3 Day Abu Dhabi Itinerary
Where to stay: Sheraton Beach Resort
Day 1
Sheikh Grand Zayyed mosque
The Sheraton offers free breakfast every morning. However, if you are looking for a spectacular brunch restaurant, check out Olea at the St. Regis Saadiyat Island, a Mediterranean-influenced restaurant. This is one of the best ways to start your vacation with a breathtaking view of the ocean.
Link to their website to reserve: https://www.oleaabudhabi.com/
The Sheikh Grand Zayyed Mosque will be about a 30-minute drive from Olea. We got here around 2-3 PM to give ourselves enough time to bask in the stunning Islamic architecture and beauty of this mosque. It is IMPERATIVE to cover to show respect to the Islamic culture and religion here. That means women need to cover from head to toe, no excuses, including a headdress. Arriving between 2-3 PM is perfect timing to take in the beauty and gives enough time to head back to the hotel in time for dinner.
Dinner: For dinner, dine your first night in luxury and style at a Michelin-starred restaurant, Hakkasan at the Emirate Palace.
Link to their website to reserve: https://www.mandarinoriental.com/en/abu-dhabi/emirates-palace/dine/hakkasan
Day 2
YAS Island
YAS Island is easily a place you can spend DAYS at but if you’re only in Abu Dhabi for a short period, definitely reserve just one day to spend here. There is something here for everyone! If you’re an avid theme park go-er, invest in the multi-park tickets. For avid shoppers, spend time at the YAS Mall and for all our racer enthusiasts, be sure to check out the F1 track. There’s a golf course here for the golfers who just want to golf by the ocean and there’s even something here for people who just want to relax and chill at the beach at YAS Marina.
For brunch, check out Café del Mar or Garage at the W Abu Dhabi - YAS Island. Both restaurants are stunning with Cafe del Mar in multiple locations around the world - keep in mind Cafe del Mar is also a beach club, pointing this out for those who may or may not want those vibes. Check out their websites through the link below
Garage: https://www.yasisland.com/en/restaurants/garage
For dinner, there’s no better way to dine on YAS Island than through a seafood lover’s eyes. Check out the Aquarium Seafood Restaurant in the heart of YAS Marina. There’s even something here for those friends or family members who may not share a love for seafood.
Aquarium Restuarant: https://www.aquariumyasmarina.com/
Day 3
Qasr Al Watan
Louvre
Start off your third and last day back at Emirates Palace with a coffee and some pastries from Cafe Fountain. Sit down, take some time here to appreciate the beauty and all you’ve seen of the city so far, and just fountains as you munch on your pastries.
When you are ready, head over to Qasr Al Watan, about a 7-10 minute taxi ride from Cafe Fountain. The best timing would be to head here between 11 AM and 12 PM to give yourself ample amount of time to indulge and embrace the Emrati culture through this stunning palace while having time to also check out the Louvre. I would suggest heading to the Qasr Al Watan before the Louvre due to the hours of operation of each.
Hours of operation -
Qasr Al Watan: 11 AM - 6:30 PM
Louvre: 10 AM - Midnight (exhibition halls and exhibitions close at 6:30 PM on weekdays and at 8:30 PM Friday - Sunday)
Late lunch (around 3 - 4 PM) at the Art Lounge inside of the Louvre.
End your third and last day with dinner at Punjab Grill in Venetian Village near the Ritz Carlton, an upscale and one of the best Indian restaurants (in my opinion) in Abu Dhabi!