Choose from 633 Fun Things to Do in Middle East And Africa
ShowingFilter 221-240 of 633 listings.
Chobe National Park
Located the northeastern corner of Botswana, Chobe National Park encompasses more than 4,500 square miles (12,000 square kilometers) of floodplains, forest, swamps, and rivers. The park is known for having one of the largest concentrations of wildlife in Africa; most notably, a large elephant population.
The Basics
With a location near the borders of Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Namibia, Chobe is great for a daylong or multi-day tour from any of these neighboring countries. You can combine a Chobe day trip from Victoria Falls with a scenic drive through the adjoining Zambezi National Park. Popular activities include boat cruises along the Chobe River, a game drive through the wilderness areas, and lunch at the Chobe Safari Lodge.
If you have some extra time, a camping safari will allow you experience Chobe at sunrise and sunset. If you’re short on time, take a safari from Kasane, which will often include a scenic river cruise.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Wear comfortable shoes and layered clothing, and bring sunscreen, bug spray, and water.
- If you’re arriving from a neighboring country, be sure to bring your passport.
- Some safari vehicles and boats offer wheelchair access, but it’s best to check in advance.
How to Get There
Chobe National Park stretches along the Zimbabwe border in northern Botswana, and the most convenient entry points are Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe and Livingstone in Zambia. From the falls, it’s about two hours by 4WD.
When to Get There
Chobe National Park is open year round, but you’ll see the best wildlife in the dry season (May to October), when game viewing around the waterholes and riverbanks is at its best. For bird watching, come later in the season; most migratory birds arrive from August onwards. Visitors traveling in rainy season (November to April) will have the most luck spotting wildlife in the Ngwenzumba Pans, which fill with water and attract animals from across Chobe. Road closures are common during the wettest months.
Wildlife watching opportunities at Chobe National Park
Chobe has at least four of Africa’s Big Five—elephant, lion, leopard, and cape buffalo—plus pachyderms, antelope (including the rare oribi antelope), hyenas, impalas, zebras, wildebeests, giraffes, and warthogs. It’s not uncommon to spot hippos and crocodiles by the rivers. The area is also home to more than 460 birds, including fish eagles, skimmers, spoonbills, egrets, kingfishers, and coppery-tailed coucal.
Address: Chobe National Park, Zimbabwe
From $ 170
Heart of Cape Town Museum
Modern medical advances are remarkable things – so much so that there is a museum in Cape Town at the site of the first human heart transplant, Groote Schuur Hospital.
The Heart of Cape Town Museum is in the still-working hospital, in the actual rooms where that heart transplant took place in December 1967. Exhibits in the museum including features on the man who received the heart transplant, the woman whose heart was donated, and the doctor who performed the historic surgery. The guided tour of the museum lasts about two hours.
Practical Info
The museum is open daily, with guided tours leaving at 9am, 11am, 1pm, and 3pm. Tickets are SAR100 for South Africans, SAR 200 for non-South Africans, and SAR50 for students.
Address: Groote Schuur Hospital, Groote Schuur Dr, Observatory, Cape Town 7925, South Africa
Admission: South Africans: SAR100; Non-South Africans: SAR200
From $ 22
Hatta Heritage Village
This tiny traditional village in the Al Hajar Mountains is an impressive replica of Dubai’s old world wonders. Comprised of some 30 buildings, the grounds of Hatta Heritage Village have been attracting travelers in search of authentic UAE since 2001. Visitors can wander through original forts, a mosque built of sticks and mud, experience the vibrant cultural dance and get an up close look at the colorful traditional dress of locals. While a trip to Hatta Heritage Village is worth the trek, travelers agree that adding a swim at nearby Hatta pools in Oman will certainly round out the experience.
Practical Info
Hatta Heritage Village is located southwest of Hatta Hill Park. It is open Saturday through Thursday from 8 a.m. until 8:30 p.m. and on Fridays from 2:30 until 8:30 p.m.
Address: Hatta, United Arab Emirates
Hours: Saturday-Thursday 8 a.m.-8:30 p.m., Friday 2:30-8:30 p.m.
From $ 55
Essaouira Beach
The star attraction of Morocco’s hippie haven has to be its eponymous beach, and the windswept coast and sandy shores certainly live up to the hype. Lined with bars, restaurants and surf shops, the beach is best known as a hotspot for surfers, windsurfers and kitesurfers, thanks to its steady, year-round winds. The shores near Diabat may be the quietest areas for a bit of relaxation.
With few wind-free days, Essaouira beach is better suited for water sports than swimming and sunbathing, but there are still sunbeds and umbrellas available for rental during the summer months. In addition to kitesurfing and windsurfing lessons, Berber horse and Arabian camel rides are possible and popular along the beach. You’ll likely also see travelers enjoying quad buggy rides along the coast and local children playing soccer in the sand.
Practical Info
Essaouira Beach is located in central Essaouira, on Morocco’s Atlantic coast, and is best known for its strong winds. It can be especially crowded in the summer months when the winds are calmer.
Address: Essaouira, Morocco
From $ 19
Hell's Gate National Park
One of the lesser visited of Kenya's parks, Hell's Gate National Park is small (just 27 square miles) and primarily savannah (grassland). It was named for a narrow break in the sheer red cliffs (the outlet for a prehistoric lake in the Rift Valley) by Scottish explorer and geologist Joseph Thomson (Thomson's Gazelle is named for him).
One of the few parks were walking and hiking is encouraged, it's known for its nature trails as well as its herds of buffalo, zebra, giraffe, eland, hartebeest and two species of antelope: klipspringer ("rock jumper") and Chanler's mountain reedbuck. Bird watchers can spot vultures, Verreaux's Eagles (Aquila verreauxii), Augur Buzzards (Buteo augur) and swifts.
Rock climbers will be tempted to tackle Fischer's Tower, an 82-foot pillar of basalt rock located at the entrance to the Hell's Gate gorge (named for German explorer Gustav Adolf Fischer).
The Mervyn Carnelley Raptor Hide has a one-way window allowing visitors to view and photograph the raptors (birds of prey) of the Park at close range.
Also located in the park are two geothermal power plants, Olkaria I and Olkaria II (two of Kenya's largest), which draw from underground hot springs.
One of the few parks were walking and hiking is encouraged, it's known for its nature trails as well as its herds of buffalo, zebra, giraffe, eland, hartebeest and two species of antelope: klipspringer ("rock jumper") and Chanler's mountain reedbuck. Bird watchers can spot vultures, Verreaux's Eagles (Aquila verreauxii), Augur Buzzards (Buteo augur) and swifts.
Rock climbers will be tempted to tackle Fischer's Tower, an 82-foot pillar of basalt rock located at the entrance to the Hell's Gate gorge (named for German explorer Gustav Adolf Fischer).
The Mervyn Carnelley Raptor Hide has a one-way window allowing visitors to view and photograph the raptors (birds of prey) of the Park at close range.
Also located in the park are two geothermal power plants, Olkaria I and Olkaria II (two of Kenya's largest), which draw from underground hot springs.
Practical Info
Hell's Gate National Park, south of Lake Naivasha, is about a 90 km drive northwest from Nairobi. It's also served by flights to the Naivasha air strip.
Admission is US $25 for adults and US $15 for children. Hours are 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Admission is US $25 for adults and US $15 for children. Hours are 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Address: Hell's Gate National Park, Naivasha, Kenya
Hours: Terrestrial/Marine Parks 6:30am – 6:30pm.
Admission: Adult: US$25; Child: US$15
From $ 36
Hartbeespoort Aerial Cableway
Gauteng’s answer to the Table Mountain Cableway, the suspended gondolas at Hartbeespoort, just under 50 miles from Johanessburg’s downtown, lift riders to a scenic overlook with hiking, dining and even shopping at the top.
The historic and recently restored cable sports fourteen completely-enclosed green gondolas, each capable of ferrying six passengers ¾ of a mile up the slopes of Magaliesberg Mountain. Wrap-around windows show the impressive lake created by the nearby Hartebeespoort Dam, the surrounding mountains and, on a clear day, all the way to Pretoria. Sharing the airspace are black eagles, endangered Cape vultures and more than 300 other species of birds.
At the top, the short Dassie loop, named for the fluffy rodents found amid the rocks, includes signage at lookouts of interest including the Coca-Cola Dome in Johannesburg, 34 miles to the south. The cableway also operates a pair of restaurants – a fancier sit down place at the bottom and a summit restaurant with Lookout Bar offering customizable baskets for scenic picnics – a jungle gym for kids at the top and an Adventure Centre selling paragliding and abseiling packages near the
base station. Upper and lower curio vendors, including the aptly named ‘Little Shop at the Top,’ sell cableway souvenirs, toys, apparel, jewelry as well as home décor and art.
Practical Info
The Hartbeespoort (Harties for short) Aerial Cableway base station is located off Route 511 just past the high school in Hartbeespoort. It’s open daily, weather permitting, from 8:30 a.m. with the first ride starting at 9 a.m.; closing times vary based on season. It’s worth it to wait for sunny weather – clouds and fog can obscure the full experience. Return tickets cost R 195 for adults and R 115 for kids ages 4 to 14. Many visitors combine a trip to the top with other Hartbeespoort attractions such as the Elephant Sanctuary, the Bush Babies Monkey Sanctuary and the Vulture Rehabilitation Centre.
Address: R511, Hartbeespoort, South Africa
Hours: Ticket office opens at 8:30am and the first car up is at 9:00am. Ticket office closes at 4:00pm, outlets at the top close at 4:30pm and the last car down for guests is at 4:45pm.
Admission: Adults: R195; Children (4-14): R115; Under four: free
From $ 305
Ferrari World Abu Dhabi
The race car–themed Ferrari World in Abu Dhabi features 20 rides and attractions—everything from the toddler-friendly carousel of Ferrari prototype cars to cutting-edge racing simulators that will please older kids and teens. The largest indoor theme park in the world is also home to the world’s fastest roller coaster, the Formula Rossa, a hydraulic-powered thrill ride that sees visitors strapped into a Ferrari Formula One-like coaster car and launched at speeds of up to 150 miles (240 kilometers) per hour.
The Basics
The Ferrari World theme park has become one of the most popular attractions in the United Arab Emirates, and travelers have several options for experiencing the park. Those staying in Abu Dhabi can opt for a basic entrance ticket, but it’s also possible to visit on a day trip from Dubai, with the option to visit other notable Abu Dhabi attractions like the Sheikh Zayed Mosque and Falcon Hospital as well.
Things to Know Before You Go
- This theme park is a must-visit for families with kids and car lovers.
- Day trips from Dubai to the park typically last about nine to 12 hours.
- The amusement park has lockers and strollers for rent.
- Outside food and drink aren’t allowed into the park, but the food court specializes in Italian cuisine.
How to Get There
Ferrari World Abu Dhabi is accessible by car from Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Sharjah. While opting for a guided day trip is the most convenient option for travelers staying in Dubai, those based in Abu Dhabi can take advantage of a free shuttle service that stops at various locations throughout the city and Yas Island. Parking is available onsite.
When to Get There
While summers can be scorching in Abu Dhabi, Ferrari World is comfortably air-conditioned throughout the year. The park is open daily from 11am to 8pm.
Things to Do on Yas Island
Ferrari World is one of several attractions on Abu Dhabi’s Yas Island. This emerging entertainment district 30 minutes outside the UAE capital is also home to the Yas Marina Circuit, Yas Marina, Yas Waterworld, Yas Mall (the second-largest shopping center in the country), Yas Beach, and the award-winning Kyle Phillips–designed Yas Links Abu Dhabi.
Address: Yas Island Drive, Abu Dhabi 128717, United Arab Emirates
Hours: Open daily, 11am - 8pm
Admission: Admission prices vary
From $ 40
Hartbeespoort Dam
Built in the 1920s, the Hartbeespoort Dam is located between two mountain ranges in an area that was once popular for hunting a type of antelope called the hartebeest. A farm known as Hartbeespoort was on the site and purchased by the government in order to build the dam. The result was the Hartbeespoort Reservoir, created from the Crocodile River.
The dam stands more than195 feet tall and stretches 490 feet across the valley. The reservoir behind it is nearly 150 feet at its deepest point and has become a popular recreation site for residents of Johannesburg and Pretoria. The water quality is generally considered to be poor, but there are lots of opportunities for boating excursions and picnics along the water's edge.
Practical Info
The Hartbeespoort Dam is roughly 28 miles from Pretoria, and just under 60 miles from Johannesburg. There are vacation lodges in various spots around the reservoir.
Address: South Africa
From $ 141
Christian Quarter
The walled Old City of Jerusalem is divided into four major quarters: the Jewish Quarter, the Muslim Quarter, the Armenian Quarter, and the Christian Quarter. The city’s Christian Quarter contains around 40 religious sites holy to Christianity, including the Church of the Holy Sepulchre at its heart. The church is venerated as the site where Jesus was crucified, buried, and resurrected and remains a place of pilgrimage for Christians from all over the world. For many it is regarded as the religion’s holiest site.
Pilgrims often follow the Via Dolorosa, the path Jesus walked to his crucifixion, stopping at shrines and small sites along the way. Many churches, monasteries, schools, and museums are dotted throughout. You’ll also find residences, souvenir shops, cafes, and other pieces of daily life from those presently residing in the area. There is also an iconic, colorful market patched between the stone walls and narrow streets.
Practical Info
The Christian Quarter is situated in the northwest portion of the Old City of Jerusalem, extending from the New Gate past the Jaffa Gate to the Damascus Gate in the east.
Address: Jerusalem, Israel
From $ 32
Fez Mellah (Jewish Quarter)
Established in 1438, the Fez Mellah (Jewish Quarter) was the first of its kind in Morocco, a walled Jewish quarter that segregated the Jewish community from the predominant Muslim communities, and was locked during the evening hours to ensure the safety of its residents.
After WWII, the majority of Fez’s Jewish population left, with the quarter’s schools, synagogues and markets falling into disrepair, but a small, yet vibrant Jewish community still remains and the district is being slowly restored thanks to UNESCO funds. For visitors, a walk around the mellah offers a glimpse into one of Fez’s most unique neighborhoods, with contrasting architectural styles to the rest of the old medina. Highlights include the newly restored Ibn Dahan synagogue, which dates back to the 17th-century, the Jewish Cemetery and the Gold souk, as well as a number of quality antique furniture stores.
Practical Info
Fez Mellah (Jewish Quarter) is located in the south of the Fez Medina (Fez el-Bali), close to the Royal Palace.
Address: Mellah, Fez, Morocco
From $ 75
Hassan II Mosque
With its regal cliff-top perch overlooking the ocean and a soaring 210-meter high minaret (the world’s highest) that shines a beam toward Mecca during the evening hours, everything about the Hassan II Mosque is grandiose. The magnificent mosque is among the largest in the world, with space for up to 100,000 worshippers.
The Basics
No visit to Casablanca is complete without a stop at the Hassan II Mosque. It’s also a popular part of sightseeing tours and shore excursions, often alongside other Casablanca attractions such as the Royal Palace, Central Market, and Ain Diab Corniche. Many full-day tours from Casablanca or Marrakech combine a city tour with a visit to the Moroccan capital of Rabat. The mosque grounds and prayer halls are open to non-Muslims by guided tour only.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Guided tours are held in multiple languages, including English, and last an hour.
- Tickets can be purchased from the ticket office at the south side of the mosque.
- A strict dress code is applicable to all visitors; shoulders and knees must be covered, shoes must be removed (plastic bags are provided), and women must cover their hair.
- The mosque is wheelchair accessible.
How to Get There
The Hassan II Mosque is located along the seafront Sidi Mohammed ben Abdallah Boulevard, about 10 minutes via taxi from the city center.
When to Get There
The mosque’s seafront location makes it a stunning photo opportunity, and the best light can be found at sunrise and sunset. A nighttime visit is equally impressive, when the mosque is dramatically floodlit. It’s best to avoid visiting during prayer times, when the mosque can be crowded with worshippers, but multiple tours are held daily, with fewer tours available on Friday.
Architectural Wonders of the Hassan II Mosque
Built to commemorate the 60th birthday of Moroccan King Hassan II, the mosque was designed by French architect Michel Pinseau and was completed in 1993. Hand-carved ceilings, elaborate tilework, marble floors, and Venetian stained-glass windows are complemented by high-tech conveniences like heated floors and a retractable roof. Inspired by a Quranic verse about God's throne being built upon water, the seafront mosque features a glass-floored terrace that reveals the sea washing over rocks below.
Address: Sour Jdid, Casablanca, Morocco
From $ 57
Haifa Cruise Port
Haifa, Israel’s third largest city, is also one of the most underrated. Where Jerusalem gets the lion’s share of attention as a religiously significant destination, Haifa flies under the radar with multiple faiths living in relative harmony -- most notably the headquarters of the Baha’i faith. As the country’s largest and busiest commercial port, Haifa can dock three ships at once.
How to get to Haifa
Haifa Port is conveniently located right in Haifa’s city center, making for an easy walk from your ship to pretty much all the top attractions. Wear your walking shoes though, as Haifa is very hilly. If you’d rather not walk, taxis wait outside the terminal when ships are docked, or you can hail them around town. The closest international airport is Ben Gurion International Airport in Tel Aviv -- a 75-minute train ride from Haifa.
One Day in Haifa
From the passenger terminal, walk through the historic German Colony to the base of the Baha’i Gardens and World Center on the northern slope of Mount Carmel. Spend some time walking through the beautifully manicured gardens before hopping on the Carmelit funicular for a trip up the mountain.
Haifa serves as the gateway to Nazareth and the Sea of Galilee, both home to numerous religiously significant sites, like the supposed locations of Jesus’s childhood and baptism and the Basilica of the Annunciation, the largest church in the region and the sight where Gabriel was believed to have visited the Virgin Mary.
History buffs and religious scholars alike should consider a visit to Akko, just 30 minutes away by train. This ancient crusader city is dominated by narrow alleys, underground passages and busy souks.
For a more relaxing day in Haifa, choose one of the city’s eight beaches for a day in the sun. Zamir and Dado beaches both have boardwalks with restaurants, shops and facilities within a quick taxi ride of the port.
Port Information
Haifa Port houses a duty-free shop, cafeteria, currency exchange
desk and a souvenir shops. The official currency is the New Israeli
Shekel (NIS), and if you take a left after crossing the bridge from the
passenger terminal, you’ll find an ATM where you call pull out money.
Credit and debit cards are also widely accepted. While Hebrew is the
official language, you’ll find most people speak English quite well.
Address: Haifa, Israel
From $ 338
Fantasia 1001 at Alf Leila Wa Leila
At the Alf Leila Wa Leila hotel property, “Fantasia 1001,” which refers to The Thousand and One Nights — or the Arabian Nights — is a celebration of Egyptian culture, color and dance with a variety of entertainment and dinner theater shows. Serving local food and drink, the many acts tell the history and folklore of Egypt through live music, a sound and light show, belly dancing and a pharaonic horse show that includes acrobatics and horsemanship. Each show tells the life of ancient Egypt and its pharaohs, the tribal history of the Bedouins, and other customs and traditions of the many regions of Egypt.
The shows are set in the largest theater of the area, with a seating capacity of 2,500. Other highlights include traditional Egyptian architecture including a large fountain and a performance of tanoura, an Egyptian folk dance in Sufi festivals. The whirling dance is unique to Egypt, performed by Sufi men in long, colorful skirts.
Practical Info
The Fantasia 1001 show takes place at the Alf Leila Wa Leila hotel, which is about a 15-minute drive from the airport and a 25-minute drive from downtown Hurghada. Shows begin around 10pm.
Address: Qesm Hurghada, Red Sea, Egypt, Egypt
Hours: Show Starts: 10pm
From $ 56
Hanging Church (El Muallaqa, Sitt Mariam, St Mary)
Dedicated to the Virgin Mary, the Hanging Church, which is still in use, is called the Hanging or Suspended Church as it is built on top of the Water Gate of Roman Babylon. Steep stairs lead from the forecourt to a 19th -century façade topped by twin bell towers. Beyond is a small inner courtyard, usually filled with sellers of taped liturgies and videos of the Coptic pope, Shenouda III.
The interior of this 9th-century (some say 7th-century) church, renovated many times throughout the centuries, has three barrel-vaulted, wooden-roofed aisles. Ivory-inlaid screens hide the three haikal s (altar areas), but in front of them, raised on 13 slender pillars that represent Christ and his disciples, is a fine pulpit used only on Palm Sunday. One of the pillars, darker than the rest, is said to symbolize Judas. In the baptistry, off to the right, a panel has been cut out of the floor revealing the Water Gate below. From here there is a good view of one of the gate's twin towers.
The interior of this 9th-century (some say 7th-century) church, renovated many times throughout the centuries, has three barrel-vaulted, wooden-roofed aisles. Ivory-inlaid screens hide the three haikal s (altar areas), but in front of them, raised on 13 slender pillars that represent Christ and his disciples, is a fine pulpit used only on Palm Sunday. One of the pillars, darker than the rest, is said to symbolize Judas. In the baptistry, off to the right, a panel has been cut out of the floor revealing the Water Gate below. From here there is a good view of one of the gate's twin towers.
Practical Info
The Hanging Church is in Old Cairo, also known as Coptic Cairo. The easiest way to get there is by taxi.
Address: Sharia Mar Girgis, Cairo, Egypt
Hours: Open Daily 9am - 4pm
From $ 14
Hatta Rock Pools
Located near the village of Hatta, just outside of Dubai in the Hajar Mountains, the Hatta Rock Pools have become one of the city’s most popular weekend getaways. This series of spring-fed pools meander through narrow canyon passages, amid the waterfall-dotted mountain scenery.
After experiencing the scorching desert temperatures of Dubai, the cool, dry climate of the mountains is nearly as refreshing as a dip in the turquoise waters. With its close proximity to the Hatta heritage village, you may want to consider combining the two attractions into a single day trip from Dubai. The rocky mountain passages and interesting landscapes of the area are also popular for off-roading in a 4x4.
Since the Hatta Rock Pools sit near the Oman-UAE border, remember to take your passport, as you’ll need it to pass through checkpoints.
After experiencing the scorching desert temperatures of Dubai, the cool, dry climate of the mountains is nearly as refreshing as a dip in the turquoise waters. With its close proximity to the Hatta heritage village, you may want to consider combining the two attractions into a single day trip from Dubai. The rocky mountain passages and interesting landscapes of the area are also popular for off-roading in a 4x4.
Since the Hatta Rock Pools sit near the Oman-UAE border, remember to take your passport, as you’ll need it to pass through checkpoints.
Address: Hatta Rock Pools, Hatta, United Arab Emirates
From $ 160
Hassan Tower
Rising above the northeastern corner of Rabat, Hassan Tower stands as a visual promise of what the city’s historic residents hoped it to be: a grand city, even a capital city (which it now is). Also called Le Tour Hassan, its construction began in 1195 during the Almohad Dynasty, and it was built as part of a larger mosque, which was meant to be the largest in the world.
But alas, when the sultan passed away, work on the project came to an end, leaving the mosque unfinished, and its minaret – the tower – standing only 44 meters high (some say half as high as it would have been). Then, come an earthquake in 1755, the incomplete mosque was further destroyed. Today, though, you can still see the surviving, sandstone Hassan Tower, along with the mosque’s remains, such as the columns and walls. Other highlights while here include impressive city and sea views, as well as a visit to the nearby, free-to-enter Mausoleum of Mohammed V.
Practical Info
The tower is about a 20-minute walk from Rabat’s medina, or old town. To better learn about its history, it is a visit better made with a knowledgeable guide.
Address: Boulevard Mohamed Lyazidi, Rabat, Morocco
From $ 51
Fez Medina (Fez el-Bali)
The historic core of Fez and the seat of the Moroccan government until 1912, Fez Medina (Fez el-Bali) remains the city’s biggest draw – a sprawling district of jumbled souks and snaking alleyways, dotted with grand mosques, palace and madrassas. The old medina is now a protected UNESCO World Heritage site, still surrounded by its 13th-century city walls and reached via a series of monumental gates, most notably the 20th-century Bab Boujeloud, celebrated for its striking blue tilework.
With the medina largely pedestrianized, the best way to explore Fez Medina is on foot and there’s plenty to see, starting with the rambling souks, home to the famous Tanner’s Quarters, the soul of the city’s leather trade, where animal hides are soaked in gigantic pots of natural dye. Additional highlights of Fez el-Bali include the Kairaouine Mosque University, known as the world’s oldest university and dating back to 859; the exquisite Madrassa Bou Inania and Al-Attarine Madrasa; the Talaa Kebira water clock; and the Mellah Jewish Quarter.
Practical Info
Fez Medina (Fez el-Bali) is located northeast of Fez el Jadid and the Ville Nouvelle in central Fez.
Address: Fez, Morocco
From $ 12
Ethnological Museum
The former palace of Haile Selassie — former Emperor of Ethiopia and icon of the Rastafari movement — is today the home of the Ethnological Museum. Considered among the best museums on the African continent, the Ethnological Museum takes an unusual approach to showcasing its collection of art and artifacts. Instead of dividing things based on geography or historical period, the collection is organized by life cycle.
The first section highlights infancy and childhood with information on birth rites, children’s tales and childhood games. The segment on adulthood includes artifacts and information on Ethiopian religion, medicine, warfare, art and culture, while the final area includes burial structures and tombs, with insight into post-death beliefs.
Other galleries in the museum include the living quarters of Haile Selassie, a collection of religious art and one of the largest collections of icons in the world.
Practical Info
If you’re going to visit only one museum in Ethiopia, make this the one. Consider planning your visit at the beginning of your trip for a sweeping overview of Ethiopian history and culture.
Address: Algeria St Piazza Haile, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Hours: Monday to Friday 8am to 5pm, Saturday and Sunday 9am to 5pm
Admission: Birr50
From $ 65
Chefchaouen
A sea of startling blue buildings set against a backdrop of the rugged Rif Mountains, Chefchaouen (pronounced “shef-sha-wen”) is a real gem in Northern Morocco. There’s no mistaking where the “Blue City” gets its nickname—with its brightly painted walls, doors, and stairways and red-tiled roofs, it’s a city begging to be photographed.
The Basics
The real highlight of Chefchaouen its UNESCO World Heritage–listed Old Medina, where the lively cafés, cobbled souks, and distinctive handicrafts stalls show off the town’s unique heritage—an intriguing blend of Spanish, Moroccan, and Riffian cultures. While there’s enough to see to warrant a multi-day visit, most travelers explore Chefchaouen on a day tour from either Tangier or Fez.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Chefchaouen is a must-see for Instagram fanatics and first-time visitors to Morocco.
- Chefchaouen tours from Tangier or Fez can last eight to 12 hours, depending on the option chosen.
- Don’t forget your camera; this town is full of memorable photo ops.
- Dress in long, loose layers; Chefchaouen is more conservative than Marrakech.
- The town is hilly, so wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking over uneven surfaces.
How to Get There
The easiest and most convenient way to get to Chefchaouen is on a guided small-group or private tour. Those who wish to visit independently can catch a bus from Fez, Tetouan, Casablanca, Rabat, Meknes, Tangier, or Ceuta. The town’s main bus station is a 15-minute walk from the medina.
When to Get There
The best weather for exploring the medina and surrounding mountains is in the spring (March to May) or fall (September to November). Since Chefchaouen is cooler than lower-elevation destinations in Morocco, it can get busy with Moroccan vacationers in summer.
Attractions in Chefchaouen
While the main appeal of the Blue City is simply soaking in the atmosphere, there are a few points of interest worth checking out. A short hike leads from the medina’s eastern gate to the ruins of a Spanish Mosque, which is perched on a hilltop above town. For a little history and context, visit the Musée de Chefchaouen (Chefchaouen Museum), housed within a 15th-century kasbah in Outa el Hammam. This central square is also home to the town’s Grand Mosque.
Address: Chefchaouen, Morocco
From $ 42
Chillout Ice Lounge
With temperatures in Dubai often reaching heights of 50 degrees Celsius the opportunity to relax in subzero temperatures in the middle of the city is a unique one. The Chillout Ice Lounge is located inside the famous Times Square Center in the city. Refurbished in 2014, it features dramatic ice sculptures, seating and tables made of ice, plus ambient diffused lighting to set the tone in the minus-six-degrees climate.
On arrival at the Chillout Ice Lounge all visitors are issued with a complimentary welcome drink and thermal clothing. You will also be advised to spend a few minutes acclimatizing in a buffer zone area set to five degrees before venturing into the main lounge. Once in the lounge, you can order soup, sandwiches, juice, hot chocolate, tea and coffee, plus a variety of desserts and mocktails.
The lighting in the Chillout Ice Lounge changes color intermittently, filtering through blocks of ice and making it a romantic setting for couples. The venue also holds a magic show for children on several days of the week, making it ideal for families, although it is not advisable to take infants under the age of one.
The most convenient way to enjoy Dubai's Chillout Ice Lounge is by joining an organized tour that includes entrance fees and hotel pickup and drop off.
Practical Info
If not arriving as part of an organized tour, reservations are recommended and can be made via the venue’s website. Be sure to wear clothing that covers your legs for your visit as thermal pants are not provided.
Did You Know? Launched in 2007 by Sharaf Hospitality, the Chillout Ice Lounge in Dubai is the first ice lounge in the Middle East.
Address: Times Square Center, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Hours: Sat-Wed 10am-10pm; Thurs-Fri 10am-midnight
Admission: Adults: AED 75; Children: AED 35
From $ 185