The Middle East if a fascinating region of the world with important religious sites, ancient ruins, modern cities and more.
The Middle East is often overlooked compared to other regions of the world but there is something for everyone here.
Our list of the most popular destinations could have included over 100 amazing things to to see and do but hopefully our guide will give you some inspiration to travel and explore this region of the world.
1. Cairo, Egypt
Cairo is the capital and largest city in Egypt and it is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Middle East. This city is home to world famous tourist attractions and there are so many places to visit including the Pyramids of Giza, the Egyptian Museum, the Cairo Tower and the Al-Azhar Mosque.
2. Istanbul, Turkey
Istanbul is a unique city located in two continents, with the Bosphorus strait forming the dividing line between Europe and Asia. This city is a fantastic place to be a tourist as there are so many local sights, soups, mosques and places of interest. The food in Turkey is really tasty and there are so many restaurants to choose between.
3. Jerusalem, Israel
Jerusalem is one of the oldest and most religiously important cities in the world for Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Top sights include the Dome of the Rock, Church of the Holy Sepulchre, Circa-4th-century Christian chapel, The Israel Museum, Jerusalem, National art & archaeology museum, Islamic shrine housing Foundation Stone, Western Wall, Yad Vashem Holocaust memorial & education center, Tower of David, Temple Mount, Mount of Olives and the Shuk Machane Yehuda bazaar.
4. Petra, Jordan
The ancient city of Petra located in Jordan is one of the tourist destinations in the Middle East. In 2007 Petra became one of the 7 New Wonders of the World and thousands of people visit here every year. Here you can see ancient carved rose-red sandstone rock facades, and temples which became famous due to its appearance in film Indiana Jones and The Last Crusade in 1989.
5. Cappadocia, Turkey
Cappadocia is the ultimate Instagram photo perfect destination due to the rugged terrain and hot air balloon tourist rides. If you choose to stay in Cappadocia there are so many unique cave hotels which are unlike many others places in the world.
6. Siwa Oasis, Egypt
Siwa Oasis is a lesser known hidden gem which requires going off the beaten track to get to. Located in the remote Western Desert, this destination is famous for the Temple of the Oracle that dates from the 6th century BC. Biblical stories say Alexander the Great came here to ask about his fate and whether or not he was really the son of Zeus, as his mother had told him. One of the highlights include getting to swim in natural springs known for their reviving qualities.
7. Wadi Rum, Jordan
Wadi Rum known also as the Valley of the Moon is one of the world’s most beautiful deserts. More than just a sea of rolling dunes, this protected wilderness near Jordan’s southern border is made unique by the dramatic sandstone and basalt mountains jutting out of its sandy floor.
This valley is located in southern Jordan 60 km (37 mi) to the east of Aqaba and looks stunning in real life with rolling red sand dunes. The area is protected and the scenery makes it a really unique and special place to visit. One of the highlights of any trip here is the amazing places to stay including tented accommodation with see through roofs so you can see the stunning clear night sky at night.
8. Baalbek, Lebanon
Baalbek is a really underrated city to visit located in Lebanon’s Beqaa Valley. Baalbek was inhabited as early as 9000 BCE and the city grew into an important pilgrimage sites in the Middle East. This city is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and there are so many temples and ruins to rival places like Greece and Italy.
9. Hegra, Saudi Arabia
Hegra, known to Muslims as Al-Hijr, and also known as Mada’in Salih, is an archaeological site located in Al-‘Ula, Medina Province in the Hejaz, Saudi Arabia. A majority of the remains date from the Nabataean Kingdom.
10. Isfahan, Iran
The prospect of visit Iran can seem quite daunting but if you do visit you will be pleasantly surprised by the amount of amazing destinations. Isfahan located in central Iran, is one of the best places to go. This city is famous for its Persian architecture, boulevards, bridges, palaces, tiled mosques, and minarets. Naqsh-e Jahan Square, Imam (Shah) Mosque, Ali Qapu Palace, and the Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque are all must see locations.
11. Musandam Peninsula, Oman
Oman is a slightly off the beaten track country to visit but there are lots of destinations to check out including the stunning Musandam Peninsula. This destination is located to the south of the Strait of Hormuz between the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman and is a great place to explore with spectacular views.
12. Dubai, UAE
Dubai is one of the most visited cities in the world and a popular tourist destination due to the climate, safety, beaches and amazing places to stay. Dubai has some of the most 5 star hotels and also some budget options allowing you to enjoy all the modern shopping centres, clubs and entertainment. View our guide to the top things to do in Dubai.
The Middle East is one of the most important historical and cultural destinations in the world beauty. There really are so many different locations, the hard part is choosing where to go.
