Budget Travel Ideas

Abu Dhabi is a wealthy area which makes traveling on a budget a challenge. Many hotels are styled with luxury in mind and rooms cost a great deal. Many restaurants are on the high end as well. However, you can find accommodations and restaurants with a budget in mind. 

Restaurants

There are thousands of restaurants in Abu Dhabi that offer just about any cuisine you desire. The smaller restaurants are typically cheaper. Go to the Hamdan area to find some of the best small and family owned restaurants that won’t cost an arm and a leg to dine. 

Hotels

Budget hotels in Abu Dhabi may not offer as many services and they may not be as luxurious but most of them have impeccable hospitality while being clean and neat.  Most have satellite television, phones, attached baths and air conditioning. Some even have restaurants attached and swimming pools on site. 

Site Seeing

There are several sites to see in Abu Dhabi that do not have exorbitant entry fees.  The Hili Archaeological Gardens are beautiful and are in the location of many Bronze and Iron Age sites. Over 200 burials were recovered from an on site tomb with copper tools, beads, vessels and other items. It is open from 4pm to 10pm weekdays and 10am to 10pm Fridays and cost is Dh1.

Beaches

Corniche beach was getting very old and dilapidated but was refurbished recently and is now a great place for an individual or family to take advantage of the sun and sand. There are several coffee shops and cafes on the beach. A playground is available and there is a women's and children's beach.

Lulu Island

Lulu Island was man made and is right off the breakwater of Abu Dhabi.  Boats transport tourist and there are buses and a small train that will transport you around the island. There are two restaurants and a few coffee shops on the island along with some beaches, sand dunes and a camel and horse riding track. It is open from 8 to 8 and fee is Dhs15. Visit Heritage Village at Abu Dhabi to ride a camel on the way to Lulu Island. Everything is free here unless you purchase some of the crafts that are displayed.

Transportation

To get around Abu Dhabi without spending a lot of money, take the bus.  Each trip is 1AED and one day passes are 3AED. You can get passes from bus stations and grocery stores. 

It isn’t impossible to enjoy all that Abu Dhabi has to offer on a budget, so get out there and have some fun.