1 Day in Abu Dhabi: A Perfect Layover Itinerary

If you’re flying Etihad, you’re likely connecting through Abu Dhabi, which is a beautiful city worth exploring. One day in Abu Dhabi is enough to see the main attractions and get a real feel for the city. We’ll show you how to spend 1 day in Abu Dhabi, from the airport transfer to the top sights, and a few tips we wish we knew ahead of time.

Etihad’s Free Stopover Program

Budget Tip: Etihad’s free stopover program can cover up to two hotel nights for eligible itineraries, but you have to reach out at least three days before you fly. We rerouted through Abu Dhabi last-minute so we booked our own room using a Hyatt free night award. We recommend setting it up as soon as your flights are confirmed since space is limited. Note, however, flights booked through a travel agent aren’t eligible. You can review the details on Etihad’s Abu Dhabi Stopover page.

How to Get From Abu Dhabi Airport to the City Center

Abu Dhabi’s airport, officially Zayed International Airport (AUH), is about 30 kilometers from the Corniche, where most of the hotels and sights are. The drive takes 35 to 45 minutes depending on traffic. There’s no train, so you’ll need to choose between a car and the bus.

Uber: We paid $32 each way and used it in both directions. The airport pickup zone is well marked and easy to find. We prefer Uber to taxis since you know the fare in advance.

Taxi: You’ll find metered taxis outside arrivals for about the same price. Just make sure the meter’s on before you go.

Bus: The A1 takes you to the Central Bus Station for a few dirhams. It’s slower by half an hour or so, and only worth it if you have the time and want to save the cab fare.

Pro Tip: Don’t accept a ride with anyone who approaches you inside the terminal. Use the Uber or taxi pickup outside arrivals. The people working in the terminal charge much more.

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque: Start Your Day Here (1 to 1.5 hours)

The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is one of the largest in the world, with 82 domes, white marble columns inlaid with semi-precious stones, and the world’s largest hand-knotted carpet inside the main prayer hall. It opened in 2007 and now sees close to 7 million visitors a year.

It’s massive and impressive! We only saw it from the outside, but we’d definitely go inside next time. Entry is free. Women can borrow an abaya at the door if they need one, and everyone has to cover shoulders and knees. Hours are 9 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. most days, with reduced hours on Fridays, and you can pre-book a time slot online.

Qasr Al Watan: Abu Dhabi’s Presidential Palace (1 to 1.5 hours)

Qasr Al Watan is about a 10-minute Uber ride from the Grand Mosque, which makes it a great second stop. It’s a gorgeous working presidential palace that opened to the public in 2019. Check out the grand domed hall, research library, and exhibits on Emirati governance and culture. Don’t miss the rare manuscripts in the House of Knowledge.

Tickets are about 65 dirhams for the palace and grounds. Give yourself an hour, or more if you want to stay for the evening light show that’s projected onto the palace facade. But you can also get great views at night from the surrounding hotels.

The Corniche, Emirates Palace, and Founder’s Memorial (1 to 2 hours)

The Corniche is a waterfront promenade along the Gulf, and it’s the best free thing to explore in the city. We enjoyed a walk in the morning before it got too hot. If you’re staying on the West Corniche, you can access it right from your hotel.

The Emirates Palace, which is now a Mandarin Oriental Hotel, is a stunning structure at the west end of the Corniche, and you can walk the grounds without staying there. We stayed across the street at the Grand Hyatt Abu Dhabi (more on that below) and enjoyed the palace view. It’s a great spot for photos at night.

The Founder’s Memorial is a short walk away. It’s a portrait of Sheikh Zayed built from hundreds of suspended geometric shapes, and it’s also best to see at night.

Pro Tip: Plan your sightseeing in the morning or at sunset if you can. Abu Dhabi’s heat typically reaches 40°C from June through September, and the promenade has almost no shade. Wear a hat and bring water.

Louvre Abu Dhabi: If You Have More Time (2 hours)

We didn’t have time for the Louvre Abu Dhabi, but it’s in our list for next time. It’s a short Uber to Saadiyat Island where the museum is located and the architecture looks just as amazing as the art exhibits inside. There’s also high-end dining options and interactive experiences for kids.

Where to Stay in Abu Dhabi for a Short Visit

The West Corniche is the best base for a one-night stay. You’ll be a short Uber ride from every sight above and also have the calming waterfront experience. We booked one night at the Grand Hyatt Abu Dhabi and absolutely loved it.

Our room looked straight out to the Emirates Palace and the Gulf beyond it, and the view was the best part of the stay. The room had a freestanding tub, the lobby has a dramatic multi-story atrium, and the pool is right by the water. It’s a beautiful property that usually cost around $300 a night, but we booked it with a World of Hyatt free night certificate from our Chase World of Hyatt card, which covers a Category 1 to 4 hotel.

Points Tip: The Chase World of Hyatt card gives you a free night certificate every year on your cardmember anniversary to redeem at Category 1 to 4 properties. The certificate more than pays for the card’s $95 annual fee.

1 Day in Abu Dhabi: Frequently Asked Questions

Is 1 day in Abu Dhabi enough?

Yes, one day in Abu Dhabi is enough to see the highlights. You can visit the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Qasr Al Watan, and the Corniche, and still have time for dinner with a view. If you want to add the Louvre Abu Dhabi or Yas Island, plan for a second day.

How do you get from Abu Dhabi Airport to the city center?

An Uber cost about $35 and takes 35 to 45 minutes to get to the Corniche. Metered taxis cost about the same, and the A1 bus is a cheaper but slower option. There’s currently no direct train from the airport.

What is the airport code for Abu Dhabi?

Abu Dhabi’s airport uses the IATA code AUH. It’s officially named Zayed International Airport.

What are the best things to do in Abu Dhabi in one day?

We think Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque should be your top priority. Add Qasr Al Watan, the Corniche waterfront, the Emirates Palace grounds, and the Founder’s Memorial for a full day. Next time, we want to check out the Louvre Abu Dhabi.

Have you spent a day in Abu Dhabi? Let us know your favorite stops in the comments.