2-Day Abu Dhabi Itinerary: Perfect Weekend Getaway Plan

An exciting blend of modern attractions and traditional culture, the capital city of the UAE, Abu Dhabi welcomes millions of visitors every year. Adventure, relaxation and a rich history, Abu Dhabi certainly doesn't disappoint. Two days are enough for you to explore the best that Abu Dhabi has on offer for travellers from around the world.

Day 1: Exploring the Heart of Abu Dhabi

On day 1 of your Abu Dhabi city tour, we shall explore what lies in the heart of Abu Dhabi. We dive into the prime attractions Abu Dhabi is proud of.

Morning: Visit the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

We begin the day by visiting one of Abu Dhabi's most iconic landmarks, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. With as many as 82 domes and 1,000 columns, the majestic mosque stands proudly as a masterpiece of Islamic architecture. The 24-carat gold chandeliers leave you in awe of UAE 's opulence. Capable of accommodating as many as 40,000 worshippers, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is one of the world’s largest mosques.

Learn about the mosque’s history and design by joining a guided tour. Since it's a place of worship, be sure to dress modestly. Start your day early by visiting the serene mosque which opens at 9:00 am.

Late Morning: Visit the Louvre Abu Dhabi

Head to the Louvre Abu Dhabi After your visit to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. Located on Saadiyat Island, it’s one of the region’s most impressive mosques. The blending of art, architecture and culture at the Museum is absolutely extraordinary. The building the Museum is housed in is itself a work of art with the beautiful patterns on the dome letting light pass through To create a mesmerising effect called the ’rain of light’.

You get to admire artwork from all around the world spanning centuries. Artefacts, sculptures and paintings from different cultures and time periods make the museum a very interesting place to visit. Set aside at least 2 to 3 hours to explore the museum thoroughly and get a perspective into Abu dhabi's cultural landscape.

Lunch: Enjoy a Meal at the Corniche

You can enjoy a delicious lunch at the Corniche, a scenic waterfront. Step into a cafe or restaurant here to savour a mouthwatering lunch as you take in stunning views of Abu Dhabi's skyline and the sea. Choose from international cuisine or local Emirati dishes. The dining options at the Meridien Hotel and The Ritz-Carlton are excellent and so are the views.

Afternoon: Relax at the Corniche Beach

Enjoy a relaxing walk along the Cornish Beach after you have had your lunch. The sand at the beach is very soft and it's also very clean and peaceful. You may swim in the clear waters of the sea or simply lounge on the beach taking in the lovely breeze. For some adventure, you may rent a bike or go cycling on the cycling track.

Evening: Dinner at Yas Island

The first day of your 2-day Abu Dhabi city tour ends with a visit to the entertainment hub of Yas Island. There are several attractions at Yas Island, including the Formula 1 race track, the Yas Marina Circuit, the Yas Waterworld and the Ferrari World. After the thrill of exploring Yas Island, you can enjoy a cosy dinner at one of the restaurants here.

Choose the Cheesecake Factory or Seafood Kitchen for a truly luxurious dining experience. You can dig into a delicious dinner here while enjoying amazingly beautiful views of the marina.

Day 2: Discover Abu Dhabi’s Cultural Heritage and Modern Attractions

On the second day of the 2-day tour of Abu Dhabi, we discover how the city is a fascinating blend of a rich cultural heritage and modern attractions.

Morning: Explore the Qasr Al Hosn

Visit the Qasr Al Hosn, Abu Dhabi’s oldest stone building. Once a palace to the royals, the historic fort is today a museum showcasing the growth of Abu Dhabi. You will enjoy wandering around the fort and if you wish, you can take a guided tour of it that sheds light into the historical significance of the fort.

Late Morning: Visit the Heritage Village

Your next top is the Heritage Late Morning: Visit the Heritage Village where you get a glimpse into traditional life in the UAE. There are old style buildings here and the traditional crafts and exhibits tell you about how life used to be before oil was discovered. Watch potters at work and textile workers weave their magic at the village.

Lunch: Dine at the Emirates Palace

Enjoy a delicious lunch in luxury at the Emirates Palace Hotel. There are a range of dining options here at the hotel which is famous for its glamour and luxury. The excellent restaurants here serve lip smacking Arabian and international cuisine. You must visit the Le Vendôme Café for its delicious pastries.

Afternoon: Visit Ferrari World or Yas Waterworld

In contrast to your peaceful experience on the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque tour, feel an amazing adrenaline rush when you take a ride on the Formula Rossa, the world's fastest roller coaster at Ferrari World. Enjoy the thrill of exciting rides and slides at the Yas Waterworld If you want to splash around in water for some relief from the heat of Abu Dhabi.

Dinner: Enjoy a Sunset Cruise

Relax a bit in the evening and then bring your 2-day visit to Abu Dhabi to a close with Sunset Cruise along Abu Dhabi coastline. Take in amazing views of iconic landmarks like the Etihad Towers and Louvre Abu Dhabi. This is the perfect way to bring your 2–day adventure in Abu Dhabi to a memorable end.

Conclusion

Whether you are interested in history or modern attractions, Abu Dhabi surely has something on offer for you. Your 2-day tour offers the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation along with sightseeing and fine dining. Reach out to a leading travel agency in Dubai for an exciting 2-day weekend getaway to Abu Dhabi. Refer to this well thought out itinerary for an unforgettable short weekend sojourn there.