Middle East

This trip will make you speechless then turns you into storyteller.

Lebanon

Whether you're looking for high-octane adventures, relaxed vacations or a dose of culture and history, Lebanon is a place that never disappoints.

Abu Dhabi

From the breadth of landscapes and experiences it offers to the variety of its facilities, Abu Dhabi is epic in every sense of the word!

Bahrain

From teeming bazaars to white-washed beaches, Bahrain guarantees memories that are as unique as the land itself!

Oman

From the rich, modern architecture of Muscat to the age-stained tombs of Sohar, experience Oman’s fascinating blend of the past and present.

Welcome to Middle East!

With hypnotic horizons, sultry sand dunes and a culture steeped in tradition, the Middle East offers a heritage so gloriously wide, that it’ll keep you coming for more! From the ancient ruins of Palestine and the rustic villages of Syria to luxury resorts in Qatar that drench in opulence, this is a land that boasts a fascinating blend of past and present, old and new!

Whether you choose the age-stained architecture of Yemen over the luxe lifestyle of Dubai, or fancy dreamy B&Bs on the secluded beaches of Libya more than the magical pyramids of Cairo, your next favorite destination is guaranteed to be somewhere from the Middle East!

Popular countries

Discover the best countries in Middle East

United Arab Emirates

Egypt

Jordan

Qatar

Oman

Israel

Lebanon

Bahrain

Iran

Kuwait

Saudi Arabia

Popular cities

Cities in Middle East you’ll love

Cairo
Egypt

Beirut
Lebanon

Abu Dhabi
UAE

Amman
Jordan

A variety so wide it’ll spoil you for choice

Vacation Rentals

Hotels

What to know before you go

Attractions you can’t miss

With an enviable arsenal of attractions, every country in the Middle East offers something unique and truly special. You can spend your evenings foraging the breathtaking tombs, temples, and the mystical Sphinx of Egypt all day long. While the Louvre in Abu Dhabi remains an undisputed favorite for art lovers — and among the best places to visit in Middle East — for a more touristy choice, UAE’s Burj Al Arab never disappoints.

Then there are magnificent historic staples such as the archaeological wonders of Iraq and the enchanting Masada National Park in Israel that manage to remain unfazed even by the glitz and glamor of Saudi Arabia’s Sheikh lifestyle.

Accommodation near attractions

Never be far from iconic landmarks in Middle East

The Great Sphinx of Giza
Egypt

Mount Nebo
Jordan

Dead Sea
Israel

Cuisine crawl

The food of the Middle East is an extensive affair. You can indulge in succulent shawarmas and delectable falafels in Lebanon, while Baghdad’s juicy mutton kebabs are something every meat lover should have in their arsenal.

Cuisine crawl

Head to Doha for a trendy spread, where you’ll find enthusiastic bartenders and chefs tossing away whisks and knives into the air.

Festivals to experience

One of the best places to visit in Middle East is Iran during the Ramadan festival, where you can savor delectable local dishes concocted with dates and dry fruits.

Festivals to experience

And if you really want to indulge, take a trip to Dubai's beloved shopping festival that’s hosted once every year. From high-end luxury brands to charming handmade souvenirs, it's a paradise for shoppers from around the world.

Shop & splurge

Souks are the real attraction of the Middle East. You can witness some of the most intricately designed works of gold in the many souks littered across the United Arab Emirates, while Muttrah souk in Muscat is a treasure trove of ornate silver gems and bedu jewelry.

Shop & splurge

The teeming markets of Jerusalem are some of the best among the Middle Eastern countries. You can fill your baskets with local spices, wooden toys, and the most flavorful hummus you'll ever find.

Where to visit for what

Insta-worthy destinations

Pose along the striking red sands of Wadi Rum in Jordan and recreate your own version of Lawrence of Arabia, where the blockbuster film was in fact shot. One visit to Dubai’s Global Village and you’ll know what wanderlust hashtags are all about. Here you’ll find exceptionally photogenic sights of stunning artificial domes and vibrantly-lit buildings.

Witness the true glory of Kuwait with its unique gold interiors that are perfect to go live from. And, who can resist publishing an Instagram story about the stunning Pyramids of Giza in Egypt?

Beach, coasts and islands

One of the best places to visit in Middle East is the Dead Sea. Spend a lazy afternoon floating away in this one-of-a-kind salt lake that remains a sought-after tourist destination. The captivating Red Sea is equally awe-inspiring and offers panoramic views, silky-soft sands, along with bewitching beach resorts.

With pulsating music, gorgeous sand beaches and beautiful revelers all around, Manama in Bahrain is something else that you can't miss. Sip on heavenly cocktails at one of the many beachfront bars you'll find here and soak in the scenery of the region.

Experience wilderness

From rare sand cats to camels, the secluded dunes of the Arabian Desert is home to some of the most unique wildlife. Bahrain houses the critically endangered Arabian oryx, as well as African rock pythons, white antelopes and spotted hyenas.

You can trek through the picturesque mountain range of Jebel Hafeet in Eastern Arabia, white river raft through River Tigris, and paddle over the sunken city of Zirku.

Family getaways

Dubai’s wide range of theme parks such as MotionGate and BollywoodParks boast mind blowing roller coasters and 3D experiences inspired by some of your favorite Hollywood flicks. Head to Bahrain and take a deep dive into its heart-pounding water parks, where you can witness spectacular artificial reefs.

Nightlife

Beirut in Lebanon is the undisputed party capital of the Middle East. Raging night clubs, seaside views, balmy Mediterranian weather, and a young trendy crowd — what more do you need? From quiet backstreet wine bars, live reggae gigs to wild beach parties inside the most luxurious hotels, there’s something for everybody.

Romantic breaks

The majestic, sun-drenched sights of the Middle East will make you feel like you’ve walked into a Valentine’s Day postcard. Stroll hand-in-hand with your loved one through the bustling city of Doha. Soak in its quaint colorful marketplaces and spectacular night views. Book an overnight excursion to the Arabian desert and enjoy a romantic wine and dine under a canopy of glittering stars.

All things budget

A paradise for backpackers, and one of the most pocket-friendly places to visit in Middle East is Iran. Littered with budget hotels and student-friendly hostels, here you can indulge in some of the most gorgeous sites without breaking the bank. Take for instance, its breathtaking Persian ruins and lavish tombs.

Then there’s the land of mummies and Cleopatra, and their fascinating history. With luscious sandsundes and ancient monuments, Egypt remains one of the inexpensive and sought-after places to visit in Middle East.

Frequently asked questions

Which is the best country to visit in the Middle East?

Its iconic tourist attractions such as the towering Burj Khalifa and the exhilarating Ferrari World has made UAE one of the best places to visit in the Middle East. Libya remains equally crowd-pleasing with its unique canvas of history and architecture — take for instance, the world-famous Saraya Museum and its rolicking sand dunes.

Which is the safest country in the Middle East?

Home to charming summer retreats and playful waters, Oman holds the flame for its tourist-friendly hospitality and efficient security system.

Is the Middle East expensive?

Whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly travel or a more indulgent stay, the Middle East has something for everyone. You can choose to check-in to the humble vacation homes and student hotels of Palestine, or live in the lap of luxury, inside the megawatt hotels of Suadi Arabia.

While the Middle East is considered a more pocket-friendly choice compared to Europe and North America, the highly developed countries here are usually steeper than others.