Best Vacation Spots & Beautiful Places to Visit in The MENA Region?

The Middle East is an awe-aspiring and surreal region to explore in your lifetime. It offers a variety of different experiences attracting all kinds of avid wanderers. With a number of popular tourist destinations and offbeat travel spots, the Middle East has started to gain popularity.

There is a natural charm, dreamy locations, paradise-like cities, colorful communities, and diverse culture. These things make the Middle East a preferred holiday and vacation destination for many. At FAYVO, we love to wander around, explore and visit breathtaking places around the globe and admire the planet earth. If you are also overwhelmed with the beauty and aura of the charming Middle East, today is our day to experience this region.

The Middle East is a paradox. You get to see the mixture of multiple civilizations and cultures of both east and west. The region has always been popular for holding major cradles of human civilization. If you and your friends are interested in knowing about the worldly cultures along with happening adventures, you should plan your next tour around the MENA region.

Before the jump to the list of beautiful places, let us tell you about the countries within the border of the Middle East and North American region. We have Algeria, Bahrain, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates, and Yemen. All of these countries are different, with unique values, tourist places, and fascinating destinations.

Narrowing down a list of the best places to visit in the Middle East is tough as there is so much choice. From seeing ancient ruins to exploring modern, vibrant cities, going off the beaten track, experiencing the holy places, and unwinding in non-touristy locations, there's a lot to catch up on. So, let's get started.

DAMASCUS - SYRIA:

It is one of the oldest cities in the world that was founded back in the second millennium BC. Damascus is one of the most important cities of the Caliphate, stretching from Spain to Iran. Old Damascus is home to the Umayyad Mosque. It is one holy place that went from being a temple of Jupiter in the Roman era to a Christian church dedicated to John the Baptist. The place later became one of the most popular and largest mosques in the world.

JERUSALEM, ISRAEL:

It is one of the oldest tourist points known for attracting visitors for almost two millennia. Even back in the Middle Ages, when there were no internet and people used to follow guidebooks, many people visited the place just to experience the ancient civilization and culture. It is also known as the Holy Land – a land of saints and shrines. Visiting Jerusalem is a memorable experience for everyone, especially when you visit there with family and friends; the city is a whole different vibe. It gives us a glimpse of some of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam's most sacred sites.

PYRAMIDS OF GIZA, EGYPT:

Who isn't fond of witnessing the great Pyramids of Giza? These are one of the might wonder on earth and have stood like mountains for the past 4,000 years. Talking about Egypt as a whole, it is known to be the most fantastic and best-known cultural treasure of the Middle East. The Pyramids of Giza are precious because they are the last remaining wonder of the ancient world.

The history is worth knowing, and you'd love to enjoy a desert safari right in front of the massive pyramids. It is a once-in-a-lifetime kind of experience. The four most popular ones of pyramids are the Great Pyramid of Khufu, the Pyramid of Khafre, the Pyramid of Menkaure, and the Sphinx. Plan your tour to Egypt, and you'd never regret it. It would definitely be a good fortune to visit this historical wonder.

ISFAHAN, IRAN:

Known to be a spectacular capital of ancient Persia, Isfahan is one of its kind. The location displays the amazing style of Persian art and architecture. There are unlimited options to witness. You'll see grand mosques, palaces, giant domes, and even public squares. Everything has a story to tell, and they are beautifully designed with Persian art, sculptures, and calligraphy.

When you visit these monuments, you'd be surprised by the interior of the ceilings as they showcase spectacular designs and geometrical forms to enhance the charm quotient of this Iranian city. For your next vacation, plan to visit Isfahan. It is surely one of the most stunning places to visit in the MENA that no one should miss out on.

For now, you might be thinking:

WHERE TO GET REAL RECOMMENDATIONS WHILE TRAVELING?

Wherever you go, whatever you plan, or whenever you wish to travel, you need suggestions. Asking out people on FAYVO would be the best option for you. If you are planning your holiday to the Middle East, go through our recommendations on places to visit here before finalizing the itinerary.

Moreover, you'd find a lot of worth-nothing options and tips from fellows that'd be helpful to you throughout your journey. From adventure places to summer destinations, we have it all decided for you.

BABYLON, IRAQ:

Babylon is one of the most famous landmarks in the Middle East, and it is located in Iraq – the cradle of civilization. The place was established back in the 19th century BC and is one of the most ancient places in the world. Based on the importance of the location, it has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Babylon is one of the world's greatest cities and the capital city of the ancient Babylonian Empire. The ruins of the city are worth seeing as they speak for the civilization itself. Today, you can see the old ruins and also some rebuilt ruins in Babylon. Even today, the city takes us to those golden times. It is as magical as it was centuries ago.

One of the most iconic parts of the Babylonian ruins is the replica of the blue Ishtar Gate. The gate is named after the Mesopotamian goddess of war and love, whose name was Ishtar. It is beautifully decorated with bulls and dragons, the symbols of the ancient Mesopotamian god, Marduk.

DUBAI, UAE:

If you wish to experience a modern lifestyle while being a part of history, you should visit Dubai. Many countries use Dubai airport as a center point when going for long flights. Also, it's budget-friendly to visit and explore. Arabian beauty is mesmerizing for sure, but the nightlife of Dubai is also unmatched.

The modern Middle East also has its marvels that are represented by the impressively futuristic skylines of modern Qatar, Abu Dhabi, and, especially, Dubai. The most popular Burj al-Arab is a great tourist attraction spot. It has the vast sailed-shaped icon, which has done more than anything else to put the city on the world map. The building is certainly the most stunning building constructed anywhere on the planet over the past fifty years.

BAALBEK, LEBANON

Let's tell you a story.

When the Roman Empire was at its peak, and it was stretched all the way from Western Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East, then this city was discovered. Baalbek is a city located east of the Litani River, right in the middle of Lebanon's Beqaa Valley. It is precisely 85 km northeast of Beirut. It is home to the most impressive Roman ruins in the world. The amazing thing is, they are almost still in great condition.

Baalbek brings many tourists every year, and it'd be fantastic for you to see the well-preserved ruins, too. This place is truly a hidden gem and is such an underrated world destination. If you have ever visited the place, you'd definitely count it as one of the must-see places before you die.

RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA:

It is known to be one of the richest cities in the Middle East, and undoubtedly, Saudi Arabia is the largest country in the Arabian Peninsula. The capital of the country is Riyadh, and it effortlessly boasts a multitude of ultra-modern towers that define the skyline of its magnificent architecture. The city offers exotic landscapes, luxury shopping malls, and hotels and fascinates tourists with the tasty Arabian cuisine. You can experience the Middle Eastern culture in its best form in the city of Riyadh.

With unmatched skyscrapers and modern restaurants, Riyadh is the perfect place to get a true taste of tradition with style.

ISTANBUL, TURKEY:

Istanbul is like a magnet for tourists. It is always crowded because the city never loses its charm. It is located in the Sultanahmet district and is known to be the heart of Turkey. Home to marvels like the ancient Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, and the Grand Bazaar, the city has innumerable destinations. Walking along the Sultanahmet streets aimlessly gives you calm vibes.

The place holds many activities like cycling around the city, passing through the white streets, and more. Also, the city offers a number of luxurious restaurants, bars, and shops. You'd love to visit Istanbul on your next international trip, and we're sure it'd be a memorable one.

Best Vacation Spots & Beautiful Places to Visit in The MENA Region