Where do cruise ships dock in Abu Dhabi?

Most cruise ships dock at Zayed Port in Abu Dhabi. It isn’t in the city centre, but it’s well connected by road and it’s typically around a 20–30 minute taxi ride to major attractions.

What is the best way to get around Abu Dhabi on a port stop?

Taxis are the easiest option. They’re plentiful, affordable, and reliable, and we recommend using taxi apps like Yango or Careem for quick pick-ups and straightforward pricing.

Can you see Abu Dhabi on your own without a tour?

Yes. Abu Dhabi is very easy to explore independently, especially using taxis. Many attractions are straightforward to reach from the cruise port, and doing it yourself is often more flexible than organised tours.

Do you need to book TeamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi in advance?

Yes, we recommend booking in advance because it regularly sells out. Allow around three hours to enjoy the experience properly without rushing.

Is TeamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi suitable for kids?

Yes. We visited with a 7- and 3-year-old and they loved running around and interacting with the installations. It’s fully indoors, which also makes it a great option in hotter months.

Is entry to Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque free and do you need to pre-book?

Entry is free, but you do need to pre-book your visit. The mosque is outside the main city and port area, so expect roughly a 30-minute taxi ride from the cruise port.

Is the Big Bus Tour worth it in Abu Dhabi?

We wouldn’t recommend it for a port day. We found it expensive, slow, and not frequent enough to be useful when time matters. Taxis are simpler and usually better value.

What are the best things to do in Abu Dhabi if you only have one day on a cruise?

If you only have one day, we’d prioritise TeamLab Phenomena, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, and a great Arabic lunch. All are easy to reach from the cruise port by taxi if you plan your timing sensibly.

Abu Dhabi Cruise Port Guide: Best Things to Do on a Port Stop

Abu Dhabi is one of those cruise ports we think will grow in popularity. It doesn’t have Dubai’s constant buzz, but what it does offer is a growing list of impressive attractions, good food, and an easy-going pace that works particularly well for cruise visitors.

If you plan it right, Abu Dhabi is an excellent place to spend a port day or to add a night or two before or after your cruise.

We’ve spent time here around cruises, and this guide is based entirely on what we’ve actually done — what we loved, what we’d recommend, and what we’d happily skip next time.

If you’re looking for a place to stay, you can also read our full review of the Park Rotana Abu Dhabi, which works particularly well as a pre-cruise hotel.

TL;DR: If you only have one day in Abu Dhabi on a cruise, we’d prioritise TeamLab Phenomena, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, and a great Arabic lunch — all easy to reach from the cruise port by taxi.

Where Is the Abu Dhabi Cruise Port?

Most cruise ships dock at Zayed Port. It’s not right in the city centre, but it’s very well connected by road.

In practice, that means around 20–30 minutes by taxi to most major attractions, including the Grand Mosque and Yas Island. Taxis are readily available when ships are in port, and getting in and out is far easier than many Middle Eastern ports we’ve visited.

Getting Around

Taxis

Taxis are plentiful, affordable, and reliable, and we’d strongly recommend using apps like Yango or Careem rather than organised tours.

Sightseeing Buses

Tourist sightseeing buses also stop at the port. We tried the Big Bus Tour and wouldn’t recommend it. It’s expensive, slow, and not frequent enough to be useful — especially on a port day where time matters.

Given how easy and affordable taxis are in Abu Dhabi, the bus tour just doesn’t make much sense.

Organised tours

Many tour operators offer pick-up directly from the port, and you’ll find plenty of independent options on Viator. That said, Abu Dhabi is very easy to explore independently, and you can comfortably see a lot on your own using taxis.

What to do in Abu Dhabi

Here are our recommendations based on our own experiences, focusing on what’s genuinely worth your time — especially if you’re visiting on a cruise or short stay.

TeamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi — Our Top Pick

If you do just one thing in Abu Dhabi, make it teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi.

This immersive digital art experience is genuinely special. You move through large-scale installations where light, sound, and movement constantly evolve around you. It’s calm, beautiful, and surprisingly emotional in places — the kind of attraction that stays with you long after you’ve left.

You can book tickets to teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi through our affiliate partner Klook.

We’ve experienced teamLab installations in Japan on previous cruises, and the Abu Dhabi version absolutely holds its own. Read our guide Tokyo in a Day: Before, After, or Even During Your Cruise!

It’s also perfect for families. We visited with a 7- and 3-year-old, and they absolutely loved running around and interacting with the art.

For a cruise port stop, it’s close to perfect. It’s fully indoors, visually stunning, and easy to fit into a half-day.

Our tips for teamLab Phenomena

Make sure you book in advance, as it regularly sells out. The only real downside is that it can get busy at peak times, and you may find yourself briefly queuing for some installations.
Allow around three hours to enjoy the experience properly without feeling rushed.
Some of the artwork involves water, so wear shorts or trousers you can easily roll up.
Download the teamLab app ahead of your visit — it helps guide you through the experience and is genuinely useful.
There are restrooms on site, but seating and refreshments are limited, so it’s worth bringing water with you.

This would be our number one recommendation, hands down.

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque — Stunning but Needs Planning

The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is breathtaking in its scale and absolutely worth seeing. It’s one of the most impressive buildings we’ve visited anywhere in the world.

Entry is free, but you do need to pre-book (click here to pre-book), and it’s important to factor in that the mosque is outside the main city and port area. Expect around a 30-minute taxi ride from the port.

On arrival, you’ll pass through a large shopping mall and visitor area before entering the mosque complex itself. From there, there’s quite a bit of walking involved, so comfortable shoes are essential.

Dress code is strictly enforced, so plan ahead. Both men and women should wear clothing that covers shoulders, arms, and legs. Women are required to cover their hair with a headscarf, and clothing should be loose-fitting and opaque. If needed, appropriate attire is available to borrow on site, but it’s much easier (and more comfortable) to arrive dressed correctly.

Here is a helpful guide for how to dress:

Go for an Arabic Lunch

One of the simplest — and best — things you can do in Abu Dhabi is stop for a proper Arabic lunch.

There are plenty of similar Middle Eastern restaurants around the city, so you don’t need to travel far to find something good. We personally ate at Mosaic Restaurant, and it was excellent: generous portions, lots of flavour, and very reasonable prices.

It’s an easy win on a port day and a welcome break from ship food.

We recommend trying a lemon mint drink, along with the dips — especially hummus and labneh. For salads, tabbouleh and fattoush are both excellent, and the grilled meats are a highlight, particularly the lamb served on yellow rice.

Honestly, order a mix and share. The food is quick, easy, and typically served family-style. If you enjoy Greek or Turkish food, you’ll feel right at home with Arabic cuisine.

SeaWorld Abu Dhabi — Best for Families

SeaWorld Abu Dhabi is a huge, modern marine life park located on Yas Island, and the entire experience is indoors, which makes it ideal during the hotter months.

Unlike the US SeaWorld parks, this feels more immersive and less ride-focused. It centres around a vast aquarium, themed lands, a limited number of rides, live shows, and educational exhibits.

We’d recommend this mainly for families, or for anyone visiting Abu Dhabi before or after a cruise, or if you have a long day or overnight stay. It’s very much a half- to full-day experience, so it works best when you’re not watching the clock on a short port stop.

Click here to book SeaWorld Abu Dhabi

Warner Bros. World — Looks Great, Rides Less So

Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi looks fantastic. The theming is strong, the park is spotless, and being fully indoors is a big plus — especially in the heat.

That said, we found the rides themselves a little underwhelming. If you love the characters or are travelling with kids, you’ll likely enjoy it. If you’re a big theme park fan chasing standout attractions, it may not quite live up to expectations.

Between the two Yas Island parks, SeaWorld Abu Dhabi comes out ahead for us. If you’re after bigger thrills, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi is another option, although we haven’t visited it ourselves yet.

Click here to book Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi

Louvre Abu Dhabi & Cultural District

The Louvre Abu Dhabi is one of the city’s most popular attractions, both for the architecture and the rotating exhibitions. Even if you’re not usually a museum person, the building alone is worth seeing, especially in the late afternoon when the light filters through the dome.

The Louvre sits within the wider Saadiyat Cultural District, which is already home to — or set to welcome — several major museums and cultural institutions. Alongside the Louvre, you’ll find the Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi and the Zayed National Museum, dedicated to the life and legacy of the UAE’s founding father. In the future, the district will also be home to the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, which will focus on modern and contemporary art from around the world.

Other Things to Do in Abu Dhabi

For something a bit more formal and impressive, Qasr Al Watan offers a look inside the Presidential Palace. It’s grand, beautifully maintained, and surprisingly informative — though it does involve a fair bit of walking and security checks, so allow time.

If you want something more relaxed, a walk along the Corniche is an easy option. It’s flat, scenic, and a nice way to see the city from the water without committing to a full excursion.

Those staying longer might consider a desert safari, which usually includes dune bashing, camel rides, and dinner in the desert. This is best suited to a pre- or post-cruise stay rather than a port stop, as it takes up most of a day.

Final Thoughts

Abu Dhabi works really well as a cruise destination — whether you’re stopping for the day or adding time before or after your sailing. It’s calm, easy to navigate, and offers a mix of culture, modern attractions, and genuinely good food.

If we had to narrow it down for a single day, our ideal Abu Dhabi plan would be TeamLab Phenomena and a great Arabic lunch. Simple, memorable, and completely stress free.

Whether you’re visiting on a short port stop or adding time before or after your cruise, Abu Dhabi is an easy, rewarding city to explore independently.

What to Do in Abu Dhabi on a Cruise: Port Stops, Before & After Sailing