4 Places to Explore the Middle East in 2023

4 Places to Explore the Middle East in 2023

The Middle East is full of deep culture, beautiful landmarks, and, most importantly, some sun. With that in mind, it's no surprise why venturing into the continent makes for a deeply enriching journey. However, it tends to be underappreciated. This is a shame because the journey from Europe isn't as taxing as heading to Australia or the US, the culture is less well-known or stereotypical so you'll come back with some great stories, and the accommodation can be varying degrees of luxurious for an affordable price. Take a look at our suggestions for where you can head into the Middle East to make the most of your trip.

Tel Aviv, Israel

Tel Aviv has so many important ancient landmarks to western culture. It's an obvious first step when wandering into the Middle East. Just a stone's throw from Jerusalem, where a certain famed magician that turned water into wine came from, Israel is full of ancient cultural touchstones. The Dead Sea, Jaffa Old City, and the Jewish Museum all offer culture hubs where you can wander in the sun. By night, enjoy the markets, restaurants, and bars that make for a great night out.

If that's enough to entice you, take a look at these extended stay apartments to really make the most of the City.

Damascus, Syria

The Ancient City of Damascus has it all there in the title: everything here is very old. If you're looking to step out of time on your travels or get away from the hellscape that is modern, capitalist, hustling, bustling city life, you should head to Syria.

Wander through a city that was established two millennia BC, complete with the stunning Umayyad Mosque that looks like a sapphire on the horizon. It was originally a Jupiter Temple before it passed hands to the Romans and became a Christian Basilica dedicated to John the Baptist. So, if you have to convince someone, you can say it's a mission.

Baalbek, Lebanon

If you were to have the notion of visiting some ancient Roman ruins, you will no doubt have a lot of options that will jump to mind. Rome is an obvious one, but Baalbek in Lebanon is an underrated option. And yet, it's a city that houses some of the most impressive collections of ruins, and some of the most impressively kept ruins, no less. On top of that, you're likely to wander through them on your own, without the annoying crowds of tourists that you should expect when visiting Trevi Fountain, for example. You can take your time, you can get close, and you take it all in at once.

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

No mention of the Middle East goes by without hearing "Dubai" being mentioned in the conversation nowadays. It's no secret the city is trying to establish a loyal tourist pilgrimage, and you could argue it's working. Dubai is an urban jungle in the desert on the edge of the coast. Something for everyone. Party scenes and skyscrapers, including the tallest in the world, events akin to Las Vegas, culture and extreme sports as you go into the red dunes, and a glamourous beach where you can enjoy sunbathing or water sports. If nothing else, you need to see the famed man-made palm tree-shaped islands that are the city's calling card.