Abu Dhabi to Amsterdam Flights

  About Abu Dhabi

While Abu Dhabi is not exactly a tourist destination when compared to Dubai, it is definitely a place where you can go just to relax and feel rejuvenated. Abu Dhabi is also the capital of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Even though Dubai is considered as a more happening place, Abu Dhabi also has a certain charm to it. The Ferrari World is one of the major highlights and tourist attractions in Abu Dhabi. Not only will you get to see a lot of Ferraris, but you can even drive them to get a glimpse in the life of a race car driver. The city also has waterparks for everyone who is planning a vacation to the capital of the UAE with their family or group of friends. The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is not only beautiful, but it is also a marvellous piece of art architecturally. It is also a safe place for solo female travellers. You will find a lot of malls, too, to satisfy the shopaholic in you.

Best Time to Visit Abu Dhabi

November to March is an ideal time to visit Abu Dhabi since it is winter and the weather remains quite pleasant. It is the best time for you to go sightseeing. Since it is also a peak season in Abu Dhabi, you might even get a good deal on flights to Abu Dhabi during this time if you book well in advance. Make sure you also book your hotel in Abu Dhabi in advance since the prices tend to increase in winter. Since this is high season, you will find a lot of tourists in the city. You will also get to go sightseeing without feeling all dehydrated. This is also the best time for you to hit the beach and spend some time there. If you are travelling in March, you can attend the Abu Dhabi Festival or the Abu Dhabi International Triathlon.

The temperature ranges from 19 to 42 degree Celsius from April to October. While April and May are pleasant because of Spring, the months following May get hot, hotter and hottest. Hotel prices do stop dropping April onwards. For all the book lovers, you can attend the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair in April and May. The temperature increases considerably in June till August, but if you just want to be by the pool or indulge in expensive spa treatments and pamper yourself, you can plan a trip during these months. The hotel prices also drop a lot during these months since the city does not have a lot of tourists. It also rains inconsistently during these months, which might put a damper on your sightseeing plans. The temperature starts dropping during September and October since it is the end of summer. This is also one of the best times to head to Abu Dhabi if you want to attend the Abu Dhabi Film Festival, the Emirates International Date Palm Festival or the Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

Places to Visit in Abu Dhabi

Yas Mall at Yas Island and Marina Mall is the most popular malls in Abu Dhabi for tourists. The Ferrari World is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city and quite the luxurious ones, too. You also get to drive one of the cars to experience what it is like to be an F1 driver. Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is one of the two mosques in UAE that is open to non-Muslims, too. It is also one of the most beautiful tourist attractions in the country. Abu Dhabi does not deprive you of the beach fun that you might want. You can head to the Saadiyat Public Beach or the Corniche. You can also visit Al Lulu Island to indulge in beach and water activities. It is another tourist destination in Abu Dhabi that is quite popular. You can attend free concerts at Corniche or just enjoy the sunset by the beach with a cup of ice cream. You can also book a hotel in Abu Dhabi in Corniche and stay here for a couple of days.

While you are in Abu Dhabi, you might also want to stay at the Empire Palace for a night or two. Even if you are not, the resort is open for non-guests to book spa treatments here and indulge in a traditional hammam experience. Not to mention, you might also want to put on your fanciest outfit here. You can also head for a desert safari on a jeep or try any of the other desert tours arranged by tour companies here. It is one of the major highlights of Abu Dhabi. Head over to the Emirates Park Zoo with your family, and you'll get to see over 1700 animals here. The zoo is home to lions, cheetahs, Siberian bears, white tigers and so on. You can also have breakfast with giraffes and parrots here. Another lovely tourist attraction is the Warner Bros World. It is a fun theme park that has rides like The Joker Funhouse, Tom and Jerry: Swiss Cheese Spin, The Scooby-Doo: Museum of Mysteries and so on. You can also visit the Al Jahili Fort and Heritage Village in Abu Dhabi.

Things to do in Abu Dhabi

Sightseeing is one of the major tourist activities in the city. You can go to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque to know more about the culture and to admire the sheer architecture of the mosque. You can also spend a day shopping at some of the best malls in Abu Dhabi. If you are travelling during the sale, you might even get to buy a lot of high-end fashion products at an affordable price. Visit the Emirates Palace. If you are not staying at the majestic resort, you can still indulge in self-pampering spa treatments and a relaxing hammam (a Turkish bath). You can also indulge in water and beach activities at Corniche. Going on a desert safari is another popular activity that tourists in Abu Dhabi take up. Spend a day at Ferrari World and take lots of pictures, too.

Food and Restaurants in Abu Dhabi

Like Dubai, you will find a variety of cuisine in Abu Dhabi, too. Be it Indian cuisine or Mexican, Korean, Chinese, or even Russian food, and you will find whatever you feel like eating here. However, trying out the local food is a must to complete your holiday experience at Abu Dhabi. Some of the important ingredients include the famous Middle Eastern spices like cinnamon, saffron, turmeric and cardamom. Cuisines made of chickpeas are also quite popular in Abu Dhabi. If you want to grab a bite as soon as you land, before you head to your hotel, you can go to Madang Korean Restaurant which is near Terminal 2. Cabana Beach Bar and Grill at Corniche is a popular place to have healthy food or European cuisine. You can also head to The Terrace On The Corniche or Kuzbara for authentic Middle Eastern food. Khayal Restaurant is popular for its variety of cuisines. It offers Japanese, Arabic, Middle Eastern, Mediterranean and Asian food in its menu. Treat yourself to delicious burgers and shakes at Black Tap Craft Burgers & Shakes at Yas Mall. Hoi An is an interesting place to head to if you want to try out Vietnamese or other Asian food. The service is great, so is the ambience. Dino's Bistro Italiano and Villa Toscana are known for their expertise in Italian cuisine. In fact, at Villa Tuscana, you can also choose between the Mediterranean, Tuscan and European food. Desert Lotus Thai Bisto & Sushi has the best Thai food in the city, and you will simply love the sushi here. If you want to try authentic Indian food, you can head to Punjab Grill at The Ritz-Carlton Grand Canal.

How to reach Abu Dhabi (Transportation)

The Abu Dhabi International Airport is the second busiest airport in the United Arab Emirates. The flight connectivity from Abu Dhabi to other cities and countries is excellent. There are a few direct flights to Abu Dhabi from India on a daily basis, and it takes about 3 to 4 hours only to reach. While you might choose Etihad Airways or Emirates to fly to the Middle East, other airlines like GoAir, British Airways, Gulf Air, Qatar Airways, Srilankan Airlines frequently fly to and from Abu Dhabi. The airport is only 30 km from the main city, and it is quite easy to get a taxi service from the airport to your hotel. Abu Dhabi International Airport is quite a luxe with a lot of facilities. It has airport lounges, premium spa facilities, sleeping pods, children's play area, shopping areas and a lot of international dining options. You will certainly not get bored if at all if you have to wait for a few more hours to board your flight. If you are travelling by Etihad, they also have premium lounges and spa facilities for their passengers at the airport.

  About Amsterdam

The capital city of the Netherlands, Amsterdam, is recognised worldwide for its exquisite tourism and artistic heritage. The city is one of the most chill in the world with a culture and lifestyle that resonates well with the city's character. Not to mention how they favour bicycles over cars and other motorcycles. Amsterdam is recognised worldwide for its cultural heritage and tourism.

Best time to visit Amsterdam

Amsterdam's weather can be super notorious throughout the year with its ambiguity, but April to May and September to November are the two seasons that witness the best the city's weather and vibe have to offer. Although summer is considered to be the season when Amsterdam sees a massive population of tourists, the months before and after summers are when you truly get to enjoy the city's pleasant vibe. Summer does see a lovely melange of festivals and events that keep the city busy. With Holland Festival, Amsterdam Gay pride, Jordaan Festival and Taste of Amsterdam taking place in the summer months, many European travellers find this time ideal for a vacation. If you think perhaps the temperatures ranging from 19 degree Celsius and 21 degree Celsius would be tolerable along with excess tourists, you should choose this stretch. Finding or booking a hotel in Amsterdam during the summer (peak season) would be slightly unattainable. But with some good snooping around on the internet, you might be able to get some amazing flight deals to Amsterdam topped with a convenient staycation.

September to November is basically the onset of winter and an ideal season for a vacation in Amsterdam. The temperatures are mild and dangle between 9 degree Celsius to 18 degree Celsius. Plus, the city also witnesses lovely events such as Amsterdam Light Festival, UNESCO World Heritage Weekend, TCS Amsterdam Marathon and Amsterdam Fringe Festival. During this time, you might even be able to get great hotel booking deals in Amsterdam as the establishments tend to slash off prices. It is imperative that you carry necessary layers of clothes and an umbrella as the weather could get unpredictable.

What makes the months April and May a good choice for a trip to Amsterdam is the fact that the tulips bloom and the Keukenhof Flower Garden springs to life. It is one of the highly anticipated events of the year, and many tourists wish to watch the tulips bloom and hence, plan for a trip around this time. Another amazing fact about this weather is how the accommodation rates do not see a spike. In fact, you can actually book a hotel room in Amsterdam during this season without worrying about exorbitant euros you assume you'll have to spend. The months would be like carnivals with events such as Liberation Day, King's Day, National Restaurant Week and of course, Tulip Festival, that take place in the city.

Places to visit in Amsterdam

Amsterdam's laidback lifestyle with all the vice it is associated with, makes travellers wonder if there are any tourist sights and attractions that can be found in the city. Amsterdam does have some of the best and eccentric museums with world-class stature. The Rijksmuseum Museum is the city's largest museum which celebrates the Dutch history and traces their tales from the Netherlands to around the globe. It is most certainly a fascinating place and definitely should be on your itinerary list. A gorgeous museum has been built to honour the works of legendary artist Vincent van Gogh. Visit the Van Gogh Museum and take in his odd yet real take on art and life. You can continue with your history tour and add Anne Frank's House to the list as well. The artefacts within the premise include belongings of the 15-year-old, documents, images and photographs. The list goes incomplete without the addition of Amsterdam's biggest highlight, Keukenhof, also known as the Tulip Garden. The lush fields with multi-hued tulip bulbs are quite a sight that you simply cannot miss during your trip to Amsterdam.

Interestingly, the city also entertains extremely bizarre museums such as the Kattenkabinet (Cat Cabinet) and The Mouse Mansion. The true essence of these places can only be comprehended once you visit them. If the museums get too weird for you, a little detour to attractions such as Concertgebouw (a concert building) and the Royal Palace Amsterdam. You should know that Amsterdam also comes with a coast that touches the Atlantic. You simply cannot miss their beach, Zandvoort, which is not quite far from the city centre. While backpacking and couch-surfing are a big culture in the city, you can book a hotel within Amsterdam and get some good prices for it. The flight tickets to Amsterdam aren't all that expensive, but the trip overall could be steep.

Things to do in Amsterdam

The city has far too many awesome things to do, especially for youngsters and backpackers. The city favours bicycles over any other mode of transport. You can simply rent a bicycle and go on a tour of your own. Explore the Nine Little Streets for alluring canals, boutiques and shopping souvenirs. You can also walk around Leidseplein, which has a plethora of options for entertainment ranging from nightclubs to casinos to quaint coffee shops. The city's hub has everything, including hotel bookings in Amsterdam. You can book your stay in the city centre, or you can take up hostel life and make friends with complete strangers. Similarly, you can also take a personal trip to Jordaan with a guide or a map. The neighbourhood thrives with lovely eateries and gorgeous Brouwersgracht, Prinsengracht, Leidsegracht and Lijnbaansgracht canals. It is an experience that certainly cannot be replaced with any kind of sentiment.

You can also take up cruise trips that leave from the city and sometimes even return on the same day. Depending on what travel package you have chosen, you can accordingly head out of the city on a cruise. You can also take your bicycles or book a tour of the city's countryside with charming cottages and lush green expanses. There are boat tours that traverse from the canals of Amsterdam. The impressive canal system is quite interesting, especially if you pass through it.

Food and Restaurants in Amsterdam

A quintessential Dutch cuisine includes the traditional raw herring, Dutch pancakes with stuffed or topped bacon/blueberries, krokets, bitterballen, poffertjes and erwtensoep, to name a few dishes. They are a melange of the meals as well as savouries. However, Amsterdam is not known for Dutch delicacies, at least not when it comes to fine dining experiences for tourists. The city celebrates food as multi-ethnic cultures coagulate with their best cuisine. Amsterdam is a haven of multitudes of international cuisine. Interestingly, the city actually has thriving Indonesian restaurants in the city. Places such as Restaurant Blauw, Restaurant Jun and Sampurna are some of the Indonesian establishments that have made quite an impact on the city's food culture.

In fact, many of the locals also prefer the array of meals from around the world over their own traditional Dutch food. The de Pijp neighbourhood is actually quite famous among millennials and backpackers as the place serves some of the cheapest and tastiest food. Many of the tourists who visit Amsterdam are predominantly backpackers or solo travellers. Hence, they prefer to keep a set budget for their expenses, this majorly caters towards them being careful around extravagant spending on food. However, if you wish to splurge on a lavish dining experience, you should try out Negen Straatjes (Nine Streets) where you'll find some of the most exquisite fine dining establishments. In fact, you will also be pampered with world-class quality cuisine and hospitality at restaurants located in the Reguliersdwarsstraat areas. Elandshgracht Street is another amazing space in Amsterdam that boasts top-notch food. Overall, food will not be a big disappointment to you. You should also check out Distillery 't Nieuwe Diep to get a whiff of the lovely Dutch gin.

How to reach Amsterdam (Transportation)

The Amsterdam Airport has immaculate flight connectivity from India. As one of the most visited cities in the world from the country, Amsterdam is constantly on demand. Many Indians flock over to the beautiful and quaint city regularly, making the availability of flights also easier. In fact, there are regular flights that fly to Amsterdam from India. There are direct flights also that fly to Amsterdam from India. Operated by KLM Royal Dutch Airlines and British Airways, these flights fly to Amsterdam on a regular basis and have great flight connectivity. Depending on the availability of cheap flight tickets, it is determined whether you will be able to snag a nonstop flight to Amsterdam from India or if you will have to book a connecting flight or one with long durations of a layover.

Flights to the Netherlands from India use the Middle Eastern international routes to reach Amsterdam. Usually, layovers take place in cities such as Munich, Zurich and Paris. Sometimes even Brussels witnesses flights coming in from India with Amsterdam as the final stop. In India, the most popular route to Amsterdam is from Mumbai as the flight connectivity, a number of flights and even nonstop and direct flights are easily available port city.

  About Abu Dhabi Airport

Abu Dhabi International Airport is the only airport in Emirates of Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, to cater to international flights and airlines. After Dubai International Airport, Abu Dhabi International Airport is the second largest in UAE, which can accommodate 20 million passengers. The airport has three operational terminals for passengers. It is sprawled across 8,500 acres of land and provides services to over 30 airlines which fly to over 120 destinations. The airport is primarily the hub for Etihad Airways, which is also UAE's second flag carrier airline, after Emirates. The airport sees tremendous air traffic and passenger traffic for being a hub city and the capital of the United Arab Emirates.

About Airport Terminals

The airport has three terminals in total. Terminal 1 is the oldest building at the Abu Dhabi International Airport. The terminal features arrivals and departure areas with nine gates and jetbridges. The airport also has check-in and arrivals equipped in a separate location that is connected to the building. Terminal 2 is comparatively new and located on the east side of Terminal 1. There are 19 check-in counters along with two baggage claim conveyor belts. It mainly caters to low-cost carriers only. Terminal 3 is fairly new from the other two terminals and has the capacity to hold bigger flights, including Airbus A380s that are flown by Etihad Airways.

About Airport Authority

Abu Dhabi International Airport is currently operated by Abu Dhabi Airports Company, which came into existence in 2006. ADAC has since offered a plethora of services to the aviation industry and Abu Dhabi airports. Along with Abu Dhabi International Airport, the organization also caters to managing Al Bateen Executive Airport, Al Ain International Airport, Sir Bani Airport and Dalma Airport.

Top airlines flying from Abu Dhabi International Airport

Abu Dhabi sees tremendous passenger traffic from Indian cities and hence, accommodates flights from an Indian airline. Some of the airlines that operate from Abu Dhabi International Airport are Air India, Air India Express, GoAir and IndiGo.

In terms of international airlines, the ones that operate from Abu Dhabi International Airport include, AnadoluJet, Biman Bangladesh Airlines, British Airways, EgyptAir, Etihad Airways, Gulf Air, KLM, Kuwait Airways, Oman Air, Pakistan International Airlines, Royal Jordanian, Saudia, SriLankan, Turkish Airlines and Turkmenistan Airlines.

Facilities at Abu Dhabi International Airport

WiFi - You can connect to the airport's free wireless network. All you would need to do is to follow some steps to get access to Abu Dhabi International Airport's WiFi connection. Plus, there are internet kiosks available for free. At the departure terminals, you can find about 50 internet kiosks. It is free of cost so you can simply just go over to the kiosk and use the facility. Airport lounges also have wireless connections that you can avail.

ATM and foreign exchange - The airport has many ATMs and foreign-exchange booths available at regular intervals. There are about 16 currency exchange facilities that are present at Abu Dhabi International Airport. There are local banks also present at the airport where you can make transfers and deposits along with cash withdrawals. The prices are also quite reasonable for foreign exchange. A dedicated agency, Travelex, is available at the airport.

Medical services - Abu Dhabi International Airport is also equipped to take care of medical emergencies that take place at the premise. There is a 24-hour clinic to ensure that medical services are available at all times. There is also a paramedic with an ambulance which will take the emergency case to the nearest local hospital. The information desk and 'May I Help You' counters will assist you with this service. Plus, the airport also has pharmacies installed at regular intervals.

Smoking zones - All terminals at Abu Dhabi International Airport are non-smoking buildings. Hence, there are specific smoking zones that have been installed. Smoothing lounges and booths are located in each terminal and are enclosed. The booths also have good air quality that you can enjoy while you smoke a cigarette.

Multi-faith room - Separate prayer rooms have been installed for men and women at Abu Dhabi International Airport. They are present at all terminals of the airport. Intending to value diverse faith, the airport has ensured to have multi-faith rooms at all levels of the terminals. Wheelchairs are also accessible at the prayer rooms.

Airport lounges - Overall, Abu Dhabi International Airport has six airport lounges. In fact, four of the airport lounges are actually owned by Etihad Airways. While terminal 1 has Al Reem Lounge, Al Dhabi Lounge, Etihad Premium Lounge, Terminal 3 houses Etihad First Class Lounge and Spa, Etihad Premium Lounge and Etihad US Premium Lounge. These lounge experiences are one of a kind. Not to mention how the airport also has a dedicated Etihad Arrivals Lounge as well for international travellers. The facilities at the lounge are top-notch with exceptional services and hospitality.

Airport hotels - An in-house hotel is also available at Abu Dhabi International Airport. You can visit Aerotel to benefit from their world-class facilities and to unwind. The hotel is located in Terminal 1 and has been aesthetically designed to please the senses of international travellers. Premier Inn Hotel is also present within the airport premise that you can check out. Premier Inn is also very convenient and recognized for its high standards with respect to providing quality services with modern amenities.

Baggage services - The airport offers a plethora of baggage services ranging from wrapping to storage. In case you need to save your luggage from possibilities of theft and mishandling, you can get them wrapped in plastic. Further, on the same, you can also seal your baggage to prevent them from external damages. You can ship your luggage to a delivery address too instead of going yourself. There are storage facilities also available at the airport where you can keep your luggage, especially if it's a layover or if you need to spend time at the airport before the next flight.

Spa - There are two spas available at the airport's premise. Six Senses Spa is located within the Etihad Diamond First and Pearl Business Class lounges. Meanwhile, TOSA Spa, an award-winning spa chain of the Middle East, Maldives and India, is also available at the airport's Terminal 1. You can avail a string of services from the spas for relaxation. Body massage and other treatments are also there with separate rooms for women and men. Along with this, they also have separate changing rooms for men and women.

Special assistance - The airport caters to special assistance services that travellers require. This includes helping out passengers with reduced mobility and to take care of their trolleys, among a few. You can speak with your airlines in advance to book special assistance. The trained staff will help you through the process and even enable a comfortable experience at Abu Dhabi International Airport.

Nursing stations - For all the parents who are travelling with infants and young babies, there are dedicated nursing stations available at all terminals. There are entertainment decks for kids as well as nursing rooms for new mothers with infants. Plus, the rooms are sanitized and kept in a hygienic condition.

How to reach Abu Dhabi International Airport

Public transport

One of the best things about the airport is its facilities that enable direct connections to the city centre. If you need to reach Abu Dhabi International Airport, you can always take a bus as it is economical and convenient. The air-conditioned buses are available from the bus stop to within the city. You can find the stops outside Terminals 1, 2 and 3. There are blue and white signs that indicate to the bus stops. You can follow them, or you can ask for more details at the airport's information desk. You can reach Abu Dhabi International Airport from any part of the city thanks to their bus services. Depending on where you wish to go, the buses have services to those routes. The ticket cost is also very affordable and menial. It would take close to 45 minutes to reach the Abu Dhabi International Airport from the city, depending on the traffic.

Taxicabs and rentals

There are luxury airport taxis that you can find at the airport. They are available at all the terminals, close to the arrivals. A clear signpost is also present to indicate the taxi services. There are male and female drivers who are well-equipped with the city's geography as well as international languages. You can also reach the Abu Dhabi International Airport by availing tax services. In fact, you can actually book for a ride online or check with your airlines for provisions of the same. Hotels in Abu Dhabi also have facilities for an airport shuttle. You can benefit from the same to reach Abu Dhabi International Airport without any hassle. As long as you make prior bookings, you wouldn't have to worry about anything with respect to reaching the Abu Dhabi International Airport.