Choose from 633 Fun Things to Do in Middle East And Africa
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Bahrain Fort (Qal'at al-Bahrain)
Anybody looking to explore the history of Bahrain should pay a visit to Bahrain Fort. This UNESCO World Heritage site is thought to be the former capital of ancient Dilmun and is one of the most important archaeological sites in the Persian Gulf. Excavations over the years have revealed a large number of cultural, commercial, and military discoveries.
Qal'at al-Bahrain is located atop a large artificial mound that was created by centuries of rebuilding during continuous occupation. It was occupied from around 2800 BC, and has the remnants of two earlier forts surrounding it. The site has been open to the public since 2008, with a museum featuring five exhibition halls with more than 500 archaeological finds, which are explained via a free audio tour.
Visiting Bahrain Fort is best enjoyed as part of a day tour of the region’s other main highlights, including Al Fateh Grand Mosque, Bahrain National Museum, Manama Souq, and the Bahrain City Center complex. It is also included within certain half-day tours from Manama, taking in the Saar burial chambers, the Barbar Temple, and the Burial Mounds.
Insider’s Tip: The Bahrain Fort museum features a main courtyard leading to a café. Head here for a drink and to enjoy spectacular views overlooking the coastline.
Practical Info
Bahrain Fort overlooks the island’s northern coast. If not arriving as part of an organized tour, you can take bus number 5 from Manama, then walk half an hour to the site. The fort is also easy to reach via car; it’s a 10-minute drive from central Manama and is well-signposted once outside the city.
Address: Near Karbabad, Manama, Bahrain
Hours: 8am-8pm, Tuesday to Sunday
From $ 51
Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo
Within the Dubai Mall, the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo is no stranger to superlatives, including the world’s largest collection of sand sharks and one of the world’s largest acrylic panel viewing platforms. Numerous marine habitats, including an underwater tunnel, house 33,000 marine animals, from crocodiles to tropical fish.
The Basics
The Dubai Aquarium, home to the world’s largest suspended aquarium, also ranks among Dubai’s most popular family attractions. You can choose between two admission packages: the Researcher Experience, which includes a guided behind-the-scenes tour of the Underwater Observatory, or the Explorer Experience, which includes a glass-bottom boat tour and a submersible simulator experience. Add-ons offer the opportunity to interact with sea otters, rays, or King Croc, the aquarium’s most famous resident. Guided tours of Dubai that include aquarium entrance might also feature the Burj Khalifa, Dubai Creek, and the Burj Al-Arab, depending on the option you choose. The aquarium is also an option on the Dubai Explorer Pass.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Dubai Aquarium is a must-visit for families and animal lovers.
- Much of the aquarium is accessible to wheelchairs and strollers.
- Give yourself at least two hours to see everything the aquarium has to offer.
- Consider booking any special experiences ahead of time to avoid lines and disappointment.
How to Get There
The Dubai Aquarium is located on the ground floor of the Dubai Mall. The easiest way to get there is to take the Dubai Metro to Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Station. Buses 27 and 29 also stop at the mall.
When to Get There
The Dubai Aquarium is open daily from 10am to 12am. As one of Dubai’s most popular attractions, expect long lines during the high season, from November to March. If you’re visiting Dubai in the summer months, consider visiting in the afternoon to enjoy an air-conditioned respite from the heat.
Educational Presentations
The Dubai Aquarium puts on regular presentations throughout the aquarium, where you can learn more about the animals you’re seeing. Popular sessions include ray, shark, and crocodile feedings, as well as short presentations at the otter, piranha, and penguin exhibits. Be sure to check the schedule upon arrival.
Address: Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, UAE, United Arab Emirates
Hours: Open daily from 10 am to midnight
Admission: Varies
From $ 22
Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve
The first national park in the United Arab Emirates, the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve offers visitors a stunning landscape of sand dunes and desert fauna. Once a huge camel farm, the land it occupies was bought by Sheik Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum in 1993, who, inspired by the national parks of South Africa, decided that Dubai needed its own reserve. The reserve is a must-visit for adventure travelers and outdoor enthusiasts, with its rolling dunes setting the scene for thrill-seekers to experience fat-bike riding, off-roading, camel trekking, sandboarding, and falcon demonstrations.
The Basics
The Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve offers one of the the UAE’s best opportunities for viewing native wildlife and experiencing the adventure possibilities of the inland desert. Options are plentiful, including morning dune drives, hot air balloon flights over the Arabian desert, private desert safaris, and outdoor dinners in a Bedouin-inspired camp. To visit, you must book a guided tour with round-trip transportation from an approved operator—both half-day and full-day tours are available.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Guided tours from Dubai last anywhere from two to seven hours, depending on the option chosen.
- Remember to bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat, as the reserve offers very little shade.
- Drink plenty of water—it’s easy to get dehydrated in this arid environment.
- Wear comfortable clothes and shoes, particularly if you’re participating in adventure activities.
How to Get There
The Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve is situated about 37 miles (60 kilometers) outside of Dubai, a journey of about 45 minutes by road.
When to Get There
For the best weather—temperatures around 80°F (27°C)—visit the Dubai Desert (or anywhere in the United Arab Emirates for that matter) between November and March. Occasional rain showers occur from January to March, but they rarely last for long. Those who opt for a summer visit should expect highs well over 80°F (38°C).
Flora and Fauna of the Desert Reserve
While it may not look like it at first glance, the desert is teeming with life. Among the many critters that call the dunes home are the sand cat, Gordon’s wildcat, Arabian red fox, sand fox, gazelle, Arabian hare, hedgehog, and the pygmy shrew. Even the plants are colorful and diverse, with several species of trees, flowering shrubs, herbs, and grasses. The true success story of the national park is that of the Arabian oryx, a species of antelope. Before the park was established in 2003, the Arabian oryx was close to extinction. Today, well over 100 live here.
Address: E-66, Murqqab, United Arab Emirates
Admission: Varies
From $ 79
Baie Ternay Marine National Park
The Seychelles is a destination for lovers, and Baie Ternay is its hot spot for adventurers. That’s because this pristine beach is home to some of the island’s top snorkeling and diving, thanks to crystal-clear waters and incredible coral reefs right next to shore. This idyllic beach is an ideal place for relaxation and sunbathing, while also offering travelers picturesque views of Morne Seychellois peak, the island’s tallest mountain.
Those in the know say an excursion to Baie Ternay Marine National Park is an essential part of any Seychelles’ visit, and the turquoise waters, lush mangroves, and secluded stretches of sand offer up some of the best beaches in the area.
Practical Info
The park is located on the west coast of Maje in Port Glaud. The area is inaccessible by road, so travelers will have to use local boat charters or tours.
Address: Port Glaud, Seychelles
From $ 110
Bantama High Street
As the second busiest city in Ghana after the capital, Kumasi has developed a thriving nightlife scene, and one of the top hot spots for weekend people-watching or after-dark drinks is Bantama High Street. This stretch of road is lined with open-air pubs serving libations and kebabs, and it’s particularly lively from Thursday through Sunday.
While not exactly a chic nightlife destination (plastic chairs and tables along the sidewalk are the norm) it’s a fun and relaxed area to enjoy a drink and the atmosphere of local Ghanaian nightlife.
Practical Info
As Bantama High Street is one of Kumasi’s top nightlife districts, it sometimes attracts pickpockets. Be aware of your surroundings and leave your valuables in the hotel, and you shouldn’t have a problem.
Address: Bantama, Kumasi, Ghana
From $ 20
Dubai Creek (Khor Dubai)
The seawater Dubai Creek (Khor Dubai), flowing between Deira and Bur Dubai in the historic center of the United Arab Emirates city of the same name, is the reason for Dubai's very existence. When trade with the outside world began over a century ago, this protected inlet was the obvious choice to develop a commercial seaport. The creek has been widened many times during the last century, and today, it's often busy with abra—small wooden water taxis—ferrying passengers between the souks of Deira on the northeastern bank and the historic district of Bur Dubai on the southwestern bank.
The Basics
The Basics
While water taxis are often included as part of guided sightseeing tours and serve as a practical way to see the sights of Dubai Creek while getting from Point A to Point B, the waterway can also be enjoyed via a sunset dinner cruise aboard a traditional Arabian wooden sailboat known as a dhow. Many comprehensive tours of Dubai city include a cruise on Khor Dubai or a dhow dinner cruise (Bateaux Dubai is a popular one) with visits to the Burj Khalifa, the Burj Al-Arab, the Dubai desert, the Dubai Marina, and the Old City area.
Things to Know Before You Go
How to Get to the Dubai Creek
- Take a water taxi as a form of transportation to use Dubai Creek as the locals do.
- Take your Dubai Creek experience up a notch with a dinner dhow cruise.
- Handicap accessibility is not guaranteed on creek tours.
There are four stations where travelers board water taxis—two on the Deira side and two on the Bur Dubai side. From the creek, it's possible to spot palaces, mosques and other Dubai landmarks, including the Gold Souk and the Dubai Heritage Village.
When to Get There
If visiting on your own, arrive in the early morning or evening to enjoy some peaceful moments, or during the hectic middle of the day to see bustling life all around you. Expect temperatures of up to 110°F (43°C) in summer.
Dhows and Abras on the Dubai Creek
Dhows are wooden boats with long, thin, hulls, typically used to carry heavy cargo for trading. Lateen-rigged sails on one or more masts help power the boats carrying fruit or fresh water. Abras are the traditional motor-powered water taxis used in Dubai.
Address: Creekside Park, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Admission: Free
From $ 23
Dominus Flevit
Sitting halfway up the Mount of Olives, Dominus Flevit is a prominent Franciscan church in Jerusalem. The name translates from Latin to “The Lord Wept,” with the structure shaped like a teardrop to symbolize the tears of Jesus. It is said to mark the spot where Jesus looked out onto Jerusalem and wept, knowing the city was bound to be destroyed.
The site went unmarked until the Crusader era, when a small chapel was built that eventually fell into ruin. The present day structure was built in 1955 by Italian architect Antonio Barluzzi, standing upon centuries of history and ruins — including the Byzantine era monastery and an ancient necropolis. Today the church has a panoramic, often-photographed view of Jerusalem. The window at the altar provides an overlook of the city focused on the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.
Practical Info
The church is accessed by a steep walkway from the top or base of the Mount of Olives, southeast of the Lion’s Gate of the Old City of Jerusalem. Visitors are welcomed daily free of charge.
Address: Mount of Olives, Jerusalem, Israel
From $ 35
Barka
What was once a major sea port and trade center of the gulf is now a sleepy town called Barka on the Omani coast. There is a large fish market and an old souk to explore, as well as the impressive Barka Fort, sitting right on the ocean. Dating back to the 17th century, the fort was built to defend against Persian and Portuguese invaders of that time. From the fort and large octagonal tower, you can get expansive views of the rest of town, the date palm groves below and the blue waters of the Gulf of Oman.
Barka is also famous for its halwa, a traditional Omani sweet, and its bullring in the center of town, making it a popular place to watch bull-butting, a non-violent sport between two large bulls bred by Brahmin. Barka is a laid-back place steeped in Omani tradition and culture.
Practical Info
Barka is located about 80 kilometers (40 minutes via car) west of the Muscat airport. To reach the town, take the roundabout by the big Lulu hypermarket and drive for 4 kilometers to the T-intersection at the middle of town. The Barka Fort is open Sunday to Thursday from 8:30 am to 2:30 pm with an admission fee of 500 baisa. Bull-butting usually takes place on Fridays only.
Address: Barka, Oman
From $ 123
Bait Al-Baranda Museum
Converted from a 1930s house, this museum details the history of Oman and the Muscat region. Covering topics from the geology of the country and plate tectonics to Oman’s military and political history, a visit to Bait Al-Baranda (translates to ‘villa with a verandah’) is a great way to get an overview of Omani culture and tradition.
Multimedia exhibits include interactive screens and videos as well as a photo history and a variety of art and posters on display. There are models of and artifacts from ancient Oman. Tracing history back to prehistoric Oman, the exhibits tells of the country’s early Islamic period, Portuguese occupation and current dynasty. A presentation of bones found 10,000 years ago in the Al-Khoud area is particularly noteworthy. Contemporary art exhibitions are on display seasonally.
Practical Info
The Bait Al-Baranda Museum is located on Al Mina’a Street in Muttrah. It is adjacent to the Souk Muttrah. It is open daily from 9 am to 1 pm and from 4 pm to 6 pm but is closed on Fridays and public holidays. Admission is OMR 1 for adults and OMR 0.500 for children.
Address: Al Mina’a Street, Muscat, Oman
Admission: OMR 1
From $ 228
Casela World of Adventures
When you think of beautiful, tropical Mauritius, it usually isn’t lions, rhinos, or giraffes that immediately spring to mind. At Casela World of Adventures, however, visitors will enter a safari-style compound that covers 620 acres, where seemingly every adventure possible is happening here in the park. Strap on a helmet and go on safari while also riding a quad bike, or get the feel for what it’s like to sit and ride on a camel. Fly down the island’s longest ziplines, or climb the Via Ferrata, before clipping into the canyon swing or touring the park on a Segway. All of the experiences have separate charges, although general admission still includes a guided safari adventure, where you drive around in search of zebras, ostriches, impalas, and kudus. You’re sure to see at least a dozen of the park’s 1,500 birds, and to up the adventure to heart-racing levels, join the staff on a stroll through fields full of cheetahs, lions, and tigers.
Practical Info
Many activities such as ziplining and canyoning have minimum age requirements. There are restaurants, boutiques, and gift stores on site, and since there’s no possible way to do it all in a single day, choose the activities that interest you most or come back for additional days.
Insider's Tip: Don’t leave without taking a ride on the immersive 4D cinema. You can literally feel the movie you’re watching, and movies are 21 minutes long and run every 30 minutes.
Address: Route Royal, Cascavelle, Mauritius
Hours: 9am-5pm daily
Admission: $21 for adults and $14 for children. Additional charges may apply to other activities.
From $ 31
Dome of the Rock
Built in the seventh century, the Dome of the Rock is one of the most famous Muslim shrines in the world. The iconic gilded wooden dome and ornate octagonal base marks the location where the Prophet Muhammad was believed to have ascended to heaven. Located on the Temple Mount in Jerusalem’s Old City, the shrine is also home to the Foundation Stone and is an important holy site.
The Basics
Visitors to Jerusalem’s Old City can tour the Temple Mount and the outside of the Dome of the Rock outside of Muslim prayer times. Although non-Muslims are not permitted to enter the shrine, they may respectfully admire the mosaics, ancient architecture, and calligraphy that surrounds the shrine. The Dome of the Rock is open to Muslims during prayer times.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Temple Mount is located within a 35-acre compound known as Al-Haram Al-Sharif, which is controlled by the Islamic Trust.
- The Dome of the Mount is a sacred, religious site, and non-Muslims are not permitted to enter the shrine.
- Guided tours to the Dome of the Rock can help visitors explore the area respectfully
- Visitors are expected to dress respectfully with covered legs and arms.
- There are many steps and hills to get to the area, so relative physical health (and good walking shoes) are important.
How to Get There
The Dome of the Rock is located on the Temple Mount in Jerusalem’s Old Town. Many tours include visits to the Temple Mount and can help visitors avoid cultural faux pas.
When to Get There
Visitors are permitted to visit the Temple Mount outside of Muslim prayer times, which change seasonally; be sure to check the schedule in advance.
Al-Aqsa Mosque
Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem’s Old City is considered to be Islam’s third holiest site. It is located on the Temple Mount inside the 35-acre compound that also houses the Dome of the Rock. The compound is controlled by the Islamic Trust: Non-Muslims are not allowed inside the mosque, but may visit the compound outside of prayer times.
Address: Temple Mount, Jerusalem, Israel
Admission: Varies
From $ 32
Bait Al Banat Women's Museum
Located in the Gold Souk area of Dubai, the Bait Al Banat Women’s Museum opened in 2012 as a project of Emirati Professor Rafia Ghubash with the aim of preserving and sharing the history of women in the United Arab Emirates and breaking down cultural stereotypes and misconceptions about women’s role in the development of the country.
Three floors of exhibit space celebrate women throughout the nation’s history, including many female artists who were pioneers in their fields. An entire hall is dedicated to Emirati poet Ousha Bint Khalifa, nicknamed ‘The Girl of the Arabs.’ Highlights of the exhibit include her hand-written poems. The Women’s Studies Centre on the second floor of the museum maintains a library and database of documents available for research in the field.
Practical Info
The Bait Al Banat Women’s Museum is closed on Fridays.
Address: Al Sabkha, Gold Souq, Near Al Khor St, Deira, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Hours: Sat-Thur 10am-7pm
From $ 45
Gayer-Anderson Museum
John Gayer-Anderson, a British major and army doctor, received special permission from the Egyptian authorities to reside in a pari of sixteenth century houses adjacent to the Mosque of Ibn Tulun in Cairo. From 1935 to 1942, Gayer-Anderson restored the buildings and populated them with a collection of art and antiques from around Egypt, the Arabian peninsula and Central Asia.
Upon his death in 1945, Gayer-Anderson donated the space to Egypt, and it has since been transformed into the Gayer-Anderson Museum. A mosaic fountain set into a marble floor greets visitors in the museum’s reception area. Each of the maze of rooms has a theme — a silver tea set and lacquered furniture are on display in the Queen Anne Room, while the Persian Room features beautifully intricate tile work.
Travelers with an appreciation for pop culture trivia will recognize the Gayer-Anderson Museum as a filming location for the James Bond film The Spy Who Loved Me.
Practical Info
For a small tip, a museum guide will lead you through the museum, highlighting some of the more interesting items in the collection.
Address: 4 Maydan Ibn Tulun, Cairo, Egypt
Hours: Open Sat-Thurs 8am-4pm; Fri 8am-Noon, 1pm-4pm
Admission: LE 30
From $ 20
Dubai Cruise Port
Shimmering skyscrapers and towering condos rise high above smooth desert sands at this unique port in the heart of the Middle East. While indoor ski resorts, luxury hotels, white sandy beaches and duty-free shopping have made Dubai an adult wonderland, travelers can still experience some of the city’s former charm (and the natural beauty of the nearby desert) on a day excursion to this popular port.
How to Get to Dubai
Free shopping shuttles leave every hour from the port and take travelers to Mercato Mall or City Center Drive. Otherwise taxis are easy to find near the berth and can be hired for a day rate.
One Day in Dubai
Start the day exploring Dubai’s past at Dubai Creek. This landmark divides the business district from touristy sections of the city and is an ideal spot for witnessing where old meets new. Stop at the Eheikh Saeed al-Maktoum House, for a taste of Dubai before the oil trade took off. Then head to the observation deck on the 124th floor of Nurj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world—for unmatched views of the city skyline. Round out the day with a stop at Burj Al Arab, the only seven-star hotel on the planet. Visitors aren’t always welcome, but scoring a table at the chic underwater restaurant is sure to be a memorable experience.
How to Get to Dubai
Free shopping shuttles leave every hour from the port and take travelers to Mercato Mall or City Center Drive. Otherwise taxis are easy to find near the berth and can be hired for a day rate.
One Day in Dubai
Start the day exploring Dubai’s past at Dubai Creek. This landmark divides the business district from touristy sections of the city and is an ideal spot for witnessing where old meets new. Stop at the Eheikh Saeed al-Maktoum House, for a taste of Dubai before the oil trade took off. Then head to the observation deck on the 124th floor of Nurj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world—for unmatched views of the city skyline. Round out the day with a stop at Burj Al Arab, the only seven-star hotel on the planet. Visitors aren’t always welcome, but scoring a table at the chic underwater restaurant is sure to be a memorable experience.
Port Information
Dirham is the official currency of Dubai and although Arabic is the national language, English is widely spoken. The cruise terminal, much like the city itself, answers all the needs of travelers. ATMs, free Wi-Fi, a restaurant and shopping shuttles for visitors make the port a perfect spot for jumping off into the city or the desert.
Address: Cruise Terminal, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
From $ 47
Bardo National Museum
If you want to understand the complex history of Tunisia, a visit to the Bardo National Museum is a good place to start. The country’s top museum – one of the largest in Africa – is housed within a fifteenth century Hafsid palace and displays a collection of archaeological artifacts and works of art spanning the totality of Tunisia’s history.
The highlight of the impressive collection is the collection of well preserved Roman mosaics – one of the best collections in the world. Other notable pieces include early Islamic ceramics, rare Phoenician artifacts and an ornate baptismal font dating back to the end of the sixth century.
Practical Info
The Bardo National Museum is very large with a vast collection; leave yourself at least a couple of hours to enjoy it.
Address: Route Nationale 7, Tunis, Tunisia
Hours: Open daily 9am-5pm
Admission: 11 TND
From $ 9
Bahrain National Museum
The Bahrain National Museum is the country’s biggest and most popular attraction. A must-visit among history and culture buffs, it features nine main halls dedicated to 4000 years of Bahrain history. The main aim of the museum is to enhance and promote an understanding of Bahrain’s history, which it achieves through variously themed displays and numerous art and culture exhibitions.
The highlights of the museum’s permanent displays include a replica souq on the first floor, a huge satellite image of Bahrain on the ground floor, and some fascinating archaeological artefacts from ancient Dilmun. From its Islamic era and burial mounds halls, to its ancient manuscripts and traditional handicraft exhibits, the National Museum provides a thorough insight into the history and culture of the country, with all exhibits well-labelled in both English and Arabic.
A trip to the Bahrain National Museum is best enjoyed as part of a day tour of the region’s main highlights, which might include the Al Fateh Grand Mosque, Arad Fort, Al Areen Wildlife Park, and the Bahrain International Circuit. Other day tours combine a visit to the National Museum with the Bait Al Qur’an Museum, the Royal Camel Farm at Janabiya, the Burial Mounds, and Manama Souq.
Insider’s Tip: This is a large museum and it can take some time to explore all of it. Be sure to leave time to visit the excellent museum shop and perhaps stop for a drink at the on-site cafe. There are also several galleries used for contemporary art exhibitions within the museum.
Practical Info
The Bahrain National Museum is located along Al Fatih Highway near the King Faisal Highway. If not arriving as part of an organized tour, your best bet is to take a taxi.
Address: Al Fatih Highway, Manama, Bahrain
Hours: 8am-8pm
Admission: BD1
From $ 420
Donkin Reserve
The Donkin Reserve introduces visitors to the early history of Port Elizabeth by way of a small park, stone pyramid, and lighthouse overlooking the South African coastline. Built as a touching memorial to Elizabeth Donkin—wife of 19th-century Cape Colony Governor Rufane Donkin—the hilltop memorial commemorates the woman for whom the city is named, with an inscription that reads: “In the memory of one the most perfect of human beings who has given her name to the town below.”
While you won’t likely spot much wildlife in this reserve, you will find excellent views from atop the lighthouse, as well as walking trails and the terminus of the larger Route 67 Art Trail—a walking tour of 67 pieces of public art representing Nelson Mandela’s 67 years of service to end apartheid in South Africa.
Practical Info
The Donkin Reserve is located just below Belmont Terrace. The lighthouse is open Monday to Saturday from 8am to 4:30pm. Admission to the lighthouse and pyramid costs five rand.
Address: Donkin Street, Port Elizabeth 6001, South Africa
Hours: Mon–Sat: 8am–4:30pm
Admission: ZAR 5
From $ 107
Baku Boulevard
Baku Boulevard, a breezy promenade hugging the Baku seafront, was established in the early 20th century when local oil barons began building grand waterfront mansions along the shores of the Caspian Sea. Extending 3 miles (5 km) from National Flag Square beyond Freedom Square, modern-day Baku Boulevard offers a wide swatch of sidewalk lined with trees, shops and al fresco cafes.
Popular with both visitors and locals, it’s common to see walkers, joggers, cyclists and rollerbladers whizzing along the promenade. Bicycles and pedal cars are available for rent along the Baku Boulevard.
Other attractions along the boulevard include the 197 foot (60 meter) Baku Ferris Wheel and the Park Bulvar shopping mall, which houses a movie theater, planetarium and playground.
Practical Info
The easiest way to get to the Baku Boulevard is by taking the metro to Sahil Station.
Address: Baku Boulevard, Baku, Azerbaijan
From $ 30
Downtown Beirut
Chic, sexy and ultra-modern, downtown Beirut can once again be considered the “pearl of the Middle East”. A booming coastal metropolis in the midst of an economic revival, a city once divided by 15 years of civil war is now home to high end stores, trendy restaurants, and a modern population living among thousands of years of history.
Travelers to Beirut can relish in the simple pleasure of sipping a thick coffee at an outdoor café or people watching along the Corniche, a three-mile coastal promenade where bullet holes still riddle the well-manicured palm trees. Visitors can similarly amble along the newly constructed Zaitunay Bay esplanade where private yachts moored offshore bear witness to Beirut’s surging wealth.
Though Beirut has no shortage of easy transport, travelers can take pleasure in strolling in the pedestrian mall around Nejmeh Square and gawk at the masterfully planned architecture. Nearby, in Martyr’s Square, many of the country’s largest political gatherings have taken place and the grounds are still a hotspot for raucous political expression.
Beirut is much more than picturesque squares and glittering promenades. It’s also a regional center of culture and commerce. At the ultra-popular Souk el Barghout, shoppers can search for everything from designer shoes to traditional caftans. Meanwhile, across town, history buffs will get lost in the sprawling National Museum and the numerous cultural artifacts residing within.
For the 1.5 million people who call Beirut home, however, gambling on horse races at the Hippodrome and dancing all night at thumping nightclubs are elements of a daily Beirut life steeped in pleasure and enjoyment. For thousands of years Beirut has been an alluring fusion of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean lifestyle, and as Lebanon progresses into an increasingly modern future, Beirut will be the capital city leading the Lebanese charge forward.
Travelers to Beirut can relish in the simple pleasure of sipping a thick coffee at an outdoor café or people watching along the Corniche, a three-mile coastal promenade where bullet holes still riddle the well-manicured palm trees. Visitors can similarly amble along the newly constructed Zaitunay Bay esplanade where private yachts moored offshore bear witness to Beirut’s surging wealth.
Though Beirut has no shortage of easy transport, travelers can take pleasure in strolling in the pedestrian mall around Nejmeh Square and gawk at the masterfully planned architecture. Nearby, in Martyr’s Square, many of the country’s largest political gatherings have taken place and the grounds are still a hotspot for raucous political expression.
Beirut is much more than picturesque squares and glittering promenades. It’s also a regional center of culture and commerce. At the ultra-popular Souk el Barghout, shoppers can search for everything from designer shoes to traditional caftans. Meanwhile, across town, history buffs will get lost in the sprawling National Museum and the numerous cultural artifacts residing within.
For the 1.5 million people who call Beirut home, however, gambling on horse races at the Hippodrome and dancing all night at thumping nightclubs are elements of a daily Beirut life steeped in pleasure and enjoyment. For thousands of years Beirut has been an alluring fusion of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean lifestyle, and as Lebanon progresses into an increasingly modern future, Beirut will be the capital city leading the Lebanese charge forward.
Address: Lebanon
From $ 40
Bait Al Zubair Museum
Oman’s rich cultural heritage is under the spotlight at Muscat’s popular Bait Al Zubair Museum, located in the Old Town just east of the modern city. Opened in 1998 to showcase the private collections of Sheikh Al Zubair bin Ali, minister and advisor to three former Sultans, the museum has quickly ascended the ranks of Muscat’s most popular tourist attractions. Originally housed in the Al Zubair family’s former home, the museum has since been expanded into a complex of three buildings, including an art gallery and an Omani-style model village, complete with a falaj (an ancient water system), a souk and houses topped with palm fronds.
The vast permanent collection of Bait Al Zubair features everything from antique maps and historic photographs of the city, to typical Muscati furniture, old Islamic coins and portraits of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said Al Said. The principal highlight is a series of exhibitions devoted to traditional Obani crafts, including silver, copper, clay, leather and textile products, alongside a display of khanjar (Omani daggers), household objects and clothing.
Address: 100 Muscat, Muscat, Oman
Hours: Sat-Thurs 9:30am-6pm
From $ 32