Choose from 633 Fun Things to Do in Middle East And Africa
ShowingFilter 201-220 of 633 listings.
Elsamere Conservation Park
One of several private conservancies in Kenya, the Elsamere Conservation Park is located on the southern shore of Lake Naivasha in the Rift Valley.
It's here that conservationist Joy Adamson nurtured some of her orphaned big cats -- including the most famous: Elsa. This orphaned lion cub was hand-raised in the 1950s by Joy and her husband, George, and released into the African bush. The book Joy wrote about the experience, "Born Free", was made into a movie.
The area is still a haven for wildlife, with its own small troop of black and white colobus monkeys in the acacia trees. Fish Eagles can be found on the lakeshore, and hippos, eland and zebra graze on the lawns at night. More than 260 species of bird including rare species such as the Verreaux's Giant Eagle Owl have been spotted.
Practical Info:
Elsamere is located between Lake Naivasha National Park and Hell's Gate National Park, about a two-hour drive from Nairobi. Visitors can come for a visit between 3 and 6 p.m. stay overnight in one of four cottages (rates start at $165 per night) or sign up for a course at the Field Study Centre. Established in 1989, the field study centre continues the conservation work started by the Adamsons.
Elsamere is operated by the Elsa Conservation Trust, established in 1963.
Address: 1497-20117 Naivasha, Africa, Kenya
Admission: Check website for details
From $ 160
Beit Al Quran
The Beit Al Qur’an (House of the Quran) is dedicated to Islamic heritage and the understanding of the Holy Qur’an. Housed in a building based on the 12th-century Al Khamis Mosque, with its engraved Qur’anic verses and slender minaret, here you’ll find an impressive collection of Qur’ans and other antique manuscripts, showcasing a stunning display of calligraphy.
Visiting the Beit Al Qur’an provides an insight into Islam, and Kufic script in particular. The museum is spread across several floors, with exhibits well-labelled in both English and Arabic. There are also some rare Islamic artifacts on display, plus jewelry and beautifully decorated glass utensils that illustrate how Islamic heritage has influenced art all across the world.
The best way to visit the Beit Al Qur’an is as part of a larger day tour where you can explore the most famous attractions in Bahrain, including Al Fateh Grand Mosque, the Bahrain National Museum, Bahrain Fort, the Royal Camel Farm, the Burial Mounds and Manama Souq.
Insider’s Tip: Keep an eye out for the miniature Qur'ans, the smallest of which is from 18th-century Persia and measures just 4.7 centimeters by 3.2 centimeters.
Practical Info
If not arriving as part of an organized tour, you can drive to the the Beit Al Qur’an by taking the Sheikh Hamad Causeway to Road No.1901. The main entrance and car park are on the southern side of the building at the back. All visitors should dress conservatively.
Address: Road No.1901, off Sheikh Hamad Causeway, Manama, Bahrain
Hours: 9am-12pm and 4pm-6pm, Saturday to Wednesday / 9am-12:30pm, Thursdays (Closed on Fridays)
From $ 107
Ben Youssef Madrasa
Some say the entrance to Ben Youssef Madrasa is purposefully humble and bland. Little more than a wooden door facing out towards the buzzing medina, the entrance is nothing more than perhaps a storefront, office, or home. The inscription, however, written above the door, beckons travelers in further: “You who enter my door, may your highest hopes be exceeded.” Indeed, once you duck through the narrow entrance and the medina noise fades behind you, what emerges before you is the soaring courtyard of a 16th-century madrasa.
Constructed back in 1570 as an Islamic place of learning, Ben Youssef Madrasa would swell to include over 900 dedicated students. At its peak, it was North Africa’s largest Islamic school and had 132 dorms—some of which are so tiny and small you must crouch down low to enter. Though the madrasa formally stopped educating students back in 1960, extensive refurbishment has turned it into an informative site for visitors. Learn how the patterns, archways, and styles are of Andalucian design, similar to those of Granada’s Alhambra or the Alcanzar in Sevilla. Stroll around the reflection pond that shimmers within the courtyard, and soak in the silence and calming surrounds away from the bustling medina. For over 500 years this building has served as a temple to education—and while students no longer memorize the Quran or study Islamic law, visitors continue to learn today through windows into the past.
Practical Info
Ben Youssef Madrasa is open daily from 9am-6pm. It is closed on specific religious holidays, and admission is approximately $5 for entry into the madrasa, or $6 to combine a ticket with the nearby Marrakech Museum.
Address: Kaat Benahid, Marrakech, Morocco
Hours: Daily 9am-6pm; closed some holidays
Admission: Adults $5-$6
From $ 21
Ben Ezra Synagogue
Ben Ezra Synagogue used to be a Christian place of worship by the name of El-Shamieen Church and according to a legend, the building was built on the exact spot where Moses was found as a baby in his basket. However, when the Coptic Christians owning it weren’t able to pay the annual taxes imposed by the Muslim rulers any longer, they had to sell the church. It was sold to Abraham Ben Ezra, who purchased the building in 882 AD for 20,000 dinars and turned it into a Jewish synagogue.
The synagogue became a place where North African Jews congregated for major festivals and famous rabbis came to worship on their visits to Cairo. Then, during a restoration in 1890, the most famous and diverse Geniza in the world was found. In an empty space below the roof, roughly 300,000 priceless manuscripts were hidden away, a collection that is now known as the Cairo Geniza. The manuscripts have long since been transferred to different libraries, but visitors to the synagogue will still be able to visit this place of historical importance and learn about Coptic and Jewish Cairo. In fact, the Ben Ezra Synagogue is the most visited Jewish site in the city and surprises visitors with the beautiful geometric and floral patterns in the Turkish style.
Practical Info
Ben Ezra Synagogue is located right behind the hanging church and next to the line 1 metro station Mar Girgis in the district of Old Cairo. The synagogue is open daily from 8am to 4pm.
Address: Cairo, Egypt
Hours: Open daily from 8am to 4pm
From $ 12
Great Pyramid of Giza (Khufu)
The Great Pyramid of Giza (Khufu), is the largest of the Giza Pyramids and the oldest member of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. This great structure was constructed on the orders of Khufu, the second ruler of the Fourth Dynasty of Ancient Egypt, taking thousands of workers more than two decades to build.
The Great Pyramid incorporates more than two million stone blocks. The original height was 146 meters, when it was covered by a casing that formed a smooth outer surface. Due to centuries of crumbling what is seen today is the underlying core structure, which reaches 139 meters tall. Some of the casing stones that once covered the pyramid can still be seen around the base of the structure.
Inside, the Great Pyramid features three burial chambers. There’s an underground chamber cut out from the bedrock of which the pyramid is built, while the second is above ground and known as the Queen's Chamber. The third, the King's Chamber at the top of the structure, holds a large red granite sarcophagus.
Practical Info
If not arriving as part of an organized tour with transport included, you can take a taxi from the center of Cairo to reach the Giza Pyramids. Once there, you can choose to walk or take a camel ride around the complex. It is possible to go inside the Great Pyramid, but be warned that the spaces are small and the climbs steep and narrow. (You will also need a separate ticket and these are limited to 300 per day.)
Did You Know? Each of the Giza Pyramids is dedicated to a different Pharaoh from the Old Kingdom’s Fourth Dynasty. Most theories about how the pyramids were built agree that they were constructed by thousands of workers quarrying huge stone blocks from the Nile then dragging and lifting them into place.
Address: Al Haram, Giza, Egypt
Hours: Daily 8am-5pm
Admission: Giza Pyramids complex: E£80; Great Pyramid of Giza (Khufu): E£200
From $ 6
Erg Chebbi
These massive dunes formed by golden wind-blown sand offer visitors an iconic taste of the Sahara’s constantly changing landscape. Spanning more than 50 kilometers near the border of Algeria, these towering shape shifters prove a destination for locals and tourists alike. While nearby Merzouga is considered the tourist center of this area, it’s the overnight journeys—either by foot, camel or 4x4—into the desert that provide visitors to Erg Chebbi with the quintessential Moroccan escape.
Practical Info
Erg Chebbi is located about 60 kilometers south of Erfoud and 40 kilometers from Merzouga.
Address: Erg Chebbi, Morocco
From $ 17
Emirates National Auto Museum
The Emirates National Auto Museum is home to the private collection of Sheikh Hamad Bin Hamdan Al Nahyan and exhibits more than 200 unique and classic vehicles.
Set within a pyramid-shaped building, there’s a workshop located around the back of the main museum. All of the exhibits are in excellent condition, and car lovers will rejoice at this fascinating collection, which features everything from 4x4 vehicles and racing cars to classic American motors. It’s also home to a steam-powered Mercedes from 1885, along with what is considered to be the world's largest truck.
In 1983 the Sheikh bought seven Mercedes, one for each day of the week, which he had painted the colors of the rainbow. All seven are on display in the museum and each is kitted out with such conveniences as TVs and refrigerators.
Practical Info
The Emirates National Auto Museum is around an hour’s drive south of Abu Dhabi on Hamim Road off the E11. It’s open daily from 9am until 6pm.
Address: Hameem, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Hours: Open daily from 9am until 6pm.
Admission: AED 50, Children Under 10 are free
From $ 73
Great Rift Valley
The Rift Valley provides some of Kenya’s most dramatic scenery, with sheer cliffs, algae-rich lakes and desert expanses dotted here and there with fertile farming land. Apart from famous flamingo hotspot Lake Nakuru National Park, there are a number of nature reserves, including Hell’s Gate National Park. The natural hot geysers and steam vents here are a reminder of the geothermal activity which carved out the valley. Not only does this park have some of the most amazing landscape in the Rift Valley, you can (unlike most nature reserves) tour it without a guide.
Nearby Lake Naivasha has two impressive wildlife sanctuaries, one in a scenic volcanic crater lake setting. And as an alternative to Nakuru, consider Lake Bogoria, which also attracts thousands of flamingos.
Practical Info:
The narrowest point of the valley is just north of Nairobi, and most points of interest in the region are easily accessible from the capital.
Address: Kenya
From $ 75
Emirates Park Zoo
With 1,700 animals, the Emirates Park Zoo in Abu Dhabi is home to a variety of species, from local goats to the more exotic savannah lions and cheetahs. Located close to the city, it is the perfect way to spend a day out with the family, with a petting zoo and sea lion show providing entertainment for the kids.
From admiring the rare and impressive white tigers to feeding giraffes and elephants under the guidance of trained zoo professionals, there is something for everyone here. The zoo aspires to play its part in conservation and as such wants to encourage children and adults alike to learn more about the challenges of wildlife in the modern world. The site is split into several sections, including the bird park, primate parade, the aquarium, and snake alley. Several areas are indoors and air-conditioned, meaning the zoo can be visited all year round.
From Abu Dhabi, the easiest way to visit the Emirates Park Zoo is to book a day tour that includes hotel pickup and drop off. Traveling with a private guide makes it a unique experience, giving you an insight into the lives of the animals as well as ample free time to walk around and explore the zoo at your own pace.
Practical Info
If not arriving as part of an organized tour, you can reach the zoo by taking a metered taxi or regional bus from the city.
Did You Know? The Emirates Park Zoo has a unique and unusual guest, Jasper the cheetah. Rescued with other cheetah cubs from smugglers selling them as pets, Jasper has developed a quirky skill as a painter. His paintings are sold to the public and all the profits go towards conservation.
Address: 12th Street, Al Bahya, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Hours: Sunday-Wednesday 9am-8pm; Thursday-Saturday 9am-9pm
Admission: Adult: 30 AED / Child: 20 AED / Child under two: Free
From $ 11
Bethlehem
An ancient city in the West Bank in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, Bethlehem is home to many significant religious sites, including the Church of The Nativity in Manger Square, believed by Christians to be the birthplace of Jesus.
The Basics
Many visitors to Bethlehem come to experience the Church of the Nativity and Manger Square, thought to be the place where Jesus was born. The ancient structure and adjoining Franciscan Church of St. Catherine are incredible to walk through. Other sights like Rachel's tomb, the Mosque of Omar, and the Milk Grotto Chapel are fascinating to explore and Bethlehem's Old City is fun to wander through with shops, open markets, and beautiful architecture. Many guided tours include a visit to Bethlehem on their itineraries
Things to Know Before You Go
- Always carry your passport with you while traveling to the West Bank, as you’ll be asked to show it at Israeli checkpoints
- Be aware that you will be crossing borders from Israel into the Occupied Palestinian Territories; you’ll need to plan transportation ahead of time as Israeli taxis do not cross the border
- The Church of the Nativity is a religious site and visitors are expected to dress appropriately with covered arms and legs.
How to Get There
Although Bethlehem is only located only 6 miles (9 kilometers) from Jerusalem, it can be difficult to reach. The No. 21 public bus runs from Lions Gate in the Muslim Quarter of Jerusalem’s Old City to Bethlehem frequently throughout the day. Visitors can also drive if they reserve a car from a Palestinian rental service (Israeli car companies do not insure cars that go to the West Bank). There are also private shuttles, private taxi services, and guided tours which include trips to Bethlehem.
When to Get There
Bethlehem is a popular destination year round, but many pilgrims and visitors like to visit Bethlehem around Christmas when Manger Square is beautifully strung with lights.
Soloman’s Pools
Soloman’s Pools are legendary reservoirs located in southern Bethlehem on the road to Hebron. The three pools are said to have been built by King Solomon in the 1st or 2nd century to provide water to Jerusalem. In the 17th century a castle called Qal’at al Burak or citadel of the pools was built to protect the pools and today the castle is home to what is possibly the world’s largest collection of Palestinian culture and history.
Address: Israel
Admission: Free
From $ 565
Erg Chigaga
The Sahara Desert has two major dunes that are tourist attractions – Erg Chebbi near Merzouga, and Erg Chigaga near M'hamid.
Both dunes are difficult to access – you can only reach them via 4x4 vehicles or camels, or by walking – although Erg Chebbi is better known and more visited. Erg Chigaga offers a somewhat wilder dune experience. You can do camel treks, 4x4 excursions, or overnight camping trips at Erg Chigaga, all provided you've got a guide. There is even a luxury camp at Erg Chigaga, with 10 large tents or a smaller private camp with four tents.
Practical Info
It takes roughly nine hours to reach Erg Chigaga from Marrakech, including two hours that's only accessible via 4x4s. The Erg Chigaga Luxury Camp is closed from June 7 to September 7 because of the intense summer heat.
Address: M'Hamid El Ghizlane, Morocco
From $ 87
Emirates Palace
Opened in 2005, the 5-star Emirates Palace hotel is one of Abu Dhabi’s top attractions for its sheer scale and grandeur. The multi-domed luxury hotel, part of Kempinski Hotels, sits on the beachfront in palm-sprinkled gardens and makes a lavish retreat for guests and a must-see for Abu Dhabi visitors.
The Basics
Overlooking its 0.8-mile (1.3-kilometer) private beach, Emirates Palace is a modern Arabian showstopper, with soaring arches, domes, and windows fronted by fountains and a gigantic staircase. The hotel measures just over a half-mile (1 kilometer) from wing to wing, and features vast halls; gold, crystal, and marble décor; Swarovski chandeliers; and 394 rooms and 92 suites.
Visitors not ready to splurge on a stay can experience the hotel in other ways: eating at an on-site hotel restaurant or booking a spa treatment. Many Abu Dhabi city tours include an exterior photo op or time to explore the hotel's public areas, while others include lunch at one of the restaurants.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Emirates Palace is a must for luxury travelers, sightseers, and culture vultures.
- Experience the hotel on a photo op or brief visit on a wider city tour.
- Most communal areas are open to visitors, so you can view the interior independently.
- Dress code is smart-casual: Expect to be refused entry if wearing shorts, flip-flops, or open sandals.
- The hotel and grounds are wheelchair accessible.
How to Get There
There are several ways to reach Emirates Palace. Visitors can view the hotel on a guided Abu Dhabi tour, or catch a cab or self-drive to the entrance on the city’s West Corniche Road. Alternatively, several public buses run by the hotel—look for those heading to Al Marina and ask to hop off just before for a short walk to the gate.
When to Get There
Nonresidents can view the hotel’s communal areas free, any time. That said, it’s best to avoid weekends—Fridays and Saturdays—or during any big event, as the hotel may refuse entry if it’s busy. To ensure admission, you may want to reserve a table at a restaurant or the café.
Top Tips for Visiting Emirates Palace
To experience the opulence of Emirates Palace’s without staying there, pop in to enjoy its signature Palace Cappuccino, sprinkled with 24-carat gold flakes. Otherwise, up the luxury with an afternoon tea of scones, sandwiches, and dessert cakes with premium teas or coffees. Both are served at Le Café, and you’re advised to book ahead due to high demand.
Address: Al Ras Al Akhdar, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Admission: Varies
From $ 39
Chavonnes Battery Museum
The Chavonnes Battery Museum houses the remains of an old cannon battery, one of the fortifications the VOC (the Dutch East India Company) built at the beginning of the 18th century to protect themselves from sea-borne aggressors. It is said to have taken over a decade to complete the battery, which stood at what is now the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront. Inaugurated in the 1720s, the battery’s firing platform used 16 large guns to open fire on hostile ships from its vantage point overlooking the bay.
The battery remained active until it was partially demolished and buried in 1860. It wasn’t until 1999 that the Chavonnes Battery was rediscovered, excavated, and conserved. Today, the site is home to a museum where visitors can wander around and get an insight into this fascinating part of Cape Town’s history.
Practical Info
The Chavonnes Battery Museum is located at the V&A Waterfront and is open to visitors from 9am to 4pm. Guided tours of the museum are available and highly recommended.
Address: Clock Tower Precinct, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town 8001, South Africa
Admission: Adults: R55; Children: R15
From $ 10
Chapman's Peak Drive
Chapman's Peak is a mountain on the Cape Peninsula, with a 5.5-mile road known for its scenic beauty. The road winds from Hout Bay to Noordhoek, clinging to the side of the steep mountain almost the whole way. The road was built in the early 20th century, and boasts 114 turns in its short 5.5-mile distance.
The road itself may not be long, but you'll want to take your time – not just because of the many curves, but also because of the gorgeous views. There are plenty of places to stop and enjoy the scenery along the way.
Practical Info
Some renovation work in 2009 made Chapman's Peak Drive safer (it had been closed a few times in its history due to rock slides), but the road can still be closed during severe weather. The toll for driving the route is SAR31 per vehicle. Locals call the road “Chappies.”
Address: Chapman's Peak Drive, Cape Town, South Africa
From $ 53
Bibi-Heybat Mosque
During the 13th century Shirvanshah Farrukhzad II Ibn Ahsitan II built a beautiful mosque in the city now known as Baku. Alexandre Dumas paid a visit to the mosque in the 1840s and gave it the nickname “the mosque of Fatima.”
After it was completely destroyed by the Bolsheviks in 1936, the mosque was rebuilt in 1994 on the same site and is today the spiritual center for Muslims in Azerbaijan. Ukeyma Khanum, a descendant of the Prophet Muhammad, is entombed within the mosque, adding to its religious significance.
Architects used photos and traveler descriptions to recreate the mosque’s classic Shirvan architecture, including its three domes and two minarets. Gilded inscriptions from the Quran border the interior of the domes, which are covered in green, teal and gold tiles.
Practical Info
While it’s possible to take a local bus to visit the mosque, it’s also convenient to visit it as part of a sightseeing tour of Baku.
Address: Baku, Azerbaijan
From $ 39
Chapel of Ascension
This chapel on Jerusalem’s Mount of Olives is a sacred site for both Christians and Muslims. It claims to be the oldest of three churches located on the Mount. Though Jesus is believed to have taken his final steps before ascending to heaven here (there is even a footprint impression on a stone slab that is believed to be from Jesus’s right foot), the site has since been converted to a mosque, after being captured by the Muslim sultan Saladin in the 10th century. It remains under the control of an Islamic group, though all faiths are welcome.
Many believe Jesus’s Assumption, 40 days after his resurrection, had taken place inside a cave. Nonetheless a church was built in this spot in the 4th century. Its exterior is marked by archways and slim marble columns, built in a Romaneque style.
Practical Info
The chapel is located in the At-Tur district of Jerusalem. It is open to visitors daily during daylight hours.
Address: Mount of Olives, Jerusalem, Israel
From $ 35
Groot Constantia
South Africa is increasingly well-known for its wines, with the wine country near Cape Town being a particularly popular stop with oenophiles and foodies alike. One highlight of any wine tasting trip near Cape Town is to the oldest wine estate in South Africa at Groot Constantia.
The property in Constantia was given to Simon van der Stel in 1685 by the Dutch East India Company, which had an outpost at the Cape of Good Hope. At the time, van der Stel was the Dutch East India Company’s Governor of this area, and it’s his name that later was used at Simon’s Town south of Cape Town. He built a manor house and began farming grapes for wine production.
In 1779, a wine-making family purchased the part of the Groot Constantia estate that included van der Stel’s manor house. It’s that family, the Cloetes, who is to thank for making Groot Constantia one of the area’s top wine estates, especially noted for its Constantia dessert wine. A fire in 1925 destroyed van der Stel’s original manor house, but it was rebuilt according to the original design.
Today, visitors to Groot Constantia can tour the wine-making facilities as well as the historic manor house (now a part of the Iziko South African Museum with rotating exhibits on display), the beautiful grounds, and enjoy a meal at one of the estate’s on-site restaurants. Groot Constantia is part of the scenic Constantia wine route, and the winery is also producing dessert wine again (it had stopped for more than 100 years) along with highly-rated red wines.
The property in Constantia was given to Simon van der Stel in 1685 by the Dutch East India Company, which had an outpost at the Cape of Good Hope. At the time, van der Stel was the Dutch East India Company’s Governor of this area, and it’s his name that later was used at Simon’s Town south of Cape Town. He built a manor house and began farming grapes for wine production.
In 1779, a wine-making family purchased the part of the Groot Constantia estate that included van der Stel’s manor house. It’s that family, the Cloetes, who is to thank for making Groot Constantia one of the area’s top wine estates, especially noted for its Constantia dessert wine. A fire in 1925 destroyed van der Stel’s original manor house, but it was rebuilt according to the original design.
Today, visitors to Groot Constantia can tour the wine-making facilities as well as the historic manor house (now a part of the Iziko South African Museum with rotating exhibits on display), the beautiful grounds, and enjoy a meal at one of the estate’s on-site restaurants. Groot Constantia is part of the scenic Constantia wine route, and the winery is also producing dessert wine again (it had stopped for more than 100 years) along with highly-rated red wines.
Address: Private Bag X1 Constantia, Groot Constantia Rd, Cape Town 7848, South Africa
Hours: Open daily. Wine tasting: 9am - 5:30pm; cellar tours: hourly 10am - 4pm.
Admission: Tasting: R30; Tasting and tour: R40
From $ 52
Gris Gris
At the southernmost point of the island of Mauritius is known as Gris Gris Cape, or Gris Gris Beach. It's a beautiful place to visit, but very dangerous for swimming.
The term “gris gris” has many meanings, including some associated with voodoo magic, and although the water here looks inviting that's deceptive. Waves here are much stronger than they are along other parts of the Mauritius coast, so swimming at Gris Gris is strongly discouraged.
Visiting Gris Gris, however, to soak in the natural beauty and watch the power of Mother Nature, is worth it. There's a trail behind the parking lot that leads to a spot from which you can watch waves beat against the rock repeatedly, making it look like the cliffs are weeping.
Practical Info
Gris Gris Cape is located in Souillac, at the southernmost point of Mauritius.
Address: Gris Gris Cape, Mauritius
From $ 80
Beiteddine (Beit ed-Dine)
A tour of the sprawling palace complex of Beiteddine, set in the rolling highlands 28 miles (45 km) southeast of Beirut, is a stroll through the sanctum of ancient Lebanese royalty. Easily the nation’s best example of 19th century Lebanese architecture, the manicured landscape and intricate buildings have been called the “Alhambra of Lebanon”, a nod to the calming and regal atmosphere permeating the palace grounds.
Commissioned in 1778 by Emir Bashir Chehab II, it was built over the span of 30 years by craftsmen and architects from Syria to Italy who sculpted the palace into a masterpiece of architectural and cultural fusion. Of particular interest are the ornate rooms of the emir’s private apartment quarters, the Dar El Harim, where private balconies provide views of the surrounding valleys and elaborate mosaic floors rest beneath carved marble walls. In the same section of the palace are the Hammam baths, which, in keeping with Roman tradition, feature three rooms of distinct temperature where guests and royalty could relax in the soothing waters.
Across from the Dar El Harim are the stable grounds where the 600 horses they once housed have been replaced by an extensive collection of Byzantine mosaics dating as far back as the 5th and 6th century AD. Other museums similarly occupy the modern day palace grounds, and stops such as the Rashid Karami Archeological and Ethnographic Museum offer a large collection of Bronze-Age pottery, gold jewelry and ancient Roman glass.
Though much of Beiteddine is open to viewing by the public, portions of the palace are still privately occupied, acting as the summer residence of Lebanon’s President. Visitors wanting to get a feel for an overnight stay in a Lebanese palace can book into one of the 24 rooms at nearby Mir Amin Palace, a stunningly restored five-star hotel which was once the private residence of Emir Amine, son of Bashir Chehab II.
Commissioned in 1778 by Emir Bashir Chehab II, it was built over the span of 30 years by craftsmen and architects from Syria to Italy who sculpted the palace into a masterpiece of architectural and cultural fusion. Of particular interest are the ornate rooms of the emir’s private apartment quarters, the Dar El Harim, where private balconies provide views of the surrounding valleys and elaborate mosaic floors rest beneath carved marble walls. In the same section of the palace are the Hammam baths, which, in keeping with Roman tradition, feature three rooms of distinct temperature where guests and royalty could relax in the soothing waters.
Across from the Dar El Harim are the stable grounds where the 600 horses they once housed have been replaced by an extensive collection of Byzantine mosaics dating as far back as the 5th and 6th century AD. Other museums similarly occupy the modern day palace grounds, and stops such as the Rashid Karami Archeological and Ethnographic Museum offer a large collection of Bronze-Age pottery, gold jewelry and ancient Roman glass.
Though much of Beiteddine is open to viewing by the public, portions of the palace are still privately occupied, acting as the summer residence of Lebanon’s President. Visitors wanting to get a feel for an overnight stay in a Lebanese palace can book into one of the 24 rooms at nearby Mir Amin Palace, a stunningly restored five-star hotel which was once the private residence of Emir Amine, son of Bashir Chehab II.
Practical Info
Buses go from Beirut's Cola Transport Hub to Beit ed-Dine. They cost around 2,000LL (less than $2.00 USD) and take an hour or less. You can also use a service taxi or private taxi from Cola.
Address: Beit ed-Dine, Chouf Mountains, Lebanon
Hours: Open Tue-Sun 9:00am-6:00pm (Apr-Oct); and 9:00am-3:45pm (Nov-May)
Admission: full LL7500.00 (approx. $5.00 USD), child LL5000.00 (approx. $3.30 USD)
From $ 75
Greenmarket Square
Greenmarket Square in Cape Town's city center is an historic square which has served many purposes over the years. The square was built in 1696 in front of a burgher watch house. Today, the square is overlooked by the Old Town House, built on the site of the burgher house in 1761, which once served as the city hall. In different years, the square has been home to a slave market, a produce market, and even a parking lot.
Today, Greenmarket Square is the setting for a popular craft and flea market, including a wide variety of African art, clothing, music, and jewelry. There is a nice selection of restaurants, cafes, and hotels lining the square.
Practical Info
The market in Greenmarket Square is operational all year long, Monday-Saturday from about 9am-4pm.
Address: Burg Street, Cape Town 8000, South Africa
From $ 55