Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Abu Dhabi's sights are scattered across town with clusters in the city centre and on Yas Is-
land. Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is between the two areas, near Al Maqta Bridge.
ABU DHABI IN…
One Day
Kick off the day with a tour of the stunning
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
(
Click here
), then head into town for
lunch, perhaps at Zyara Cafe (
Click here
)
, followed by a postprandial stroll along the
Abu Dhabi Corniche
(
Click here
)
. Pop into the
Central Souq
(
Click here
)
, then cab it over to the
Abu Dhabi Heritage Village
(
Click
here
) for a sense of society in the pre-oil days. Admire the out-of-this-world opulence of
Emirates Palace
(
Click
here
) next and maybe even stay for cocktails or dinner.
Two Days
In the morning, find out what it takes to turn a desert island into a futuristic Cultural District at the Saadiyat Story,
a free exhibit on
Saadiyat Island
(
Click here
)
. Next up, hop two islands further to have your eyeballs pressed in-
to their sockets aboard the world's fastest roller coaster at
Ferrari World Abu Dhabi
(
Click here
). Several hours
later stagger over to the
Viceroy Abu Dhabi
(
Click here
) hotel to marvel at the eccentric design and the fact that
a Formula One racetrack runs right through it. Wrap up the day with a spin around the
Souq Qaryat Al-Beri
(
Click here
)
and dinner at one of its fine restaurants.
Abu Dhabi Corniche
STREET
One of the most pleasant developments in recent years is the expansion and extension of
the waterfront Corniche, with its white sandy beaches and wide Mediterranean-style
promenade. You can rent a sunbed and beach umbrella here; Fridays are busiest.
Sheesha
cafes are spread across the grassy verge next to the Corniche and are great for
soaking up some local ambience. A great way to get around is by bicycle.
Funride
(
556
Emirates Palace
LANDMARK
( 02-690 9000;
www.emiratespalace.com
; W Corniche Rd)
You don't have to check in to check out
this over-the-top glam hotel. It was built at the cost of a cool Dh11 billion, which explains
the mindboggling use of marble, gold and crystal (1002 Swarovski chandeliers!)
throughout as well as the ATM that dispenses solid gold bars. With nearly 400 rooms and
suites, 114 domes and a 1.3km private beach it is as intriguingly colossal as it is swish.
