NYU Abu Dhabi's campus was designed by Rafael Viñoly, an architect whose work appears — just like NYU — in Abu Dhabi, Buenos Aires, London and New York!
Come here on a weekday morning and you'll have the place to yourself. Beach bliss.
Right next to Sama Tower, this used to be a go-to spot for NYUAD students. They still regularly make pilgrimages from the campus on Saadiyat Island for shawarma as good as this though!
This shisha cafe has an amazing view over the Corniche and the Abu Dhabi skyline. Best saved for cooler months!
Shoot the gallery an email before you visit and get yourself a guided tour of the exhibition!
It's not quite Madison Square Park, but this is definitely the best burger in town. Ask for pickles!
Look out for visiting speakers, events and screenings. Food for thought, and then there's always real food afterwards too.
When NYUAD students lived next door, Al Safa was perfect for those 3AM Red Bull runs. You're more likely to see them now stocking up for Saadiyat!
If you're looking for 'authentic' Abu Dhabi (whatever that means), Madinat Zayed is a great place to start. Also the perfect place to find souvenirs and presents for friends and family!
It’s big, shiny, and covered in gold! Try the gold-dusted cappuccino, and if you have more than a little spare change, buy a block of gold from the vending machine.
The best hummus in town, and don't let anyone tell you differently. And don't worry — no matter how hard you try, you'll always end up ordering more than you can eat. Take it home for later!
The Central Market was designed by Norman Foster, who has won the Pritzker Architecture Prize, the Prince of Asturias Award for Arts category, the AIA Gold Medal, and the Stirling Prize (twice). Phew!
