Abu Dhabi Walking Route: Emirates Palace to Etihad Towers

Explore Abu Dhabi's 30 km coastal route connecting iconic landmarks including the Emirates Palace Hotel, Louvre Abu Dhabi, Abrahamic Family House, and the scenic Abu Dhabi Corniche Promenade. The journey showcases the city's blend of luxury hospitality, cultural institutions, and beachfront attractions, ending at the modern Etihad Towers complex.

Distance
30.0 km
Duration
6 h 0 min
Mode
route
Start
Emirates Palace Hotel
End
Etihad Towers
Stops
7
Video author
travmap
Updated

Stops on this route

  1. Emirates Palace Hotel — One of the most luxurious hotels in the world, costing three billion dollars to construct.
  2. Louvre Abu Dhabi — Art and civilization museum located on Saadiyat Island.
  3. Al Mina Market — One of the busiest and most crowded traditional market areas in the city.
  4. Abrahamic Family House — Multi-faith complex housing UAE's first official synagogue and interfaith spaces.
  5. Abu Dhabi Corniche Promenade — Wide waterfront promenade stretching 8 kilometers along the coast, forming the city center.
  6. Corniche Beach (Blue Flag Beach) — Blue flag beach accorded status in 2011, located along the Corniche.
  7. Etihad Towers — Graceful complex of five skyscrapers opposite Emirates Palace Hotel.

Useful for your trip

Timing
Best time to visit is November to March (winter season). Summer (May-September) is extremely hot and humid with temperatures over 40°C (104°F).
Transport
Speed limit on freeways is 140 km/h. Speeding fines start from 300 AED and go up to 1000+ AED depending on how fast you're going.
Transport
Roads are among the best in the world with excellent surface quality. Bus stops are air-conditioned, useful for escaping the heat.
Tip
Corniche Beach is a Blue Flag Beach with white sand and blue waters. Located just steps from the central business district.
Where to stay
Emirates Palace Hotel costs around 400 USD per night. Known as the third most expensive hotel in the world to build (3 billion USD). Visitors can enter and admire the interior even if not staying.
Tip
Yas Island is 40 km from city center and features Ferrari World with the world's fastest roller coaster (0-240 km/h in 5 seconds), Yas Marina Circuit F1 track, and water parks.
Food
Al Mina fish market is one of the busiest places in the city. Located at the port, you can choose fresh fish and have it cooked at nearby restaurants.
Tip
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque can accommodate over 40,000 people. The main prayer hall carpet is the largest in the world at 1,600 square meters.
Tip
Louvre Abu Dhabi is an art and civilization museum featuring artworks from around the world. Construction cost 600 million euros.
Transport
Dubai is 130 km away, about a 90-minute drive. People frequently travel between Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
Avoid
Alcohol is restricted and only available at licensed restaurants, bars, and some hotels. Dress conservatively and expect the call to prayer five times daily.
Save money
Shop for perfumes and carpets. Carpets can be very pricey (several thousand dollars) but can last over 100 years.

Video on this route

Abu Dhabi. Oil-Rich Capital of the UAE

More routes nearby

Map