20 Best Places to Visit in the Middle East

We would like to visit many places during our lifetime. The interesting part is we would not go to any place that we do not like. Enjoying every bit of our visit to any place is the propaganda we set for ourselves. As we come back home after a tour, the memories will stay for a long time.

List of Top 20 Places To Visit In The Middle East

The middle east is a transcontinental region, comprising of western Asia and few parts of Africa. Incidentally the best tourist locations are also present in this region. This article will give you a clear idea of which place or places you would like to visit this year. We are presenting you with the 20 best places in the middle east that you must not miss to explore and enjoy.

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

A magnificent city which can be called a vacation paradise has got no enough words to describe the beauty of the place. Dubai is filled with man made wonders with tallest buildings adorning the place. Losing time without notice is a common complaint by most of the tourists who visit Dubai. Yes, you will never know how time flies here.

Beaches and grand hotels mark the specialty of Dubai while vast Desert and Water parks make it splendid. The tallest building of the world is worth a visit. Let us not forget the festivals and all the festivals are connected to shopping. Visiting Dubai is a memorable decision and it is worth the money, effort and energy.

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Situated in the Persian Gulf, Abu Dhabi marks the place of perfect blend – Modern Trend and Traditional being. The contemporary culture of the place is stacked in perfect order that makes this place a tourist paradise. Magnificent man-made architecture and natural sea water in the form of beaches is a gift for a tourists’ eyes.

The Yas Mall or the Saadiyat beach offers a complete package of fun. It is just not one thing that you can expect, it is up to you to decide which is the ONE you want. The AL Lu Lu island, a natures perfect gift with blue waters along with breathtaking watersports.

The desert driving or the village walking, the place gives you the choice to be made. Abu Dhabi has got all and you can come home with bag full of stuffs purchased there.

Doha, Qatar

The small, oil rich nation has got its capital city to limelight with its tourist attractions. Doha is completely human made city. Shopping is a pastime here, and that too Souq Waqif – place noted for selling anything under the sky. The tradition dates back to 100 years, however people here have maintained the Qatari culture and architecture. It can be seen even in the restaurants here.

Man made islands to human engineered hotels; Doha is an exquisite location to view richness in every bit. The islands are filled with apartments, hotels, it marks an exclusive address to Doha. Museum of Islamic arts will take you aback for its collections and beauty. Doha is also a food hub, never miss to taste the Arabian cuisine.

Istanbul, Turkey

Istanbul is a transcontinental city in Europe. Historical Monuments and Skyscrapers are the best to be seen in this city. Istanbul was a part of the historic silk road. A narrow strait of Bosphorus cuts the city into two and the view of skyline of domes and buildings is an amazing sight of excellent architecture.

Indeed, this place has a complicated heritage being the imperial capital for almost 16 centuries in the past. Archeological beauty of as old as 600BC is put to display by nature.

Cairo, Egypt

A marvelous mixture of rich cultural heritage and geographical features, earth brings nature to light with Cairo. The capital city offers wide varieties of options to explore. It is mostly thought that Egypt is a country of desert and survival is difficult. You must visit once to see how life is carried forward here.

Cairo is a land of learning and culture. The fascinating architecture of the city and prehistoric buildings brings laurels to this place. The Pyramids, the address of Egypt is to be never missed. While you visit Cairo, do not miss out on shopping and cruising.

Petra, Jordan

Petra is an ancient city in Jordan. This city was made by carving it from the rock. This can be easily noticed as the entire place is filled with rocks. The red colored texture of the place makes it look even ancient and you will certainly be taken back to 600 BC.

The magnificent primeval structures and prehistoric sites marks the beauty of this place. Travelling in rented donkeys if you cannot walk is totally a unique pattern of transportation. Walking through the desert, exploring monuments and understanding the trade that happened thousands of years ago is simply splendid.

Beirut, Lebanon

Magnificent city to visit in the middle east. The city mixed with French style boulevards and avenues with mammoth mosques built by the Muslim rulers in the past marks the identity of Beirut. Not to forget the ruins of Roman temples which is readily available for the visitors to see.

This 6000-year-old city has museums which is 3500 years old. Man made American university housing bird sanctuary, green botanical garden and a private beach in the 61-acre land is a must visit place in Beirut.

The town of Baalbek giving you the glimpse of Roman temple which is 1800 years old. The pigeon rocks or the Martyr’s square, you have almost everything for any type of a visitor.

Damascus, Syria

One of the oldest cities of the world, Damascus shows its elegance through ruins. The city has pleasant modern trend too. You can readily notice the change in civilizations across 1000 years from Egyptians to French in all aspects of architecture and culture.

Be it the Ummayad Mosque or the Souq, the old Syrian lifestyle is evident. The tall roman gates and the religious places to find the calm in itself. The hospitality of the people is commendable. The old houses that you can see are the ones built generations before, a few of them converted to restaurants and hotels.

Paphos, Cyprus

A harbor city of Cyprus – Paphos is indeed a place to explore the coastal archeological finds. The mosaics of Roman Villas are still powerful and vibrant. The archeology park will make you spend the entire day seeing the ruins of Roman era. The buildings and structures are easily 2000 years old.

The place is considered to the birthplace of Goddess Aphrodite and everything that you see has a touch of it. In fact few places are named after the Goddess, like the Aphrodite Water Park and so on. The old buildings, ruins and monasteries are just owning this place.

An elegant Zoological park and a wine tour will add value to your trip to Paphos.

Kuwait City, Kuwait

Capital of Kuwait, standing tall after war and destruction has wonderful tourist attractions. Right from the Kuwait Tower, you will notice the man-madewonders in the form of structure and texture. The mosques with vast interiors and domes is elegant and the natural beaches and white sand is a classical show for tourists.

The house of mirrors is a splendid example of glass art and glitter in the middle of tall and gigantic buildings. To view the progress of the city, visit Seif Palace. It is a prime example of Islamic architecture. If your plan is to stay away from the crowd, then Green island must be your choice. It is an artificial island and a place of solace and tranquility.

Nizwa, Oman

This is an ancient city has successfully preserved its tradition and heritage after all the modernization. Bahla and Nizwa forts are the famous monuments here. Nizwa is a place where you can prominently see limestone ills with shrubs grown in it. The other prominent aspect will be the desert.

Oman has undergone many rebellious movements and resulted destructions in the form of ruins can also be viewed. Wadi Ghul and Nizwa Souq are never to be missed in Nizwa. Desert Camel adventure becomes the prime part of your tour.

Jerusalem, Israel

Located on a plateau in the Judaean Mountains, Jerusalem is holy to three major faiths – Judaism, Christianity and Islam. Starting from the Old city of Jerusalem, a must visit place you will always want to come back to this place, you will feel this every time you visit Jerusalem. The lively bustling market in the city is a major spot for you to spend days shopping.

The panoramic view of the city can be got from the Mount of Olives, the religious place for both Christians and the Jews. The Biblical Zoo, Israel Museum are the world’s best. If you want to walk through history, then you have the ‘City of David’, a major place to see the rampage and beauty of time has got for the city.

Al Balad, Saudi Arabia

This city came into existence 1300 years ago. An old part of Jeddah, Al Balad is the gateway of religious Muslims to reach Mecca. An interesting village with many historical monuments and sites. Mall of Arabia will invite you right after you land in the airport, you can shop till you feel tired and assured that there are many after you feel tired too.

Al Shallal Theme Park or Jeddah Corniche, you can choose your place for your convenience to stay relaxed or go on an adventure. Scuba Diving, Floating mosques and the world’s tallest fountain awaits y9u to see live.

Dahab, Egypt

A small town in Egypt, Dahab has a lot in store for the tourists. The place offers a different perception of Egypt. While many of us think, Egypt is of Pyramids, Dahab proves you wrong. The city is blue with coastal waters.

Be it Scuba Diving or Dahab’s Blue Hole, you need to be adventurous if you visit Dahab. The free diving challenge is worth a lifetime activity here. Kitesurfing and Windsurfing is common in this place. As always with Egypt, do not forget to take a camel ride.

Manama, Bahrain

An excellent identity for Bahrain’s history is Manama. Be it the Qurans of every century you wanted to see till the mosques, Islamic culture swarms around this place. Manama Souq and its entrance, an elegant giant gate will welcome you. The fitting tribute of lot of historical movies with narrow streets and alleys is Manama’s beauty.

Amidst Islamic traditions, there lies a 200-year-old temple and the oldest in the gulf region – Jay Shri Krishna Temple. A fitting counterpart is 8^th century mosque in narrow alleys of Manama.

Manama craft center and Art Galleries are a must visit places. The modern architecture can be seen through the Financial Harbour towers.

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia’s capital city is situated on a desert plateau. Riyadh offers you the classical history blended with modern skyscrapers. The huge old city walls once protected the city from trade route is a treat to watch.

Archeological sites that are present in Riyadh are over 1000 years old. The clay and mudbrick fort called the Masmak Fort will readily give you an idea of how the kingdom of Saudi was. This place is converted to a museum to learn the history behind the fort and the kingdom.

The King Abdul Aziz historical center, Historical Diriyah gives you the picture of Saudi Arabia’s Royal family. National Museum, Deera Square, Sky Bridge and Al Faisaliah Tower gives you the modern architecture of Riyadh.

Amadiya, Iraq

This place in Kurdistan offers you the interesting places to visit among the Gulf Countries. Landscape is filled with high mountains, lush green hills and snow-covered cliffs. Interestingly, Amadiya or Amedi is situated on top of a flat mountain and the view of valleys from it is incredible.

It is claimed by the archeological experts that this city is 3000 years old. No doubt, Amedi has historical sites for its identity. Amedi is well known for a fact that not only Muslims lived here, Christians and Jews also lived here in peace.

The Wise Men story starts here, the 3 most important priests started from this place to see the newborn Jesus. The place is a small village, very calm and welcomed by the 14^th century stone Gate called the Bahdinan Gate.

Isfahan, Iran

A hub of Persian architecture is Isfahan. People will delve into the mosques, bridges, gardens and the palaces. A very good example of fine architecture starts from Imam Square. This is a UNESCO world heritage site, has a grassy lawn to be seated to spend leisure time apart from seeing the marvel beauty of the structure.

The grand bazaar of Isfahan is a hub of handicrafts. The 8^th century Jameh Mosque is yet another splendid display of engineering.

Erbil, Iraq

This place was called as Arbela in the ancient times, Erbil is the largest city in Iraqi Kurdistan. Almost 30,000 years of history at the back, Erbil stands tall with lot of historical sites filled with ancient cafes and bazaars.

Erbil is a pro-western business hub. Erbil’s main square will show you the difference of other Iraq’s places and this. A vibrant social gathering place where people turn up to mingle. Visiting the citadel also gives you a tad touch of history.

Ankawa is a Christian community in Erbil where the nightlife is never ending.

Jerash, Jordan

People started living since the Bronze Age, it is very well known for the ruins of the walled Greco-Roman settlement of Gerasa. Jerash includes the 2nd-century Hadrian’s Arch, the Corinthian columns of the Temple of Artemis and the huge Forum’s oval colonnade.

The archeological experts have done a lot of excavations here and it is all displayed in the museum – Jerash Archeological Museum. The Temple of Artemis, South Theatre displays the ancient monuments for you.

The Roman ruins of Jerash has its beauty right from the ceremonial gates to the colonnaded avenues.

Musandam, Oman

A pretty untouched place also called as Norway of the middle east. The coastal regions are swarmed with families joining for partying. Observing the wildlife on a boat will be a new experience. The deep blue waters of Musandam is the home of several turtles and spotting a dolphin is a common one.