Best places to visit in the Middle East

There is something about the Middle East which has long captured my imagination. A mysterious region of deserts, mosques and camels, the region confuses and delights in equal measures. Often misunderstood by the rest of the world, it is one of my favourite regions to explore – but what are the best places to visit in the Middle East?

Well, I asked a few fellow bloggers for their advice. Read on to find out what they consider the best holiday destinations in the Middle East!

Turkey

Alanya

Daisy Li – Beyond My Border

Alanya sits along the Mediterranean Sea in Southern Turkey. After exploring 20+ countries, the little town remains one of my favourite destinations.

What to do in Alanya

Although Alanya is known for its coastal life, there is so much culture and history rooted in its existence. Among the top things to do in Alanya, the Alanya Castle is a UNESCO World Heritage Site dating back to both the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires.  It sits just above the cliffs, offering an ample view of the vast ocean. Much like its castle, Alanya is a laid-back town that offers a certain serenity. On the streets, charming Turkish merchants offered me cups of black tea. Their warmth reflects the incredible hospitality of many Middle Eastern destinations. At night, contrasting the restaurant and bar scene, cafés were filled with people playing a game of backgammon.

I only spent a couple of nights in Alanya during my 4-month backpacking trip through Turkey, and can confidently say that the town should be on anyone’s bucket list. The contrast of red-bricked buildings against the crystal clear sea, the welcoming people, and the gorgeous cuisine are not to be missed.

Trabzon

Kelsey Çetin – On Her Journey

Trabzon is located in Northeastern Turkey right on the Black Sea, just a few hours from the border of Georgia. So, what makes Trabzon one of the best destinations if you are travelling to the Middle East?

Amazing Food

One of the most popular Turkish dishes, pide, comes from the Black Sea region. It is similar to pizza, but it has a LOT more butter! This dish usually comes with any variety of toppings, such as cheese, spinach, egg, ground beef, onion, chicken, or tomatoes.

Amazing Sights

There are many awesome places to see in Trabzon, but a few that stand out are the Hagia Sophia Mosque and Sümela Monastery. The Hagia Sophia was first built as a church in the 13th century during the Byzantine Empire but was later converted into a mosque during the Ottoman Empire. This mosque is located right next to the coast, so it has an amazing panoramic view of the Black Sea.

The Sümela Monastery is also a remnant from the Byzantine Empire and attracts many tourists every year. It is located about an hour away from the Trabzon city centre in the village of Macka. This is an old Greek Orthodox Monastery that was dedicated to the Virgin Mary, built right into the side of the mountain. There are also many streams, rivers and waterfalls surrounding the area making for the perfect road trip.

Trabzon is such a popular destination in the region that it attracts many tourists from all over the Middle East, so you will likely get a taste of Turkish and Arab culture.

Qatar

Doha

Dagney McKinney – Cultura Obscura

There is an awful lot to love about Doha, so it’s a real shame it doesn’t seem to be on many people’s radar! Having lived in both Doha and Abu Dhabi, I love both cities, but really feel that culturally, Doha has a lot more going on. To me, it always felt like a city with a constant tidal wave of culture flowing through it.

There is always some kind of event to attend in Doha, from film festivals to political debates to ice hockey tournaments. It’s a hard place to get bored in! There are so many things to do in Doha; however, for me, the real appeal is in the city’s brilliantly curated museums. The museums in Doha all have something to do with Qatari, Islamic or Arab culture. My favourites are the Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art and the Museum of Islamic Art (MIA).

I’m not the biggest fan of modern art, but the Mathaf nearly always had some fascinating new exhibit on that I just had to see and inevitably enjoyed. Of particular note, were the temporary exhibits that showcased Cai Guo-Qiang’s gunpowder art and Mona Hatoum’s mind-bending pieces in which everyday items like cheese graters suddenly take on whole new meaning. It may be busier now, but whenever I used to go, I often had the place to myself! Although in part, that might be because it is a bit difficult to find!

The MIA is much more popular. Not only does the museum have excellent permanent and temporary exhibitions, but the view from the cafe of the Doha skyline isn’t half bad! The museum has the largest collection in the world of Islamic art, and you could easily spend all day exploring every floor in the building. Every special exhibit they showed was very well curated, however, my absolute favourite was Kings and Pawns, which showcased the history of board games (particularly chess) across the world.

North Qatar

Chris W. – CTB Global® (Chris Travel Blog)

Qatar is a nation which is frequently visited as a stopover destination. Many will just visit the capital Doha or make a trip into the Qatar desert, but there is much more in the north. Today, Qatar is an oil & gas country, but in the 17th and 18th century it was the pearl and fishing industry. That heritage, which you should add to your Qatar itinerary, can be seen in the north in the form of rock carvings, ruined fishing villages and forts.

It’s recommended to go with a driver and guide to these places, as the ruined village and rock carvings can only be visited with a permit which is difficult to arrange on short notice. The rock carvings are located at (N 25° 57′ 07.7″ E 51° 24′ 22.8″). These carvings are said to be drawings of fishermen waiting for boats to pick them up. Some are used for games, some depict animals and other boats. Combine to the carvings with Al Jemail (N 26° 05′ 46.89″ E 51° 09′ 21.94″) which is the best-preserved ruined fishing village. Again, one needs a permit or a guide to enter. It’s a ghost town where you can see old houses, the mosque, shops, and other buildings. You can visit both places on a morning or afternoon.

Another great half day Qatar tour is to Al Zubarah fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The fort is completely restored and explains about Qatar’s history. Around the fort there are several excavations of the town surrounding the fort which require a guide to visit. Contact a day in advance to make sure a guide is available. Together these three places make up a great day trip from Doha to northern Qatar. A must do day trip on any Qatar itinerary.

United Arab Emirates

Dubai

Razena Schroeder – Tantalise My Taste Buds

In the past decade, Dubai has evolved from a dusty layover on the way to somewhere exciting, to one of the best destinations in the Middle East, offering visitors a multicultural experience unlike any other. There are many Dubai excursions on offer, but traditional culture can also be found among the skyscrapers if you know where to look.

For a taste of Old Dubai, step back in time in the traditional marketplaces or souks of Deira and Bur Dubai that specialise in precious metals, textiles, spices, perfumes and clothing. From the banks of the Dubai Creek, traditional dhows vie for space alongside motorised and air-conditioned abras that ferry commuters, shoppers and visitors between the two banks. 

Far from the glittering towers of New Dubai and the major Dubai tourist spots, experience local Emirati hospitality and traditions in the historic Al Fahidi Neighbourhood (formerly Al Bastakiya). The district has been given a new life with the recent opening of the Al Seef lifestyle destination with its traditional architecture evoking a connection to the past. The area has become a haven for culture lovers to explore the heritage sites and museums, and to learn about the traditional culture and pastimes of the local population during the heyday of the pearl diving industry, before the discovery of oil.

Saudi Arabia

Abha

Noel Cabacungan – Ten Thousand Strangers

Abha is the southwestern capital of Saudi Arabia. In 2017, the city was declared the country’s tourism capital for having the mildest weather in the whole kingdom, even during the peak of summer. It constantly receives rain throughout the year that allows the growth of thick juniper forest and other coniferous trees which, in turn, provides a breeding ground for several wild bird and animal species.

Jabal Sawda (Mt. Souda), the country’s highest peak, is one of the main attractions in Abha. It is a part of Asir National Park. The virgin forest at the top makes for the perfect campsite, and provides a magnificent view of the Sarawat Mountain Range. Aside from overnight camping, some of the popular outdoor activities include tandem paragliding and riding the cable cars down the Souda Resort surrounded by several mountains.

The Hamadryas Baboons, a baboon species commonly found in the Arabian peninsula, grow wild in the area. Though they don’t usually attack people, a pack managed to steal our food supply during a three-day camp

As of present, the country does not issue tourist visas unless you’re coming to Saudi Arabia for pilgrimage, employment, or special diplomatic purposes. But while you’re in the country, I highly recommend Jeddah and Abha travels, not only for experiencing culture but also to get a glimpse of the country’s geographical diversity.

Jeddah

Noel Cabacungan – Ten Thousand Strangers

Jeddah is the main gateway to Mecca and Medina, the two sacred cities of the Islamic religion. It receives over a billion tourists from all over the world who are primarily visiting for the pilgrimage. But if you are looking to visit Jeddah itself, there is plenty to explore.

Geographically, Jeddah is a port city, with access to the western Saudi Arabian coastline, particularly the Red Sea coast. Among the top places to visit in Jeddah is the Corniche, which stretches to over 110 kilometres and is divided into the northern, central, and south corniche.

The central corniche consists mainly of picnic grounds and several commercial establishments along a paved esplanade.  This is the place to go if a foreigner wants to catch a glimpse of the laidback culture and the simplicity of everyday life in the country. The northern corniche has the most beautiful sandy beaches and luxury resorts in the Kingdom. Because of the conservative culture in the country, some of the northern corniche resorts are only accessible to expats and foreigners. The southern corniche, however, is the least developed one but is also popular among fishing hobbyists.

The temperature in Jeddah usually reaches to more than 40C in the peak of summer and, being a coastal city, humidity can be higher than 80%. The Jeddah Tower, the building that is set to topple Burj Khalifa in terms of height, is currently under construction in the city.

Iran

Qeshm

Vanessa Ball – Wanders Miles

Qeshm Island, Iran, the largest island in the Persian Gulf, is situated in the Strait of Hormuz off the coast of Iran. It’s packed with natural geological history protected by UNESCO, and a wonderful variety of wildlife – and no visa is required to visit to visit Qeshm.

Take a boat ride and appreciate the natural beauty of the Hara Mangrove Forest, a birdwatcher’s paradise. Head to Tandis Valley or Statue Valley: this was underwater in years gone by, and has created some crazy looking ‘statues’ after being weathered by the sea. The salt cave at Namakdan (Namak means salt in Persian) is considered to be the largest in the world at 6850 metres long and was only discovered in 1997! Another geological wonder is Chahkuh Valley, where the ivory walls of the gorge have been formed into artistic sculptures by dramatic weather and movement in the tectonic plates.

No trip to Qeshm is complete without marvelling at the Valley of the Fallen stars, especially at sunset – it’s like being on another planet. According to local legend, the Fallen Star Valley came into being centuries ago when a falling star crashed into the earth, and the maze of ravines and towers are haunted by the voices of ghosts. If you do get a chance, visit the nearby Hengam Island by boat to see and enjoy the beautiful beaches and local life, and watch the dolphins play as you pass by.

Yazd

Veronika Primm – Travel Geekery

I spent 2 weeks in Iran and visited Tehran, Shiraz, Esfahan and Yazd. Yazd was perhaps my most favourite.

There are 3 main reasons I’d recommend you to visit Yazd too:

1. Old town filled with mud houses
   The heart of Yazd city features narrow streets lined with mud structures. It looks so out of this world! Special chimneys called ‘badgir’ stick out of the mud houses and provide much needed cool ventilation inside.
2. People
   Everywhere we went, Iranians greeted us with hospitality, sheer curiosity and a joy that there are foreigners visiting their country, hoping we’d spread the word about what Iran’s truly like. Political issues aside, the people are one of the friendliest I’ve ever encountered on my travels. A simple “Hello, where are you from” would develop into (pleasant) hour-long conversations about everything. Many students stop you in your tracks and so you can have genuine smart discussions about all sorts of things.
3. Surrounding areas
   A new friend we met on the street – he was a PhD student who just started chatting with us – took us to see the Tower of Silence. It’s an important Zoroastrian site and a hill with nice views, especially during sunset.You can also take a half-day trip to Chak Chak, Kharanaq and Meybod – all sites are deeply connected with Iran’s history and very interesting.

Oman

Muscat

Ania James – The Travelling Twins

I lived in Muscat for six years and fell in love with Muscat, Oman and the Omani people.

Muscat is the perfect location to spend a few days, learn about Omani culture, visit museums and the Royal Opera House, and haggle at the old Mutrah souq – just some of the many places to visit in Muscat. When you tire of all this culture you can go to Shatti beach, order cold coffee or mixed juice, sit under a palm tree and observe young Omani men playing football on the sand against a backdrop of the sun setting over the Indian Ocean.

Muscat is also the perfect base to explore Oman. A two hour drive takes you to Jebel Akhdar and then farther to Jebel Shams – respectively the Green Mountain and the Sun Mountain. The highest mountains in Oman are at turns beautiful and awe inspiring – and an escape from the heat of the city. In Muscat, you are only three hours away from the rolling sand dunes of the Wahiba desert, or a five hour drive away from sparkling Dubai. Muscat has it all, a real Arab city with old markets and stunning new buildings, long beautiful beaches and high mountains. You must come and see it.

Salalah

Rahma Khan – The Sane Adventurer

Salalah is the second largest city in Oman after Muscat, and is full of history, religion, and culture.

The largest city in the Dhofar governate of Oman, Salalah is popular for its mystical and beautiful Khareef (monsoon) season. From July to September, the city transforms into a lush green paradise with misty weather – there are even waterfalls in Salalah during this season. The pleasant and unique climate of Salalah during Khareef makes it a wonderland in the desert. The Khareef is also the time of the year when the city plays host to tourists from all over the Middle East.

Salalah is also home to a centuries-old Frankincense civilization, the ruins of which are still preserved. The site is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with a Frankincense Museum with relics and artefacts from the period. Another thing that makes Salalah a must-visit for tourists is its close relevancy with Arabian culture and heritage. The cultural practices of Salalah are adopted from the Yemeni culture as the city borders with Yemen. Salalah is the ultimate destination for anyone looking for adventure, and wanting to indulge in the Arabian cultural diversity and history.

Jordan

Petra

Cat Smith – Walk My World

There are few experiences you’ll ever have quite like your first sight of The Treasury in the heart of Petra. You can see why explorers were blown away when they ‘rediscovered’ this stunningly beautiful tomb, carved into the side of a deep red canyon. The beauty of exploring Petra is that despite it being a popular tourist destination (many companies offer a day trip to Petra from Amman and the southern city of Aqaba), it’s really easy to get off the beaten track.

There is an air of mystery that begins as soon as you enter the site, walking through a 1.3km long Siq (canyon) wondering if around every corner will be your first glimpse of the Treasury. If you go at sunrise when everyone else is still sleeping, it gives you that Indiana Jones feeling of finding a lost treasure.

However, the adventure has only just started. Petra is a huge ancient city, spread over several kilometres with an amphitheatre, the High Place of Sacrifice, The Royal Tombs and much more to explore. You could spend a week here and barely scratch the surface.

Aside from the Treasury, our favourite part of Petra was walking from Little Petra through the desert to the stunning Monastery. This is a less visited part of the ancient city but easily as beautiful.

Petra is one of the few places in the world that not only lives up to the hype, it exceeds it.

Wadi Rum

Federica Provolenti – A Stroll Around The World

Wadi Rum in Jordan is an immense desert of sand which changes from pink to red to ochre depending on the time of the day. Its natural beauty is unquestionable, but there is more beside it. Wadi Rum hides a treasure that not everybody knows. Among its sandstone mountains, natural arches and deep gorges, there are rocks with prehistoric carvings and inscriptions from Neolithic times (7000-4000 BC) to the Nabatean Kingdom (4th century BC until the 1st century AD). Graffiti of camels, horses, caravans, human figures holding arrows and bows testify to the main occupations of the local society.

An important oasis for caravans on the route between Syria and Arabia, Wadi Rum has many springs. Among them, the most famous (and closest to the main entrance) is Lawrence’s Spring, named after the WWI British agent Lawrence of Arabia who made Wadi Rum his headquarters.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2011, Wadi Rum occupies a surface of 74,000 hectares and is located 40 minutes’ driving distance from the sea resort of Aqaba. From Petra to Wadi Rum is a 90-minute drive. Unfortunately, there is no signage that indicates where the cultural heritage sites are. My advice is to book in advance a guide with archaeological expertise that can show you these treasures.

Amman

Sandy Papas – Tray Tables Away

One of the most fascinating cities we have ever visited is Amman in Jordan. A pale, sprawling city of some 4 million people, it is also Jordan’s economic, political and cultural centre. It is the 4th most visited Arab city and, surprisingly, it is also the Middle East’s hub for medical tourism. If you’re wondering what to do in Amman, there are plenty of options available.

The things that really struck me when we visited is not only is it a relatively clean, safe and well-planned city, but it has such a colourful and interesting past, having been invaded at various times by the Romans, the Persians, the Turks and even the Israelis. It occupied a vital location on the King’s Highway, the ancient trade route connecting Egypt, Mesopotamia, Syria and Turkey. Just 48 kilometres north of Amman is one of the best preserved Roman cities in the world – Jerash. Often compared to Pompeii, much of Jerash is still not excavated and is lying under the sand – and there are hardly any tourists to contend with!!

There are plenty of day trips from Amman; it is only about 90 minutes’ drive from the Dead Sea, another fascinating place to visit that is unique in so many ways. Close to fascinating religious sites such as the Baptism Site and the alleged Garden of Eden, it also has incredible health and beauty benefits due to its super high salt content and mineral clay. Or check out Jordan’s desert castles, also a short trip from the capital. Amman to Wadi Rum needs an overnight stay, but is still well worth the effort.

Petra too is possible to visit as a day trip, albeit a very long one. You can see why we enjoyed our visit to Amman so much!

Israel

Sea of Galilee

Krasen Jelyazkov – Journey Beyond The Horizon

The Sea of Galilee, also known as Lake Tiberias, is one of the most unique places in the world, both historically and geographically. This lake is located in the north of Israel, on the northern end of the East African rift which extends from Syria to East Africa, and is the lowest freshwater lake on the Earth, with an average altitude of 213 m below sea level. Galilee is mostly famous with the life and the ministry of Jesus Christ, making it a holy lake of Christianity. Here you can see and walk on the exact spot where Jesus walked 2000 years ago, and take a boat trip to follow in the wake of Christ on the Sea of Galilee itself. You can read the stories of the Gospels in the Bible and then actually touch the same places described in the holy texts.

But the Sea of Galilee is not just a historical, Biblical and geographical museum. Its stunning landscape, formed by the unique nature of the area, has made it a favourite place for water sports, holiday relaxation and cruises. The Bible describes the story of the storm and the winds which Jesus stopped with a single word; today, kite surfers enjoy these same winds. Go swimming in the lake waters, hike in the surrounding hills, explore the ancient remains, and take a trip across the lake by boat. All of these adventures are just a modern way to dive into the Sea of Galilee’s unique history.

Tel Aviv, Israel

Melissa Conn – The Family Voyage

Tel Aviv, Israel, is truly an “everything” city. You’ll find world-class beaches next to centuries-old cultural sites, populated by people from every continent of the world who are eating and serving up innovative foods that seamlessly fuse traditional Middle Eastern foods with influences from around the world.

But what areas of Tel Aviv are must-sees? It would be hard to miss the action-packed beaches with their glorious Mediterranean sunsets, and you won’t want to. Not only is it a great place for recreation, but it’s also a hub of activity for locals who take to the sand for a game of matkot and stroll along the seaside walkway that stretches the length of the city.

But what areas of Tel Aviv are must-sees? It would be hard to miss the action-packed beaches with their glorious Mediterranean sunsets, and you won’t want to. Not only is it a great place for recreation, but it’s also a hub of activity for locals who take to the sand for a game of matkot and stroll along the seaside walkway that stretches the length of the city.

If you’re more partial to history, take a walk down the coast to the ancient seaport of Jaffa. The old city of Jaffa dates back to the biblical days of Jonah, and today it’s a bustling enclave of young people of all religions living side by side. Wander the narrow streets filled with diverse art galleries, shop in the flea market, dine at some of the city’s most creative restaurants or even just watch the fishing boats in the harbour.

Whatever type of tourism you enjoy, Tel Aviv has something for everyone!

Lebanon

Marysia Maciocha – My Travel Affairs

Lebanon has it all – and it is not an overstatement. It is a small yet a very diverse country, where you can get from the beautiful beaches of the Pigeon Rock to mesmerising mountain views of the Faraya in less than 40 mins. Visit Lebanon in winter, and you can ski in the morning and then relax on the beach in the afternoon.

There are so many places to visit in Lebanon. You can admire cute towns such as Bcharri or Zahle, visit some fantastic wineries and vineyards in the north and enjoy fine dining and nightlife in the capital city. But the country is mainly a haven for history buffs and architecture lovers. Start with Byblos and its 7,000 years of history, discover Baalbek that goes back to Phoenician times, or admire traditional Arabic architecture such as the old city port in Saida.

Lebanon has some of the best examples in the world of Umayyad architecture, such as Aanjar Umayyad Archeological Site, as well as early 19th-century Lebanese architecture such as Beiteddine Palace.  A visit to Lebanon is well worth the effort, without a doubt.

Syria

Damascus

Christian Lindgren – Unusual Traveler

Damascus is often believed to be the oldest continuously inhabited city in the world, with evidence of habitation dating back at least 11,000 years. Even when a civil war was at the doorstep of the Syrian capital, the city managed to stay normal. All the historical sites are almost completely undamaged from the war, and in 2018 life is totally back to normal around the city, with hotels already full of foreign tourists. You can now get a tourist visa in less than 72 hours, although you must be accompanied by a guide during your stay.

If you’re going to visit Damascus you should stay around Bob Touma, the old city of Damascus. Here, you can visit Umayyad Mosque, the fourth holiest place in Islam, walk around some of the oldest Christian neighbourhoods in the world, and relax with a beer or two in one of the many bars and clubs.

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Is Syria safe to visit?

Both the UK and US governments advise against all travel to Syria at the present time. I believe the country will need help to get back the tourist revenue it so desperately needs, but any decision to visit at a future date should be based on the latest advice on the Foreign and Commonwealth Office website, or the equivalent in your country of origin.

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