Jordans timeless treasures—from the enigmatic Rose City of Petra, hidden from the West for centuries, to the surreal crimson dunes of Wadi Rum—continue to captivate travelers. The Jordan Pass, issued by the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, simplifies access to these iconic sites and dozens more, offering substantial savings on entry fees and visas. What is the Jordan Pass? This official discount program bundles a tourist visa with entry to 40 renowned sites nationwide. Available in three

While Dubai and Tel Aviv shine as modern Middle Eastern party hubs, Beirut has upheld its legendary nightlife reputation for decades. Visitors enjoy endless options, from glamorous rooftop clubs thumping with house music and high heels to gritty dive bars featuring sticky floors and lawn chairs on patios. Beirut locals are famed for their hospitality, often befriending newcomers and extending invitations to family Sunday lunches in their villages. Beiruts nightlife exploded in the 1960s, draw

Tel Aviv evokes images of sun-drenched beaches, tanned locals, and lively rooftop bars, but winter—roughly November to March—reveals a cooler, more intimate side. With mild winter sun and occasional chills, the city shines through festive celebrations like Hanukkah and Christmas, plus cozy indoor attractions. Discover our expert-curated top picks for an unforgettable off-season visit. Experience Multicultural Christmas in Jaffa Tel Avivs Christmas lacks snow or reindeer but brims with unique

Many women worry that traveling to Dubai will be challenging due to its conservative Islamic culture. In reality, Dubai ranks among the worlds safest cities for visitors, despite regional headlines. Blending luxury with tradition, knowing local customs ensures a smooth, enjoyable trip while unlocking women-specific benefits. What to Wear in Dubai Dubais modern skyline belies its deep traditional roots. Emirati women often wear abayas and headscarves, but tourists arent required to. Opt for mo

While some travelers prefer not to dwell on the past occupants of their hotel rooms, a new generation of boutique hotels in Israel and Palestine is transforming historic buildings—such as hospitals, villas, and even prisons—into luxurious suites and spas. These properties attract guests who seek accommodations rich with compelling historical narratives.Scattered across the region, these upscale lodgings masterfully blend authentic patina and timeless charm with modern amenities unavailable to th

Spanning more than half of Israel, the Negev Desert is a vast and remarkably diverse landscape teeming with life and culture. Across its vibrant plains, rugged mountains, and deep valleys, innovative farms, welcoming guesthouses, and thrilling outdoor activities offer travelers authentic ways to connect with the deserts land and people. From artisanal cheese tastings and exhilarating sandboarding to wandering ancient ruins, countless experiences invite you to immerse yourself in the wonders of t

Miriam Berger, a Lonely Planet Local and freelance journalist based in Jerusalem, draws on years of living in the city to share authentic insights. Fluent in Arabic and Hebrew, she explores every neighborhood, often through its vibrant food scene, uncovering the diverse flavors that define Jerusalem. When friends visit… we eat our way through the city. My top falafel spots are Abu Shukri and Yemenite Falafel Center. We savor Middle Eastern staples like shakshuka at T’mol Shilshom and kunafeh—

Riyadh, Saudi Arabias dynamic capital, is experiencing a vibrant renaissance in its art scene. Local artists are eager to showcase their talents to an enthusiastic public hungry for more. With a select number of premier galleries, discovering the citys finest art and culture requires little time but delivers profound rewards. These exhibitions illuminate Saudi Arabias rich heritage and Islamic traditions while highlighting universal human connections. Transformative changes are reshaping the

While Dubai is famous for its pristine beaches and luxury resorts, venture into the industrial warehouses of Al Quoz to uncover Alserkal Avenue—the thriving heart of the citys contemporary art scene. Launched with its first gallery in 2007, Alserkal Avenue has expanded dramatically, transforming warehouses into a creative haven that attracts global talents like French-Tunisian street artist eL Seed. His studio features his iconic calligraffiti—a fusion of calligraphy and graffiti—drawing disc

Dubai is renowned for its desert heat, but its mild winters provide ideal conditions for outdoor walks. From early November to late February, temperatures average around 27°C, showcasing the citys lush green spaces, manicured gardens, and well-designed walking paths—perfect for short strolls or full-day explorations. Discover the top winter walking destinations in Dubai. Explore Al Barsha Pond Park Resembling a classic European city park, Al Barsha Pond Park offers an inviting stroll day or n

Rainbow Street beckons visitors and locals alike to Ammans rare pedestrian-friendly haven. In a hilly capital notorious for traffic congestion and inconsistent sidewalks—often blocked by trees or parked cars—this nearly flat stretch from First Circle stands out. Lined with diverse dining spots, bars, shops, and prime people-watching opportunities, its an ideal spot for leisurely exploration. Situated atop Jebel Amman facing Lweibdeh, Rainbow Street offers easy access to iconic sites like the

Dubai is rapidly establishing itself as a global theme park destination, rivaling Orlando with attractions like the worlds tallest building, an indoor ski slope, and palm-shaped islands. Since 2016, five new entertainment zones have opened, offering ghost-busting adventures, dinosaur encounters, shark lagoon dives, and superhero team-ups—all without leaving the city. An entire amusement park district, Dubai Parks and Resorts (DPR) in Jebel Ali, features a Polynesian-themed hotel, outdoor shoppin

Dubai is renowned for its world records and extravagant opulence, yet beneath the shadow of the worlds tallest building and beyond the allure of infinity pools lies an authentic city eager to be explored—far from the spotlight of the largest, tallest, and longest attractions. For centuries, life on this Arabian Peninsula was nomadic, shifting between coast and desert with the seasons, leaving only faint traces of goat-hair tents in the sand. Dubais oldest building dates to 1787, and most stru

Dubai offers a world of diverse cuisines, from Pakistani and Peruvian to Ethiopian and Iranian. Yet, finding genuine Emirati dishes has historically been challenging, as they were traditionally reserved for homes and celebrations. Fortunately, this is changing with a growing number of authentic Emirati restaurants across the city. Emirati cuisine features hearty meat dishes inspired by desert life and fresh seafood from the Arabian Peninsula, typically paired with flatbread and rice. The sign

Dubai is renowned for the worlds largest mall and a culture of luxury consumerism, yet it offers vibrant alternatives to chain stores. Nestled in charming villas and intimate community malls, the citys independent shopping scene delivers one-of-a-kind treasures far more captivating than ubiquitous Gucci, Prada, or Chanel. Curated by passionate expats and Emiratis, these boutiques spotlight emerging local designers and niche international labels. To uncover Dubais creative edge, explore these sta

The United Arab Emirates epitomizes unparalleled luxury, where in our fast-paced world, embracing silence has emerged as the ultimate indulgence. To the casual observer, Sharjah may seem like an extension of its flashy neighbor, Dubai, with all its glamour. Yet Sharjah carves its own path, masterfully blending heritage and modernity. This esteemed emirate boasts impressive cultural accolades: Cultural Capital of the Arab World (1998), Islamic Culture Capital (2014), and Capital of Arab Tourism (

Dubai is a shoppers paradise, renowned for its world-class malls that serve as vibrant social hubs—perfect for family outings, meeting friends, and enjoying entertainment. From glittering souks to modern retail parks, discover the best buys and insider tips to ensure authentic, value-driven purchases. Gold As a global gold trading hub, Dubai boasts the iconic Gold Souq, specializing in Middle Eastern and Indian jewelry alongside contemporary European designs. For a modern shopping experience,

The Middle East boasts an incredible array of underwater wonders, with enhanced access to premier dive sites making it the perfect time to explore. From timeless classics to emerging hotspots, discover the regions top scuba diving destinations, backed by expert insights from experienced divers like Lonely Planet contributor Sarah Reid. Red Sea Renowned for its exceptional biodiversity, visibility often exceeding 30m, and resilient corals amid warming oceans, the Red Sea stands as the Middle E

Abu Dhabi captivates with its luxurious hotels, upscale shopping, cutting-edge theme parks, and exclusive beach clubs. Yet, beyond the high-end attractions lie countless free experiences that showcase the citys rich culture, history, and natural beauty. Discover the top 29 free things to do in Abu Dhabi, perfect for budget-conscious travelers seeking authentic adventures. Marvel at the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque One of Abu Dhabis iconic landmarks, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is among the wor

Visiting Jordan during Ramadan offers a unique immersion into local culture and traditions, distinct from any other time of year. This holy month emphasizes spiritual reflection for Muslims, yet its also vibrant with family gatherings, festive lights, late-night feasts, and entertainment. Tourism largely continues as usual, though some services like alcohol sales and operating hours are adjusted. Prepare accordingly with this expert guide to what travelers can expect. What is Ramadan? Ramadan