Choose from 633 Fun Things to Do in Middle East And Africa
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Room of the Last Supper
It is still possible to visit the supposed site of the Last Supper, known to some as the “Cenacle” (Latin for ‘dining room’) and also the “Upper Room.” The Last Supper is the Passover meal Jesus and his disciples shared the night before his death. The New Testament of the Bible writes that the Apostles gathered in the upper room here to pray after Jesus’s ascension into heaven.
The room then became a gathering spot for first-century Judeo-Christians. Some consider it “the first ever Christian church.” The room became known as the Church of the Apostles after it was spared in the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 AD. The stone structure that now stands was built by the Crusaders in the 12th century, though parts of the original wall can still be seen. The great hall is divided into three naves by large Romanesque pillars, imbued with a true sense of Biblical history.
Practical Info
The Cenacle is near the Church of the Dormition, past the Zion Gate of Jerusalem’s Old City. It is open daily from 8 am to 5 pm. The Tomb of David is located on the ground floor of the same building.
Address: Mount Zion, Jerusalem, Israel
From $ 32
Rustar Floating Restaurant
The Rustar is a traditional wooden dhow vessel that offers its guests dining and entertainment while cruising along Dubai Creek and taking in the sights of the city. The ship, which is equipped with lateen sails, has three levels; the lower deck has a bar, the middle level features the main dining hall, and the upper level is an open-air dinner deck.
A romantic setting for a meal for two but equally popular with families, the Rustar Floating Restaurant has all the luxuries of a five-star establishment. Its lavish interior is made up of predominantly glass and teak wood with typical Arabic designs throughout, and there’s even a small rock waterfall onboard to add to the ambience. Dinner is a buffet of international and continental cuisine, while the live entertainment includes singing, dancing, and other performances.
The Rustar Floating Restaurant experience lasts for two hours and bookings should be made in advance. There are various types of tours to choose from, some of which include roundtrip transfers from selected Dubai hotels.
Practical Info
The Rustar leaves from the landing at Deira Creek and boarding usually begins at 8pm, with the cruise departure scheduled at 9pm.
Did You Know? The Rustar dhow can accommodate 400 passengers. At 51 meters long, it holds the world record for the largest floating restaurant.
Address: Baniyas Road, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Hours: Boarding from 8pm
Admission: From $87
From $ 70
Saints Sergius and Bacchus Church (Abu Serga)
Saints Sergius and Bacchus Church, also known as Abu Serga, in a Coptic Christian church situated in the Coptic Quarter of Cairo. Dedicated to the saints, Sergius and Bacchus, it is most famous due to the belief that it was built on the site where Joseph, Mary and baby Jesus resided during their time in Egypt.
Abu Serga was thought to have been built in the 4th or 5th century and is one of the oldest Coptic churches in Egypt. One of its most interesting features is the crypt where the Holy
Family were said to have rested. The crypt is 10 meters deep and, when Nile levels are high, is often prone to flooding.
The building is a traditional basilican structure with a nave and two side aisles with a western return aisle. Twelve grand columns stand between the nave and the aisles, eleven of which are made from white marble, while one is made from red granite.
Practical Info
The Saints Sergius and Bacchus Church is located in the Old Cairo area of the city in the Coptic Quarter. Mar Girgis is the nearest metro station and is located immediately outside.
Address: Coptic Cairo Quarter, Cairo, Egypt
Hours: 9am-4:30pm
From $ 20
SAB World of Beer
Johannesburg's SAB World of Beer is a museum dedicated to beer, run by South African Breweries. Opened in 1995, the World of Beer is an interactive beer museum tracing the history of the drink in Africa. The exhibits begin with the earliest known references to beer, roughly 5,000 years ago in Egypt and Mesopotamia. In addition to the history of beer, visitors also learn about the beer-making process in different parts of the world.
Tours end in the Tap Room, where visitors can sample South African Breweries' beers and enjoy some snacks while looking out over Newtown.
Practical Info
SAB World of Beer is located in the Newtown neighborhood in central Johannesburg. The museum is open Tuesday-Saturday from 10am-6pm, with the last tour departing at 5pm. Admission is SAR95 for adults, SAR85 for seniors and students, SAR30 for children 17 and younger. Beer samples and a souvenir glass are included with the tour.
Address: Miriam Makeba Street, Johannesburg, South Africa
Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 10am-6pm
Admission: Adults: SAR95
From $ 16
Saint Aubin Sugar Plantation
Travelers to this vintage 19th-century estate will get a true taste of colonial life washed down with a sip of strong rum. Built in 1819 from wood of dismantled ships, the plantation is an homage to a life in Mauritius that no longer exists. Guests can sample traditional island cuisine at the restaurant tucked inside the colonial home or spend an evening at the Creole-style Saint Aubin Inn. Relax in the pool, horseback ride through the well-manicured grounds or even bike through the plantation.
Tours of the old sugar mill and vanilla house are also available, giving travelers an opportunity to see how two of the nation’s sweetest delights were processed during the 1800s. But perhaps the most popular stop on a visit to Saint Aubin Sugar Plantation is to the Artisanal Distillery, where guests can learn how sugar is transformed into smooth sips of light, amber and dark rum.
Practical Info
The plantation is open daily from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. with a restaurant that’s open for lunch daily.
Address: Savanne Rd, Mauritius
Hours: Daily 9am-5pm
Admission: Varies
From $ 110
Sani Pass
The Sani Pass is a stretch of extremely undeveloped road that links South Africa's KwaZulu-Natal with the mountain Kingdom of Lesotho. It's neither for inexperienced drivers nor anything but a 4x4.
Although the Sani Pass is only about 5.6 miles long, it climbs a whopping 4,370 feet in that distance – when you reach the top, you're at over 9,400 feet in elevation. The road is essentially a dirt path of switchback after switchback, so it's imperative that you have not only a 4x4 but an experienced driver behind the wheel.
The Sani Pass leads to Lesotho—the country's border is at the summit—and because of the dangerous conditions it can sometimes be closed due to inclement weather. Improvements are slated to be made to the road, paving parts of it, but the planning for these improvements has been going on for years already.
Practical Info
Traveling from South Africa into Lesotho means ascending the Sani Pass, so that trip is best done with an experienced local guide. Vehicles that aren't capable of making the ascent are turned back by border agents.
Address: Sani Pass, South Africa
Hours: Daily
From $ 176
Rosh Hanikra
The dramatic white cliffs of Rosh Hanikra are one of Israel’s most visited natural attractions, looming 210 feet over the Mediterranean coast and close to the border of Lebanon. Preserved as part of the Achziv Natural Reserve, the soft rock of Rosh Hanikra has been sculpted over millenniums by the action of the waves to form a warren of sea caves and limestone grottos ripe for exploring.
There are a number of ways to take in the highlights of Rosh Hanikra and visitors can ascend by cable car to the cliff top, where the views expand along the coastline; take a train or bike ride along the scenic seafront promenade; or follow the dimly-lit walking trail through the labyrinth of caves, among them the remains of a manmade railway tunnel dug out in 1943 by the British to connect the Cairo-Haifa rail line to Beirut. Along with its unique geology, Rosh Hanikra also has another claim to fame – the border station was also the location for the signing of the 1949 armistice between Lebanon and the State of Israel.
There are a number of ways to take in the highlights of Rosh Hanikra and visitors can ascend by cable car to the cliff top, where the views expand along the coastline; take a train or bike ride along the scenic seafront promenade; or follow the dimly-lit walking trail through the labyrinth of caves, among them the remains of a manmade railway tunnel dug out in 1943 by the British to connect the Cairo-Haifa rail line to Beirut. Along with its unique geology, Rosh Hanikra also has another claim to fame – the border station was also the location for the signing of the 1949 armistice between Lebanon and the State of Israel.
Address: Rosh Hanikra, Israel
From $ 107
Royal Opera House
Muscat’s dazzling Royal Opera House has won over a wealth of fans since opening its doors back in 2011, claiming the title of the Gulf’s first opera house and cementing Oman’s reputation as a burgeoning arts hub. With its dramatic colonnaded façade, gold-inlaid marble interiors and elaborate handcrafted stuccos, the inspired design of the Royal Opera House is a fine example of contemporary Islamic architecture, constructed from Omani desert rose stone and encircled by landscaped gardens.
Commissioned by Sultan Qaboos bin Said, the 80,000 square-kilometer complex was designed to be as functional as it is stylish, with a state-of-the-art adjustable-acoustic auditorium and innovative subtitle touchscreens attached to each of its 1,100 seats. With its performance season running from September to June, the Royal Opera House has already cultivated a reputation for diversity with Western, Asian and Arab theater, opera and ballets all taking to the stage, as well as providing the home ground for the Royal Oman Symphony Orchestra.
Address: Al Kharjiyah St, Muscat, Oman
From $ 68
Salaga Market
Though slightly smaller in size than the iconic Makola Market, Salaga Market somehow harnesses the same energy and intensity of Accra’s largest center for commerce, but in much tighter quarters. Travelers say they can find anything under the sun—from herbal remedies used by local medicine men to handcrafted instruments, brightly colored jewelry, pots, pans and even building supplies.
Wander the stalls of this bustling marketplace and sample some of the steaming hot dishes prepared by the expert hands of local cooks. Then cool off with tall glasses of “palm wine”—a local concoction of creamy condensed milk toffee and pungent herbs that’s a favorite with the women here.
Practical Info
Salaga Market is located near Korle Dudor in Greater Accra. It is less than a kilometer long but still manages to cram a lot into a rather small space. Travelers should come prepared to barter, as the first price offered by merchants is rarely the best or final price.
Address: Ga Mashie Street, Accra, Ghana
From $ 46
Royal Palace of Fez (Dar el Makhzen)
Formerly the main residence of the sultan, the Royal Palace (Dar el Makhzen) is still used by the King of Morocco when he is in the city of Fez. Surrounded by high walls, it spans an area of 195 acres (80 hectares). It is closed to visitors, who can only admire the imposing and ornate main entrance from the outside.
The Basics
Located in the center of the Fes el Jadid quarter, the palace was originally built in the 13th century. Although visitors cannot go inside the palace, it is still worthwhile to see the exterior, and in particular the magnificent ornate gates at the entrance. There are seven brass doors of different sizes with matching knockers and intricate geometric patterns, surrounded by fine zellige (mosaic tilework) and carved cedar wood.
Make the most of your time in Fez and visit as part of a full-day tour, which includes stops at the Royal Palace as well as other top attractions such as the Medina, Borj Sud, and the famous tanneries of Fez. It’s also possible to visit as part of a multi-day tour from Tangier.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Do not take photos of anything other than the gates, or try to take photos of the guards, as that may result in your camera being confiscated.
- Sometimes visitors are prohibited from going closer than about 325 feet (100 meters).
How to Get There
The Royal Palace is located at Place des Alaouites, in the center of the Fes el Jadid quarter. It’s easiest to visit as part of a tour. It’s also very close to the Jewish quarter, and many visitors will make a stop at both places.
When to Get There
The Royal Palace is a popular attraction and on most tour itineraries. Visit early in the morning to beat the crowds.
Jewish Quarter
Located very close to the Royal Palace is the Jewish Quarter, or Mellah. Today, most of the Jewish population has left, but visitors can still see the distinctive architecture of the buildings, a gold souk, and charming antique shops. There’s also an ancient cemetery and a museum housed in a former synagogue.
Address: Place des Alaouites, Fez, Morocco
From $ 64
Royal Palace of Casablanca
A masterpiece of Islamic architecture, surrounded by picturesque orange groves and elaborate water features, the Royal Palace of Casablanca is a suitably grand royal abode. Located in the Habous district of the city’s New Medina, this is the King’s principal Casablancan residence and host to a number of important events and royal receptions.
The palace grounds, as with most Moroccan royal residences, are closed to the public, but that doesn’t stop it from being a popular attraction on city tours. If you’re lucky enough to peek through the ornate gates, you might catch a glimpse of the spectacular façade, flanked by a team of uniformed royal guards.
Address: Palais Royal de Casablanca, Casablanca, Morocco
From $ 69
Royal Tombs
Situated close to the Roman Theater, the Royal Tombs are carved dramatically into the cliffs above the city, and their facades reveal many Roman and ancient Greek influences. Notable tombs include the vast Urn Tomb, later used as a church, the three-story Palace Tomb, and the Silk Tomb, with its natural swirls of color.
The Basics
The Royal Tombs, which were carved from rose-red sandstone by the Nabateans more than 2,300 years ago, sit at the heart of the ancient city of Petra. As such, you’ll need a Petra admission ticket to see them; note that the two-day and three-day entrance tickets are excellent value compared to the single-day Petra ticket.
The vast majority of Petra day tours will allow visitors to glimpse the Royal Tombs from the outside and identify the signature tombs; however, only a few will ascend the many steps that can be involved in actually seeing the tombs up close. If an in-depth tour is on your bucket list, consider hiring a private guide.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Petra is a UNESCO World Heritage site; even if you’re not a history buff, it’s worth a visit.
- Use sunscreen and wear a hat; the Royal Tombs are in full sun for much of the day.
- Follow the steps between the Palace Tomb and the Sextius Florentinus Tomb for a spectacular view of the Treasury.
How to Get There
Minibuses from Amman and Aqaba stop at the station in the town of Wadi Musa, a bit over a mile (2 kilometers) from the Petra Visitor Center. If you aim to visit as a day trip, either drive or skip the hassle with an organized tour. The Royal Tombs are on the lower level of the Petra site.
When to Get There
The most popular times to visit Jordan are spring and fall: mid-March to mid-May and mid-September to mid-November. To beat the crowds, consider braving either the surprising cool of winter or the intense heat of summer. Whatever the time of year, the Royal Tombs look at their best in the warm light of sunset, so try to time your Royal Tombs tour to coincide with that.
Petra: City of the Dead?
Originally nomadic Arab traders, the Nabateans, who built Petra, began to rise to prominence during the 4th century BC, and were at the peak of their power around the time of Jesus Christ. Petra is home to more than 1,000 tombs, and the overwhelming majority of its surviving buildings are devoted to the dead.
Address: Wadi Musa, Jordon, Jordan
Admission: Varies
From $ 212
Rustaq
Rustaq was once the capital of Oman, and you can still see many traces of its historical legacy. In a city of low buildings, most no taller than the palm trees which abound here, the pre-Islamic-era Rustaq Fort makes a majestic sight. Its thick walls enclose a mosque long known as a center of Islamic learning. Al-Hazm Castle is built in a similarly monumental style, though it dates from more than a millennium later.
The wadis (valleys) of the surrounding area are well worth exploring and are known for their natural springs: Al-Kasfa is the most popular place to enjoy the therapeutic properties of the warm, sulfurous waters. Natural irrigation makes this a fertile fruit-growing region which is also known for its excellent honey.
Practical Info
Rustaq (or Ar-Rustaq), is in the Hajar Mountains about 100 miles (160 kilometers) west of Muscat. It can be easily combined with a trip to nearby Jebal Akhdar.
Address: Oman
Admission: Free
From $ 123
Saadiyat Island
The residential, commercial and leisure area known as Saadiyat Island sits just off the coast of Abu Dhabi. While the project is still under development and set to be completed in 2020, visitors can get a glimpse of what the island will eventually be like by visiting the Manarat Al Saadiyat, a visitor center with an exhibit on the Saadiyat Island development, as well as space for several temporary exhibitions.
The UAE Pavilion from the 2010 World Expo in Shanghai has been relocated to the island as well, now serving as a major events venue for the city. Visitors can also play a round of golf at the Saadiyat Beach Golf Club, designed by Gary Player, or enjoy the beach at the two resorts already opened for business.
Over the next several years, architects from around the globe including Frank Gehry and Zaha Hadid, will be working on Abu Dhabi installations of the Louvre and Guggenheim museums, as well as a performing arts center, maritime museum, marina and promenade.
The UAE Pavilion from the 2010 World Expo in Shanghai has been relocated to the island as well, now serving as a major events venue for the city. Visitors can also play a round of golf at the Saadiyat Beach Golf Club, designed by Gary Player, or enjoy the beach at the two resorts already opened for business.
Over the next several years, architects from around the globe including Frank Gehry and Zaha Hadid, will be working on Abu Dhabi installations of the Louvre and Guggenheim museums, as well as a performing arts center, maritime museum, marina and promenade.
Address: Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
From $ 72
Sahara Desert
Few places on earth compare to the Sahara Desert, a natural wonder of vast plains and sun-baked dunes that dominates the south and east of Morocco. The world’s largest hot desert, the Sahara stretches a staggering 5.6 million square miles (9 million square kilometers) over several countries. Hemmed in by the Atlas mountain range, the Saharan sands are one of Morocco’s many highlights.
The Basics
Popular Sahara experiences include trekking along ancient trade routes on a camel, sleeping out under the desert stars, and rising at the break of dawn to watch the sunrise over a sea of orange dunes. Most tours visit one of the two most accessible areas: the dunes of Erg Chebbi, close to the town of Merzouga, or Erg Chigaga, near the town of Zagora.
Although day tours are possible from Merzouga, most travelers opt for an overnight camping excursion, trekking out into the desert by camel or 4x4, then spending a night at a traditional Bedouin encampment. From Marrakech or Fez, a 3-day tour often includes a visit to the desert town of Ouarzazate, the Draa Valley, or the Kasbah of Ait-Ben-Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famously used as a filming location for Lawrence of Arabia, Gladiator, and Star Wars.
Things to Know Before You Go
- It takes a full day to reach the Sahara Desert from Marrakech, so a multi-day trip is essential.
- Wear light, long-sleeved clothing to protect against the desert sun and bring a scarf to wrap around your face (the sand can get in your eyes and mouth if there’s a breeze). Pack something warm for the evening—the desert can be cold at night even in summer.
- For camel riding, comfortable trousers and closed-toed shoes are recommended.
- Expect very basic facilities at the desert campsites and no electricity, so bring a flashlight and an extra battery pack for your camera.
- A 4x4 is required for driving in the desert, mountains, and surrounding towns.
How to Get There
The easiest way to experience the Sahara Desert is on a guided tour from Marrakech, Fez, or Merzouga, with round-trip transportation included. Merzouga and Zagora are the gateway towns to the desert dunes. Both routes travel mountain and desert roads and take at least a full day. Buses run to Zagora and Merzouga from Marrakech, but you will still need to take a tour to explore the desert on arrival.
When to Get There
The most popular time for a trip into the Sahara Desert is May through October, but the summer months of June to August can get extremely hot during the day. Visiting in winter (December to February) means that daytime temperatures will be much more pleasant, but it can drop below freezing at night and sandstorms are more frequent.
Camping Out in the Sahara
Spending a night in the Sahara Desert is a cultural experience in itself. As well as watching the stunning desert sunset and sunrise, visitors stay at a traditional Bedouin camp and learn about Berber culture. Most campsites are accessible only by camel or on foot. Upon arrival, guests are treated to traditional Moroccan specialties such as tagine and sweet mint tea, with entertainment including traditional Berber music and dance. Additional activities may include sand boarding and quad-biking excursions.
Address: Marrakech, Morocco
From $ 70
Royal Camel Farm
The Royal Camel Farm on the outskirts of Manama was founded by the late Sheikh Mohammed Bin Salman Al Khalifa, uncle of the current ruler of Bahrain. It’s a hobby farm, meaning the animals aren’t raised for racing or for their meat, and there are hundreds of camels living here, all owned by the royal family.
The Royal Camel Farm is not widely advertised as a tourist attraction. However, it’s open to the public every day until sunset, so you are free to go and take a look around, see the camels, and chat to the farmers. Entry into the farm is free, but there are sometimes opportunities to feed or even ride the camels, and a small fee for this can be negotiated with the workers.
A trip to the Royal Camel Farm is best enjoyed as part of a day tour of Bahrain’s main attractions, including Al Fateh Grand Mosque, the Bahrain National Museum, the Bait Al-Qur’an Museum, Bahrain Fort, the Burial Mounds and Manama Souq.
Insider’s Tip: As entry into the Royal Camel Farm is free, it’s a nice idea to tip the workers there, particularly if they’ve been helpful to you during your visit.
Practical Info
If not arriving as part of an organized tour, take a taxi or drive to the farm by following the signs from Manama towards Saudi Arabia, and then taking a right at Janabiya Highway. The Royal Camel Farm will be on your left.
Address: Janabiya Highway, Manama, Bahrain
Hours: All day, until sunset
From $ 107
Rorke's Drift Museum
In January of 1879, fewer than 200 British and colonial troops successfully defending the mission station at Rorke’s Drift against an intense attack by well over 3,000 Zulu warriors during the Anglo-Zulu War.
The conflict, today known as the Battle of Rorke’s Drift or the Defense of Rorke’s Drift, is memorialized by a well-preserved battlefield and a small museum, where dioramas and electronic displays tell the tale of the 12-hour assault. Eleven Victoria Crosses (the highest military honor in Britain) were awarded after the battle, more than had ever been handed out for one battle before.
Practical Info
Combine your visit to Rorke’s Drift Museum with a tour of the nearby Isandlwana Battlefield, site of one of the biggest defeats in British military history.
Address: Dundee, South Africa
Hours: Open from 8:00am - 4:00pm on weekdays, 9:00 - 4:00pm on weekends and holidays.
Admission: Entrance fee required
From $ 239
Roman Ampitheater
Dating back 18,000 years to the reign of Antoninus Pius, Amman’s restored Roman Theater is a popular visit on any trip to Jordan’s capital. Carved into the northern side of a hill that held the city’s necropolis, its position was designed to shield spectators from the sun.
Big enough to fit an audience of 6,000, as you wander the huge arena you’ll notice that the seating is split into three tiers, or diazomata: the lowest seats, closest to the action, would have been reserved for the ruling class. The middle seats were for the military, and the top seating, known as “The Gods,” would have been reserved for the general public. Head down to the stage and you’ll see how easily your voice carries. The top tiers would have heard everything!
In summer, you can see Amman’s Roman Theater come back to life with regular sporting and cultural events in July and August especially. You can also visit the Jordanian Museum of Popular Traditions on the right side of the amphitheater, which displays items related to traditional Jordanian life such as Bedouin tents and looms. Just to the left of the theater is the Amman Folklore Museum, where you can see displays of traditional costumes, jewelry, and facemasks.
Practical Info
Five minutes’ walk east of downtown, and just downhill from the Citadel, tickets to Amman’s Roman Theater cost 1 JD, and this includes entry to both onsite museums.
Address: Al Mudaraj, Amman, Jordan
Admission: 1 JD
From $ 24
Royal Automobile Museum
A huge draw for car enthusiasts, the Royal Automobile Museum displays more than 70 classic cars and other vehicles, many of which are from the personal collection of King Hussein. Not just about the cars themselves, the museum looks at who drove them and the events they were a part of, making the museum a point of interest to those interested in history and the royal family too.
Each car has a full explanation of its type, and model, plus the year it was made, its engine power, and the occasions it was used for. In addition to grand classic cars, the Royal Automobile Museum also has various types of motorcycles and racing cars on display.
A trip to the Royal Automobile Museum can be combined with visiting the Jordan Museum, King Abdullah Mosque, the Roman Theater, Rainbow Street, and the Citadel, either on a private six-hour tour or a longer sightseeing tour with lunch included.
Did You Know? A replica of what was thought to be the first car officially presented to the world can be found at the museum. It was built in 1886 by Karl Benz, the father of Mercedes-Benz.
Practical Info
The Royal Automobile Museum is located in King Hussein Park, near to the King Hussein Medical Center in the northwestern suburbs of Amman. If not visiting as part of an organized tour, the best way to reach the museum from downtown Amman is to take a taxi.
Address: King Hussein Park, Amman 11953, Jordan
Hours: 10am-7pm (Closed on Tuesdays)
Admission: JD5 (Includes audio guide)
From $ 52
Saadian Tombs
Constructed by Sultan Ahmad al-Mansur during the 16th century, the Saadian Tombs are home to more than 200 crypts belonging to members of the Saadian dynasty. The magnificent mausoleums are renowned for their lavish design, featuring stunning zellige tiles, exquisite woodwork, and gold and marble embellishments.
The Basics
With a prime location, just a short stroll from El Badi Palace, the Saadian Tombs make a popular stop on Marrakech city tours, as well as day trips to Marrakech from cities such as Essaouira or Casablanca. Visitors can explore the two mausoleums—including the Hall of Twelve Columns, which houses the tomb of Ahmad el-Mansur—and stroll the beautiful gardens, where the centerpiece is the grand tomb of Sultan Ahmad el-Mansur’s mother.
Things to Know Before You Go
- There is an admission fee to visit the Saadian tombs.
- There is little information available in English at the site, so visiting with a guide is recommended.
- Plan at least an hour to visit the tombs.
- The site is wheelchair-accessible.
How to Get There
The Saadian Tombs are located at the southern end of Marrakech’s medina, close to the Mellah Jewish Quarter and El Badi Palace. The site can be reached on foot from Jemaa el-Fna (15 minutes), by taxi, or by horse-drawn carriage (calèche). The entrance is on the south side of the Moulay El Yazid Mosque.
When to Get There
The tombs are open daily. It’s best to visit early to avoid the crowds. Tour groups begin arriving at 10am, and there is often a line for tickets. The tombs also close daily from 12pm until 2:30pm.
The Medina of Marrakech
The Saadian Tombs are part of Marrakech’s UNESCO World Heritage-listed medina, the walled old town at the heart of the city, and medina tours often include a visit to the tombs. Additional highlights of the medina include the ruins of El Badi Palace, another of Sultan Ahmad el-Mansur’s masterpieces; the opulent Bahia Palace; Ben Youssef Madrasa; and Koutoubia Mosque.
Address: Rue de la Kasbah, Marrakech, Morocco
Admission: Varies
From $ 14