3 Days Enough to Explore the Capital of UAE
Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, may be less known than its more illustrious neighboring city Dubai, but it offers its visitors unique experiences that no other city offers! Located on the Arabian Peninsula, right next to the Persian Gulf, Abu Dhabi is emerging as one of the most visited cities in the Middle East for its first-rate infrastructure, along with a well-preserved cultural heritage.
We visited this city in association with Dubai Sight Seeing Tours, and this was our first trip to a country in the Middle East! 3 days in Abu Dhabi, and needless to say, we were blown away by the Emirati hospitality — larger than life, yet so warm! Based on our experiences there, we have put together this 3-Day Abu Dhabi Itinerary to help you plan your trip.
When it comes to a city like Abu Dhabi, one of the most common questions we seem to ask ourselves is how many days to spend in Abu Dhabi. Most travelers visiting the UAE tend to reserve at most one day for a day trip to Abu Dhabi from Dubai. While it is entirely up to you how much time to spend in Abu Dhabi, we truly believe that the capital of the Emirates deserves more than one day of vacation.
why 3 days in Abu Dhabi?
Well, this is due to our personal experience, we thought that 3 days would be the right amount of time to explore some of the best places to visit in Abu Dhabi. After all, you need some time to soak up all the Emirati pampering!
What to do in Abu Dhabi in 3 days?
Our idea of traveling is to take things easy and easy instead of being too busy in a short period of time. Therefore, this itinerary is designed in such a way that it allows you to soak up all the new experiences around you and give yourself plenty of time to relax.
After all, what is a vacation if you don’t come back refreshed and recharged? With that said, this Abu Dhabi sightseeing itinerary can also be fully customized to your individual needs. It is a mix of fun places to visit in Abu Dhabi, with a touch of culture and heritage, and is perfect for both couples and those traveling with children. And although we designed it with a 3-day trip in mind, you can easily customize it to spend 2 or 4 days in Abu Dhabi.
Abu Dhabi is not just about the skyscrapers you see in photos on the internet or in fashion magazines. There is so much more to the city waiting to be explored and this could be the perfect start to your exploration of the Middle East!
Itinerary in Abu Dhabi — Day 1
Abu Dhabi City Tour with Big Bus Tours
How about starting your 3 days in Abu Dhabi with a full day tour of the most popular places in the city?
Get off the bus at a stop of your choice and spend as much time as you like or just take a cruise as the bus takes you around town. It’s a great way to see the city without having to get off at every stop. If that’s not enough, there are buses at each stop every 30 minutes so you have complete freedom to plan your day according to your interests. From personal experience, I suggest that the earlier the tour starts the better, so you don’t have to rush through the day and can spend enough time at each of your chosen stops.
Of the 20 odd stops in Abu Dhabi City Tour by Big Bus, we highly recommend exploring the following:
Etihad tours
Get up close to these towering and iconic structures that adorn the Abu Dhabi skyline. I have to say, they are quite impressive in daylight, with the morning sun reflecting off the bright blue glass exterior. If you wish, you also have the option to go up to the 74th floor of the Etihad Towers up to its observation deck for a panoramic view of the city.
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
This great mosque is truly the centerpiece of UAE history and culture. Named after the former president of the nation, it is the largest mosque in the United Arab Emirates. Based on my personal experience, it will take you at least an hour to explore the entire mosque. Stroll the hallways lined with intricately crafted marble and gold pillars, leading to the main prayer hall. Once inside, don’t be surprised if you get carried away by the grandeur and magnificence of the décor. Whether it’s the Arabian-style minarets, the stunning contrast of the pure white domes against the clear blue sky, or the relaxing pools of water on either side of the entrance.
Gallery and rosewood
It is a duo of luxury apartments and shopping malls that truly reflects the Emiratis’ love of opulence. But more than that, I highly recommend a visit here, it is the beautiful boardwalk at the back of the Galleria mall.
You can have a breathtaking view of the Abu Dhabi skyline while enjoying a walk overlooking part of the Arabian Gulf. By the time you get here for your Big Bus city tour, it’s probably time for lunch. So, find a waterside cafe or restaurant and enjoy a sumptuous meal with an unforgettable view.
Abu Dhabi Corniche
It is an 8 km long beach that stretches along the Corniche road in Abu Dhabi. Imagine not having to leave the hectic life of the city to find an unspoiled beach in the heart of the city! How cool is that? The ledge includes play areas for children, restaurants and of course extremely safe marine bathing areas monitored by lifeguards. You can choose to take a quick dip or just take a walk on the beach before moving on to the next stop.
WTC Souk
The WTC Souk is a shopping center whose half is built as an old Emirati market, also known as a souk. Even if you are not very interested in visiting the mall, visit this place to get an idea of how Emiratis used to shop. Handwoven rugs, jeweler, spices and herbs in one place to take you back in time.
Heritage town
As the name suggests, Heritage Village was built as a traditional Emirati village of the past. You will have the opportunity to stroll through the town, discovering small shops that present various forms of crafts: goldsmithing, carpentry or ceramics. If history intrigues you, Heritage Village is a must see!
