There’s no better way to discover Abu Dhabi than through this full-day Abu Dhabi city tour. Here is the most fabulous mixing of tradition, culture, and innovation. The majestic domes of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Yas Island, and its very futuristic architecture-there isn’t much in the whole of the Middle East. The tour is designed to enable you to view all those fabulous sights on this city tour.
In this blog, we take you through a typical full-day tour of what makes Abu Dhabi so interesting for travelers. Be you a culture enthusiast, an adventurer, or someone who loves luxury, this city has something for everyone.
Morning: A Grand Start at the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
Any Abu Dhabi city tour package worth its salt begins at the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. The largest mosque in the UAE, it is one of the most beautiful examples of Islamic architecture around the world. Standing before its massive gates, towering white marble columns, intricately carved floral designs all luxuriously give way to glistening chandeliers made of Swarovski crystals.
A guided tour will lead you through the history and the importance of the mosque; including its cultural importance in the UAE, as well as the intricacy involved in its design. It would be of very great interest to note that 40,000 worshippers can be accommodated at the same time inside the mosque and that it houses the world’s largest hand-knotted carpet.
Pro Tip: The mosque looks stunning at any time of day, but if you’re an early riser, the morning light gives it a soft, ethereal glow that makes for some fantastic photos.
Mid-Morning: A Cultural Dive at Heritage Village
After the majesty of the mosque, your Heritage Village is next. Situated alongside the Corniche, Heritage Village is a reconstruction of an old-fashioned village that gives anyone the chance to see just how life was like when it was Abu Dhabi even before the oil boom became real. From Bedouin tents to ancient systems for irrigation, Heritage Village offers a glimpse into exactly how the Emiratis managed to live off this very land before the heady modernization of Abu Dhabi.
The village also provides workshops that will allow local artisans the space to practice traditional crafts including pottery, weaving, and metalwork. When shopping for unique souvenirs, the market is one of the best venues with hand-made items showing city cultural heritage.
Lunch: A Taste of Emirati Cuisine
By now, you should be getting hungry, and there is no better way to quench that hunger than by indulging in some Emirati cuisine. Whether you are on a guided tour or a private Abu Dhabi city tour, most itineraries include a stop at a local restaurant where you can sample traditional dishes like shawarma, machboos (a spiced rice dish), and luqaimat (sweet dumplings).
It’s also the time to ask for that special culinary experience you might be interested in, such as dining at Emirates Palace, a delicious culinary experience offering everything from cappuccinos sprinkled with real gold to Middle Eastern delicacies.
Afternoon: Visiting the Louvre Abu Dhabi
Once you have feasted on all the local delights, a visit to Louvre Abu Dhabi is a must because it is not merely another art gallery, but something like a cultural wonder. Indeed, this is fine museum designed by French architect Jean Nouvel, besides one of the famous features: the Louvre Abu Dhabi dome projects patterns of light and dark through the entire space in complex ways.
Inside, there is a collection of arts that cut across the timeline and different civilizations. There are exhibitions at the museum to bring out the linkage between human cultures as such, with ancient Egyptian artefacts, to paintings dating back to the early periods of European history. In case you are an historian or art lover, then you may spend more time exploring the various exhibitions the museum has.
There should be sufficient time for visiting the museum on a day-long Abu Dhabi city tour. Temporary exhibitions frequently take place in collaboration with other great museums, like Paris’s Louvre.
Late Afternoon: Yas Island and Ferrari World
After a day chock-full of cultural experiences, the evening is guaranteed to be some fun. Destination: Yas Island. The fun hub within the city boasts Ferrari World, Yas Waterworld, and the Yas Marina Circuit, where the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix was hosted.
Ferrari World is definitely a must for adrenaline junkies. This is the place where you find the fastest roller coaster in the world, Formula Rossa, accelerating at a speed of 240 km/h. It is whether you are an automobile enthusiast or looking for a fun experience, Ferrari World gets the adrenaline pumping in you.
For those of you who prefer something a little more relaxed, there are several waterfront restaurants and cafes at Yas Marina, and you can sit and gaze out at the scenery and watch luxury yachts drift by. You could also take a stroll around the island’s massive shopping mall, Yas Mall, offering the finest high street to more local boutiques.
A peaceful evening walk on Corniche
You know, after a whole day of Abu Dhabi city tours, there is literally no other way to bid farewell except with a lovely walk along Corniche. Along the shoreline of Abu Dhabi, there are eight kilometres of such a promenade that lies along the Gulf of Arabian. You may walk through it, enjoy a merry ride on a cycle, or use an electric scooter to wander around.
Along the Corniche, you will have ample opportunity to stop and take in views, from the striking skyline of Abu Dhabi to the calm, turquoise waters of the Gulf. As sunset approaches, the city’s skyscrapers illuminate, creating a magical backdrop to your evening.
If you are in the mood for one last adventure, you might even want to get on a traditional dhow cruise, where you could enjoy dinner while sailing along the coastline. It is perfect for ending your day in the midst of sights and sounds of Abu Dhabi’s vibrant waterfront.
Conclusion
A full-day city tour of Abu Dhabi has a mix of culture, adventure, and relaxation that can be really fun. A city like Abu Dhabi- with the architecture of Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque; the adrenaline rush of Ferrari World; and the calm beauty of the Corniche-have something for all types of travelers. For first-timers visiting Abu Dhabi and experienced explorers alike, a full-day tour can ensure you will not miss any of Abu Dhabi’s most iconic landmarks.
So if you do plan a visit to the UAE, you should stop by Abu Dhabi and make sure to devote an entire day to go through everything there. I promise you won’t be disappointed by this one either!
