Driving routes, distances and day-trip ideas nearby.
A ready week, day by day: highly rated places, lunches, tours and trips out of town. Ratings and opening hours come from Tripadvisor, distances are real driving distances.
An unhurried first day: the centre on foot, one landmark and a quiet dinner near where you're staying. Don't plan anything far — after travelling, getting your bearings matters more.
All day
A free day — the market, the waterfront, the next neighbourhood over.
Hotel check-in is usually from 2pm — if you arrive earlier, most places will store your luggage.
The fullest day: two or three key places back to back. Start early — queues build by midday at the popular ones, and the light is better for photographs after lunch.
All day
A free day — the market, the waterfront, the next neighbourhood over.
Up to 35 °C in the days ahead — do the walking in the morning and spend midday indoors.
A day for what needs time and attention: museums, historic quarters, and lunch somewhere locals actually go.
Afternoon
Empty Quarter Sunset Desert Safari
5.0· 46from €219
Empty Quarter Sunset Desert Safari — rated 5 from 46 reviews.
Many museums close on a Monday or Tuesday — check the opening hours before you set out.
Get beyond the city: the nearby towns and countryside are usually what stays with you. A rental car is the practical way — public transport on these routes is slow and infrequent.
All day
Dubai
Dubai is 129 km from Abu Dhabi, about 1h 18m by car. Leave in the morning so you're back before dark.
Book the car ahead: in season there is little left and the counter price is higher.
Rent a car in Abu DhabiA free day. Go back to wherever you wanted to linger, and add one or two places from the list you haven't reached.
Afternoon
Abudhabi Desert Safari
5.0· 44from €223
Abudhabi Desert Safari — rated 5 from 44 reviews.
Carry some cash for markets and small cafés — cards are not taken everywhere.
A good day for a guided tour: a guide tells you what the signs don't, and takes the driving off your hands.
All day
Al Ain
Al Ain is 158 km from Abu Dhabi, about 1h 36m by car. Leave in the morning so you're back before dark.
Book the car ahead: in season there is little left and the counter price is higher.
Rent a car in Abu DhabiA calm finish: a favourite spot once more, some shopping, a late lunch. Leave yourself room before the airport.
Afternoon
A Day Trip to Dazzling Dubai from Abu Dhabi
5.0· 43from €112
A Day Trip to Dazzling Dubai from Abu Dhabi — rated 5 from 43 reviews.
Allow twice what the map says for the airport run — it is never the quiet hour when you need it.
Within a ~2.5h drive of Abu Dhabi.
Where you can drive from Abu Dhabi.
Tap a place for photos, opening hours and reviews
Top attractions
Restaurants and cafés
Empty Quarter Sunset Desert Safari
€219
Abudhabi Desert Safari
€223
A Day Trip to Dazzling Dubai from Abu Dhabi
€112
Liwa Full Day Desert Safari (exploring)
€201
Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers
from €100 / night
The St. Regis Abu Dhabi
from €151 / night
Four Seasons Hotel Abu Dhabi at Al Maryah Island
from €157 / night
The Abu Dhabi Edition
from €158 / night
Source — Tripadvisor
A Truly Memorable Stay
I would like to sincerely thanks Terkey and Mouad at the reception for their exceptional service They were professional, welcoming, and always willing to help Their kindness and attention to detail made my stay truly enjoyable Thank you for making my experience so memorable
Best spa in Abu Dhabi
We had an amazing experience at Anjana spa. Rouqaya recommended Komang she was the best therapist I have experienced. Massage was excellent and he showed me some stretching exercises which will take 2 min and keep my back strong and keep the pain away. I will always recommend Anjana spa. Thanks a lot guys. See you nex…
Nice calm place
Very nice experience, recommend for families, Baksing was really nice with actually all the staff but him specially .
Mama-Mia Antonia
Mama-Mia Antonia, you made feel I was in Italy, the pasta sauces are incredible. Graze Mille Yours Laura & JJ