Observation Deck at 300 is one of the best ways to see Abu Dhabi from above, and it’s an easy add-on if you want a break from ground-level sightseeing. Sitting roughly 300 meters high on Level 74 of Etihad Towers, this is the highest public viewing point in the city and delivers full 360-degree views over the skyline, the Corniche, and the Arabian Gulf.
If you like city views but don’t feel the need to commit hours of your day to an attraction, Observation Deck at 300 is a solid choice. It’s straightforward, polished, and gives you a completely different perspective of Abu Dhabi without much effort.
If you’re pairing this stop with a broader UAE itinerary, you can also check out my guide to Dubai Travel Guide: Everything to Know Before Visiting to help plan both cities smoothly.
The experience itself is simple and well-organized. You’ll head up to Level 74, step into a sleek indoor viewing space, and immediately get panoramic views in every direction. On a clear day, you can see the city stretching along the coast, the Corniche curving below, and the water fading from deep blue to pale turquoise.
Observation Deck at 300 is open daily, and tickets are usually available on-site. Entry typically includes a food and beverage credit, which you can use at the café while enjoying the view. You can pop in for a quick look or slow it down with a drink or afternoon tea, which is a popular option here.
Plan on spending about 30 to 60 minutes total. It’s not meant to be a long attraction, but it doesn’t feel rushed either.
If you can swing it, sunset is the sweet spot. The light changes quickly, the skyline softens, and the city starts to glow as evening sets in. It’s easily the most photogenic time to visit Observation Deck at 300, especially if you want shots that show both the city and the water.
Midday visits are still worthwhile if you’re tight on time (as you can see from my photos), but sunset is when this place really shines. For more ideas on how to structure your day, see my full review of One Perfect Day in Abu Dhabi From Dubai, which fits this stop in nicely.
You don’t need to overthink logistics for Observation Deck at 300. It’s centrally located, easy to reach by taxi or rideshare, and well-signed once you arrive at Etihad Towers.
If you prefer having things lined up in advance, you can book Observation Deck at 300 tickets through GetYourGuide, which is helpful during busy travel seasons or if you’re coordinating multiple stops in one day.
If you’re staying nearby, this experience pairs perfectly with hotels in the area. I recommend looking at where to stay near Etihad Towers here which gives you walkable options and easy access to the Corniche.
Yes—especially if you enjoy views and want a low-effort, high-reward stop. Observation Deck at 300 isn’t a thrill attraction but the views are worth the trip!
This is a great option if you want:
A quick but memorable Abu Dhabi experience
Excellent skyline and coastal views
A relaxed stop with air conditioning and seating
An easy add-on between bigger attractions
It’s also a nice contrast to outdoor sightseeing, especially during hotter months.
Observation Deck at 300 fits well alongside cultural and architectural stops. After your visit, you could head to the Grand Mosque, explore the Corniche, or continue on to other highlights nearby. If you’re planning to pair this with one of Abu Dhabi’s most iconic landmarks, check out my guide to Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque: What to Wear & When to Go so you’re prepared before arriving.
One of my favorite travel seasons is almost here, and I have zero chill about it. 🍁✈️
There’s just something about fall trips cooler air, apple orchards, that first flannel of the season, food that actually makes sense with the weather again. I’m already mentally packing for it before September even starts.
If fall is your favorite time to travel too, tell me where you’re headed... I’m taking notes for the list.
Pack your bags... ✈️🧳My hiking and road trip gear shop just got a refresh, and this is everything that actually earns a spot in my bag. The dry bag pulls double duty for beach days and trail days, the Osprey backpack is the one I grab for anything motorcycle or day-hike related, and the GoPro comes with me literally everywhere at this point.
Nothing on this list is filler it’s all stuff I’ve used, packed, and repacked more times than I can count. Full shop linked in my bio if you want to build out your own kit before your next trip.
Filing this one under “go now before it gets cold.” Bonneville Hot Springs is one of those trips where fall access is honestly the sweet spot the campground road is open, the hike in is short, and you skip the snow-and-gate situation we dealt with when we went in March.
September and early fall mean clearer trails, easier parking, and pools that are just as good without the extra mile of hiking to earn them. Fewer than 10 people out there when we visited, a rustic changing booth, zero amenities, and pools that range from “relax” to “actually scalding” until you move some rocks around and mix in river water. Small waterfalls feeding in, mountains in every direction, not polished, and that’s exactly the point.
Full breakdown on parking, what to pack, and timing it right is linked in my bio.
Summer’s not even over and I already have the itch. Fall hiking season is calling and I am answering.
Save this if you feel the itch too.🍁
Columbus hotel roundup because “just find something downtown” isn’t a strategy✈️
I stayed across the price spectrum on this one so I could actually compare notes. Hotel LeVeque is the splurge Art Deco lobby, marble bathrooms, and a restaurant (The Keep) worth visiting even if you don’t book a room. If you want to walk everywhere, Le Méridien puts you right in the Short North with murals and shops outside your door. And if budget’s the priority, Aloft gets you clean and modern near Ohio State without the markup.
Want a full escape from the city instead? Hocking Hills lodges and Gervasi Vineyard are both an easy drive out and worth the detour.
Not every hotel on this list is for every trip... that’s kind of the point. Full breakdown by neighborhood and budget, link in bio 🍂
Follow @travelwithwendyplummer for Beautiful Beach Destinations, City Guides, Foodie Spots, and Luxury Hotel Recommendations.
