Corniche Abu Dhabi★★
The Corniche is Abu Dhabi's magnificent promenade — an 8 km long, palm-lined boulevard along the coast that forms the backbone of the city. Here locals jog, cycle, and stroll; here parks, playgrounds, cafés, and beaches line up.
The Corniche Beach (free entry for the public area, 10 AED/2.50 EUR for the guarded "Gate Beach" with loungers and showers) stretches over 2 km and is Blue Flag certified — crystal clear water, fine white sand, lifeguards. Much quieter than the Dubai beaches.
At the western end of the Corniche lies the Heritage Village — a reconstructed Bedouin village with traditional tents, a handicraft workshop, and a small museum. Free and charming. Here you get an impression of what life in Abu Dhabi was like before oil.
Along the Corniche stand some of Abu Dhabi's most famous buildings: the Etihad Towers (the slanted tower has an infinity pool on the roof with panoramic views — Observation Deck at 300: 95 AED/24 EUR), the Emirates Palace Hotel (one of the most expensive hotels in the world, lobby visit free) and the Nation Towers.
💡 Tipp
Rent a bike (Careem Bike, from 5 AED/1.25 EUR for 30 min.) and ride along the entire Corniche — most beautiful in the evening hours when the skyline glows in the sunset and locals come for an evening stroll.