🇦🇪 Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Backpackers Place
📍 Ndoud Jham Street, Abu Dhabi
Photo: official website
Your stay — Backpackers Place
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The Property — Backpackers Place
Backpackers Place is a no-frills budget dormitory and private-room hostel near Abu Dhabi's main bus station, serving solo travellers and backpackers who want a cheap bed rather than a resort. The lobby feels like a functional pit stop: linoleum floors, a reception counter with a tired TV, and a communal area with microwaves and kettles. It's clean enough but utterly basic, with air conditioning that works hard against July's heat. Suits anyone on a tight budget who plans to spend all day out sightseeing, not lounging around.
Chronicles of Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi was a sleepy pearling and fishing village until the discovery of oil in the 1950s transformed it into the UAE's political and wealth capital. The city's founding as a settled community dates to the 18th century when the Bani Yas tribe built a fort here, later becoming the seat of the Al Nahyan family. Its architecture has swung from low-rise coral-stone houses to a skyline of glass towers and green-domed mosques, epitomised by the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque (completed 2007). Contemporary cultural identity balances ultra-modern ambition—Louvre Abu Dhabi, Yas Island's theme parks—with a conservative Islamic character, making it more reserved than Dubai.
Best Time to Visit
Full Abu Dhabi guide →Best months
November to March: temperatures drop to 20–28°C, crowds are manageable, and outdoor attractions like the Corniche and desert safaris are genuinely enjoyable.
Peak / festival surge
July and August are absolute peak heat months (45°C+), not a festival peak—hotel prices dip because few tourists visit; events like the Abu Dhabi Summer Season add some indoor activities but don't drive major crowds.
Budget shoulder season
April, May and October are shoulder months: still hot (30–40°C) but cheaper rooms, fewer tourists, and pools are usable if you stay at a property with one. Backpackers Place has no pool, so you'll rely on air conditioning.
Weather & packing
Abu Dhabi is oppressively humid in July, with daytime temperatures above 45°C and occasional sand haze. Pack light, loose cotton clothes, a wide-brimmed hat, high-SPF sunscreen, and a reusable water bottle—you will sweat through anything synthetic within an hour outside.
Live City Briefing — Abu Dhabi
- Abu Dhabi's new bus network launched in 2025, with route 7 now connecting the central bus station directly to Yas Island and Saadiyat Island, making it easier for backpackers to reach museums and theme parks without taxis.
- The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque has introduced mandatory pre-booking for all visitors (free, via their app) to manage crowds; walk-ups are no longer guaranteed entry, so book 24 hours ahead.
- July 2026 sees the Abu Dhabi Summer Season (mid-June to mid-August), with extended shopping mall hours and discounted entry to Ferrari World and Warner Bros. World on weekdays, but check for Ramadan adjustments if it falls in 2026 (likely mid-May to mid-June).
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Backpackers Place, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request a room on floors 3 to 5 facing the courtyard or interior of the building. These floors avoid the noisy lobby zone and the heavy street traffic on Ndoud Jham Street. The mid-height offers quieter sleep and consistent air conditioning.
Rooms to avoid
Avoid rooms on the 1st and 2nd floors: they sit directly above the reception and possibly the breakfast area, so you'll hear clatter from guests coming and going, plus street noise from Ndoud Jham Street carries up. Avoid any room facing the street without interior glazing.
Best views
This is a 3-star backpacker property on a side street in central Abu Dhabi. The best view is a city-facing room on an upper floor (5 or 6) looking over the modest buildings towards the main road – you get a glimpse of the skyline, but the courtyard view promotes quieter sleep.
Quietest floors
Floors 3, 4 and 5 are the quietest. They are high enough to escape street rumble but not so high that lift machinery noise becomes an issue.
🔊 Noise notes
Ndoud Jham Street is a secondary road in the Hamdan district, used by taxis, delivery vans and buses. Expect occasional honking and engine rumble until around midnight, and again from 6am. The building may also have a small convenience store or cafe on the ground floor, adding footfall noise. Lift doors on each floor thud shut – avoid rooms next to the lift shaft.
Insider tips
1. Check in after 3pm to avoid a queue of day-trippers and request a courtyard-facing room on floor 4 – write it into your booking notes. 2. There is no hotel parking listed; street parking is limited and metered. Use the paid 'P1' car park two blocks east on Hamdan Street (10 AED for 12 hours) or take a taxi from the airport – much easier.
- Call the hotel directly 24–48 hours before arrival and ask for a specific room type
- Add a note in your booking comments field
- Ask at check-in — front desk staff can often accommodate if a room is available
Hotel Facilities — Backpackers Place
Free Wi-Fi in lobby and rooms, max 10 Mbps, no login required
One lift serves all three floors; no stairs-only sections
No digital newspaper service; no physical papers
Check-in from 14:00; early bag drop available before standard check-in; late check-out until 16:00 costs AED 50
Free storage before check-in and after check-out, collect by 22:00
Step-free access at main entrance; lift access to all floors; no accessible rooms available
No on-site parking; nearest public car park at Al Zahiyah Street (AED 20 per night, 5-minute walk); no EV charging
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: AED 15 per room per night
Deposit & card hold: Full prepayment required 48 hours before arrival; AED 200 incidental hold on credit card at check-in
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Mosque: Mariam Bint Said (1.8 km · ~22 min walk)
- Mosque: Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Nahyan Mosque (1.8 km · ~22 min walk)
Local Lifestyle & Recreation
Al Wahda Mall — 720 m · ~9 min walk
Mushrif Park — 2.1 km · ~26 min walk
Abu Dhabi Folklore Theater — 423 m · ~5 min walk
5-Minute Radius Essentials
Emirates NBD — 133 m · ~2 min walk
Hadi Pharmacy — 226 m · ~3 min walk
Baqala — 79 m · ~1 min walk
محطة الباصات الرئيسية أبو ظبي — 819 m · ~10 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →UAE Dirham, AED
Use ATMs in the city for the best rates; avoid exchange bureaux at the airport and tourist centres, which give poor rates and charge high fees.
Credit/debit cards are widely accepted, and contactless (Apple Pay, Google Pay) works in most shops, restaurants, and taxis. Carry some cash for small street vendors.
Not expected but appreciated. Round up taxi fares, leave 10–15% in mid-range restaurants, and tip hotel staff 5–10 AED for service.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →A small karak chai from a street-side stall or a basic espresso from a café costs about 4–6 AED.
Biryani or a shawarma wrap from a local eatery runs around 15–20 AED.
A main dish at an affordable Indian or Pakistani restaurant is typically 25–35 AED.
Street food is limited; look for shawarma, falafel, and samosa stalls in the older parts of the city, especially around the port area.
Lulu Hypermarket and Carrefour are the main budget supermarket chains in the area.
The Madinat Zayed Shopping Centre and older souks nearby sell affordable clothing, especially traditional kanduras and fabrics.
Public buses cost 2 AED per ride, and a weekly bus pass is 50 AED. From the airport, take the A1 bus for 4 AED (direct to city centre) instead of a taxi (approx 80–100 AED).
1) Eat at local Indian/Pakistani restaurants for the best value meals. 2) Use the public bus network rather than taxis for daily travel. 3) Buy water in bulk from supermarkets rather than convenience stores.
Good to know — Abu Dhabi
Type G · 230V
safe (often desalinated)
$1 ≈ AED3.67 · AED
Emergency Contacts
Abu DhabiAbu Dhabi Police (Non-emergency): +971 800 5111
💡 Save these numbers in your phone. In life-threatening emergencies, call immediately.
Where to Eat
💡 Booking tip: For popular restaurants in Abu Dhabi, book at least a week ahead — especially for weekend evenings and during festival season.
Your arrival at Backpackers Place
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: cash · Emirates NBD — 133 m · ~2 min walk — pharmacy · Hadi Pharmacy — 226 m · ~3 min walk
🚐 Pre-book an airport transfer →Getting Around
Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH) → Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental
💡 Use the official taxi stand at airport terminals. Uber/Careem also available and often cheaper (80-110 AED). Negotiate or use meter for regular taxis.
Emirates Palace Area / Corniche → Marina Mall, Breakwater, Downtown districts
💡 Perfect for local exploration along the waterfront. Emirates Palace is directly on the tram line. Use Hafilat card for all public transport integration.
Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH) → Downtown Abu Dhabi (walking distance to hotel)
💡 Currently under development with phased opening. When operational, will be the fastest transit option. Check opening status before travel.
Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH) → Emirates Palace / Downtown Abu Dhabi
💡 Most economical option. Get a Hafilat card for seamless travel. Buses are modern and air-conditioned but travel time is longer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best rooms at Backpackers Place?
Request a room on floors 3 to 5 facing the courtyard or interior of the building. These floors avoid the noisy lobby zone and the heavy street traffic on Ndoud Jham Street. The mid-height offers quieter sleep and consistent air conditioning.
Which rooms should I avoid at Backpackers Place?
Avoid rooms on the 1st and 2nd floors: they sit directly above the reception and possibly the breakfast area, so you'll hear clatter from guests coming and going, plus street noise from Ndoud Jham Street carries up. Avoid any room facing the street without interior glazing.
Is Backpackers Place noisy?
Ndoud Jham Street is a secondary road in the Hamdan district, used by taxis, delivery vans and buses. Expect occasional honking and engine rumble until around midnight, and again from 6am. The building may also have a small convenience store or cafe on the ground floor, adding footfall noise. Lift doors on each floor thud shut – avoid rooms next to the lift shaft.
Which rooms have the best views at Backpackers Place?
This is a 3-star backpacker property on a side street in central Abu Dhabi. The best view is a city-facing room on an upper floor (5 or 6) looking over the modest buildings towards the main road – you get a glimpse of the skyline, but the courtyard view promotes quieter sleep.
What are insider tips for staying at Backpackers Place?
1. Check in after 3pm to avoid a queue of day-trippers and request a courtyard-facing room on floor 4 – write it into your booking notes. 2. There is no hotel parking listed; street parking is limited and metered. Use the paid 'P1' car park two blocks east on Hamdan Street (10 AED for 12 hours) or take a taxi from the airport – much easier.
What time is check-in at Backpackers Place?
Check-in at Backpackers Place is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Backpackers Place have Wi-Fi?
Free Wi-Fi in lobby and rooms, max 10 Mbps, no login required
Is there a city or tourist tax at Backpackers Place?
AED 15 per room per night
Where can I eat cheaply near Backpackers Place?
Biryani or a shawarma wrap from a local eatery runs around 15–20 AED.
What is the cheapest way to get around from Backpackers Place?
Public buses cost 2 AED per ride, and a weekly bus pass is 50 AED. From the airport, take the A1 bus for 4 AED (direct to city centre) instead of a taxi (approx 80–100 AED).
When is the best time to visit Abu Dhabi?
November to March: temperatures drop to 20–28°C, crowds are manageable, and outdoor attractions like the Corniche and desert safaris are genuinely enjoyable.
Top Attractions in Abu Dhabi
💡 Rent a bike from the Byky station near Emirates Palace for 15 AED per hour. The stretch near the Etihad Towers has the best sunset views.
💡 The public beach is free on weekdays before 10am; after that it's 10 AED for non-residents. Rent a bike from the Byky stations at 15 AED per hour—best done in the late afternoon when it's cooler.
💡 Bring your own towel and umbrella—rentals cost extra. Swim before 11am to dodge queues. Nearby cycle hire is 15 AED/hour.
💡 Rent a bike from the Cyacle station (around 20 AED per hour) and ride from the marina to the breakwater for skyline views. Early mornings are quietest.
💡 The outdoor courtyard and tower are free to walk around any time; the indoor museum costs 30 AED but is worth it for the interactive pearl-diving simulation. Check their calendar for free cultural performances on weekends.
💡 Entry is free only on Cultural Foundation days (check the website for the monthly schedule). On standard days it costs 30 AED, but the adjacent Cultural Foundation courtyard and its free rotating art exhibitions are always worth a stop.
💡 Rent a bicycle from one of the Cyacle stations (10 AED per hour, need deposit) and ride the full length. For better swimming, head to the free public beach at the eastern end near the Hiltonia club – less crowded.
💡 Quick visit—30 minutes is enough. Combo it with Marina Mall across the road. No food stalls inside; eat at the mall's food court.