My Own Walking Tour in Abu Dhabi -

I had my own walking tour in Abu Dhabi. I figured it out using Google Map. My Lonely Planet Guidebook didn’t even have one—which I understand because Abu Dhabi is not a walkable destination. You’ve got to have a car to go places of interests. While they have public bus transport, good luck seeing all the things you plan to see in one day. On a backpacking budget? Sigh. Good luck with that! 🙂

I told my brother to drop me off at the gate of the Presidential Palace early morning on his way to work. No, not that early, really. At 9. Though it’s late November, the sun could still be a bit hot—I’m Asian, remember? We use skin whitener! Hahahahaha… At 21C, I thought it was tolerable.

I started at the gate of the Presidential Palace. No visitors are allowed inside, so, I just stood there and took a photo.

Presidential Palace, Abu Dhabi.

As I left and turned my back away from the Presidential Palace, the luxurious 5-star hotel, Emirates Palace is on the left. You can actually go inside but make sure you’re properly dressed—no shorts and sandals. They’ll allow visitors starting at 10 in the morning.

The Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi, UAE.

On the right, the Etihad Towers and other skyscrapers are competing for attention. These are the towers where Van Diesel drove a red car from one building and flew it to another building in Fast and Furious 7 movie. Of course, it was computer generated stunt.

Etihad Towers in Abu Dhabi, UAE.

As I walked forward, I passed by the exit gate of the Emirates Palace. It was heavily guarded with armed men. A VIP must have checked in there.

The Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi, UAE.

Further on my right is this ugly tower. Ok, that’s my personal view. Don’t take it against me, alright? 😀

Architecture in Abu Dhabi, UAE.

When I reached the traffic light, I crossed the street and walked left—to the boardwalk.

Corniche, Abu Dhabi, UAE.

I stopped here for a while and admired the city’s skyline. And of course, I took a self-timed selfie.

My Own Walking Tour in Abu Dhabi.

Corniche Beach is further on the right. It is the city’s entertainment district crowded with cafes, restaurants, bars and ladies in bikinis.

My Own Walking Tour in Abu Dhabi.

I continued walking and stopped at Boulanger Cafe. I ordered a drink and imbibed the view.

My Own Walking Tour in Abu Dhabi.

I resumed my walking tour after two glasses of wine. Marina Mall was just a walking distance but I didn’t go inside. But, I did come back after I’ve done my own walking tour.