Abu Dhabi and Dubai are two of the most spectacular cities in the world — each impressive for different reasons. Dubai is all flash and ambition, a city that has built the tallest, biggest, and most extravagant everything in a matter of decades. Abu Dhabi, the UAE capital just 140 km away, is more refined, more culturally ambitious, and arguably more interesting for architecture and culture. Together, they make for one of the most memorable trips you can take. This guide covers the best of both — updated for 2024.
🕌 Abu Dhabi
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
One of the largest mosques in the world and without question one of the most beautiful buildings on earth. The white marble exterior, 82 domes, and the stunning interior with the world’s largest hand-knotted carpet make this an absolute must-see — even if you’re not particularly interested in religious architecture. Free entry, but you must dress modestly (abayas are available at the entrance for women). Go early morning or at golden hour for the best light and fewer crowds. Non-Muslim visitors are welcome.
Louvre Abu Dhabi
Opened in 2017, the Louvre Abu Dhabi is one of the finest museums in the Middle East — and its architecture alone is worth the trip. Designed by Jean Nouvel, its iconic perforated dome creates a mesmerising „rain of light“ effect inside. The collection spans world history and art across civilisations, presented in a way that emphasises shared human heritage rather than regional focus. The waterfront setting is stunning. Don’t miss it even if you normally skip museums.
Emirates Palace (now Mandarin Oriental Emirates Palace)
One of the most opulent hotels in the world — even if you’re not staying here, come for a coffee or afternoon tea in the lobby. The sheer scale of the gold-and-marble interior has to be seen to be believed. The hotel had a makeover and rebranded as Mandarin Oriental Emirates Palace in 2022. There is now a 6-Michelin-starred chef restaurant on site. A splurge, but unforgettable.
→ mandarinoriental.com/emirates-palace
Ferrari World Abu Dhabi
The world’s largest indoor theme park and a Ferrari fan’s dream. Home to Formula Rossa — still the world’s fastest roller coaster at 240 km/h — plus dozens of other rides, simulators, and racing experiences. Great for a half-day, particularly if travelling with family or any motorsport enthusiasts. Based on Yas Island, which now forms a full entertainment district alongside Warner Bros. World and Yas Waterworld.
Yas Island — the Entertainment Hub (NEW since 2013)
Yas Island has exploded since 2013. Beyond Ferrari World, you now have: Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi (2018, indoor theme park with DC and Looney Tunes rides), Yas Waterworld (excellent waterpark), Clymb Abu Dhabi (the world’s largest indoor skydiving chamber and a massive indoor climbing wall), and the Yas Mall. The island is also home to the Yas Marina Circuit — host of the Abu Dhabi Formula 1 Grand Prix every November. If you’re visiting in November, the F1 race here is one of the very best on the calendar — day-to-night setting, great atmosphere, and the stunning marina backdrop makes it one of the most scenic circuits in the world.
→ F1 tickets: tickets.formula1.com | Yas Island: yasisland.ae
Masdar City
A fascinating urban experiment — a planned sustainable city built from scratch on the outskirts of Abu Dhabi, designed to be carbon-neutral and powered entirely by renewable energy. Construction began in 2008 and is still ongoing (slower than planned), but the completed sections are genuinely impressive and thought-provoking. The Masdar Institute and several technology companies are based here. Worth a visit for architecture and urban-planning enthusiasts. Best reached by taxi or Uber from central Abu Dhabi.
Qasr Al Watan (NEW — opened 2019)
The UAE Presidential Palace, opened to the public in 2019 — and it’s extraordinary. The architecture is a modern interpretation of Arabian palace design, and the interior is filled with incredible craftsmanship: hand-carved marble, towering arches, and a stunning light show in the Great Hall. The „Palace in Motion“ show after dark is unmissable. One of Abu Dhabi’s most impressive additions in recent years.
Saadiyat Island Cultural District (NEW — expanding)
The long-planned cultural island adjacent to Abu Dhabi is rapidly taking shape. The Louvre is already open, but coming soon (or recently opened, depending on your visit date): the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi and the Zayed National Museum, both designed by world-leading architects. Saadiyat Beach is also one of the best beaches in the UAE. Watch this space.
🏙️ Dubai
Burj Khalifa
At 828 metres, the world’s tallest building is still the defining icon of Dubai. Tickets for the observation decks on Level 124/125 (At the Top) and Level 148 (At the Top SKY, the world’s highest observation deck) should be booked well in advance — day-of tickets are significantly more expensive. Go at sunset for the most dramatic views: you watch the city in daylight, then see it transform as a million lights come on across the desert skyline. The base of the tower opens onto the Dubai Fountain and the Dubai Mall.
Dubai Mall & Dubai Fountain
The Dubai Mall is simply the largest shopping mall in the world by total area — but it’s much more than shopping. Inside you’ll find a full-size Olympic ice rink, the Dubai Aquarium (one of the largest suspended aquariums in the world, viewable for free from outside the tank), a dinosaur skeleton, a SEGA indoor theme park, and hundreds of restaurants. Every evening from sunset, the Dubai Fountain performs its show on the artificial lake outside — the world’s largest choreographed fountain, set to music. Shows run every 30 minutes from 6pm and are completely free to watch from the waterfront promenade.
Burj Al Arab
The sail-shaped hotel on its own artificial island is the symbol of Dubai’s ambition. It markets itself as the world’s only „7-star“ hotel — that’s not an official rating, but the service and interiors justify the claim. Even if you’re not staying (rooms start at around $1,500/night), you can visit for afternoon tea, a meal, or drinks — but you must book in advance as entry requires a confirmed reservation. Al Muntaha restaurant on the 27th floor offers extraordinary views over the Arabian Gulf. A once-in-a-lifetime splurge if your budget allows.
Palm Jumeirah & Atlantis The Palm
The artificial palm-shaped island is one of Dubai’s great engineering feats. At its tip sits Atlantis The Palm — a giant resort with Aquaventure Waterpark (one of the best waterparks in the world, with a 27-metre near-vertical slide called The Leap of Faith) and the Ambassador Lagoon aquarium. The Palm also has The View at The Palm, an observation deck on the 52nd floor of The Palm Tower giving incredible top-down views of the whole island. The Monorail connects the island to the mainland.
→ Atlantis: atlantisthepalm.com | The View: theviewpalmjumeirah.com
Museum of the Future (NEW — opened 2022)
Arguably the most striking new building in Dubai and one of the most beautiful buildings in the world. The torus-shaped silver structure, covered in Arabic calligraphy, hosts ever-changing immersive exhibitions about future technologies and civilisation. It’s more of an experience than a traditional museum — expect visions of space habitation, ocean science, and human potential. Very popular; book tickets in advance.
Dubai Frame (NEW — opened 2018)
A giant picture frame, 150 metres tall, straddling the border between old Dubai and new Dubai — with the historic Deira and Bur Dubai on one side and the modern skyscraper skyline on the other. The glass-floored sky bridge at the top is exhilarating. An excellent, affordable attraction that works beautifully as a metaphor for the city itself. Book ahead — queues can be long.
Dubai Creek & Al Fahidi Historic District
Dubai’s old soul. The Creek divides the original city in two — Deira on the north and Bur Dubai to the south. Cross by Abra (traditional wooden water taxi) for a few dirhams. Explore the gold souk, spice souk, and textile souk in Deira. On the Bur Dubai side, Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood is a beautifully preserved wind-tower district with art galleries, coffee houses, and the excellent Dubai Museum. This is the Dubai that existed before the oil — and it’s essential context for understanding everything else.
→ Al Fahidi: visitdubai.com
Dubai Marina & JBR Beach
The Marina is Dubai’s most walkable, liveable neighbourhood — a 3.5 km waterfront promenade lined with restaurants, cafes, and boats. Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR) opens onto The Walk, a busy outdoor shopping and dining strip leading to a public beach. This is a great area to be based and to spend an evening. Boat cruises depart from the Marina regularly.
Madinat Jumeirah
A gorgeous Arabian-themed resort complex with a souk, several five-star hotels, and a network of abra-navigable waterways. Even if you’re not staying here, come for the souq (much nicer and less touristy than the downtown souks), dinner with a direct view of the Burj Al Arab, or one of the many bars and restaurants. The setting in the evening — lit waterways, wind towers, the Burj Al Arab glowing in the background — is magical.
Mall of the Emirates & Ski Dubai
Yes, there is a real ski slope inside a shopping mall in the desert. Ski Dubai inside Mall of the Emirates has five runs, the world’s first indoor black run, real snow, and a chairlift. You can ski, snowboard, or just play in the snow. Bizarre, exhilarating, and very Dubai. The mall itself is one of the best in the city.
Kite Beach
Dubai’s best public beach for an active day — kitesurfers in the water, beach volleyball, a running track, excellent food trucks (try the local burger and juice stands), and a clear view of the Burj Al Arab in the distance. Free entry, clean, and much more local in feel than the hotel beaches. Highly recommended for an afternoon.
Desert Safari & Buggy / Quad Adventures
No trip to Dubai is complete without a desert experience. The classic desert safari involves dune bashing in 4x4s at sunset, followed by a Bedouin camp dinner with live entertainment. More active options include quad biking and buggy driving in the dunes — an absolute blast if you enjoy driving. Companies like Platinum Heritage offer more premium, wildlife-focused experiences. Book through your hotel or a reputable operator.
Helicopter Tour
Seeing Dubai from the air genuinely adds a new dimension of understanding — the scale of the Palm, the Burj Khalifa, and the coastline only fully makes sense from above. Flights of 12–25 minutes are available; 20 minutes is the sweet spot for seeing the key landmarks.
Meydan Racecourse
If you happen to be in Dubai during the racing season (November–March), Meydan is extraordinary — one of the grandest racecourses in the world, with a 1 km grandstand and a five-star hotel attached. The Dubai World Cup in March is the world’s richest horse race. Even if horses aren’t your thing, the spectacle is worth experiencing.
Dubai Opera (NEW — opened 2016)
A stunning dhow-shaped performing arts centre in the heart of Downtown Dubai, opened in 2016. Hosts world-class opera, ballet, concerts, and theatre. Even if you don’t catch a performance, the building is beautiful and the surrounding Downtown Dubai area with Burj Khalifa and Dubai Fountain is the best evening stroll in the city.
IMG Worlds of Adventure & Legoland Dubai
The theme park scene around Dubai has grown enormously. IMG Worlds of Adventure (one of the world’s largest indoor theme parks) has zones dedicated to Marvel, Cartoon Network, Dinosaur, and more. Legoland Dubai in Dubai Parks and Resorts is excellent for families with younger children. Both are a 30–40 minute drive from central Dubai.
→ imgworlds.com | legoland.com/dubai
🍸 Bars & Nightlife (Dubai)
Bar 44 — Dubai Marina
On the 44th floor of the Grosvenor House Hotel, with a panoramic view over the Marina. Excellent cocktails and a relaxed glamorous atmosphere. One of the best sunset spots in the city. Smart casual dress code.
Uptown Bar — Jumeirah Beach Hotel
On the 24th floor of the Jumeirah Beach Hotel, with a direct and extraordinary view of the Burj Al Arab lit up at night. One of the most memorable views in Dubai over a cocktail. Relaxed atmosphere, reasonable prices by Dubai standards.
→ jumeirah.com/jumeirah-beach-hotel
Barasti Beach Bar
Dubai’s most famous beach bar — a sprawling, casual, multi-level venue right on the sand at Le Méridien Mina Seyahi. Great for sundowners, live music, and a proper party atmosphere. Very popular with expats. No strict dress code.
Atmosphere — Burj Khalifa (Level 122)
For the ultimate splurge: cocktails at Atmosphere bar on Level 122 of the Burj Khalifa — the world’s highest bar. Extremely expensive, but the experience of sitting above the clouds with Dubai spread out thousands of feet below is genuinely like nothing else on earth.
💡 Practical Tips
- Getting between Abu Dhabi and Dubai: Take a taxi or Uber (~90 min, around AED 200–250) or catch one of the frequent buses from Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station (~AED 25). There is no train link yet, though one is planned.
- Best time to visit: October to April is ideal — mild temperatures (25–35°C). May to September is brutally hot (40–50°C+) but cheaper and quieter, with most activities moving indoors.
- Dress code: Modest dress is required at religious sites (shoulders and knees covered). In shopping malls and most public places, normal tourist clothing is fine. Beachwear should stay at the beach.
- Alcohol: Available in licensed hotel restaurants and bars. Not available in public spaces or non-licensed venues. No alcohol in Abu Dhabi’s old town areas.
- Getting around Dubai: The Dubai Metro (Red and Green lines) is excellent, clean, and cheap — it connects the airport, Mall of the Emirates, Dubai Marina, and Downtown. Uber and Careem work well for everything else.
- Book ahead: Burj Khalifa observation deck, Museum of the Future, Dubai Frame, and Burj Al Arab dining all require advance booking. Don’t leave it to the day of your visit.
- Discounts: Check Groupon UAE and GetYourGuide for discounted tour and attraction prices before you go.
