Mecca
Formerly Al Zahir Palace, the 3435-sq-metre Makkah Museum has a collection ranging from images of Saudi Arabia’s important archaeological discoveries to…
Must-see attractions in Middle East
Iran
The 8km road spur to Andej (elevation 1587m) passes alongside three truly awesome red-rock side canyons, where you can cross the river on a rickety bridge…
Iran
The southeastern corner of the site is dominated by Darius’ Treasury, one of the earliest structures at Persepolis. Archaeologists have found stone…
Dead Sea
This private beach, stepped down the hillside in a series of landscaped terraces and infinity pools, is a great way to enjoy the Dead Sea in comfort…
Riyadh
One of the largest in the Arabian Peninsula, Riyadh’s camel market is a fascinating place to wander. Late afternoon is when the traders really find their…
Tehran
Part of the sprawling Niyavaran Cultural-Historic Complex, two rooms here are filled with a small but well-displayed example of the eclectic collection of…
Amman
This historic townhouse, built in 1924, has served as a post office (Amman's first), the Ministry of Finance and a hotel. Today, it has been restored with…
Southeastern Iran
With its triple windtower and central fountain pool, the Mostafi House is Boshrooyeh's best-preserved historic building and an icon of sorts for the town…
Beirut
Built in the 12th century as the Church of John the Baptist of the Knights Hospitaller, this attractive building was converted into a mosque in 1291. It…
Saudi Arabia
The Red Sands are the most evocative desert dunes near Riyadh. These pristine, windswept mounds of deep red sand are the closest the urban dwellers of…
Aqaba
This aquarium is part of the Aqaba Marine Science Station, although its location in the shadow of the ferry terminal doesn't make you feel particularly…
Salalah
Salalah is famous for its plantations of coconuts, papayas and bittersweet, small bananas. Stroll through the plantation roads near the corniche (2km from…
Iran
Sprinkled across the hillside 1710m above sea level, Niasar's highlight is a waterfall, the most interesting feature of which is not the plunge of water…
Wadi Rum
While you are buying your ticket to enter Wadi Rum, spare half an hour to visit the informative museum (next to the restaurant), which helps to give a…
Tehran
Near the centre of Tehran, Park-e Laleh is a well-designed green space that because of its location amid so much traffic becomes an urban oasis. It’s a…
Iran
South of Chelgerd, the Zardkuh Glaciers, at an altitude of 4050m, are beginning to appear on the occasional tour itinerary, although facilities at present…
Oman
For a panoramic view of the wadi plantations, stop at the Tourist Service Centre on the approach road to Moqal Cave. The centre has been closed for years,…
Aqaba
Standing a massive 137m high and with a flag measuring 20m by 40m, this is Aqaba's most easily spotted landmark by some degree. Look closer, however, and…
Sharjah
Renowned French-Tunisian street artist eL Seed brought his trademark 'calligraffiti' street art to Sharjah in 2015 with this snake-like design sprawling…
Tehran
Many Tehranis say Park-e Mellat is their favourite in-town getaway, and if you’re here around dusk on any spring or summer afternoon you’ll find plenty of…
Downtown Dubai
With the energetic Malini Gulrajani at the helm, this gallery has brought some of the foremost names in India’s contemporary art scene to Dubai since 2009…
Kish Island
This site located next to the tennis stadium is well worth a visit. It features a subterranean network of stone passageways built around a historic qanat…
Muscat
The open-air heart of Al Mouj residential and tourism complex, this delightful shaded public space is by the marina and catches the sea breeze. The avant…
Malek National Library & Museum
Tehran
On display at this private museum and library are pieces from the collection of Hadji Hussein Agha Malek, in the 1930s one of the richest men in Iran. The…
Golan Heights
Winner of many international awards, this highly regarded winery (total annual production: 5.5 million bottles) offers guided cellar tours (advance…
Jeddah
There is a distinct air of the subcontinent in this square mile just off the King Fahd Rd. Clothes shops sell saris, grocers stock fresh curry leaves and…
Lutheran Church of the Redeemer
Jerusalem
The square bell tower of this Protestant church, the second built in Jerusalem, has ornamented the Old City's skyline since 1898. The Church of the…
Dhofar
One of the most visited of the springs issuing from the foothills surrounding Salalah, Ayn Garziz often has a generous flow of water collecting at the…
North Coast
A long fine-sand beach stretches south from Dor, with swimming zones patrolled by lifeguards, tidal pools and ruins to explore nearby. Ancient Dor was an…
Beirut
One of the last remaining Beirut manor houses from the Ottoman era, Sursock Palace stands behind high gates across from the Sursock Museum (the Sursock…
Tel Aviv
With spectacular views across the water to Jaffa, this beach takes the title for Tel Aviv's coolest stretch of sand thanks to the city's hipsters who hang…
Oman
Marking the end point of national Walking Route 25, this small pavilion has yet another spectacular vista across the Al Ghubra Basin a thousand metres…
Saudi Arabia
This sheltered kidney-shaped bay has beautiful stretches of golden sand and stunning deep-blue waters that are safe for swimming and snorkelling. Between…
Haifa
Situated about 100m up the hill from the tour entrance of the Baha’i Gardens, this viewing platform allows a bird’s-eye view over the Shrine of the Báb…
Dead Sea
About 11km south of the southern end of Ein Bokek, high above the west side of Rte 90, a column of salt-rich rock leans precariously away from the rest of…
Southeastern Iran
The hushed Kerman National Library has modestly billed itself as Iran's ‘greatest informatic research centre’, but for non-Farsi speakers it’s the…
Manama
Bahrain's main fish market kicks off even before the dawn call to prayer, when Manama's fishermen bring their fresh haul into this functional, white tile…
Nazareth
Across the courtyard and a grassy park from the upper level of the Basilica of the Annunciation, this neo-Romanesque Franciscan church, built in 1914,…
Aqaba
Packed at the weekend and on public holidays, this stretch of rather minimal sand beneath the palm trees offers a fun and sociable way to engage with…
Northern Saudi Arabia
The 6km-long Hawaz Beach is dotted with shelters and barbecue pits, and has crystal-clear water that's ideal for swimming and snorkelling. It's popular…
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