To anyone wanting to explore the intense city life of Abu Dhabi, there isn’t a better place to do so than Hamdan Street. Most of us who have lived on campus for a while now experience Hamdan Street in different ways: some are attracted to its ever rushing traffic, bustling sidewalks and zebra crossings, while others find solace in the multitudes of restaurants and shopping centers that populate it. Either way, a trip to Hamdan Street is always unpredictable; you never know what to expect because each corner subsumes a story of its own, awaiting new adventure seekers. This street has been a go-to for NYUAD students looking to experience the city on a budget or for an inexpensive haircut or a quick thrift run, among a hundred other things. Leave the bubble of our campus and the luxury of the many malls in Abu Dhabi to take a deep dive into the city’s most eclectic space. Here are 10 things you can do on a budget while at Hamdan Street:

Take the Public Bus 170 from the Saadiyat Campus and stop at the first stop in the city outside of Saadiyat Island. There are three stops all around Hamdan Street so you can stop at whichever bus stop is closer to your desired destination.

For anyone looking for a cheaper (and in my humble opinion, more delicious) alternative to the hallowed Abdel Wahab, visit Bait el Khetyar for the best of Lebanese food. You will never want to eat the D2 falafel or any other Lebanese bread once you have tried theirs. Don’t forget to try their Hummus Beiruti which will rock your mouth with its combination of parsley and lemon.

Want to enjoy bao buns in a warm and cozy setting? Head over to Dragon Bao Bao for a fun bao night. Try their fried beef, steamed chicken and shrimp bao buns and for the vegans out there, give their eggplant with garlic sauce a shot.

For South Asians who are feeling homesick, these are the perfect places to enjoy a little taste of home. Try their Brain Masala, Chicken Handi, Aloo Paratha and, most importantly, their delicious Kheer (Rice pudding). Carolina also serves excellent shisha for all the shisha fanatics out there.

I have no doubt that no matter which hotpot you try in the city (because there’s so many), none will beat the Seven Stars Hotpot in Al Mariah Mall. Based in a local mall, with little fame to its name , this hotpot is a hidden gem that has an all-you-can-eat hotpot with drinks, snacks and ice creams, all included in 50 AED. Even after multiple visits, their variety of protein, mushrooms and green continues to stay just as riveting as that of the first time. While you are there, don’t forget to try their plum juice which comes included in the deal.

For all the thrifting lovers out there, Al Yousuf Center is the center of the Abu Dhabi shopping experience. Looking for clothes at Al Yousuf Center is like finding a piece of treasure that has been looking for you just as you have been looking for it. There is no better feeling than finding the right fit of clothing that you like. Populated by many ukay-ukay shops, many of which are family-run and generational, you will never leave Al Yusuf empty handed: thanks to their cheap prices and a treasure trove of clothes.

A relatively new addition to the streets of Hamdan Street, the Careem Bike is an enthralling way of experiencing the city. Using these bikes, you can go as far as Madinat Zayed or the Corniche and even further if you are motivated. The best part is that they offer a free 45 minutes ride for every bike so you do not have to spend a single penny to enjoy the experience of biking all over Abu Dhabi.

While there are a gazillion good shawarma joints on Hamdan Street, our favorite one remains Broasted King which is situated at one of the corners on the third stop of the 170 bus line on Hamdan. Their thick fries, along with their Beef Shawarma, are highly recommended.

Serving authentic Indian vegetarian food, ranging from the street food of Bombay to the savory treats from Chennai, Bhavna is a paradise for lovers of vegetarian desi food. Go there to have a pani puri competition with your friends, and don’t forget to try their vada pav and dahi puri.

This restaurant is the perfect place for all Korean BBQ lovers who are fascinated by cooking their own food. Enjoy their wide range of protein, from chicken to shrimp to lobsters to calamari, along with the pleasing aroma of Korean spices that brew around the place.

For people who prefer fine dining over street food, Cafe 302 is the perfect starting point for your cafe hopping. Their wonderful vegan menu is a plus, along with a range of vegan desserts including their lemon tart.

If you are tired of spending hundreds of dirhams on books and stationary at bookstores like Kinokuniya and Magrudy’s, head over to Thrift Distribution for thrifted books from all over the UAE and beyond.

These are just a handful of gems that decorate the streets of Hamdan — there is always more to explore.