48 Hours in Abu Dhabi: The JDEED Guide to the Capital’s Coolest Spots
Abu Dhabi—a city where modernity meets tradition, where avant-garde architecture shares the skyline with centuries-old heritage, and where every meal, sunset, and souq stroll feels like a moment out of a cinematic dream.
While Dubai may get the buzz, Abu Dhabi has an undeniable, slow-burning charm that unfolds in unexpected ways. Whether you’re here to indulge in gold-clad luxury, get lost in contemporary art, or hunt down second-hand designer finds in the city’s thrift scene, consider this your ultimate insider’s guide to experiencing the capital like a true JDEED reader.
Where to Eat (Because the Best Travel Itineraries Start with a Restaurant List)
Marmellata – Abu Dhabi’s Italian Secret
Step into Marmellata, and you’re immediately transported to an old-world Italian café. Think tiled floors, warm wood finishes, and sunlight streaming through wide windows. The café is an ode to nostalgia, where every jam jar lining the shelves tells a story. The burrata-slathered focaccia, silky espresso, and homemade jams are all heartfelt and unfussy, making this the perfect breakfast stop before a day of gallery-hopping.
Em Sherif Sea Café – Coastal Lebanese Indulgence
Sitting on the edge of the sparkling Arabian Gulf, Em Sherif Sea Café is where Lebanese heritage meets an endless sea view. The hummus is impossibly creamy, the tabbouleh is refreshingly citrusy, and the grilled prawns are lightly charred perfection. Every dish is a testament to Em Sherif’s commitment to tradition, elevated with a touch of sophistication. Perfect for a sunset dinner where time seems to stand still.
La Petite – Paris in the Middle of the UAE
French cafés are a mood, and La Petite knows how to set the right one. The aroma of freshly baked croissants, slow-dripped espresso, and sweet almond tarts fills the air, making it the kind of spot where you’ll want to linger over a newspaper, pretend to be mysterious, and people-watch for hours. Their pain perdu is dangerously good, and the butter-to-pastry ratio on their croissants is pure poetry.
Kitfo Ethiopian Restaurant – A Hidden Gem for the Flavor Adventurous
If you know, you know—Kitfo is a whole experience. Tucked away from the glitzy fine-dining scene, this Ethiopian restaurant is an underground favorite for those who love authentic, spice-driven flavors. You’ll tear off pieces of soft injera and scoop up rich lentils, spiced meats, and fragrant greens—no cutlery needed, just your hands and a sense of adventure. The kitfo (Ethiopian-style steak tartare, seasoned with spices and butter) is a revelation.
Alkalime – A Soulful, Feel-Good Brunch Spot
Nestled on the tranquil shores of Saadiyat Island, Alkalime is where organic ingredients, wellness-forward dishes, and coastal views come together effortlessly. Expect gut-friendly smoothies, sourdough sandwiches stacked with vibrant toppings, and grain bowls that somehow taste indulgent. The interiors are all rattan chairs, sun-bleached tones, and breezy linen curtains, making it the perfect place to reset before diving into Abu Dhabi’s cultural scene.
TERRA Eatery – Where Design Meets Culinary Art
Everything about TERRA Eatery feels intentional—the way the sunlight filters through the greenery, the perfectly worn wooden tables, the artful plating of each dish. Their wood-fired sourdough pizzas have a subtle smokiness, while their seasonal plates highlight the freshest produce in a way that feels effortless but deeply satisfying. This is where the city’s creative crowd gathers, making it the ideal dinner spot to soak in inspiration over a plate of handmade pasta.
Where to Stay (Because Your Hotel Should Be as Much of an Experience as the Trip Itself)
The EDITION – A Masterclass in Minimalist Luxury
From the moment you walk into The EDITION, there’s a quiet confidence to its design—a softly lit, marble-filled lobby that whispers luxury rather than shouts it. Rooms feel airy and peaceful, with crisp white linens, warm wood tones, and subtle lighting that makes golden hour feel eternal. But the real highlight? The infinity pool overlooking Al Bateen Marina, where you can sip on an iced matcha latte and pretend you have no responsibilities.
St. Regis Abu Dhabi – The Definition of Old-School Glamour
Think high ceilings, grand chandeliers, and butlers who somehow anticipate your needs before you even say a word. The St. Regis is the kind of place where “champagne sabering at sunset” is an actual daily ritual. Then there’s Nation Riviera Beach Club, accessible through a private marble tunnel, where you can float in the sea and wonder if this is what being royalty feels like.
Emirates Palace – If You’re Going to Go All Out, Go Here
This isn’t just a hotel—it’s an institution. Expect gold-dipped lattes, sprawling gardens, and hallways so grand they make Versailles look modest. Even if you’re not staying here, grabbing a coffee at Le Café (yes, the one with 24K gold flakes) is an Abu Dhabi rite of passage.
Erth – A Stay Rooted in Emirati Heritage
For those who prefer an intimate, culturally rich stay, Erth is a boutique hotel with an Emirati soul. Every element— from the architecture to the interiors—pays homage to traditional craftsmanship, but with a contemporary sensibility. It’s where you go when you want something personal, something warm, and something deeply connected to the land.
Where to See (Because Abu Dhabi Is More Than Just a Pretty Skyline)
This city has an undeniable sense of grandeur, but it’s also an art lover’s paradise, a history buff’s dream, and a playground for nature seekers. Whether you're into high fashion, immersive cultural experiences, or eco-conscious adventures, Abu Dhabi has something that speaks to your soul.
The Louvre Abu Dhabi – A Floating Masterpiece
Let’s start with the obvious: The Louvre Abu Dhabi is a work of art before you even step inside. Designed by Jean Nouvel, this architectural marvel floats over the sea, its dome casting an ethereal "rain of light" effect inspired by palm fronds filtering sunlight in a desert oasis. The museum itself is a treasure trove, housing everything from Renaissance classics to contemporary Middle Eastern masterpieces. Whether you’re here for a brush with Van Gogh or a moment with a centuries-old Quranic manuscript, this is where art transcends borders and time.
JDEED Tip: Go at golden hour—the interplay of sunlight and shadows under the dome is nothing short of hypnotic. And if you're in the mood for romance? Book a kayak tour around the museum at sunset—yes, you can literally float past Da Vinci.
Public Art Biennale – When the City Becomes a Gallery
Forget stuffy museums—Abu Dhabi’s Public Art Biennale turns the city into a living, breathing exhibition space. A relatively new but boldly ambitious initiative, the Biennale transforms streets, plazas, and unexpected corners into an open-air gallery of large-scale installations, murals, and experiential works from some of the most exciting artists in the world.
JDEED Tip: Some of the installations are tucked away in unexpected places—which means walking around Abu Dhabi becomes a kind of treasure hunt for avant-garde art. Think massive murals on historic buildings, immersive digital projections in underground tunnels, and sculptures that invite you to interact.
The Mangrove National Park– A Slice of Wilderness in the City
Abu Dhabi isn’t just skyscrapers and luxury—it’s also home to one of the UAE’s most breathtaking natural wonders: the Eastern Mangroves. Just minutes away from the city’s high-rises, this lush green sanctuary is a surreal escape into nature. The best way to explore? Kayaking through its labyrinth of waterways, where you’ll spot majestic flamingos, herons, and even turtles gliding beneath your paddle.
JDEED Tip: If you’re feeling extra, book a nighttime LED-lit kayaking tour—drifting through the glowing waters under the starlit Abu Dhabi sky is pure magic.
The Galleria Mall – Abu Dhabi’s Temple of High Fashion
Some malls are just shopping centers, but The Galleria is a whole experience. This is where fashion royalty resides—Dior, Balenciaga, Valentino, Saint Laurent, Bottega Veneta—every luxury house you can think of has a presence here. But it’s not just about the designer bags (although, if you need a new one, this is the place). The Galleria is also home to some of the city’s best fine dining, an art-laden atrium, and a sleek modern design that makes you feel like you’re walking through an editorial shoot.
JDEED Tip: Even if you’re not in a spending mood, head to the rooftop dining area for insane panoramic views of the Abu Dhabi skyline. Prefer a more low-key experience? Grab an iced Spanish latte from %Arabica and people-watch—it’s an Abu Dhabi pastime.
Downtown Thrift Stores – Abu Dhabi’s Underrated Ukay-Ukay Scene
For those who love the thrill of the hunt, Abu Dhabi’s second-hand fashion scene is a hidden gem waiting to be explored. While luxury shopping dominates the mainstream market, there’s an underground world of thrift stores, vintage boutiques, and pre-loved designer finds that cater to those with an eye for unique pieces.
Where to go? Head to Hamdan Street and the surrounding areas downtown, where you’ll find piles of vintage denim, pre-loved Balenciaga hoodies, ‘90s leather jackets, and retro accessories that look straight off the runway. Some of the best thrift shops are tiny, blink-and-you’ll-miss-it stores tucked away in older buildings—but trust us, they’re worth the search.
JDEED Tip: If you have the patience to dig, you might just score a Burberry trench for a fraction of its retail price. And if you’re serious about sustainability? This is the best way to shop guilt-free while still flexing an enviable wardrobe.
Whether you’re here for the luxury, the art, the cultural immersion, or the unexpected finds, Abu Dhabi is a city that slowly, but surely, wins you over.
Pack your best linen suit, book that flight or cab, and let the capital’s magic unfold.
Cover - Farah Al Qasimi, Homesickness, Public Art Abu Dhabi Biennial 2024 – 2025 © Lance Gerber
