Show Middle East Map
Discover the Top Attractions and Hidden Gems
The Middle East is a region with a rich history, vibrant culture, and breathtaking natural beauty. From the soaring skyscrapers of Dubai to the ancient ruins of Petra, there are endless wonders to explore. Some of the top attractions in the region include:
- The Pyramids of Giza in Egypt
- The Burj Khalifa in Dubai
- The Dead Sea in Jordan
- The Blue Mosque in Istanbul
- The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi
But don’t be afraid to venture off the beaten path and discover some of the hidden gems that the Middle East has to offer. From the Bedouin camps of Oman to the hot springs of Israel’s Golan Heights, there are plenty of unique experiences to be had.
Indulge in the Food Scene
The Middle East is known for its delicious and diverse cuisine. From aromatic spices to sweet treats, there is something for everyone. Some must-try dishes include:
- Hummus and pita bread
- Falafel
- Shawarma
- Baklava
- Tabbouleh
Be sure to also try some of the local street food and visit the bustling markets and souks for an authentic Middle Eastern dining experience.
Explore the Great Outdoors
The Middle East is home to some of the world’s most stunning natural wonders. From the towering mountains of Lebanon to the sandy beaches of Oman, there are endless opportunities for outdoor adventure. Some popular activities include:
- Hiking in the Wadi Rum desert in Jordan
- Snorkeling in the Red Sea in Egypt
- Skiing in the mountains of Lebanon
- Sandboarding in the UAE
- Hot air balloon rides over Cappadocia in Turkey
Discover the Region’s Rich History
The Middle East is steeped in history, with ancient civilizations and empires leaving their mark on the region’s architecture and culture. Some of the top historical landmarks to visit include:
- The ruins of Persepolis in Iran
- The ancient city of Petra in Jordan
- The Roman ruins of Jerash in Jordan
- The Hagia Sophia in Istanbul
- The Alhambra in Spain
Many museums and cultural centers also offer insight into the region’s rich history and traditions.
Enjoy Family-Friendly Activities
The Middle East is a great destination for families, with plenty of activities and attractions that cater to all ages. Some family-friendly options include:
- The Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo in the UAE
- The KidZania indoor theme park in Saudi Arabia
- The LEGOLAND amusement park in Dubai
- The Al Ain Zoo in the UAE
- The Aquaventure water park in Dubai
Experience the Region’s Natural Wonders
The Middle East is home to some of the most stunning natural landscapes in the world. From the towering mountains of Iran to the pristine beaches of Oman, there are plenty of natural wonders to explore. Some highlights include:
- The Wadi Shab canyon in Oman
- The Al Hada Mountains in Saudi Arabia
- The Bimmah Sinkhole in Oman
- The Jeita Grotto caves in Lebanon
- The Qadisha Valley in Lebanon
Experience the Vibrant Nightlife
The Middle East has a vibrant nightlife scene, with plenty of bars, clubs, and restaurants to choose from. Some top nightlife destinations include:
- The rooftop bars of Dubai
- The beach clubs of Beirut
- The night markets of Marrakech
- The live music venues of Istanbul
- The trendy bars of Tel Aviv
Get Lost in the Local Markets
The Middle East is famous for its bustling markets and souks, where you can find everything from spices to gold. Some of the top markets to visit include:
- The Grand Bazaar in Istanbul
- The Khan el-Khalili market in Cairo
- The Gold Souk in Dubai
- The Souk al-Mubarakiya in Kuwait City
- The Fes el Bali market in Morocco
Explore the Beaches and Mountains
The Middle East has a diverse landscape that includes everything from sandy beaches to towering mountains. Some of the top destinations for beach and mountain lovers include:
- The beaches of Dubai
- The mountains of Lebanon
- The beaches of Oman
- The mountains of Iran
- The beaches of Tel Aviv
Immerse Yourself in Local Culture
The Middle East has a rich cultural heritage, with unique traditions, customs, and arts. Some ways to immerse yourself in local culture include:
- Attending a traditional Arabic music or dance performance
- Visiting a local mosque or church
- Learning about traditional crafts like pottery, weaving, and calligraphy
- Taking part in a cooking class to learn about local cuisine
- Exploring local art galleries and museums
Take a Walking Tour
The best way to explore the cities and towns of the Middle East is on foot. Many cities offer walking tours that take you through the most historic and picturesque neighborhoods. Some top walking tours include:
- The Old City of Jerusalem
- The historic district of Yazd in Iran
- The Al Fahidi historic district in Dubai
- The Beyoglu district in Istanbul
- The Medina of Marrakech
Marvel at Architectural Wonders
The Middle East is home to some of the most stunning architectural masterpieces in the world. From ancient temples to modern skyscrapers, there is plenty to marvel at. Some top architectural wonders include:
- The Burj Khalifa in Dubai
- The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi
- The Petra Treasury in Jordan
- The Alhambra in Spain
- The Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem
Discover Historical Sites
The Middle East is steeped in history, with many sites that offer a glimpse into the past. Some top historical sites to visit include:
- The ancient city of Palmyra in Syria
- The Crusader castle of Krak des Chevaliers in Syria
- The ancient city of Persepolis in Iran
- The ruins of Carthage in Tunisia
- The ancient city of Ephesus in Turkey
Embark on a Biking Adventure
The Middle East is a great destination for biking enthusiasts, with plenty of scenic routes to explore. Some top biking routes include:
- The Lycian Way in Turkey
- The Dead Sea Circuit in Jordan
- The Al Hajar Mountains in Oman
- The Bekaa Valley in Lebanon
- The Negev Desert in Israel
Relax at a Wellness Retreat
The Middle East is known for its luxurious spas and wellness retreats, where you can indulge in treatments inspired by traditional healing practices. Some top wellness retreats include:
- The Six Senses Zighy Bay in Oman
- The Talise Spa in Dubai
- The Anantara Spa in Abu Dhabi
- The Dead Sea Spa in Jordan
- The Les Ottomans Spa in Istanbul
Experience Adventure Sports
The Middle East is a great destination for adrenaline junkies, with plenty of opportunities for adventure sports. Some top adventure sports include:
- Skydiving in Dubai
- Kiteboarding in Egypt
- Rock climbing in Oman
- Paragliding in Lebanon