Choose from 633 Fun Things to Do in Middle East And Africa
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Baie Ternay Marine National Park
The Seychelles is a destination for lovers, and Baie Ternay is its hot spot for adventurers. That’s because this pristine beach is home to some of the island’s top snorkeling and diving, thanks to crystal-clear waters and incredible coral reefs right next to shore. This idyllic beach is an ideal place for relaxation and sunbathing, while also offering travelers picturesque views of Morne Seychellois peak, the island’s tallest mountain.
Those in the know say an excursion to Baie Ternay Marine National Park is an essential part of any Seychelles’ visit, and the turquoise waters, lush mangroves, and secluded stretches of sand offer up some of the best beaches in the area.
Practical Info
The park is located on the west coast of Maje in Port Glaud. The area is inaccessible by road, so travelers will have to use local boat charters or tours.
Address: Port Glaud, Seychelles
From $ 110
Bahrain National Museum
The Bahrain National Museum is the country’s biggest and most popular attraction. A must-visit among history and culture buffs, it features nine main halls dedicated to 4000 years of Bahrain history. The main aim of the museum is to enhance and promote an understanding of Bahrain’s history, which it achieves through variously themed displays and numerous art and culture exhibitions.
The highlights of the museum’s permanent displays include a replica souq on the first floor, a huge satellite image of Bahrain on the ground floor, and some fascinating archaeological artefacts from ancient Dilmun. From its Islamic era and burial mounds halls, to its ancient manuscripts and traditional handicraft exhibits, the National Museum provides a thorough insight into the history and culture of the country, with all exhibits well-labelled in both English and Arabic.
A trip to the Bahrain National Museum is best enjoyed as part of a day tour of the region’s main highlights, which might include the Al Fateh Grand Mosque, Arad Fort, Al Areen Wildlife Park, and the Bahrain International Circuit. Other day tours combine a visit to the National Museum with the Bait Al Qur’an Museum, the Royal Camel Farm at Janabiya, the Burial Mounds, and Manama Souq.
Insider’s Tip: This is a large museum and it can take some time to explore all of it. Be sure to leave time to visit the excellent museum shop and perhaps stop for a drink at the on-site cafe. There are also several galleries used for contemporary art exhibitions within the museum.
Practical Info
The Bahrain National Museum is located along Al Fatih Highway near the King Faisal Highway. If not arriving as part of an organized tour, your best bet is to take a taxi.
Address: Al Fatih Highway, Manama, Bahrain
Hours: 8am-8pm
Admission: BD1
From $ 420
Azerbaijan Carpet Museum
The popular Azerbaijan Carpet Museum, located in the heart of Azerbaijan, is hometo one of the most extensive rug and carpet collections in the world. Travelers can wander the well-currated halls lined with colorful tapestries that showcase various weaving techniques and materials collected throughout the nation’s history.
Since 2014 this incredible destination has been operating out of its newly renovated home, where some 10,000 items - including more than just carpets - are proudly displayed. But it’s the collection from the Shusha Museum of History, which includes some 600 carpets from a city that was crushed by Armenian troops in the early 1990s, which really steals the show. A well-stocked bookstore and occasional public lectures bring this unique attraction and its colorful history to life.
Practical Info
The museum is located at 28 Mikayil Useynov Avenue in Baku. It is open daily from 9 a.m. until 8 p.m. and closed on Mondays.
Address: 28 Mikayil Useynov Ave, Baku, Azerbaijan
Hours: Open daily from 9 a.m. until 8 p.m. and closed on Mondays.
Admission: Adult: AZN7; Student AZN3
From $ 8
Badagry Black Heritage Museum
The Badagry Black Heritage Museum houses hundreds of artifacts and historical relics chronicling the transportation of slaves through Badagry, which was one of many areas in
Africa where slaves were traded before being sent to America. From the beginning of the 16th century, Badagry was one of the main slavery ports on the West African coast, and it is
estimated that approximately 550,000 slaves passed through this route.
There are nine galleries to explore within this one-storey museum, which takes visitors on a journey through sobering reminders of the slave trade, with documents, shackles,
photographs, and other salvaged records from this dark period in the city’s history. However, the museum also explores the history and culture of the area during the pre and post-
slavery eras, with artefacts and records of the people who inhabited Badagry.
In addition to the museum itself, the entire town of Badagry serves as a living historical museum, from the open market where slaves were auctioned, to the exit route used in the
17th and 18th centuries, known as the Point of No Return.
Practical Info
Badagry is situated around a two-hour drive from Lagos. Most visitors opt to hire a tour guide to show them around the Badagry Black Heritage Museum and explain the history of the area.
Address: Marina GRA Road, Badagry, Nigeria
From $ 300
Bahia Palace
The name of the Bahia Palace nods to its greatness: "Bahia” translates as “Brilliance.” Part of Marrakech’s UNESCO-listed medina and located on the northern edge of the Mellah (the Jewish quarter), the palace was the 19th-century residence of Si Ahmed ben Musa (or Ba Ahmed), the Grand Vizier of Marrakech.
The Basics
Bahia Palace is one of Marrakech’s most popular attractions. It’s often visited during Marrakech sightseeing tours, as well as day trips to Marrakech from cities including Essaouira, Agadir, or Casablanca. Guided tours typically visit the Petit Riad; Grand Riad; the Grand Courtyard, where Ba Ahmed lived with his four wives, 24 concubines, and numerous children; the Room of Honor; and the Harem.
Things to Know Before You Go
- There is an admission fee to visit the palace.
- It’s best to visit with a guide, as there is no visitor information available.
- Plan to spend about an hour.
- Most areas of the palace are wheelchair accessible.
How to Get There
Bahia Palace is located at the southern end of Marrakech’s medina, close to the Mellah Jewish quarter. Taxis stop right outside the palace, or else it’s an around 15 minutes’ walk from Jemaa el-Fna square.
When to Get There
The palace is open daily, but it can get busy. Plan to visit before 10am to avoid the crowds.
Architectural Highlights of the Bahia Palace
This richly decorated masterpiece is one of Marrakech’s most magnificent buildings. The palace showcases a mix of Islamic and Moroccan architectural styles, with dazzling floor-to-ceiling embellishments, including intricate mosaics, inlaid wooden ceilings, molded stucco, and gilded finishes. Highlights include the grand marble-paved courtyard with its beautiful zellij tile-work lining the walkways; and the harem, a series of rooms encircling a vast courtyard, where the ladies of the house once congregated.
Address: 5 Derb el Arsa Riad Zitoun Jdid, 5 Rue Riad Zitoun el Jdid, Marrakesh 40000, Morocco
Admission: Varies
From $ 14
Bahariya Oasis
Beckoning like — well, an oasis — in the middle of a harsh, expansive desert, Bahariya is a respite from the dry sands of Egypt. Natural springs dot the oasis floor, shaded by date palms and fruit trees overhead. The black hills surrounding it are filled with quartz, and the lands contain several impressive ruins — including the Temple of Alexander the Great.
Once an ancient center of agriculture and commerce (even wine was produced here and exported to the Nile Valley) known as the Northern Oasis, it remains part of an important route and hub for visitors. Excavations have revealed thousands of ancient Egyptian mummies here, with more to be discovered. Painted churches and tombs can also be viewed. Both the lands and the remains of the civilizations that once dwelled here give an incredible sense of time and history.
Practical Info
Bahariya is the closest oasis to Cairo in Egypt — a mere 230 miles (370 kilometers) from the city. There is a regular bus service from Cairo to Bahariyya that departs from Turgoman Square. Bahriya is a great base from which to explore both the Black and the White Deserts.
Address: Giza Governorate, Egypt
From $ 175
Bab Boujloud
Bab (meaning ‘gate’ in English) Boujloud was built by the French during their occupation of Morocco in 1913. It serves as the gateway into the heart of the bustling streets of the Fez medina. Right next to it stands the original 12th-century gate, built with an indirect entrance on a slant to block battering rams from entering.
Bab Boujloud is Mauresque-Andalusian in style. Its grand horseshoe arches are decorated with Fassi mosaic blue tiles on the outside and green ones within. From the main archway, two minarets are revealed in the distance: one is part of the crumbling 20th-century Sidi Lazzaz mosque, while the smaller one, topped by two golden orbs, belongs to the recently restored 14th-century Bou Inania Medersa.
Throughout the day, the area around Bab Boujloud bustles with local life, and as such this is one of the best spots in the city to observe everyday life in Morocco, with mules, and mopeds filling the streets as much as the locals. There are several cafes and restaurants on both sides of the gate, providing a relaxed setting from which to soak up the local atmosphere.
Practical Info
Walking is the best way to explore the attractions and daily life of Fez. The main street, Talaa Kbira, runs from Bab Boujloud to Kairaouine Mosque in the heart of the medina. Talaa Sghira also begins at Bab Boujeloud and eventually merges again with Talaa Kbira.
Address: Bab Boujloud, Fez, Morocco
From $ 15
Babylon Fortress
The ancient Babylon Fortress was originally built by the Romans in the area now known as Coptic (or Old) Cairo. The fortress was built in a strong and strategic position – a canal ran through this area connecting the Nile with the Red Sea.
The persecution of Coptic Egyptians led them to take refuge within Babylon Fortress, and a stroll along the length of the walls will reveal a fascinating combination of Roman and Coptic architecture. The Coptic Egyptians built a monastery as well as several churches in the fortress grounds and embedded within its walls, including the El-Muallaqa (Hanging Church) and the Church of St George.
The towers of the fortress stand at almost 10 meters tall and are more than 30 meters in diameter. The fortifications have been altered and expanded upon by a number of emperors throughout the centuries.
Practical Info
The Babylon Fortress is located in the heart of Old Cairo. It’s a short walk from the Mar Girgis metro station.
Address: Coptic Cairo, Cairo, Egypt
From $ 21
Bahrain Fort (Qal'at al-Bahrain)
Anybody looking to explore the history of Bahrain should pay a visit to Bahrain Fort. This UNESCO World Heritage site is thought to be the former capital of ancient Dilmun and is one of the most important archaeological sites in the Persian Gulf. Excavations over the years have revealed a large number of cultural, commercial, and military discoveries.
Qal'at al-Bahrain is located atop a large artificial mound that was created by centuries of rebuilding during continuous occupation. It was occupied from around 2800 BC, and has the remnants of two earlier forts surrounding it. The site has been open to the public since 2008, with a museum featuring five exhibition halls with more than 500 archaeological finds, which are explained via a free audio tour.
Visiting Bahrain Fort is best enjoyed as part of a day tour of the region’s other main highlights, including Al Fateh Grand Mosque, Bahrain National Museum, Manama Souq, and the Bahrain City Center complex. It is also included within certain half-day tours from Manama, taking in the Saar burial chambers, the Barbar Temple, and the Burial Mounds.
Insider’s Tip: The Bahrain Fort museum features a main courtyard leading to a café. Head here for a drink and to enjoy spectacular views overlooking the coastline.
Practical Info
Bahrain Fort overlooks the island’s northern coast. If not arriving as part of an organized tour, you can take bus number 5 from Manama, then walk half an hour to the site. The fort is also easy to reach via car; it’s a 10-minute drive from central Manama and is well-signposted once outside the city.
Address: Near Karbabad, Manama, Bahrain
Hours: 8am-8pm, Tuesday to Sunday
From $ 51
Azraq Wetland Reserve
A tranquil oasis hidden between the vast sands and sandstone cliffs of Jordan’s deserts, the Azraq Wetland Reserve offers a welcome change of scenery, and it’s an easy day trip from nearby Amman.
The expanse of lush wetlands, glittering blue pools and seasonally flooded marshland is undeniably scenic, but the main attractions for visitors are the wildlife spotting opportunities. Around 150 species of migratory birds pass through the reserve, while native species include water buffalo and the rare Azraq Killifish.
Practical Info
The Azraq Wetland Reserve is located around 100km east of Amman and is open daily from 9am-6pm.
Address: Jordan
Hours: Open daily from 9am-6pm
From $ 106
Bahla
Bahla is known for its superstitions, myths and legends that date back centuries, and many locals still refer to the magic and mystery of the town. Its second name is Madinat Al Sehr, or the City of Magic.)
The biggest draw for visitors is the massive Bahla Fort, the oldest in all of Oman. Surrounded by a 12-kilometer-high wall, the fort was built by local Banu Nabhan tribes between the 13th and 14th centuries. Ruins of the original structure are walls made of unbaked mud brick and sandstone foundations, while its towers raise some 165 feet above the ground. The fort is a superb example of medieval southern Arabian architecture, today listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Bahla also has an old souk—where you can find the famous Bahla pottery—as well as an oasis, palm grove and mosque dating back to pre-Islamic times.
Practical Info
Bahla is located off of Highway 21, about halfway between Nizwa and Ibri. The best way to reach it is via car.
Address: Bahla, Oman
From $ 79
B enitiers Island (L'Ile aux B enitiers)
The jagged black rocks of the remote island of Benitiers look a bit like the clam shells the stretch of land is named for. Travelers can navigate the crystal clear waters that lap against the shore in one of the small boats that travels between Mauritius and this breathtaking island off the country’s west coast. The shallow sea is almost always calm, and the views of nearby Le Morne are absolutely breathtaking. Plus, it’s even possible to spot dolphins and whales on the scenic trip between the mainland and Benitiers.
Practical Info
Benitiers Island is accessible only by boat. It is most easily reached from Le Morne, Black River or Case Noyale. Arrive early in the morning or in the late afternoon to avoid the crowds, as the beaches of Benitiers are popular among tourists.
Address: Ile aux Bénitiers, Mauritius
From $ 82
Bait Al Zubair Museum
Oman’s rich cultural heritage is under the spotlight at Muscat’s popular Bait Al Zubair Museum, located in the Old Town just east of the modern city. Opened in 1998 to showcase the private collections of Sheikh Al Zubair bin Ali, minister and advisor to three former Sultans, the museum has quickly ascended the ranks of Muscat’s most popular tourist attractions. Originally housed in the Al Zubair family’s former home, the museum has since been expanded into a complex of three buildings, including an art gallery and an Omani-style model village, complete with a falaj (an ancient water system), a souk and houses topped with palm fronds.
The vast permanent collection of Bait Al Zubair features everything from antique maps and historic photographs of the city, to typical Muscati furniture, old Islamic coins and portraits of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said Al Said. The principal highlight is a series of exhibitions devoted to traditional Obani crafts, including silver, copper, clay, leather and textile products, alongside a display of khanjar (Omani daggers), household objects and clothing.
Address: 100 Muscat, Muscat, Oman
Hours: Sat-Thurs 9:30am-6pm
From $ 32
Bait Al Banat Women's Museum
Located in the Gold Souk area of Dubai, the Bait Al Banat Women’s Museum opened in 2012 as a project of Emirati Professor Rafia Ghubash with the aim of preserving and sharing the history of women in the United Arab Emirates and breaking down cultural stereotypes and misconceptions about women’s role in the development of the country.
Three floors of exhibit space celebrate women throughout the nation’s history, including many female artists who were pioneers in their fields. An entire hall is dedicated to Emirati poet Ousha Bint Khalifa, nicknamed ‘The Girl of the Arabs.’ Highlights of the exhibit include her hand-written poems. The Women’s Studies Centre on the second floor of the museum maintains a library and database of documents available for research in the field.
Practical Info
The Bait Al Banat Women’s Museum is closed on Fridays.
Address: Al Sabkha, Gold Souq, Near Al Khor St, Deira, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Hours: Sat-Thur 10am-7pm
From $ 45
Baalbek
Set 53 miles (85 kms) outside of Beirut in the fertile Beqaa Valley, the ancient city of Baalbek is inarguably Lebanon’s greatest Roman treasure. An architectural pinnacle of empire known to the Romans as Heliopolis, this UNESCO World Heritage site has served as a center of worship for a staggering number of millennia.
Civilizations as old as the Phoenicians worshiped here and themselves built massive stone structures to “Baal”, revered Phoenician deity and possible subject for the town’s name of Baalbek. With the arrival of the Romans in 64 BC, Baalbek was converted to a pagan center of worship and work was begun on the massive Temple of Jupiter, a hulking structure of granite columns which would eventually become the largest temple ever built in the history of the Roman Empire. While many of the columns have crumbled and eight were even relocated to the Hagia Sophia in Istanbul, six columns still remain standing and provide a relevant framework for the sheer size of the ancient Roman ruins.
Confounding to scholars at the Temple of Jupiter are the dimension and weight of the stones which are used in the platform of the temple. While many of the stones comprising the foundation already weigh in excess of 450 tons, three gargantuan stones 14 ft. high and 64 ft. in length are believed to weigh over 1000 tons. These are known as the Trilithon, and they are one of the most mysterious elements of ancient architecture found anywhere in the world.
In addition to the Temple of Jupiter visitors can walk among the ornately designed Temple of Bacchus as well as the smaller Temple of Venus, the three of which comprise the triad of deities that Baalbek was centered around: Jupiter, Venus and Mercury.
Humbling in their size and stupefying in their architectural history, the ancient ruins of Baalbek are on par with any other ruins and wonders of the ancient world.
Civilizations as old as the Phoenicians worshiped here and themselves built massive stone structures to “Baal”, revered Phoenician deity and possible subject for the town’s name of Baalbek. With the arrival of the Romans in 64 BC, Baalbek was converted to a pagan center of worship and work was begun on the massive Temple of Jupiter, a hulking structure of granite columns which would eventually become the largest temple ever built in the history of the Roman Empire. While many of the columns have crumbled and eight were even relocated to the Hagia Sophia in Istanbul, six columns still remain standing and provide a relevant framework for the sheer size of the ancient Roman ruins.
Confounding to scholars at the Temple of Jupiter are the dimension and weight of the stones which are used in the platform of the temple. While many of the stones comprising the foundation already weigh in excess of 450 tons, three gargantuan stones 14 ft. high and 64 ft. in length are believed to weigh over 1000 tons. These are known as the Trilithon, and they are one of the most mysterious elements of ancient architecture found anywhere in the world.
In addition to the Temple of Jupiter visitors can walk among the ornately designed Temple of Bacchus as well as the smaller Temple of Venus, the three of which comprise the triad of deities that Baalbek was centered around: Jupiter, Venus and Mercury.
Humbling in their size and stupefying in their architectural history, the ancient ruins of Baalbek are on par with any other ruins and wonders of the ancient world.
Address: Lebanon
From $ 49
Bantama High Street
As the second busiest city in Ghana after the capital, Kumasi has developed a thriving nightlife scene, and one of the top hot spots for weekend people-watching or after-dark drinks is Bantama High Street. This stretch of road is lined with open-air pubs serving libations and kebabs, and it’s particularly lively from Thursday through Sunday.
While not exactly a chic nightlife destination (plastic chairs and tables along the sidewalk are the norm) it’s a fun and relaxed area to enjoy a drink and the atmosphere of local Ghanaian nightlife.
Practical Info
As Bantama High Street is one of Kumasi’s top nightlife districts, it sometimes attracts pickpockets. Be aware of your surroundings and leave your valuables in the hotel, and you shouldn’t have a problem.
Address: Bantama, Kumasi, Ghana
From $ 20
Baku Boulevard
Baku Boulevard, a breezy promenade hugging the Baku seafront, was established in the early 20th century when local oil barons began building grand waterfront mansions along the shores of the Caspian Sea. Extending 3 miles (5 km) from National Flag Square beyond Freedom Square, modern-day Baku Boulevard offers a wide swatch of sidewalk lined with trees, shops and al fresco cafes.
Popular with both visitors and locals, it’s common to see walkers, joggers, cyclists and rollerbladers whizzing along the promenade. Bicycles and pedal cars are available for rent along the Baku Boulevard.
Other attractions along the boulevard include the 197 foot (60 meter) Baku Ferris Wheel and the Park Bulvar shopping mall, which houses a movie theater, planetarium and playground.
Practical Info
The easiest way to get to the Baku Boulevard is by taking the metro to Sahil Station.
Address: Baku Boulevard, Baku, Azerbaijan
From $ 30
Bait Al-Baranda Museum
Converted from a 1930s house, this museum details the history of Oman and the Muscat region. Covering topics from the geology of the country and plate tectonics to Oman’s military and political history, a visit to Bait Al-Baranda (translates to ‘villa with a verandah’) is a great way to get an overview of Omani culture and tradition.
Multimedia exhibits include interactive screens and videos as well as a photo history and a variety of art and posters on display. There are models of and artifacts from ancient Oman. Tracing history back to prehistoric Oman, the exhibits tells of the country’s early Islamic period, Portuguese occupation and current dynasty. A presentation of bones found 10,000 years ago in the Al-Khoud area is particularly noteworthy. Contemporary art exhibitions are on display seasonally.
Practical Info
The Bait Al-Baranda Museum is located on Al Mina’a Street in Muttrah. It is adjacent to the Souk Muttrah. It is open daily from 9 am to 1 pm and from 4 pm to 6 pm but is closed on Fridays and public holidays. Admission is OMR 1 for adults and OMR 0.500 for children.
Address: Al Mina’a Street, Muscat, Oman
Admission: OMR 1
From $ 228
Badiyah Mosque
Located in Fujairah Emirate, Badiyah Mosque is the oldest existing mosque in the United Arab Emirates. Archaeologists are unsure when exactly the place of worship was built, but expert estimates date buildings anywhere from 1446 BC to 640 AD. The small, squarish mosque was constructed from local materials — stone and ruddy mud — and despite its age, it continues to function as a working mosque with regular prayer services.
While visiting the Badiyah Mosque, leave some time for a quick trip up to the Al Bithnah Fort, notable for its beautiful vistas over the surrounding scenery. Visitors are required to wear conservative clothing (no shorts or bare shoulders) to get inside.
Practical Info
Badiyah Mosque can be visited on a day trip from Dubai.
Address: Fujairah, United Arab Emirates
From $ 64
Bardo National Museum
If you want to understand the complex history of Tunisia, a visit to the Bardo National Museum is a good place to start. The country’s top museum – one of the largest in Africa – is housed within a fifteenth century Hafsid palace and displays a collection of archaeological artifacts and works of art spanning the totality of Tunisia’s history.
The highlight of the impressive collection is the collection of well preserved Roman mosaics – one of the best collections in the world. Other notable pieces include early Islamic ceramics, rare Phoenician artifacts and an ornate baptismal font dating back to the end of the sixth century.
Practical Info
The Bardo National Museum is very large with a vast collection; leave yourself at least a couple of hours to enjoy it.
Address: Route Nationale 7, Tunis, Tunisia
Hours: Open daily 9am-5pm
Admission: 11 TND
From $ 9