Choose from 633 Fun Things to Do in Middle East And Africa
ShowingFilter 321-340 of 633 listings.
Mall of the Emirates
The Mall of the Emirates, Dubai’s second largest shopping complex after the Dubai Mall, houses 560 international retailers spread over 2,513,017 square feet (233,467 square meters) of retail space. Superlatives are plentiful — the mall houses the largest Carrefour supermarket in the city and five dozen stores made their Middle Eastern debut here.
While the shopping remains a huge draw to the Mall of the Emirates, even non-shoppers will find something to do. Ski Dubai (the first indoor ski slope in the region), multi-screen VOX Cinemas, Magic Planet arcade and family entertainment center, Peekaboo play area and the Dubai Community Theatre & Art Centre also make their home within the Mall of the Emirates.
Two five-star hotels, the Kempinski Mall of the Emirates and the Sheraton Dubai Mall of the Emirates Hotel both adjoin the shopping mall.
Practical Info
You won’t find many local brands within the Mall of the Emirates, and prices aren’t cheap, but it’s still a fun (and air conditioned) place to enjoy some window shopping.
Address: Al Barsha 1, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Hours: Daily 10am-1am
From $ 40
Lion's Head
This iconic peak in Table Mountain National Park stretches some 2,000 feet above sea level and its Lion-shaped apex is visible from almost anywhere in Cape Town. Visitors can make the challenging hour-long climb to the top and enjoy epic views of Table Mountain and the city skyline, and those seeking a high adventure can use the slopes of Lion’s Head as a launching point for paragliding.
Practical Info
It’s possible to walk to Lion’s Head from downtown, but it’s most accessible by taxi. Remember to get the driver’s number on the way up if you want to avoid a long walk home.
Address: Table Mountain National Park, Cape Town, South Africa
From $ 64
Long Street
Long Street is a major, buzzing thoroughfare located in the City Bowl part of Cape Town. Both commercial yet bohemian, Long Street is lined with secondhand bookstores, antique shops, and independent boutiques, which give way to a lively party scene of bars, clubs, and various international restaurants come nightfall.
Along with this heady mix of commercial stores and nightlife options is the Palm Tree Mosque, which dates back to the end of the 18th century. There’s also the oldest Mission church in South Africa, as well as Cape Town’s newest public art installation, the Open House.
The buildings themselves are Victorian in style, many featuring traditional wrought-iron balconies. The most attractive part of the road can be found between the junction with Buitensingel Street, running north to Strand Street. During the 1970s and 1980s, there were a number of theaters showing anti-apartheid productions situated along Long Street, although most were closed to be replaced by restaurants or stores by the 1990s.
Practical Info
Long Street lies between Loop and Adderley Streets in Cape Town’s city center. If not staying in the area, the easiest way to reach it is by taking a taxi.
Address: Long Street, Cape Town, South Africa
From $ 18
Mamba Village
One of the world’s most fearsome predators is on display at Mamba Village, East Africa’s largest crocodile farm. A typical day at Mamba Village begins with an informational video introducing the crocodile, its lifecycle and the important ecological role it plays. Visitors to the farm can observe crocodiles ranging from hatchlings to behemoth adults, including the supposedly 100-year-old Big Daddy.
The highlight of the day occurs in the afternoon at feeding time, when the giant reptiles duke it out for fresh meat. The village also offers horse and camel rides, botanical gardens and a restaurant serving up grilled crocodile among other game meats.
Practical Info
Crocodile feeding time occurs daily at 5pm.
Address: Links Road, Mombasa, Kenya
Hours: 8:30am to 7pm
Admission: adult/child KSh650/350
From $ 96
Madaba
Like a number of sites in the region, Madaba was mentioned in the Bible. It subsequently became a Roman provincial town and had its apogee under the Byzantine Empire. It is to that era that the town owes its chief treasures – its mosaics.
The must-see site in town is the Church of St. George, now a Greek Orthodox basilica, home of the enormous Madaba Mosaic Map. The map, with its richly-detailed rendering of Jerusalem, Jericho, Bethlehem and other holy sites, was only rediscovered in 1894 and has since been brilliantly restored.
The must-see site in town is the Church of St. George, now a Greek Orthodox basilica, home of the enormous Madaba Mosaic Map. The map, with its richly-detailed rendering of Jerusalem, Jericho, Bethlehem and other holy sites, was only rediscovered in 1894 and has since been brilliantly restored.
Madaba’s biblical significance makes it an important place of pilgrimage, while it is also home to a thriving Christian community, living in harmony with the Muslim majority.
Madaba is within easy reach of Amman; approximately half an hour by taxi or minibus. While there be sure to visit nearby Mount Nebo.
Address: Jordan
From $ 88
Majorelle Garden (Jardin Majorelle)
With its bold blue color scheme, towering palms, and gigantic cacti, set around pools of water lilies and gardens filled with exotic plants, the Majorelle Garden (Jardin Majorelle) is one of the most idyllic spots in Marrakech. Owned by designer Yves Saint Laurent, it’s also one of the city’s most visited attractions.
The Basics
A stroll through the Majorelle Garden is a highlight of sightseeing tours and a welcome change from the busy medina. Visit as part of a full-day tour that includes the Koutoubia Mosque, Bahia Palace, and Saadian Tombs, followed by lunch in Jemaa el-Fna square and shopping in the souks. Alternatively, combine a visit with a camel ride through the Marrakech Palmeraie, a horse-drawn carriage ride through the medina, or a tour of Menara Gardens.
Things to Know Before You Go
- There is an admission charge for both the garden and museum.
- Visitor facilities include a café, museum bookshop, and gift shop.
- The garden and museum are wheelchair accessible.
How to Get There
The Majorelle Garden is in the Nouvelle Ville (New Town) and can be reached in less than 10 minutes by taxi from Jemaa el-Fna.
When to Get There
Majorelle Garden is open daily. October through April, the hours are 8am to 5:30pm; May through September, the gardens are open 8am to 6pm. The shady gardens offer a chance to escape the midday heat, but the narrow walkways can get crowded by 11am. To avoid the crowds, visit first thing—the softer morning light is also best for photos.
Yves Saint Laurent and the Majorelle Garden
The Majorelle Garden was founded by French painter Jacques Majorelle during the early 20th century, and it opened to the public in 1947. After Majorelle’s death, the garden fell into disrepair until 1980, when it was purchased and restored by fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent and his partner Pierre Bergé. Saint Laurent’s ashes were scattered in the garden after his death in 2008.
Address: Avenue Yacoub el Mansour, Marrakech, Morocco
Admission: Varies
From $ 18
Makola Market
Stationed in the heart of Accra, this bustling market’s kinetic vibe has an energy that’s uniquely its own. Whether it’s discarded car parts, fresh produce, pots, medicine, plants or giant land snails, Makola Market sells practically everything under the sun.
The market also holds some historical significance. Established in 1924, Makola was the first wholesale and retail spot in Accra, making it a staple of both community and commerce. In 1979, it was destroyed by the government in hopes of improving local economy, but was quickly brought back to life by citizens eager to trade. Today, Makola is one of the most popular markets in Accra and travelers claim it’s possible to get just about anything, from anywhere, in its hundreds of hot, crowded stalls.
Practical Info
Be prepared to bargain. Locals agree white travelers usually pay more, but traders are ready to barter and visitors should be, too. The market is typically loud and crowded, so keep belongings close and stay aware of surroundings. Travelers in the know recommend hiring a guide—locals call them connoisseurs—to navigate the market chaos.
Address: Kojo Thompson Rd, Accra, Ghana
From $ 46
Martyrs' Square (Place des Martyrs)
On May 6, 1916 a group of Lebanese nationalists were hanged for rebelling against Turkish rule. In 1965 a bronze statue was erected in their memory in what is today called Martyrs’ Square (Place des Martyrs). Since then it has served as Lebanon’s most important public gathering places and the site of the massive March 14th demonstration in 2005, which brought 1 million Lebanese to the square on the one month anniversary of the murder of Hariri.
Practical Info
Martyrs’ Square is located near the Al Amin Mosque and Beirut Souq.
Address: Beirut, Lebanon
From $ 40
Little Petra (Siq al-Barid)
A northern satellite of Petra, Little Petra centers on a narrow canyon known as Siq al-Barid. With its water cisterns, carved houses, and rock-cut stairs, it has more of a lived-in feel than Petra proper. Its signature site, the Painted House, is home to one of the only surviving Nabatean painted interiors, which features jaw-dropping frescoes.
The Basics
Although it’s physically separate from the site of Petra itself, Little Petra can be accessed on the same ticket: the two-day or two-day Petra entrance tickets are both a great value. Little Petra has much less signage than big Petra, so you’ll probably want to hire a guide or join a Little Petra tour.
Some multi-day Jordan tours visit both Little Petra and Petra proper, and some Petra day tours also include a stop at Little Petra. Some Little Petra tours focus exclusively on the Nabatean ruins around Siq al-Barid, while others also take in the neolithic village of Al-Beidha and geological features.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Archaeologists believe Little Petra was built to house traders passing through on the Silk Road.
- While less spectacular than Petra proper, Little Petra is considerably less crowded.
- The ancient water cisterns outside Siq al-Barid are still functioning: local Bedouin sometimes bring their livestock into Little Petra to drink water.
How to Get There
You can reach Little Petra by taxi or by driving from either Petra or Wadi Musa, the jumpoff town for Petra; it’s around 6 miles (9 kilometers) from the visitor center. A fascinating walk leads to Little Petra through the mountains from the Monastery (Al Deir). The 4-mile (6-kilometer) hike takes about 2.5 hours, and you’ll need a guide.
When to Get There
Little Petra is less crowded than big Petra, but it does attract group tours, most of which visit in the afternoons. Aim to arrive in the morning, as close as possible to 6am, to get the best experience. Peak seasons for Petra tours and Little Petra tours—as well as Jordan tourism generally—are spring and fall: roughly mid-March to mid-May and mid-September to mid-November.
The Painted House at Little Petra
Hidden under the soot and grime of Bedouin cooking fires for centuries, the 2,000-year-old frescoes at Little Petra’s Painted House were discovered in the late aughts and carefully restored. Created by Nabateans in the Greek style, they focus on the worship of Dionysus, god of wine; the birds, insects, vines, and cherubs are startlingly realistic.
Address: Wadi Musa, Jordon, Jordan
Admission: Varies
From $ 75
Maiden Tower
The Maiden Tower, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed site, is located inside the walled-city of Baku and known by locals as Giz Galasi. Built in the 12th century, this iconic structure, which rises up into the otherwise empty skyline, is one of the city’s most
distinctive buildings.
Travelers who head to the Maiden Tower can visit the museum that’s housed inside and learn about the walled city’s history, culture and revolution. Ambitious adventurers can climb the stairs to the top of the tower where they’ll be met with incredible views of the Caspian Sea and the surrounding city.
Practical Info
The Maiden Tower is located in the Old City of Baku and is known by locals as Giz Galasi. It is located next to the Shirvanshahs’ Palace, about 200 yards from the Caspian Sea.
Address: Baku, Azerbaijan
From $ 29
Madaba Map
Located in Madaba, the 19th-century Greek Orthodox St. George Church is home to the famous Madaba Map. This sixth-century Byzantine mosaic map is believed to have been created in 542 AD, making it one of the world’s oldest biblical maps. It features imagery of the Holy Land depicted in ornate tiles and was originally made to encompass about 51 feet by 19.5 feet.
The map features more than 150 Greek inscriptions and shows locations like Jericho, the Dead Sea, Palestine, the Nile Delta, Karak and the focus of the map, Jerusalem. Today it’s about one-third its original size, although it is still in excellent condition and worth a visit. It’s said that Muslims once damaged the maps in places where Islam was portrayed as an apostate religion due to offense taken by the fact that the map depicts Jesus as God’s son. The map was unearthed in 1894 AD, and St. George Church was then built over it to act as its protector. Today visitors can see what remains of this beautiful piece of art and history up close. Since its rebirth, the map has not only enthralled church visitors, but has also helped scientists and researchers discover new landmarks and better understand historical topography.
Practical Info
St. George Church is located about 45 minutes from Amman. Photos can be taken inside St. George Church, so you’ll be able to snap pictures of the famous Madaba Map. From Amman, Madaba can be reached via Highway 35 (the King’s Highway). St. George Church is free to enter, and it is open from 8:30 a.m. until 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday and on Saturday. It opens later on Friday and Sunday at 10:30 a.m.
Address: St. George Church, Madaba, Amman, Jordan
Hours: 8:30 a.m. until 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday and on Saturday. It opens later on Friday and Sunday at 10:30 a.m.
From $ 34
Martyrs' Lane
In the early days of 1990 during the dissolution of the Soviet Union, Baku was the site of a violent crackdown on the Azerbaijani independence movement, leaving hundreds of civilians dead. Built atop a former cemetery destroyed after the Bolsheviks came into power, Martyrs’ Lane is a memorial to some 15,000 Azerbaijani heroes, including those who lost their lives during the Black January massacre.
Rising from the center of the memorial is the Eternal Flame; it’s common to see fresh wreaths here left by Azerbaijani citizens who’ve come to honor the dead. The main “lane” of the memorial has marble walls to either side bearing the names of the martyrs buried there. Also of interest is the British memorial stone honoring British servicemen who died there toward the end of World War I.
Practical Info
Martyrs’ Lane sits within easy walking distance of Old Town.
Address: Mehdi Hüseyn Street, Baku AZ1006, Azerbaijan
From $ 29
Marrakech Souks
The souks (covered markets) of Marrakech form the teeming, bewildering sub-conscious of the city, a vast network of alleyways pierced periodically by shafts of sunlight. Each souk has a different specialty, be it rugs, leather goods, spices, metalwork or clothing. Haggling is compulsory; the first price the merchant mentions is usually a fanciful multiple of what they actually expect. French is handy but money talks and the traders know it often speaks English.
Sales gambits range from simple shouts to elaborate showcase routines served up with steaming tea. If you want to explore your luggage allowance you’ll find one of the largest assortments of carpets in the world, while more portable gift suggestions include filigreed tea glasses, distinctive pointed leather “slippers”, brass lanterns, serving platters, chess sets and baskets.
Practical Info
The souks start at the northern edge of Djemaa el Fna. Once you’ve entered it's best to simply wander the narrow, labyrinthine alleyways at will, and if you exit where you entered consider it a lucky bonus!
Address: Off Djemaa el Fna, Marrakech, Morocco
Hours: Open daily
Admission: Free
From $ 23
Mac Mac Falls
Mac Mac Falls is one of the many waterfalls in the Mpumalanga Province, a pair of falls that drop more than 200 feet. The area around the town of Sabie is known for its waterfalls, with Mac Mac Falls being one of the most dramatic. The 213-foot waterfall's name refers to the Scottish miners who flocked to the area in the 1870s in search of gold. In 1873, the South African president visited the area and named it Mac Mac, a name which was also applied to the river and the waterfall.
Practical Info
Mac Mac Falls is not far from R532, a little more than 8 miles north of Sabie. There is a viewing platform at the falls, but no swimming is allowed in the pool at the waterfall's base. For that, you need to visit Mac Mac Pools about 1.25 miles from the falls.
Address: R532, Sabie, South Africa
From $ 322
Mandela House
The Nelson Mandela National Museum (Mandela House), is dedicated to the preservation of the history, heritage, and legacy of the Mandela family. Former South African president Nelson Mandela and his family lived in this Johannesburg house from 1946 to the 1990s before dedicating it to the Soweto Heritage Trust.
The Basics
Since declared a National Heritage Site, the Nobel Peace Prize winner’s house has become a sensitively restored museum, where you can see exhibits and humble household objects that add a personal touch to the story of its occupants’ heroic struggle. Tours that stop at the Mandela House typically cover the highlights of Johannesburg and Soweto, including the Apartheid Museum, Vilakazi Street, and the Hector Pieterson Museum. Site guides at the museum are available at no additional charge.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Museum tours take about 20 minutes.
- Children, students, and pensioners are admitted at half-price.
- Mandela House is accessible to wheelchair users.
How to Get There
The Mandela House is in Soweto, about a 30-minute drive southwest of Johannesburg city center. Most tours of Johannesburg (whether from the city center or from Pretoria) include round-trip transportation.
When to Get There
The small Mandela House can accommodate up to 20 visitors at a time; if there is a large crowd, be prepared to wait. Free guided tours can be arranged in advance to ensure a particular access time.
History of the Mandela House
The Mandela family occupied the house—with its humble cement floor and tin roof that are typical of the Soweto township—for decades. Mandela returned to 8115 Orlando West in Soweto, Johannesburg, after his release from prison in 1990. When Nelson and Winnie Mandela split in 1996, the then president donated the house to ensure that it would remain as a monument to South Africa’s anti-apartheid movement. He mentioned the home in his memoir, Long Walk to Freedom, as a point on which he fixated for comfort during his imprisonment.
Address: 8115 Orlando West, Soweto, Johannesburg 1804, South Africa
Admission: Varies
From $ 55
Marina Mall
Located in a fashionable part of the city on the eastern side of Dubai Marina, the Marina Mall offers more than 130 retail outlets across four levels. It’s a modern and convenient shopping and leisure destination for residents and visitors of the marina, although by Dubai standards it certainly isn’t the largest of malls.
In terms of retail outlets, Marina Mall features a mix of high street and designer brands, with a number of boutique fashion offerings thrown in too. It is also a place to visit for al fresco dining, with a promenade that extends onto the waterfront. There are a variety of other food and drink options throughout the complex, and it also features a cinema, a supermarket, and a children’s play area. The five-star Address Dubai Marina Hotel also links directly to the mall.
Practical Info
The nearest metro stations to Marina Mall are Dubai Marina and Jumeirah Lakes Towers, both on the red line and both within a 10-minute walk of the shopping center.
Address: Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai 32923, United Arab Emirates
Hours: Open Sat-Wed: 10am-10pm and Thurs-Fri: 10am-Midnight
From $ 61
Mahmaya Island
This small island off the coast of Hurghada offers access to some of the clearest, bluest waters of the Red Sea away from the busy nearby shores. Accessed by boat, the island has food and lounge facilities and places to get snorkel gear. Snorkeling in this area is a must, as the underwater life is bright, colorful and active and it is less crowded than in other snorkel spots.
An abundance of marine life awaits in the many reefs just below the water’s surface. Dozens of tropical fish and a variety of coral types can be seen just off the island’s beach. Dolphins are a frequent sighting and a highlight for many visitors to this area. Soak in the Egyptian sun on a white-sand beach and cool off with a dip in the calm, turquoise waters.
Practical Info
Mahmaya Island is located approximately 45 minutes by boat from Hurghada. Most commonly accessed via tour, prices will vary, and most tours depart daily around 9 am. Snorkel gear is available on the island.
Address: Mahmaya Island, Egypt
From $ 101
Luxor Museum
While the size of its collection can’t rival the treasures of Cairo, Luxor Museum is renowned as one of the thoughtfully assembled displays of antiquities in Egypt. Most of its exhibits come from temples and other constructions in the Luxor area.
Highlights of the museum include sculptural depictions of Amenhotep III, under whose reign many of Luxor’s temples were built. There are also a number of objects from the controversial opening of the tomb of Tutankhamun, including an imposing cow-headed deity, and the Talatat Wall, reassembled from one of the temples at Karnak.
For many visitors the chief attractions here are also among the newest: the mummies of pharaohs Ahmose I and Ramses I, which were presented to the public with much fanfare in 2004. They are shown without their bandages; a gruesome yet fascinating sight.
Practical Info
The museum is on the eastern riverside and is easily accessible from the center of Luxor, either on foot or by short taxi ride.
Address: Corniche an-Nil, East Bank, Luxor, Egypt
Hours: Summer: 9am-1pm and 4-9pm; winter: 9am-1pm and 5-9pm
Admission: 70 L.E.
From $ 30
Mahane Yehuda Market (Jerusalem)
Bursting at the seams with produce, nuts, seeds, spices, wines, meats and cheeses, baked goods, fish, housewares and clothing, Mahane Yehuda Market, informally called The Shuk, teems with locals and tourists who come for a bargain or simply to take in the frenetic atmosphere.
The history of the market dates back to the Ottoman Period, when locals began selling produce there in the early 20th century. It soon expanded into an organized market thanks to its convenient, centralized location. The local government attempted to add much-needed infrastructure — proper sewage, running water and garbage disposal to start — to the market during the British Mandate period, but it wasn’t until the 1930s that conditions began to improve.
Hungry travelers will find plenty of street food stands in and around the Mahane Yehuda Market, including some of Jerusalem’s best burekas. The market also offers a Shuk Bites card, which includes a self-guided tour map of the market and vouchers for a variety of market products.
Practical Info
To see the market at its busiest, visit on a Thursday or Friday when locals are making all their pre-Sabbath purchases.
Address: Mahane Yehuda Market, Jerusalem, Israel
From $ 31
Luxor Temple
The enormous Luxor Temple was one of the great constructions of the New Kingdom (dating from the 14th century BC) dedicated to the god Amun. It was known as the “Southern Sanctuary” and was the site of ceremonies aimed at encouraging the life-giving Nile floods.
Once through the processional Avenue of Sphinxes you come to the First Pylon, which announces the phenomenal scale of the stonework here: statues, columns and obelisks all compete with each other in a race to the sky.
Ensuing civilizations have also left their marks: there’s a shrine erected by Alexander the Great, Roman wall frescoes as well as a 14th century AD mosque, ensuring this remains a place of worship in the present day.
Practical Info
The modern city of Luxor grew up around the Temple on the east bank of the Nile, making it one of the most readily accessible sites. It makes a great visit in the relative cool of the evening, when the complex is dramatically flood-lit.
Address: Corniche an-Nil, East Bank, Luxor, Egypt
Hours: Open daily. Oct - Apr: 6am - 9pm; May - Sept 6am - 10pm; Ramadan 6am - 6:30pm and 8pm - 11pm
Admission: 35 L.E.
From $ 20