Founded in 2003, Etihad Airways is the second-largest airline in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). As one of the national carriers of the UAE, the airline prides itself in its award-winning titles, including being the World’s Leading Airline multiple times and bagging awards for Best Cabin Crew both in the Middle East and globally. In 2024, Etihad Airways was even awarded the Best Economy Class in the Business Traveller Awards 2024.
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In Arabic, the word “Etihad” often means “union” or “unity” – a symbolic representation of the UAE’s union of its seven emirates, namely Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah, and Fujairah. Etihad Airways themselves are based out of Khalifa City of Abu Dhabi, with its head office sitting close to the Zayed International Airport.
Operating close to 1,000 flights each week across multiple continents, Etihad Airways is a prime selection for travellers seeking the finer comforts in life while heading to their destination. Whether for a vacation, a business trip, or to return home after moving away, adventure is always on the horizon as soon as you complete your check-in with Etihad Airways.
But with over 100 destinations across more than 40 countries worldwide to choose from, how will you pick the best spots to fly? While the best answer is simply to visit them all someday, we know it’s not always that easy.
This is why our holiday advisors have selected the top 5 holiday destinations you must visit with Etihad Airways, allowing you to kickstart your wanderlust journey from the best spots.
Lisbon, Portugal
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A bustling hotspot with gorgeous mosaic-tiled buildings and cobblestone streets, Lisbon is a must-visit for wanderlust travellers flying with Etihad Airways. As the capital city of Portugal, Lisbon (or Lisboa to the locals) is a coastal gem that offers it all – fantastic views, great attractions, even better bites both sweet or savoury, and at reasonable prices too.
Built across 7 hills, Lisbon offers plenty of viewpoints (better known as miradouros) that overlooks the city. Of course, you’ll have to put in the work in climbing the slopes and stairs, but the unbelievable sights often make up for the journey you’ve encountered. Plenty of restaurants and cafes with al fresco dining options often await atop these viewpoints, so you’ll also be able to grab a bite or enjoy a drink as you soak in the atmosphere.
Boasting primarily sunny days, Lisbon is the perfect destination that anyone can fly to via Etihad Airways if you’re not a fan of chilly weather. This is a fantastic call for those who enjoy packing light and want to ditch the weight of thick winter jackets, while the generous luggage allowance from Etihad Airways will allow for plenty of souvenir hunting while you stroll down the streets of Lisbon.
Meanwhile, bookworms will rejoice at visiting the unique Livraria Bertrand bookstore located along Rua Garrett of the Chiado District. Opened in 1732, the bookstore was officially recognized by the Guinness Book of Records in 2010 as the world’s oldest bookstore still in operation. Should you pick up a book here to add to your collection, don’t forget to ask for their official store stamp that authenticates your purchase.
Finally, no visitor should leave Lisbon without tasting the original Portuguese egg custard tart pastry known as the pastel de nata. Served with a dusting of cinnamon, this sweet snack can be found in pastry stores all over the city. Baked fresh through the day, staff members of these shops may even ring a bell to indicate that a new batch has come out of the oven, so you’ll know when to pop in for a piece to satiate your sweet tooth or even a dozen to take home!
Paris, France
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Long named the City of Love, visiting Paris is a bucket list destination for many. It’s also especially popular for couples travelling with Etihad Airways. Offering gorgeous views regardless of the time of day or season of the year, it’s easy to see how France’s capital has earned its reputation for being a must-visit spot when you’re feeling like love is in the air.
For first-timers, the Eiffel Tower is a mandatory stop to include in your itinerary when visiting Paris. While beautiful to admire in the day, it’s the night view of the tower that’s truly magical – even to the local Parisians. This is why we highly recommend visiting the Eiffel Tower a little just after sunset, as you’ll see the tower sparkle and light up to illuminate the skies of Paris. But don’t fret if you’ve missed the first lighting, as the sparkling spectacle happens every hour for approximately 5 minutes. The Eiffel Tower will remain lit until 2 AM each day – except in the winter when the lights go off at 1 AM.
And for a secret tip from our travel advisors themselves, you can spot a beautiful view of the tower when you head over to Square Rapp. Set at the dead end of Avenue Rapp, this spot is a lesser-known location to most tourists, so you can snap away without the distractions of other holidaymakers in your pictures! If you’re travelling with your partner and want an intimate spot to pop the question, this would be the place to be.
Meanwhile, the Notre-Dame Cathedral of Paris is another spot that shouldn’t be missed when you’re in the city. First opened in 1345, this historic cathedral is best known for its stunning Gothic architecture. Featuring intricate stained-glass windows and grand ceilings inside, this beautiful site can only be described as a construction marvel from the past.
Today, the Notre-Dame has undergone a massive reconstruction following an unfortunate fire that destroyed a large part of the building’s roof and flèche. Taking 3 years to complete, the newly reopened cathedral now boasts better lighting and can handle higher visitor traffic, making the experience much more enjoyable. There are no charges to enter the cathedral, but we do recommend booking a complimentary timeslot to help cut your queue times.
London, United Kingdom
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A melting pot of cultures, London definitely takes a spot in our list of holiday destinations you must travel to with Etihad Airways. With plenty to see and do, this bustling metropolitan offers the perfect blend of business and leisure with architecture old and new.
And what better way to take it all in than to see the city from above just by riding on the London Eye? Recognisable even from afar, the London Eye is set just opposite the House of Parliament, in between the South Bank Centre and County Hall. The observation wheel stands 135 meters tall, offering guests stunning 360° views of London city’s skyline. Iconic landmarks you can spot include Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, and St. Paul’s Cathedral.
Aside from its gorgeous views from above, many visitors also find the London Eye a great escape, especially during hot summer days. This is because every capsule is air-conditioned and is planned with climate control for ultimate comfort. Rides last up to 30 minutes each time, allowing guests to soak in the views that London has to offer.
Hungry holidaymakers will then want to make their way to the historical Borough Market in Southwark, London. While its official dates are muddled, many locals believe that this wholesale and retail market hall was first opened around the 12th century. What they do know, however, is that no visitors will ever leave Borough Market feeling hungry. From authentic Indian bites to must-taste British cuisines, Borough Market is the place to sample as much as your stomach can handle.
For a fun sunny day activity, why not grab a few punnets of fresh fruits and snacks to make your picnic basket before heading over to every Londoner’s favourite pocket of green – Hyde Park? Here you’ll find numerous benches where you can dig into your buys or spread out on a blanket over the open grassy areas. This is a great way to unwind from the busy vibes of London yet still keep you close enough to the action of the city.
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
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Of course, our list would never be complete without recommending a visit to Abu Dhabi. After all, this beautiful city in the United Arab Emirates is where Etihad Airways calls home. But beyond being a home base, Abu Dhabi offers a diverse holiday experience for all travel styles that’s sure to satisfy.
With stunning architectural landmarks such as the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Abu Dhabi is a jewel not to be missed in the UAE. Furthermore, the community’s heritage and roots are not forgotten as Abu Dhabi blends the past with its present through its rich art and culture hubs.
If you’re a Formula One fan, having to pop into the Yas Marina Circuit on Yas Island is like a dream come true. Open year-round to the public when there are no races, visitors can walk, run, and cycle on this historic race track on designated evenings. For those seeking an adrenaline-inducing ride, why not take a supercar for a spin via the Yas Marina Circuit driving experience? Guided tours where you can see what happens behind the scenes and learn about the history of this official Formula One Abu Dhabi Grand Prix track are also available to guests who pre-book in advance.
And if you’re lucky, you may just be able to catch an official Formula 1® Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix during your visit. Oh, that’s right, did we mention that the race was also sponsored by Etihad Airways? All the more reason to watch your favourite driver or constructor whizz past the checkered flag in front of your eyes!
Need a plan to make the most out of your days away from work? The best part about flying with Etihad Airways is that you can turn one holiday into two just by booking a layover in Abu Dhabi! This means you can combine your trip with a pre- or post-journey stop in the city for 2 days.
Etihad Airways even offers a complimentary stay in some of the best accommodations in Abu Dhabi for their passengers, ensuring you get to experience the city or its surroundings and rest up before continuing onto your next flight. From luxurious 5-stay hotels in the bustling city centre to a quiet and calm beachside escapade, your stopover experiences will never be the same again when you fly with Etihad Airways.
Athens, Greece
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Every mention of Greece often takes travellers to the ever-popular island of Santorini. And we don’t blame them, considering how the iconic white and blue rooftops have taken social media platforms by a storm.
However, a true gem of this beautiful country in the Balkans is in fact set in its capital city, Athens. Known to many as a living museum, Athens is home to a plethora of historic architecture yet not too old that you’ll miss the modern-day buildings. In other words, you’re in for a treat from the moment you land in Athens with Etihad Airways.
Allegedly named after the mythical Greek goddess, Athena, one of the must-see places in the city is the Parthenon. It’s the largest temple built to honour Athens’ patron deity and is located within the UNESCO-certified Acropolis of Athens. Other notable ruins include the Erechtheion temple where you’ll see 6 women statues in place of the temple columns. As the Acropolis of Athens has a daily visitor limit to help with crowd control, we highly recommend reserving a time slot online and arriving as early as possible.
Of course, Athens can be defined with much more than just its historical landscape. Instead, hiding within the city’s little neighbourhoods are gems that feature their own unique characters. For instance, café hoppers must pop into Exarchia where the bustling coffee scenes often present a traditional Greek touch. It intermingles with lively bars that line the mural-painted lanes, giving the neighbourhood an energetic vibe.
And while you’re strolling down the streets of Athens, be sure to give their street food scene a go. From fresh gyros wraps and souvlaki to sweet Loukoumades (deep-friend dough balls that are soaked in honey), it’s the perfect gateway for you to know the city on a deeper level or when you’ve come to the end of your holiday and want something to remember Athens by.
But why stop here when you’re ready to take on whatever the world has to offer? Whether you’re on the hunt for a summer beach holiday or looking forward to a magical Christmas in a winter wonderland, you’ll never go wrong by taking off with Etihad Airways. Plus, you’ll be able to benefit from the exclusive Etihad Airways sales if you book with Holiday Tours and travel from now till the 31st of December 2025.