Middle East. The place is quite popular for its diverse cultures, old structures and monuments, and breathtaking landscapes. It has a rich history of giving birth to three world religions.

According to UN Tourism, the Middle East attracted the maximum number of visitors, with a 20% increase, post the pandemic. However, deciding where to start with so much to see and experience can be confusing. 

Thus, to help you plan your journey, we have listed some top tourist destinations to visit on your next Middle East adventure.

Top Destinations in the Middle East

Jordan

Jordan is one of the most eye-catching countries in the Middle East. It is between the Dead Sea, a huge salty lake, and the Arabian desert. This is one country where you will find incredible things that date back centuries with fun and adventures around every corner.

According to Jordan Times, around 6.353 million tourists visited Jordan in 2023. The country witnessed a significant increase in its tourism revenue of $7.4 billion

Speaking of top destinations, Petra is one famous city in Jordan where you will find lots of tourists. It is recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. The city is famous for its rose-red sandstone cliffs. Hence, you will find people recognizing the city as “Rose City”. As soon as you enter the city, you’ll find a small passage called the Siq, where the Treasury and Monastery are located.

Petra also has great historical significance. It was once the capital of the Nabataean Kingdom and later became an important trading center. The next time you visit Petra, make sure to explore the Great Temple, Treasury Al-Khazneh tomb, and the Petra Theater. All of these places tell their own story of Petra’s rich past.

Another must-visit tourist attraction in Jordan is Wadi Rum which is quite popular as “The Valley of the Moon”. It has been shown in several Hollywood films as the fictional planet, Mars. You won’t find anything quite like this; a huge, quiet place, with red sand dunes and tall sandstone mountains.

The rocky landscape is perfect for hiking and rock climbing, or you can take a camel ride to experience the desert. At night, Wadi Rum turns into an astronomer’s dream. You can see clear skies showcasing the Milky Way like no other.

Israel

It’s hard to beat Israel’s rich history, culture, and natural beauty. There’s something for everyone in Israel, from ancient cities and holy sites to stunning landscapes and modern cities. Whatever your reason for visiting Israel is, you’re sure to have a memorable time.

Statista reported that more than 3.2 million people traveled to Israel in 2023. A total of 14 % more tourists than what they had in 2022.

A trip to Israel isn’t complete without a visit to Tel Aviv. This city is known for its modern feel, featuring an urban lifestyle with beach vibes. It’s the perfect place to get some sun and enjoy some water sports on the beautiful Mediterranean beaches.

Besides the beaches, there are plenty of cultural attractions in the city, like the arts scene, vibrant nightlife, and world-class museums. You can experience Tel Aviv’s unique vibe by walking through its busy markets, dining at trendy cafes, and roaming around the city.

Another place that you should consider visiting is the Dead Sea. It is one of the world’s unique natural wonders. The Dead Sea contains 34% salt which is about 10 times higher than regular ocean water. Salt increases water density, so it’s much denser than a human and makes it easy to float.

Moreover, people like to soak in the Dead Sea and slather themselves in Dead Sea mud. The mud is rich in minerals and salt that have healing properties.

Therefore, the Dead Sea is an ideal place to relax. For those planning to explore this unique region, Isrotel’s Dead Sea guide offers in-depth insights on how to make the most of your trip. Whether you want to book the best of the best hotels nearby, the best spots to float, or mud baths, the guide has everything in store for you.

Not to mention, the surrounding desert area is equally impressive. You get to experience scenic views and lots of opportunities for exploration.

Egypt

Egypt has a lot to offer in terms of history and monuments, so travelers looking for a cultural experience should visit. Recently, the Vice Minister for Tourism of Egypt, Ghada Shalaby, stated that there was a 27% surge in tourists visiting Egypt so far in 2024.  As per the records, the count has crossed more than 4 million so far.

The actual exploration of Egypt starts with Cairo. The city is one of Egypt’s biggest treasures and the city is lively with rich culture and history. This is the place where you will find one of the seven wonders of the world. 

If you dive in deeper, you will find an Egyptian Museum. This museum is home to various collections of antiques. It also has treasures from Tutankhamun’s tomb, which gives you a glimpse of civilization’s grandness. 

From Cairo, you can move south to a place called Luxor. It is famous for its ancient temples, architecture, and rich history. Therefore, the city is also called the world’s largest open-air museum. 

Here, you can find some of the most impressive temples. The Karnak Temple Complex has a range of chapels, towers, and obelisks. On the other hand, you have the Luxor Temple with grand arcades and statues. 

If you are one of those who is fond of museums and scenic beauty, Luxor has that covered as well. Overall, it is an ideal tourist spot to visit in Egypt. Hence, make sure to give it a try if you find yourself in Egypt the next time.

To sum it up, the Middle East is a great place to travel because it’s full of historical attractions, multiculturalism, and breathtaking scenery. The region promises you an unforgettable experience, whether it’s the desert or pristine beaches. 

So, pack your bags, and get ready for your Middle Eastern adventure!