Choose from 633 Fun Things to Do in Middle East And Africa
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Al Aqsa Mosque
Within Old Jerusalem’s al-Haram al-Sharif, or the Noble Sanctuary, lies the third holiest site in Islam, after Mecca and Medina. The Al Aqsa Mosque, which translates to “the farthest mosque,” sits beside the Dome of the Rock, and it is believed that Muhammed ascended to heaven from this spot after being transported from Sacred Mosque in Mecca.
Over the centuries the silver-domed mosque has been destroyed in several different earthquakes and subsequently rebuilt. With four minarets, the present day structure is characteristic of early Islamic architecture. The interior contains 121 stained glass windows, its massive dome painted with 14th-century designs. The dome was recovered in lead in 1985 to replace the aluminum cover with its original cover. Though Israel maintains control of the space, it is overseen by the Waqf, a Jordanian and Palestinian authority of the Muslim holy sites in Israel.
Practical Info
The Al Asqa Mosque is located on Temple Mount in Old Jerusalem, next to the Dome of the Rock. The mosque holds daily prayers and Friday service, though at present time Non-Muslims visitors are not permitted to enter the mosque.
Address: Jerusalem, Israel
From $ 32
Al-Attarine Madrasa
Located at the entrance to Fez’s sprawling spice and perfume market, the exquisite Al-Attarine Madrasa (the ‘Madrasa of the Perfumers’) paints a striking picture against the ramshackle stalls and timeworn cobblestones of the surrounding souks.
Built by the Marinid Sultan Uthman II Abu Said in the early 14th century, the madrasa was once an important center for learning and spirituality. The show-stopping central courtyard is the main highlight of a visit - a sumptuous example of Islamic architecture, with ornate pillars, expertly carved stuccos and magnificent zellij fashioned from hand-cut glazed tiles. Visitors can also peek into the lavish prayer hall and the comparatively sparse student quarters that look out over the courtyard.
Practical Info
The Al-Attarine Madrasa is located in Fez Medina (Fez el-Bali), close to the Kairaouine Mosque and University, and is open daily from 8.30am-12.30pm, and 2.30-6.30pm. Admission at the time of writing is 10 dirham.
Address: Fez, Morocco
Hours: Daily from 8.30am-12.30pm, and 2.30-6.30pm.
Admission: 10 dirham
From $ 15
Amman Citadel
Modern, buzzy Amman does a better job than Damascus or Jerusalem of hiding its ancient origins, but Philadelphia (to give the city its original Roman name) does have some notable antiquities.
Foremost among them is the Amman Citadel, built on the summit of Jebel al-Qala'a, the highest of Amman’s seven hills. It has had an extraordinarily long life as a fortress, with evidence of Bronze Age usage, while the remnants of a Roman site, including the Temple of Hercules, are still very much in evidence. This Citadel has also been a royal residence, as indicated by the ruins of the 8th century Ummayad palace, with its largely intact domed audience hall built on the site of a Byzantine basilica.
Foremost among them is the Amman Citadel, built on the summit of Jebel al-Qala'a, the highest of Amman’s seven hills. It has had an extraordinarily long life as a fortress, with evidence of Bronze Age usage, while the remnants of a Roman site, including the Temple of Hercules, are still very much in evidence. This Citadel has also been a royal residence, as indicated by the ruins of the 8th century Ummayad palace, with its largely intact domed audience hall built on the site of a Byzantine basilica.
The Citadel makes a great vantage point over the rest of the city, an especially impressive sight at sunset or at evening as the lights twinkle on Amman’s sloping hills.
Practical Info
The best option for reaching the top of Jebel al-Qala'a from central Amman is to take a taxi; you can always walk down again.
Address: Amman, Jordan
From $ 31
Al Hazm Castle
Al Hazm Castle is an impressive structure—one of the best examples of Islamic architecture in Oman. It is known as one of the most famous historical landmarks in the country and was built by Imam Sultan bin Seif II (whose tomb is still within the fort walls) in the early 18th century.
Approaching the castle, visitors are led to a massive wooden door, intricately carved with script and design. The roof of Al Hazm is uniquely held by columns, as opposed to the traditional wooden supports. On the exterior, there are two fortified towers to see, along with a collection of artillery and cannons. Inside there are the grand living quarters of the Imam, including a kitchen, a courtyard, and a madrassah—a Qur’anic school. The castle is on the tentative list for inclusion as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Practical Info
Al Hazm Castle is located about 20 kilometers from Al Rustaq. It takes approximately two hours to drive there from Muscat. After turning left on the roundabout in the center of Al Hazm town, the fort is 1 kilometer down the road on the left.
Address: Ar Rustaq, Oman
From $ 123
Al-Azhar Mosque
Among the countless minarets punctuating the Cairo skyline, four of the most impressive belong to one of the city’s standout mosques, Al-Azhar. This mosque, situated in the Islamic district, is not only one of Cairo's largest sanctuaries but it is also home to the world's oldest university, where class was first held in 975 A.D.
Fatima al-Zahra, the revered daughter of Muslim prophet Mohammed, was the inspiration for the mosque's name, as her moniker of "the Resplendent One” was perfectly suited for this holy place. Originally a prayer hall with only five aisles and a small courtyard, the Al-Azhar Mosque has grown throughout the centuries under the Fatimids, Mamluks and Ottomans into one of the most impressive Islamic structures in Egypt and all of the Middle East.
Practical Info
The Al-Azhar Mosque is open to the public daily from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m., although it does close for prayers. The mosque is located in the Al-Azhar area, also known as El Hussein Square, in Cairo's Islamic district near the famous Khan el-Khalili souk. A taxi can be taken directly to the mosque, as can the metro to the Al Attaba stop. Men, women and children must dress modestly inside the mosque and on the grounds; women must cover their heads, and everyone must take off their shoes before entering.
Address: Cairo, Egypt
Hours: Daily 8am-4pm (closed for prayers)
From $ 23
Amboseli National Park
Amboseli National Park is one of Kenya’s most popular nature reserves. This wide stretch of savannah and swampland encompasses the largely dry Lake Amboseli, and much of it is within sight of Tanzania’s mighty snow-capped Kilimanjaro. Complementing this awe-inspiring landscape are mighty herds of elephants, the park's biggest draw. Head to Observation Hill for some of the most impressive views; early morning and late afternoon are best for spotting these majestic animals.
Persistence will reward you with sightings of the rest of the “Big Five” of game: lions, leopards, rhinos and buffaloes. There are also a number of Maasai villages which welcome visitors. Make sure your camera has a generous memory card; Africa has few better combinations of wildlife and scenery.
Address: Kenya
Hours: Accessible daily
Admission: Nonresidents - Adult: $80, Child/Student: $40
From $ 200
Al Jalali Fort
One of a pair of 16th-century ports perched on the coastal cliffs surrounding the Old Town of Muscat, the dramatic stronghold of Al Jalali Fort is one of the city’s most prominent landmarks. Built by the Portuguese in 1587, both Al Jalali and its neighbor, Al Mirani Fort, played important roles in the years of Portuguese colonization before being reclaimed by the Omani in the mid 17th century.
Today, the hilltop fortress houses a private museum set up by Sultan Qaboos bin Said to showcase items of Oman’s national heritage to visiting dignitaries and heads of state. Reached by a stairwell cut into the rocks or by cable car, the mighty fortress hosts a number of military parades and city celebrations, but remains closed to the public except for special events.
Address: Muscat, Oman
From $ 52
Al-Rifa'i Mosque
Though not as old as many other Cairo mosques, Al-Rifa’i Mosque stands out among others for its elaborate cavernous ceilings and the fact that it serves as a mausoleum for the last Shah of Iran (who died in exile in Egypt), as well as the last reigning king of Egypt and several members of the Egyptian royal family.
Shortly after entering, visitors will find the tomb of Shaykh 'Ali al-Refa'i, a saint and the leader in an order of dervishes, and to the left beyond that are the tombs of the ‘last-in-line.’ The area is significant for burial because the building was built atop an ancient pilgrimage site said to have healing properties. Forty-four enormous columns support Mamluk-style inlaid marble walls decorated with gold-leaf Quran verses—they form a meditative cocoon from the honks and street noise outside while sung prayers echo off the tall ceilings. Al-Rifa’i Mosque was constructed between 1869 and 1912, and its exterior was designed to mimic the adjacent 14th-century Mosque-Madrassa of Sultan Hassan.
Practical Info
The mosque is located in Midan Al-Qalaa, the Citadel Square, and charges a 25 EGP ($3.20 USD) adult/15 EGP ($1.90 USD) student admission. You will be required to remove your shoes, so it’s best to wear socks. In order to respect the local culture, women entering the mosque should cover their ankles, knees and arms.
Address: El-Refaey, El-Darb El-Ahmar, Cairo, Egypt
Admission: 25 EGP
From $ 23
Al Hamra
Al Hamra is one of the oldest, best-preserved towns of Oman, having been established in the 17th century during the Ya'arubi dynasty. With winding stone streets and rows of traditional mud-brick homes, it’s easy to get lost in its back alleys and feel as if you’ve entered another time and place. With the hot sun overhead, Al Hamra certainly feels like the desert—yet there are dozens of palm trees throughout the basin providing respite from the heat.
For the best view of the city and the surrounding Western Hajar mountain range, climb to the top of the ancient Al Hamra watchtower. In town you can also find Bait al Safah, a 400-year-old traditional home full of artifacts and historical furnishings, and Beit al Jabal, another old mud home with a little less polish. Many of the homes are two stories, supported by wooden beams, and are partly open to the sky, maintaining a unique rustic feel and preserving the culture of this area.
Practical Info
Al Hamra is easily accessed and well-marked by signs on the road from nearby Nizwa. Wadi Ghul lies to the west of the town.
Address: Al Hamra, Oman
From $ 160
Alexandria National Museum
With three floors of exhibitions and some 1,800 artifacts on display, the Alexandria National Museum offers a fascinating introduction to the city's rich history. Housed in the impressively restored Al-Saad Bassili Pasha Palace, the exhibitions present a chronological journey through time, with artifacts from Egypt's four ages: Ancient, Greco-Roman, Coptic and Islamic.
Highlights include a sphinx found at Aboukir, a large collection of antique coins, a dazzling array of royal jewels, and portraits of pharaohs Menkaure, Akhenaten, and Hatshepsut. In addition, another section is devoted to artifacts found underwater along Alexandria's coast, including statues of Venus and a Roman replica of the head of Alexander the Great.
Practical Info
The Alexandria National Museum is located on El Horreya Rd in central Alexandria and is open daily from 9am to 4:30pm. Adult admission costs E£40.
Address: 110 El Horreya Rd, Alexandria, Egypt
Hours: Daily 9am-4:30pm
Admission: Adult: E£40; Student: E£25
From $ 115
Al Areen Wildlife Park
The Al Areen Wildlife Park in Bahrain is a conservation project that’s home to a variety of Arabian indigenous species. It is a sanctuary for bird, plant, and animal life, and has attracted a large number of migratory birds since opening in 1976. The park protects and breeds a number of endangered mammals, including native leopards and gazelles, plus Bahrain’s national animal, the Arabian oryx.
The park covers an area of seven square kilometers and is divided into four main sections: the Water Birds Parks, Wild Birds Park, Wild Animals Complex, and the Desert Flora Garden. As a visitor, you are free to explore most of these areas on foot, allowing you to get up close to the unique plant and birdlife. There’s also the option to watch a short film to introduce you to the park and its inhabitants, before boarding a bus to transport you on a tour around the reserve and past the animals that live there.
The Al Areen Wildlife Park is ideal for families, wildlife enthusiasts, and budding naturalists of all ages, and can be combined with other attractions in the area to make for a fun and informative day out. A full-day tour to discover the highlights of Bahrain might include visiting Al Fateh Grand Mosque, the Bahrain National Museum, Arad Fort, and Bahrain International Circuit.
Insider’s Tip: The bus tours at the park leave every hour, on the hour from Saturday to Thursday, with the presentation in the auditorium beginning 30 minutes beforehand.
Practical Info
The Al Areen Wildlife Park is located off the Gulf of Bahrain Road near the coast in the southwest of the island. If making your own way to the park, it’s around a 40-minute drive from Manama; look out for the Bahrain International Circuit and Dilmun Water Park nearby.
Address: Off the Gulf of Bahrain Road, Zallaq, Manama, Bahrain
Hours: 9am-4pm
Admission: Adult: BD1 / Child: BD0.500
From $ 107
Al Bithnah Fort
Al Bithnah Fort, located in the village of Al Bithnah 8 miles (13 kilometers) west of Fujairah City, was built in 1735 in response to Wahhabi invasions and to protect the strategically important trade route through Wadi Ham in the eastern region of the United Arab Emirates. The original fort was destroyed and rebuilt at least twice during its long history and has recently been renovated to its former glory.
Bigger than many of the other forts in Fujairah Emirate, the views of the surrounding mountains from the top of the circular Al Bithnah Fort tower make it worth a visit.
Practical Info
Al Bithnah Fort is free to enter, and sometimes the gate guard will show visitors around.
Address: Al Bithnah, United Arab Emirates
From $ 64
Al Fateh Grand Mosque
Al Fateh Grand Mosque is the largest mosque in Bahrain, with the ability to hold up to 7000 worshippers at any one time. The mosque was built using marble from Italy, teak wood from India, and glass from Austria, and its fiberglass dome in the largest in the world. The walls of the mosque are ornately decorated with Kufic calligraphy carved by local Bahraini craftspeople.
Tours begin in the library just inside the main entrance, where women will be given a black cloak and headscarf to wear for their visit. For non-worshippers, a tour of the mosque means learning about and observing various aspects of religious etiquette, as well as marveling at the mosque’s exquisite architecture and interior design.
A trip to Al Fateh Grand Mosque is best enjoyed as part of a day tour of Bahrain’s main highlights, such as the Bahrain National Museum, Arad Fort, Al Areen Wildlife Park, and the Bahrain International Circuit. Other day tours combine a visit to Al Fateh Grand Mosque with the Bait Al-Qur’an Museum, the Royal Camel Farm at Janabiya, the Burial Mounds, and Manama Souq.
Practical Info
Women must cover their hair in order to enter Al Fateh Grand Mosque and both men and women should dress conservatively. Wearing shorts is prohibited.
Did You Know? Ahmed Al Fateh, after which the mosque is name, was the founder of Bahrain.
Address: Al Fatih Highway, Manama, Bahrain
Hours: 9am-4pm, Sunday to Thursday (Closed to tourists on Friday)
From $ 107
Al-Hakim Mosque
Often lost in Cairo's electrifying presence, Al-Hakim, one of Egypt's lesser-known mosques, was built under a ruler who could have changed the world. Completed in 1012 A.D., the second-largest Fatimid mosque in Cairo with the city's two oldest surviving minarets came into existence after Al-Hakim Be'amr Allah took the throne at age 11. Al-Hakim quickly became an arrogant and savage ruler, who, at age 15, had his tutor assassinated. He later ordered the burning of several buildings after his people rejected some of his more audacious laws, including the requirement that people use his name instead of Allah's in prayer and forbidding the manufacture of women’s shoes so that women could subsequently not leave their homes.
There were some merits to Al-Hakim's rule, however; the most profound being his attempt to make reality out of a dream that came to him one night, a dream of uniting the faiths of Islam and Christianity. Unfortunately, once Al-Hakim began spreading his message of tolerance and harmony through Egypt, his people rebelled, and he was soon murdered by a group of slaves. His body was never found, but his mosque lives on as a symbol of a violent character who tried to spread peace.
Practical Info
Al-Hakim Mosque is open to the public daily from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m., although it does close for prayers. It is located in the Al-Azhar area, also known as El Hussein Square, in Cairo's Islamic district near the famous Khan el-Khalili souk. Visitors can take a taxi directly to the mosque or the metro to the nearby Al Attaba stop before asking someone to point out the mosque. Men, women and children must dress modestly inside the mosque and on the grounds; women must cover their heads, and everyone must take off their shoes before entering.
Address: Al Moez Ldin Allah Al Fatmi, Qism El-Gamaleya, Cairo, Egypt
Hours: Daily 8am-4pm (closed for prayers)
From $ 16
Amazighe Heritage Museum
Learning more about the Amazighe people and their past is a key part of understanding Morocco and its culture. Often called Berbers, the ethnic group is native to North Africa and has a diverse history in Morocco that can be explored at Agadir’s Amazighe Heritage Museum, which sits just steps away from the city’s sandy coastline.
Although it’s not a very large space, the museum displays a wide range of Amazighe items from the 18th and 19th centuries. While there, explore exhibits featuring everything from pottery to carpets, art, traditional costumes, and cooking utensils. The highlight for many are the collections of jewelry, which include exquisite pieces worn during wedding ceremonies.
Practical Info
The museum is located on a pedestrian-only street just off Avenue Hassan II. Note that the sign outside simply says Musee Municipal. Exhibit explanations in English are limited, so you may wish to seek out a guide to get more out of your visit. No photos are permitted inside.
Address: Avenue Hassan II – Passage Aït Souss, Agadir 80000, Morocco
Hours: Monday-Saturday, 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Closed Sunday
Admission: 20 MAD
From $ 148
Amouage Perfumery
In 2012, the Amouage Perfumery opened in Muscat as a visitor center to celebrate three decades of this niche luxury brand of fragrance. Here you can discover the most expensive perfume in the world, which draws inspiration from the rich and colorful heritage of the Sultanate of Oman.
For shopping fanatics, the Amouage Perfumery is best enjoyed as part of an Arabian shopping trip and souq experience. Once at the perfume factory, a guide will explain how the perfumes are made by hand and you can watch as the bottles are filled and packaged by the small team who work here, perhaps even purchasing a bottle to take home for yourself. If visiting as part of a shopping and souq tour, you’ll then get to visit two modern shopping centers, before finishing up at the most popular and largest bazaar in Oman, the Muttrah Souq.
Did You Know? The Amouage Perfumery has the capability to produce anything upwards of 5000 bottles of fragrance per week.
Practical Info
Visiting the Amouage Perfumery is also available on selected full day coach trips of the city. If not visiting as part of an organized tour, the best way to reach it is by taxi.
Address: Al Mawaleh, Muscat, Oman
Hours: 8:30am-4:30pm Sunday to Thursday
From $ 163
Al Mirani Fort
Looking down over Muscat’s Old Town from its cliff top perch, the mighty Al Mirani Fort is one of Oman’s most striking landmarks, guarding the entrance to Muscat Bay. Built in the 16th century, along with the neighboring Al Jalali Fort, the fort is one of the most significant structures left over from the years of Portuguese colonization and was occupied by Portuguese troops until Imam Sultan bin Saif recaptured it in 1649, spearheading the decline of the city’s Portuguese rule.
Restored and extended in the 19th century, the fortress of Al Mirani is the larger of the two forts and makes an impressive backdrop for those exploring the Old Town or strolling along the Muttrah Corniche. Despite its popularity though, the fort is closed to the public and visitors will have to make do with taking in the views from the outside.
Address: Muscat, Oman
From $ 37
Alexandria
Egypt's second-largest city, Alexandria, occupies 20 miles of the coast along the Mediterranean Sea. It's an understandably enormous and thriving port, but it's more than just a working city–there are tourist attractions aplenty here, too.
Although very few of the oldest parts of Alexandria are visible today, there are many ancient sights to see. You'll find ancient Roman ruins, including an amphitheater and baths, as well as catacombs beneath the city. There are also remains of a third-century B.C.E. temple that's believed to be Cleopatra's burial spot. The city was once home to what was believed to be the world's largest library, and a modern one is now meant to represent that ancient monument.
You can trace Alexandria's history right through to the present day through structures built during nearly every architectural age, and archaeologists continue to rediscover ancient pieces of the city's past. Alexandria is also a major tourist haven during the summer months, when visitors flock to its many beaches.
Practical Info
Alexandria is Egypt's largest port, roughly 136 miles from Cairo, with a population of more than 4 million people.
Address: Alexandria, Egypt
From $ 29
Al Jahili Fort
Al Jahili Fort is one of the most historic buildings in the UAE and one of the region’s largest forts. Built at the end of the 19th century, it served as a summer residence for Sheikh Zayed I, the ruler of Abu Dhabi at the time.
The fort has been well preserved and carefully restored and is now a popular cultural attraction for many visitors. It’s set in beautifully landscaped gardens and is home to exhibitions dedicated to both Sheikh Zayed and Sir Wilfred Thesiger, the British explorer, writer, and photographer who crossed the ‘Empty Quarter’ desert twice in the 1940s. There is also a visitor information center on-site.
Practical Info
Al Jahili Fort is located in the southeast of Al Ain, not far from the the Al Ain Palace Museum. It’s open from 9am until 5pm from Tuesday to Thursday, and 3pm until 5pm on Fridays. The fort is closed to visitors on Mondays.
Address: Al Mutawaa, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Hours: Tue-Thur 9am-5pm, Fri 3pm-5pm
From $ 41
Alabaster Mosque (Mohammad Ali Mosque)
The citadel of Saladin - and indeed, the Cairo skyline - is dominated by the Alabaster Mosque, or Mosque of Mohammed Ali. Modelled along classic Turkish lines, it took 18 years to build (1830 - 1848) although later the domes had to be rebuilt. It was commissioned by Mohammad Ali, ruler of Egypt from 1805 - 1849, who lies in the marble tomb on the right as you enter.
Perhaps the most evocative description of it is in Olivia Manning's The Levant Trilogy: "Above them Mohammed Ali's alabaster mosque, uniquely white in this sand-coloured city, sat with minarets pricked, like a fat, white, watchful cat." It has never found much favor with writers, who have criticized it for being unimaginative, lacking in grace and resembling a great toad. Note the chintzy clock in the central courtyard, a gift from King Louis-Philippe of France in thanks for the Pharaonic obelisk that adorns the Place de la Concorde in Paris. It was damaged on delivery and has yet to be repaired.
Practical Info
The easiest way to travel around Cairo is by organized tour or private car and guide. If you choose a private car, just be firm that you do not want to visit all the perfume and carpet shops!
Address: The Citadel of Saladin, Cairo, Egypt
Hours: Open daily 8am - 5pm. Closed Fridays
Admission: Citadel admission: 35 L.E.
From $ 11