How to spend a day exploring Abu Dhabi – A relaxing yet exhilarating escape
Abu Dhabi is a city bustling with fun-filled activities with its stunning architecture, golden dunes, and enthralling beaches. The array of attractions on offer makes it impossible to spend less than a week here, let alone a day. If a day is all you have and you yearn to get a 24-hour glimpse into this desert paradise, with some intelligent planning, it can be done. Read on to find out how you can spend a day making the most out of your exploration of Abu Dhabi.
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
Begin your day with a visit to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. This glistening marble monument is one of the largest mosques in the world and celebrates cultural diversity. The vision was to embody architectural styles from various Muslim civilisations and designs from across the globe. It is a photogenic jewel with 1096 amethyst and jasper laden columns, 82 marble domes, jaw-dropping gold-plated Swarovski chandeliers, beautiful handwoven carpets, reflective pools and a courtyard displaying a fantastic marble mosaic artwork. Tours at the mosque are free but must be booked in advance. It is possible to complete your visit within an hour if pressed for time.
Capital Gate
The Capital Gate is a 165m glass structure comprising 36 storeys located a few minutes away from the Grand Mosque. Dubbed as Abu Dhabi’s ‘leaning tower of Pisa’, this structure inclines 18-degrees to the west, and it is one of the tallest landmarks in Abu Dhabi. It has been certified as the ‘World’s Furthest Leaning Manmade Tower’ by Guinness World Records. Be sure to grab a stunning picture of this iconic landmark before heading to your next attraction.
https://www.voyageway.com/louvre-abu-dhabi, Visiter-le-louvre-abu-dhabi, CC BY-SA 4.0
Louvre Abu Dhabi
Next, head to Abu Dhabi’s very own Louvre. This museum is a celebration of art and civilisation featuring works of art from all across the world. Consisting of 12 galleries spread across 4 wings, the museum showcases hundreds of masterpieces from sculptures to paintings to artefacts. It also houses a children’s museum. The highlight of this museum is its magnificent 180m-diameter double dome filtering the sunlight through a woven mass. Keep in mind that your visit may take 2-3 hours and must be booked in advance.
Heritage Village
Operated by the Emirates Heritage Club, Heritage Village is a gateway into the UAE’s past. The village features demonstrations of various crafts: from pottery, glass making and metalwork to handloom weaving and yarn spinning. You can also check out the various artefacts and trinkets offered at the little shops and visit the spice shop to take home some dried herbs, souvenirs, and handmade soaps.Next, head to an Abu Dhabi restaurant of your choice for either a quick or relaxing meal. There are plenty of options across Abu Dhabi. However, if a delectable, multi-cuisine experience is what you seek, consider visiting a restaurant housed in Abu Dhabi’s plethora of hotels and resorts, including the likes of Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara.
Ferrari World
The best way to stay perked up after your relaxing, delicious lunch is to head to Ferrari World. Shadowed by its signature red roof featuring the Ferrari logo, this adventure-packed mostly-indoor theme park boasts 40 exhilarating rides and experiences. The Formula Rossa, the fastest rollercoaster globally, is the star attraction with its 63m high central loop and travel speed of 240 kmph in just 4.9 seconds. Be sure to check out other rides as well as innovative simulators, live shows and racing memorabilia. Don’t forget to grab some incredible photos next to a Ferrari.
Emirates Palace
Next, head to the Emirates Palace, a palatial, opulent hotel stretching over a kilometre from wing to wing. The hotel is a magnificent work of art featuring 114 domes made with gold, mother of pearl and crystals, and 1002 chandeliers. The hotel's public areas guarantee free entrance, thus making it ideal for a quick glimpse of this stunning structure.
Observation Deck at 300
End your fun-filled day at the Observation Deck at 300, located on the 74th floor of Tower 2 at Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers. The deck affords a breathtaking 360-degree view of Abu Dhabi and is the highest observation deck in the city. Be sure to head here before sunset to snap some Insta-worthy pictures of the beautiful surroundings. The deck provides light refreshments, but if you want to experience an afternoon high tea in the skies at the height of 300m, then this is the place to be.
