5 days in Abu Dhabi
A realistic day-by-day plan with start times, how long to allow, and travel estimates between stops.
This 5-day plan covers Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Louvre Abu Dhabi, Ferrari World, Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi and more. It starts around 9am, keeps two main things per day with a proper lunch, and leaves the evening for food or a show. Travel times are estimates from the distance between stops.
Day 1
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque & Louvre Abu Dhabi
- 09:00
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
3 h
Entry is free for visitors, but you must dress modestly and register at the entrance. The mosque is stunning at sunset.
- 12:30
Lunch
Walk a couple of streets away from the main sight – prices drop and quality rises.
- 14:00
↓ About 45 min by metro or taxi
Louvre Abu Dhabi
3 h
Closed on Mondays. Allow three hours, and visit the dome area in the afternoon for the best light.
- 19:30
Dinner
Book ahead if you want a specific restaurant, especially on Friday and Saturday evenings.
Day 2
Ferrari World & Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi
- 09:00
Ferrari World & Yas Island
4 h
Visit on weekdays and arrive at opening. Summer afternoons are extremely hot.
- 12:30
Lunch
Walk a couple of streets away from the main sight – prices drop and quality rises.
- 14:00
↓ About 14 min on foot
- 19:30
Dinner
Book ahead if you want a specific restaurant, especially on Friday and Saturday evenings.
Day 3
Qasr Al Watan & Mangrove Kayaking
- 09:00
- 12:30
Lunch
Walk a couple of streets away from the main sight – prices drop and quality rises.
- 14:00
- 19:30
Dinner
Book ahead if you want a specific restaurant, especially on Friday and Saturday evenings.
Day 4
Desert Safari
- 09:00
Desert Safari
3 h
The dunes near Liwa are among the largest in the world. Evening safaris are cooler and more atmospheric.
- 12:30
Lunch
Walk a couple of streets away from the main sight – prices drop and quality rises.
- 14:00
Afternoon in Corniche
A waterfront promenade with beaches and hotels.
- 19:30
Dinner
Book ahead if you want a specific restaurant, especially on Friday and Saturday evenings.
Day 5
Explore Abu Dhabi
- 09:00
Morning in Saadiyat Island
Museums, including the Louvre, and beach resorts.
- 12:30
Lunch
Walk a couple of streets away from the main sight – prices drop and quality rises.
- 14:00
Afternoon in Yas Island
Theme parks, the F1 circuit and big resorts.
- 19:30
Dinner
Book ahead if you want a specific restaurant, especially on Friday and Saturday evenings.
The route on a map
Pins follow the order of the plan. Click a pin for details.
Best time to visit Abu Dhabi
Pick the month that suits your weather and crowd tolerance. These are broad seasonal patterns, not forecasts.
- JanMildCrowds: peak
- FebMildCrowds: peak
- MarWarmCrowds: peak
- AprHotCrowds: busy
- MayHotCrowds: quiet
- JunHotCrowds: quiet
- JulHotCrowds: quiet
- AugHotCrowds: quiet
- SepHotCrowds: quiet
- OctHotCrowds: busy
- NovWarmCrowds: peak
- DecMildCrowds: peak
Best months Peak crowds and harsh weatherBars show how busy it is: taller means more visitors.
5-day Abu Dhabi questions
Is 5 days enough for Abu Dhabi?
Two to three days. This plan fits the main sights into 5 days at a comfortable pace, with a lunch break each day.
Can I change the order of the days?
Yes. Group days by neighbourhood if your hotel is far from a sight, and swap any day if opening hours (many museums close one day a week) or the weather requires it.
What should I book before I go?
Book Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Louvre Abu Dhabi, Qasr Al Watan first – they use timed entry or sell out.