Where to stay in Abu Dhabi – a neighborhood guide

When it comes to staying in Abu Dhabi, this enchanting city offers a wide variety of accommodation to choose from. Whether it is at a serviced apartment in the quieter suburb neighborhoods or the bustling downtown areas of Abu Dhabi, visitors can find accommodation to their liking.

Though many of Abu Dhabi’s accommodation cater towards the high-end clientele, there are still many affordable and comfortable options for the average holidaymaker. Depending on what kind of holiday you are looking for, Abu Dhabi offers everything from relaxing sun-soaking affairs and retail therapy sessions to exotic cultural exhibitions and thrilling dessert adventures.

 

The Corniche

 

A beautiful 9km promenade set against the dazzling Abu Dhabi skyline, staying along the Corinche can seem like a heavenly paradise. The area is well-known for its love of leisure and recreational activities; with family beaches located along the Hilton Hotel to Al Khaleej Al Arabi St. Multiple bicycle and water-sports activities can be hired along the Corinche. With all these fun beach activities however, we find that the Corniche is best when enjoying a simple stroll where you’ll surely be spell-bounded by the scenic views.

 

Tourist Club Area

 

Located on the north-eastern side of Abu Dhabi Island, the area known as the Tourist Club Area is where you can experience the overdriven energy of Abu Dhabi. The vibrant area is close to the business districts where many businesses and companies base their operations and also possess a fine selection of fashion boutique stores and shopping malls. Just further north of the TCA is Al Meena, the bustling port side where you can catch the local action by visiting the many traditional souks situated here.

 

Breakwater & Al Bateen

 

The artificial connecting island known as Breakwater is located on the western side of the Corniche and is home to the stylishly chic shopping mall Marina Mall – a place where shopaholics can temporarily cure their retail addiction. The Heritage Museum, a museum dedicated to Abu Dhabi’s village past, can also be found here and is a great family-friendly outing. Lying south of Breakwater is the Al Bateen area where you’ll find Abu Dhabi’s prestige and glamour in the form of the seven-star hotel Emirates Palace.

 

Yas Island

 

Close to the Abu Dhabi airport lies the artificial island of Yas Island – best known as the home of the Abu Dhabi F1 Grand Prix. This 2500 hectare man-made island is a place of luxury and glamour. The island is home to several 5-star hotels and some of the city’s best places for dinning. Yas Island is immensely family friendly with theme parks such as Ferrari World and the Yas Water world located on the island offering heaps of adrenaline and fun for children and parents alike.

 

South of the Centre

 

South of the centre is where the stunning Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is located. The area around the Grand Mosque is a relatively quiet residential district with many new accommodation options available. Abu Dhabi’s best-loved public green space, Khalifa Park, is also located nearby. Just west of the Grand Mosque is the area known as ‘Between the Bridges’ – an area that you could easily mistake for the charming French Riviera. The shopping here is mainly catered towards high-end clientele with the Souk at Qaryat Al Beri housing a handful of luxury specialty stores.