How to spend 48 hours in Abu Dhabi; the best itinerary

Wondering what places to visit in Abu Dhabi? Or what things to do? Despite being the capital of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), it doesn’t receive as much attention as Dubai. So you might be fooled into thinking there aren’t that many tourist attractions there. This isn’t the case at all! Abu Dhabi has lots of places to visit and things to do!

After visiting Abu Dhabi many times, this is the perfect itinerary for the best 48 hours in Abu Dhabi. Including some handy mini-guides and tips from a local to make sure you have the best time!

If you’re going to do several attractions from this list, I highly recommend this ticket for all the top attractions in Abu Dhabi. Which helps you skip all the queues!

*This article was updated on January 2021, so rest assured all the information is up to date! Along with all current Covid protocols.

If you’re staying in Dubai it’s definitely worth traveling from Dubai to Abu Dhabi. For more articles to help you with visiting Abu Dhabi, check out:
Which is the best way between Dubai and Abu Dhabi?
Beginner’s guide to visiting a Mosque

If you prefer doing an organised tour, check out these below:

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Have some questions more questions about the UAE? Check out our other articles:
Where is Dubai? All you need to know about United Arab Emirates!
What is the traditional food of the UAE?
Where to stay in Abu Dhabi (Coming soon)

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Here are all the attractions on a handy map:

Day 1

Breakfast – Meylas

If you’re starting your day driving from Dubai, this a great place to arrive at just before you drive into central Abu Dhabi. It opens for breakfast at 9 am. In a beautiful location serving Emirati fusion food. As it’s on the way from Dubai to Abu Dhabi, it’s the perfect stop along the road trip. Here you can try some traditional food of UAE also.

Activity 1 – The Louvre

This sister museum of the famous museum in Paris, this is one of the world’s most expensive art galleries ever built. Costing over $1 billion US dollars! This is mostly due to all the pieces which were rented from The Louvre in Paris. The incredible architecture is a huge part of this iconic looking art gallery. Making it one of the most Instagram worthy places in Abu Dhabi. Containing a mixture of permanent pieces and temporary exhibitions. It is definitely one of the things to do in Abu Dhabi to tick off your list! For more details about the Louvre.

*You now have to pre-book your tickets for The Louvre before you arrive or you can buy this top attractions ticket which gives you access to the Lourve and other key places

Lunch – Observation Deck at 300, Jumeirah at Etihad Towers

After wandering around the Louvre you’re going to be pretty hungry. With stunning views of the city, this one of the best hotel’s to enjoy the view over Abu Dhabi. The hotel is no longer operated by Jumeirah hotels but it’s definitely worth visiting for the view! It’s a lovely way to treat yourself after a long day and will create lasting memories long after you’ve left Abu Dhabi You can book a tour for the observation deck or it is also included in the Abu Dhabi Top Attractions Ticket

Activity 2 – Sheikh Zayed Founder’s Memorial

This is a newer attraction to Abu Dhabi and is dedicated to the founder of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. They offer a guided tour and go through the history of the UAE along with interesting facts about the UAE and Sheikh Zayed. It only takes around an hour to do the tour and it’s definitely worth a visit. It is best to visit here at sunset or just after it gets dark. Plus admission is free! You can then wander around and relax in the gardens after you’ve finished the tour.

*Due to Covid you must now book a time slot for when you plan to go, Sheikh Zayed Memorial reopened in October 2020

Dinner – Hakkasan, Emirates Palace

Hakkasan is a famous global restaurant brand, combined with Emirates Palace makes it a stunning one of a kind evening. They don’t serve Arabic food, so if you’re wanting to keep your trip more traditional. You can head to BBQ Al Qasr at Emirates Palace which is also another good choice. In terms of the food, Hakkasan is amazing! Offering fine dining Chinese food.

There are quite a few different restaurants, cafes, and lounges inside Emirates Palace. I highly recommend after you’ve finished dinner to wander around the hotel or relax in one of the lounges. If you fancy a slightly unusual treat, end your dinner with a gold-topped or camel milk cappuccino at Le Cafe in the hotel lobby. You’ll really feel as if you’ve experienced the luxury side of the UAE with Emirates Palace! A must for places to visit in Abu Dhabi.

Day 2

Activity 1 – Yas Waterworld

One of the best waterparks UAE, if not the best in the entire UAE. This waterpark is great if you have kids or if you’ve just a big kid at heart and love waterparks! There are 40 different attractions and rides. Including some of the scarier waterslides for the thrillseekers! It’s just a really fun day out! And is definitely one of the things to do in Abu Dhabi.

*Yas Waterworld reopened in August 2020 after being closed for 4 months due to Covid. The Waterpark has many precautions in place to make sure everything is safe for visitors including limiting capacity, sanitation packs, mandatory mask, regular sterilization of areas and hand sanitation stations.

Alternative to Yas Waterworld – Warner Brothers Abu Dhabi

If you’re not a fan of waterparks, this makes a great alternative. It’s also great in the summer as Warner Brothers Abu Dhabi is an indoor theme park. Another billion-dollar attraction! Spotting a theme here? This amazing theme park features six different lands for you to explore. Again great if you have children or just want a fun day out. It’s especially popular with comic book fans due to their Batman and Superman-themed wings! You can buy your tickets for entry here.

*Warner Brothers Abu Dhabi reopened in August 2020 after being closed for 4 months due to Covid. Like the rest of the UAE, there are many precautions in place to make sure visitors are safe including limiting capacity, social distancing, mandatory masks and hand sanitation stations.

Activity 2 – Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

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The best time to visit Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is an hour before sunset as you’ll get the beautiful day time photos and the stunning sunset photos. You can visit the mosque for free and even the official tour is free too. Just pick up your ticket from the tourist office. You can pre-book them online to avoid the queues. I highly recommend taking the tour as you’ll learn about the construction and get to see inside the main prayer hall. The tour takes approximately 45 minutes. To book your visit, do it via the official website here

*Due to Covid you must now book a time slot for when you plan to go, Sheikh Zayed Mosque reopened in October 2020

Dinner – Saudi Kitchen, Al Mushrif

There are two locations in Abu Dhabi, the one in Al Mushrif is closer to Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. This is technically a Saudi restaurant but Mandi is popular in Emirati culture too. You can choose to sit on the floor and eat in a true bedouin style. This particular restaurant is a nice experience since the restaurant is decorated in traditional Khaleeji decor. They also offer private booths to sit in. One mandi dish is suitable for two to share and makes a very affordable meal!

I hope you have an amazing time in Abu Dhabi and manage to see all the attractions. There are more things to do in Abu Dhabi but these are my personal favorites. These are definitely some of the best places to visit! Whenever I have visitors, this is usually the tour I give them personally. Enjoy your time in the UAE!