How To Spend 24 Hours In Abu Dhabi

For far too long, almost unfairly so, at least by people in this part of the world, the Middle East has been reduced to a sort of transit destination. Or maybe for a weekend layover to shop your heart out before coming back to real life. When was the last time you thought of just traveling to Dubai or Abu Dhabi for a short trip? You probably haven’t thought about it and it’s time you did because there’s so, so much to do and experience for you out there.

But meanwhile, should you find yourself in Abu Dhabi for just one day – 24 hours to be precise – let me tell you all that you could do, maybe?

How to spend 24 hours in Abu Dhabi

I recently found myself at Al Maryah Island in Abu Dhabi for a quick 2-day work trip & my itinerary packed enough leisure time in it too. It wasn’t my first time in the city though I had only been to Yas Island the previous time so naturally, I had much to see & explore in Abu Dhabi.

I was staying at the Four Seasons Hotel Abu Dhabi which is quite a convenient location since it isn’t too far from Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International Airport, and close enough to the city’s two major tourist attractions: Louvre Museum and Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.

The Four Seasons hotel also has a bunch of truly exciting international restaurants that I’d wholeheartedly recommend (more on that later). Should you prefer a place which serves Emirati food, there are many wonderful places to try it out around the Louvre (more on this too, later).

For now, let’s get to the itinerary I’d suggest you follow.

Your Abu Dhabi Itinerary

I’ve planned a full day itinerary starting from 12 noon till about 10 pm at night, assuming you’re landing in the morning and flying out early morning next day. The recommendations for places to eat shall remain the same even if you adjust their timings as per your schedule.

Brunch: 12 noon

There’s nothing like a good Italian meal to start your day & Cafe Milano at Four Seasons Abu Dhabi is truly the finest option in this part of the world. It’s the sister restaurant of the iconic one from Washington DC, and yes, it’s truly that good.

On weekends, the restaurant does something called L’Italia in Tavolia which translates to Italian Feast and the food is authentic Italian, worth every dime.

Louvre Museum: 2-5 pm

If you’re in Abu Dhabi, you just can’t miss the Louvre. Especially the Picasso exhibition they’ve got with some of the artist’s most loved and celebrated works. If art isn’t your thing, the museum has enough and more going in terms of decor that’ll interest you and make for great images for your Instagram profile.

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque: 5-7 pm

What’s probably Abu Dhabi crown jewel, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is truly an architecture & design marvel apart from being the city’s most holy place which gets both devotees and tourists from across the world. Sunset also happens to be the best time to visit the mosque so you’re in luck to get there around that time.

Don’t forget to dress modestly though – no shorts, head & hair covered (for women), nothing too revealing.

Options for Dinner & Drinks: 8-10 pm

Now, for this time of evening, there are options galore, so let me give you my top two picks and you can choose either basis your food preferences:

Butcher & Still

This Michelin-star restaurant in the Four Seasons Abu Dhabi is your classic Chicago steakhouse & serves selected prime cuts of American beef (among other things), exactly how you’d expect it to! Plus, they’ve got an incredible wine selection that’ll pair perfectly with the food.

Erth

If you’re looking for some Emirati food, head here without a doubt. It’s also quite close to the Grand Mosque making it a convenient stop for dinner post a visit there. It’s got great options for vegetarian food as well though it doesn’t serve alcohol.

Once you’re wrapped your meal, you’ll retire peacefully with your head, heart & stomach filled with the best of Abu Dhabi. Should you find yourself reminiscing it all on your flight out next morning, I’m sure you’ll make plans to come back for more.