only luxury brands, of course), 14 restaurants and bars, and a 1.3 km long private beach.
A night in a double room starts at around €600 (depending on the time of travel). As a day visitor, you can explore the hotel’s gardens, the impressive lobby, the restaurants, cafés, and shops. All other areas are accessible only to overnight guests. ☞ Book your room at the Emirates Palace Hotel* here.
- Opening hours: Tours daily from 10 a.m.
- Admission: Free for all day visitors
- Dress code: Dress appropriately!
- Tours: Unfortunately, guided tours are no longer offered
- Restrooms, shops, restaurants & cafés on site
- Specials: High tea/afternoon tea between 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. in the lobby café “Le Café”
- Accommodation at the Emirates Palace: ☞ Book your room here*
5. Etihad Towers & Observation Deck at 300
The Etihad Towers complex consists of 5 towers, which are located opposite the Emirates Palace Hotel. The towers primarily house office space, residential areas, and a hotel. The view of this ensemble is especially beautiful in the evening, as the sun gradually sets and the many lights sparkle.
If you want to enjoy a fantastic view of the city, you should visit the observation deck on the 74th floor of Tower 2 (Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers). The so-called “Observation Deck at 300” offers you a magnificent 360-degree view at a height of almost 300 meters. You can book tickets here.
- Opening hours: daily from 12 noon to 8 pm
- Entry: Tickets on site cost AED 95 (children under 5 free)
- Dress code: Please dress appropriately!
- Restrooms, restaurants & cafes on site
- Specials: Afternoon tea for 250 AED
- Accommodation at the Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers: ☞ Book your room here*
6. The Founder’s Memorial
Opposite the Etihad Towers is “The Founder’s Memorial,” which honors the life, values, and legacy of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan (founder of the UAE). Designed by Ralph Helmick, the artwork depicts Sheikh Zayed as a three-dimensional portrait.
This art installation consists of 327 geometric shapes suspended from 1,110 cables. At night, all of these shapes glow, appearing almost like twinkling stars in the night sky. Several vantage points offer great views of the memorial and the dazzling city skyline.
A visit is recommended at either time of day. The cultural monument is open daily from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. and admission is free of charge. On-site seating, a pleasant garden (Sanctuary Garden and Heritage Garden), and traditional water channels are available.
7. Qasr Al Hosn Cultural Center
In the very center of the city, surrounded by numerous high-rise buildings, is the historic Qasr Al Hosn fortress, which is the oldest building in Abu Dhabi. This fortress is part of the large cultural and museum center, which also includes the Visual Arts Center and the House of Artisans. The entire complex is extensive, has been extensively renovated, and has an urban design.
The historic fortress dates back to the 1790s and can be visited daily. The permanent exhibition shows the history and development of Abu Dhabi from a small fishing village to an urban metropolis. The fortress and museum are open Saturdays to Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Fridays from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. (☞ Book tickets here*). For a break, we can recommend the vegan restaurant Wild & The Moon and the café The Espresso Lab.
8. Rixos Marina Abu Dhabi Hotel
Located on the small island of Al Kasir is the 5-star Rixos Marina Abu Dhabi*, considered a unique architectural landmark of the city. This multifaceted resort awaits you with 563 luxurious rooms, an outdoor area with three swimming pools, a private white sandy beach, 10 restaurants and bars, a spacious spa, and many other amenities (☞ Book rooms here from €165*).
The hotel can be seen from afar when driving along Corniche Street. The view is particularly spectacular in the evening, when the building’s facade shines in the most colorful colors.
The hotel is only one part of the gigantic building complex; the other part is mainly used for office space and apartments. You can even buy an apartment there if you have the necessary cash (Fairmont Marina Residences). Directly across the street from the building is the huge Marina Mall and the Heritage Village.
9. Marina Mall
As already mentioned, opposite the 5-star hotel is the popular Marina Mall, which awaits you with over 400 luxury boutiques. There are also banks, specialty shops, a hypermarket, exclusive cafés and restaurants, a cinema, a bowling center, an ice rink, and the huge indoor trampoline park “Bounce.”
The 100-meter-high tower, which can be seen from afar, offers an observation deck and a revolving restaurant with great views of the city and the sea. The mall is open Saturdays to Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Thursdays and Fridays from 10 a.m. to midnight.
10. Great view of the skyline
While we took a taxi to Al Kasir Island, we walked back to the hotel. A long road connects the island to the rest of the city. Along this road, we passed a great viewing bay, from where we had a magnificent view of Abu Dhabi’s skyline.
It was extremely hot that day, which made even this short walk a very sweaty affair. The sun beats down mercilessly on the asphalt here during the day, and shade is almost nowhere to be found.
11. Beach Promenade & Beaches
Abu Dhabi is located directly on the Persian Gulf and therefore offers some great beaches. At the city beach “Corniche Beach”, you not only have a great view of Abu Dhabi’s skyline but can also swim safely. There is a separate area for families and one just for women.
Since the beach is open to the public, there are many locals and tourists there, especially on weekends, so it’s best to arrive a little earlier. You can rent sun loungers and umbrellas on site, but unfortunately there are no cafes or snack bars on site.
One of the most popular and beautiful beaches in Abu Dhabi is the The 9-kilometer-long Saadiyat Beach is located on the island of the same name. A Caribbean backdrop awaits you, with turquoise, crystal-clear waters and fine, white sand.
Entry currently costs AED 25 for adults and AED 15 for children. Yas Beach on Yas Island is also popular with vacationers.Al Bahar Beach, the Sahil Beaches, and the 600-meter-long Hudayriat Island Beach. Unfortunately, we didn’t have enough time, so we only visited Corniche Beach and Abu Dhabi Beach. There’s so much to see and discover in Abu Dhabi; two days were definitely not enough. If you want to get even more out of your stopover, you’ll find a few more cool highlights and activities in the following paragraph that might be of interest to you. If we’ve missed anything, please let us know in the comments. Have you ever heard of the leisure island “Yas Island” during your research? Countless highlights, plenty of entertainment, fun, and top speeds await you on this island. If you’re a Formula 1 fan, you’re sure to be familiar with the Yas Marina Circuit, right?
On this racetrack, you can take fast rides and get a real taste of Formula 1 racing. Water lovers might be interested in Yas Waterworld, which is the size of 15 football fields. There, you’ll find 43 rides, tons of slides, and many other attractions. The most popular is the 238-meter-long, hydromagnetically powered Tornado water slide.
- Opening hours: usually 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. (open on some days from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.)
- Admission: Adults AED 270 (€68), children AED 220 (€55)
- Waterworld tickets: Book a day ticket here* | Book a combination ticket for 2 parks here*
- Yas Marina Circuit: Various tours are available here*
Ferrari World
Ferrari World is also located on Yas Island and awaits you with a huge theme park. More than 20 rides and attractions give you an insight into the history of Ferrari. Looking for an adrenaline rush? Then hop on the world’s fastest roller coaster (Formula Rossa) and let yourself be catapulted from 0 to 100 km/h in just 2.9 seconds.
With a top speed of 240 km/h, this roller coaster is still unbeaten and holds the record. Ferrari World also offers numerous state-of-the-art simulators, live shows, ziplines, climbing walls, and much more.
- Opening hours: daily from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. (open from 11 a.m. on some days)
- Admission: Adults AED 325 (approx. €82), children AED 250 (approx. €63)
- Tickets: Book a day ticket here* | Book a combination ticket for 2 parks here*
Warner Bros. World
Do you love Bugs Bunny, Batman, Superman, or Tom & Jerry? Then a trip to the Warner Bros. indoor theme park might be of interest to you. Six different themed worlds, fast-paced rides, restaurants, and opportunities for extensive shopping await you on more than 150,000 square meters. Visitors even have the opportunity to fly through the air in a Batwing vehicle (Batman Knight Flight).
- Opening hours: daily from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. (on some days also open from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.)
- Admission: Adults AED 325 (approx. €82), children AED 250 (approx. €63)
- Tickets: Book a day ticket here* | Book a combination ticket for 2 parks here*
Mangrove National Park
Abu Dhabi is not just made up of skyscrapers and vast expanses of sand and desert; it also houses a unique Mangrove National Park with salt marshes, mudflats, and idyllic water channels. This biotope is home not only to crabs, turtles, and herons, but also flamingos, foxes, sea pigs, and even dolphins.
During a walk through the park, you can learn more about this natural environment or explore the national park by SUP, kayak, or boat. Book a kayak trip here*.
Tip: A new attraction is the Mangrove Walk on Jubail Island. There you can explore the park on various routes (1 km, 1.6 km, and 2 km). Wooden walkways lead over the sensitive and unique ecosystem, which is home to over 60,000 animal species.
Various viewpoints, platforms, rest areas, and experience stations await you on site. Entrance fee: Adults AED 15, children AED 5. Book tickets here. You can also book other activities on the website, such as evening kayak trips, sunset boat trips, or sunrise boat and kayak trips.
Desert Safari & Desert Camps
Right outside the city gates lies the beautiful Rub Al-Khali Desert. Its expanse is gigantic, covering almost a quarter of the Arabian Peninsula, making it the largest contiguous sand desert in the world.
Whether it’s dinner under the desert sky, an overnight stay in a Bedouin camp, a fast-paced off-road drive, dune bashing, or dance events—there’s a lot on offer here. Unfortunately, we didn’t have time for a detour into the desert, but we definitely want to make up for it next time.
- Desert safari with barbecue, belly dancing, & Tanura Dance*
- Desert Safari with Dune Bashing from Abu Dhabi*
- Abu Dhabi: Desert Safari with Overnight Stay*
- Morning Desert Safari with Quad Tour Abu Dhabi*
Costs and Price Level
Food Price Level
Abu Dhabi is not exactly a cheap travel destination. Anyone vacationing here should stock up on cash before traveling. You can certainly eat out cheaply in the city, but the prices in restaurants and hotels are exorbitant.
We paid almost €80 for two small salads with a soft drink in our hotel, and just under €60 for two simple pizzas. It’s significantly cheaper, especially at food stalls in malls, in the well-known fast-food restaurants, or at the markets. There, you can eat well for as little as €5.
Taxi Price Level
Taking a taxi in Abu Dhabi is very inexpensive. Prices are regulated by the government, so you don’t have to negotiate on the spot. As soon as you get in, the meter switches on, and the journey begins. The minimum spend is 12 AED per trip (approx. €3).
So even if you only travel a short distance that would cost 10 AED, you’ll still pay 12 AED. We were able to pay by credit card in every taxi. You can also easily hail a taxi from the street.
Hotel Price Level
In Abu Dhabi, it’s almost considered good form to stay in a 4- or 5-star hotel. There are plenty of beautiful and luxurious hotels in the city, making it difficult to choose.
You can get a room in one of the many 5-star hotels for from €100 to €150 per night. As always, there’s no upper limit.
Getting from A to B
The easiest and fastest way to get from A to B within Abu Dhabi is by taking a taxi. As already mentioned, prices are regulated by the government, so you don’t have to negotiate with the drivers. This makes taking a taxi very pleasant.
All taxis use meters, so you always have an overview of the costs. We usually only paid €5 to €6 per ride, sometimes even less. You can easily hail a taxi from the street. The basic fare for a ride is AED 12 (approx. €3).
With over 500 buses and more than 140 bus routes, Abu Dhabi has a very well-developed bus network. You can pay for your ride using a prepaid card, which you can purchase at bus stops, public squares, and malls.
Within the city, a bus ride costs just AED 2. In Abu Dhabi, there are also free buses that take you to popular attractions. Check it out here: Visit Abu Dhabi Shuttle Bus.
Safety in Abu Dhabi
Is Abu Dhabi a safe travel destination? Yes! Abu Dhabi is one of the world’s safest travel destinations, which makes traveling to this emirate very easy and straightforward. We never felt uncomfortable and were able to stroll leisurely through the city, even in the evening.
The government has made it its mission to “ensure” the safety of tourists around the clock. For this reason, the penalties are very harsh, even for minor offenses. Of course, thefts or attempted fraud can still occur, but they are definitely not a daily occurrence here.
Best Time to Visit Abu Dhabi
The best time to visit Abu Dhabi is during the winter months (November, December, January, February, March, and April), when temperatures aren’t quite as hot. Although we had around 30°C every day at the beginning of November, we still enjoyed our time very much. The most pleasant temperatures can be expected in December, January, and February, with averages of 25°C to 26°C.
Between May and October, it gets really hot in Abu Dhabi, with temperatures reaching 40°C and even 50°C. Due to this extreme heat in the summer months, we only recommend a trip to Abu Dhabi to those of you who can handle such temperatures. If you have heart or circulatory problems, we strongly advise against it.
Stopover in Abu Dhabi – Our Conclusion
As you can see, we saw and experienced a lot in those 2.5 days. For us, this stopover in Abu Dhabi was fantastic, and we definitely want to come back.
If you have the time, plan to spend at least 3 days there. This way, you can take a cool excursion or two in addition to sightseeing. Abu Dhabi is a fascinating emirate and offers vacationers a cool complete package of beach and city vacation.