The Middle East is the birthplace of civilization and has been home to some of the world’s most influential cultures. The region is also a hotbed for religious conflict, making it difficult for visitors to explore this part of the world. But if you’re up for an adventure and want to see some genuinely historical and beautiful places, here are 7 must-see places in the Middle East.
Wadi Rum, Jordan
Why it’s a must-see: The spectacular red sandstone cliffs of Wadi Rum epitomize the quintessential desert landscape. The valley was formed by sandstone and granite. It’s an area with stunning views and impressive cultural history, making it one of the most popular places to visit in Jordan.
How to get there: You can fly into Aqaba Airport or drive from Amman or the Dead Sea (about a 1-hour drive). Then travel by camel into Wadi Rum village, where you can arrange for a tour guide and camel ride through the valley.
You can also travel to Wadi Rum on a day trip from Petra, which is about an hour’s drive away. Many tour companies offer day trips from Aqaba as well.
Petra, Jordan
- Petra is a UNESCO World Heritage site located in Jordan. It’s one of the most famous ancient cities in the world and was built in the 1st century BC by the Nabataeans, an ancient tribe that thrived on trade routes between Asia and Africa.
- The Treasury (or Al Khazneh), which is arguably Petra’s most iconic structure, is carved into sandstone cliffs with elaborate facades that depict deities from Greek mythology. The building has been featured in dozens of films over the years, including Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, which showed off its 60-foot high facade set against red rock landscapes inspired by the nearby Wadi Rum desert.
The city itself is divided into two parts: the El-Deir, which is a marketplace and commercial center, and the El-Khazneh, which was occupied by royalty. The Nabataeans believed that their gods had a direct connection with their land and would often build temples in honor of those deities.
Marrakesh, Morocco
Marrakesh is a popular tourist destination and home to the most famous mosque in Morocco, the Koutoubia Mosque. It’s also known for its souks (markets), palaces, and gardens. If you’re interested in seeing how locals live (and what they eat), take a tour of a traditional riad or private home that has been converted into an upscale hotel.
Marrakesh is a great city to visit if you want to experience Morocco without the hassle of planning your trip. There are plenty of organized tours available, many of which will take you to the Atlas Mountains and Atlantic beaches, as well as other cities in Morocco.
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Abu Dhabi is the capital of the United Arab Emirates and a beautiful city with many attractions to explore. There are many historical sites to visit, including museums, monuments, and palaces. There is plenty of culture to be had as well: art galleries, concerts, operas, and more. While you’re exploring all that Abu Dhabi has to offer, make sure you don’t miss its modern skyline with skyscrapers reaching high into the sky!
If you want some time outdoors while visiting Abu Dhabi, we recommend heading south towards Yas Island, where there are plenty of beaches to relax on! Or if shopping is your thing, then City Walk offers endless shopping avenues filled with brands such as Zara or H&M (to name just a few).
The Etihad Museum is a great way to learn more about the history of Abu Dhabi and the UAE. The museum offers interactive exhibits that are fun for all ages, plus there is a planetarium so you can learn about astronomy as well! If you want to get active while visiting then don’t forget to take advantage of some of Abu Dhabi’s many parks which include Al Wathba and Saadiyat Beach Park. Saudi Arabia has a lot to offer as a tourist destination because it is still relatively young. This nation is rising in popularity due to its lengthy and rich history. But figuring out where to go can be challenging. Plan beforehand and have fun while here! Be sure to discover the best destinations in Saudi Arabia.
Ephesus, Turkey
Ephesus is an ancient city in Turkey. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it has been preserved as one of the largest cities in the world. This ancient site was once part of the seven wonders of the ancient world and is now considered one of the most important historical sites in Turkey.
Knidos was an important port city of the ancient world, located on the southern coast of Turkey. It was founded by settlers from Megara in 685 BC and quickly became prosperous due to its location on the Aegean Sea. The city reached its peak during Hellenistic and Roman times when it became a center for trade with other regions of Asia Minor.
Beirut, Lebanon
The capital of Lebanon is a beautiful city that has always been known for its history. If you’re looking for an exciting place to visit, Beirut has it all: historical landmarks, great restaurants and cafes, stunning architecture, and more. It also happens to be one of the safest cities in the region.
The city is filled with historical sites, including the National Museum of Beirut and the Beirut Souks, where you can find a variety of shops and restaurants. If you’re looking for a great place to eat, try Germain’s, which serves delicious Lebanese cuisine, as advised by our consultants from fourwinds-ksa.com. There are also many fun things to do in Beirut that don’t require any money at all.
Luxor, Egypt
Luxor is a must-see when you’re visiting Egypt. Located in the south of the country, it’s home to some of the most impressive temples on Earth. The Temple of Karnak was built by various pharaohs and is full of huge statues that depict gods and goddesses. The nearby Temple of Luxor has some beautiful carvings, as well as its obelisks that were relocated from Thebes (modern-day Luxor).
The Valley of the Kings is another popular site in Luxor. Home to many tombs carved into its hillsides, this valley contains several burial chambers that once housed kings like Tutankhamun and Ramses II. You can visit them yourself; tickets cost around $125 per person and last around three hours.
There are beautiful places to see in the Middle East.
The Middle East is known for its incredibly diverse landscapes and cultures. With so many places to see, you’ll want to plan your trip ahead of time. The list above shows some of the more well-known destinations in the region, but it’s by no means exhaustive. We don’t offer any particular order or ranking here—each place has unique characteristics that make it worth visiting at least once in your life!
We hope these 7 must-see places in the Middle East have inspired you to visit the Middle East and experience its amazing wonders. It’s a unique place with so much to offer!
