The most beautiful cities in the Middle East with many tourist attractions, are the destination of many domestic and foreign tourists every year. Most people think of European cities and countries when it comes to a good trip, a luxury hotel, restaurants with great food and an attractive tourist destination.
But it is interesting to know that in the Middle East, there are also very beautiful and spectacular cities and countries! It is really a pity that no one sees them up close for once in their life.
The Middle East is a land of contradictions. This region, which is located at the cultural crossroads of East and West, is one of the main cradles of human civilization and the birthplace of the three great monotheistic religions in the world.
Countless stunning relics of the region’s tumultuous past remain in small and large Middle Eastern cities. Many world-famous tourist attractions await tourists, from medieval markets and historic mosques to pristine deserts and remote oases. Then join Zhinmag to become familiar with some of the most beautiful cities in the Middle East.
Most beautiful cities in the Middle East
1- Istanbul, Turkey
Istanbul, located at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, is one of the world’s great cultural crossroads with a tumultuous history. This modern city is one of the most beautiful cities in the Middle East as well as in the world. In addition, Istanbul has several shopping malls and is known as a Middle East shopping paradise.
The minarets of the Hagia Sophia (Turkish: Ayasofya) and the Blue Mosque or the Sultan Ahmed Mosque (Turkish: Sultan Ahmet Camii) are located above the multitude of markets and the calm waters of the Golden Horn (Turkish: Altın Boynuz or Haliç) and the Bosporus (Turkish: İstanbul Boğazı).
2- Petra, Jordan
According to reports, trip to Petra is equal to a trip in time. Petra has beautiful stone buildings and has always been attractive to tourists who are interested in history and ancient architecture.
No one forgets the first moment of seeing Petra. To enter this historical place, you cross the narrowest valleys and it is as if you are passing through a magic needle hole. The great lost city of The Nabataeans, also Nabateans (Arabic: ٱلْأَنْبَاط al-ʾAnbāṭ), with its beautiful Greek-Roman view overlooking the cliffs, is one of the most beautiful historical cities in the world that you can visit.
3- Cairo, Egypt
If you have ever wondered what life was like in the Middle Ages! The old part of Cairo (Arabic: القاهرة, al-Qāhirah), takes you on a journey through history and answers all your questions.
Cairo is a beautiful city whose architecture has always been famous and is tied to its ancient history and culture. Cairo has always been known for its prehistoric buildings.
In the endless and charming meanders of this old city, there are medieval streets and alleys that are full of ancient mosques, spectacular gates and crowded markets. Wandering in these alleys is half the fun of traveling to Egypt, so do not go home until this is done!
4- Cappadocia, Turkey
If the Tolkien elves decide to move from Middle-earth, they will probably choose Cappadocia (Turkish: Kapadokya) for life. Elves are a fictional race inhabiting Middle-earth in the remote past.
This mysterious land with surreal collections of strange stone columns, cones and mushrooms located at the heart of fairy tales. There are several caves, churches and even underground villages on the strange rocks of Cappadocia, which are good places for Hobbits (fictional race of people in the novels of J. R. R. Tolkien) to live!
5- Siwa Oasis, Egypt
Siwa oasis (Arabic: واحة سيوة) is located in northwestern Egypt in the Libyan Desert. Visitors have been paying attention to Siwa since Alexander the Great visited it in 332 BC to consult with a fortune teller living in the area.
It is said that Alexander the Great met with this fortune teller to confirm that he was descended from Zeus. Today’s visitors are satisfied with exploring the ruined brick towns of Siwa, the remains of ancient Egyptian tombs and Greek-Roman temples.
The vast landscape of this oasis with the presence of green palms among the endless sands of the desert is an attractive view that tourists cannot find anywhere else in the world.
6- Bint Jbeil, Lebanon
At the ancient port of Byblos (the oldest port in the world with more than 5000 years old) or Bint Jbeil (Arabic: بنت جبيل), the Mediterranean Sea joins the Middle East amidst beautiful beaches and rugged mountains.
Bint Jbeil is one of the most beautiful cities in the Middle East and one of the oldest cities in the world, which has always been inhabited. It has witnessed an interesting part of history up close.
From the remains of Phoenician temples to Christian castles, all show the city’s antiquity and its hosting of different religions. Roman churches, medieval mosques, and medieval orthodox country houses in the city’s beautiful harbor create stunning views that can only be seen in tourism magazines.
7- Hegra (Mada’in Salih), Saudi Arabia
Mada’in Salih (Arabic: مَدَائِن صَالِح, madāʼin Ṣāliḥ) or Hegra (Arabic: ٱلْحِجْر), is an ancient site located in northern Saudi Arabia.
Extraordinary rock tombs in Mada’in Salih have created one of the most special landscapes in the Middle East. There are 131 examples of these cave-shaped tombs that have been dug in the heart of red rocks and scattered on the sands of the Saudi Desert. If you love history and antiquities, do not miss the opportunity to travel to Mada’in Salih.
8- Isfahan, Iran
The famous Iranian proverb says: “Isfahan is half of the world” and you probably came to the same belief with the first visit to this city.
Isfahan (Persian: اصفهان, Esfahân) is the jewel of Iran’s cultural, historical and artistic crown. It has an extraordinary collection of historical monuments, from tiled mosques and historic schools and inns to old markets full of carpets and handicrafts.
Isfahan is known as the cultural capital of Iran and has a famous name in the world for the authentic customs and traditions of its people.The people of Isfahan, like other cities in Iran, go to celebrate the Iranian New year holiday in early March.
All routes lead to Naghsh-e Jahan Square (Persian: میدان نقش جهان, Maidān-e Naghsh-e Jahān) or Shah Square (Persian: میدان شاه), which is the most spectacular square in the world.
9- Musandam Peninsula, Gulf of Oman
Ruus Al Jibal or Musandam Peninsula (Arabic: رَأْس مُسَنْدَم) is often described as “Arab Norway”. Of course, it is much warmer than norway.
Musandam is one of the most attractive places and most beautiful cities in the Middle East. The high mountains with the red rocks of the Hajar Mountains seem to have sunk into the blue waters of the Persian Gulf, creating spectacular views of small bays and bays and islands that reach the sea beautifully.
10- Dubai, UAE
Stunning modern buildings, crowded beaches with a variety of recreational attractions, luxury hotels and skyscrapers, and state-of-the-art shopping malls and markets, these have made the Dubai (Arabic: دبي, Dubayy), spectacular and attractive.
Dubai is a dream city in every sense of the word. Every corner of Dubai is full of surprises and tourist attractions, and it is such a beautiful city that it is called Utopia. Some of the tallest towers and skyscrapers in the world are built in Dubai. On the other hand, Dubai beaches, Dubai deserts, modern Dubai shopping malls, traditional markets and Dubai entertainment venues are all full of charm and surprises.
Millions of tourists travel to Dubai throughout the year to visit its many attractions. There are many reasons why Dubai tops the list of Middle Eastern attractions, from entertainment and luxury resorts to great shopping malls and the world’s best food. Dubai Exhibitions are highly valued due to the presence of investors in this country from all over the world.
Dubai is the most popular tourist destination with different tastes. It does not matter if you are looking for history and traditional attractions or modern and dazzling attractions, in Dubai you can find everything you want.
11- Doha, Qatar
Doha (Arabic: الدوحة, ad-Dawḥa), the capital of Qatar, located near the Persian Gulf, is famous for its spectacular buildings, monuments, beautiful museums, traditional markets and numerous entertainment venues.
Doha, which is developing both economically and social-culturally, is rightly known as one of the 7 Wonders of the World and one of the most important and beautiful cities in the Middle East.
It is interesting to know that many tourists travel to Qatar to participate in golf-related entertainment programs, shopping in the traditional markets of Doha, and to experience exciting entertainment and relaxation on the beautiful beaches of Doha.
The best season to visit Doha is late autumn and early winter. In this beautiful city, you can visit attractions such as the Museum of Islamic Art, the Katara Cultural Village, the National Museum and the Souq Waqif Bazaar (Grand Bazaar of Doha City).
12- Baalbek, Lebanon
Heliopolis or Baalbek (Arabic: بعلبك, Baʿlabakk), located along the Litani River in the Beqaa Valley in Lebanon, is an ancient and beautiful city in the Middle East.
Known as a place of worship for gods and goddesses, it is now host from the legendary ruins of temples, mosques and other structures from ancient Greece and Rome.
Baalbek is undoubtedly one of the most iconic and mysterious places in the Middle East. We suggest visiting the Temple of Jupiter, Stone of the Pregnant Woman, the ancient Roman ruins and the Temple of Bacchus in this city.
13- Manama, Bahrain
Located adjacent to the Persian Gulf, Manama (Arabic: المنامة al-Manāma) is the capital of Bahrain and has beautiful historical and cultural monuments.
Historically, the city has been the center of many major trade routes. The city’s mosques, museums, public squares and local markets attract many tourists, especially those who like to explore the city’s historical and cultural sites.
Manama also has beautiful nature, and modern architecture and amazing tourist attractions have always been attractive to tourists.
Autumn and winter are the best times of the year to travel to Manama. In Manama, you can visit attractions such as the Bahrain National Museum, Al-Fateh Islamic Center & Al Fateh Grand Mosque, Bab AlBahrain and The Lost Paradise of Dilmun Water Park.
14- Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Abu Dhabi (Arabic: أَبُو ظَبْيٍ, Abū Ẓabī), one of the most beautiful and touristic cities in the Middle East, needs no introduction or definition. The city is located in the Persian Gulf and hosts crowded beaches, nightlife, monuments. It is world of adventure.
Abu Dhabi is a perfect combination of the charm of the ancient world and the most modern urban attractions. There is a lot of fun, unique entertainment, adventure and excitement for people of all ages.
Basically, those who travel to Abu Dhabi fall in love with the amazing history, fascinating atmosphere of the city and its modern infrastructure.
Safari, rural sightseeing tours, beach recreation, campgrounds and shopping malls are just some of Abu Dhabi’s top tourist attractions around the world. The city has everything and that is why it is one of the most popular choices for tourists.
Winter and spring are the best seasons to travel to Abu Dhabi. There are many attractions to visit in Abu Dhabi, but if you are looking for the most important attractions, be sure to visit these places on your trip:
- Saadiyat Public Beach
- Marina Mall
- Dalma Mal
- Heritage Village
- Ferrari world
- Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
- Louvre Abu Dhabi
15- Damascus, Syria
Many tourists prefer historical and cultural attractions and we are all aware of the importance of historical attractions.
This charm of the historical monuments is proved once again by the beauty and charm of the old city of Damascus (Arabic: دمشق, Dimashq) in Syria. Damascus is one of the oldest cities in the world.
If you love history and heritage, Damascus, famous for its mosques, markets and public squares, could be your next destination. In Damascus, you can visit attractions such as Al Hamra Street, the National Museum, the Damascus Opera House (Dar al-Assad) and Al-Hamidiyah Souq.
16- Beirut, Lebanon
The Lebanese capital, Beirut, is known around the world for its unique history, culture and interesting traditions. There are many historical and scenic places in this city. In addition, the modern part of Beirut has very beautiful beaches, very luxurious hotels, and attractive cafes and restaurants that have always attracted tourists.
Beirut, known as bride of Middle East, has special historical and recreational places and beauties. Magnificent architecture, cuisine, handicrafts and outstanding historical monuments make the capital of Lebanon, one of the most beautiful cities in the Middle East.
Spring and autumn are the best times to visit Beirut. In this city you can enjoy sightseeing in Beirut Bazaar, Martyrs’ Square, Hamra Street and Zaitunay Bay.
17- Erbil, Iraq
The Middle East has many ancient cities that have retained their splendor for centuries. Erbil (Arabic: أربيل, Arbīl) is one of the most popular destinations among the ancient sites of the Middle East. Erbil is the most populous city in Iraq and the commercial capital of the Iraqi Kurdistan region, with monuments such as ancient palaces, museums and public squares.
During your trip to Erbil, visit attractions such as the Erbil Citadel, the Kurdish Textile Museum, the Family Shopping Center and the Abdul Rahman Sami Park.
What do you think?
If you are a tourist and have seen most of the tourist cities of the Middle East up close, which destination do you think is the most beautiful? Which city in the Middle East is empty in this list?
If you have the experience of traveling to the most beautiful cities in the Middle East, please share your beautiful travel experiences and memories with other Zhinmag users in the comments section.
I’ve been in Petra, Jordan.Amazing!