When most people think of the Middle East, they imagine deserts, skyscrapers, and ancient ruins—but there’s so much more to explore! The region bursts with charm, culture, and history, from vibrant coastal towns to green mountain retreats. This list of the top 10 tourist destinations in the Middle East shines a spotlight on the most underrated Middle East cities that deserve a spot on your travel radar. If you’re searching for the best cities in the Middle East to visit beyond the usual, these hidden gems promise unforgettable experiences without the overwhelming crowds.
The Top 10 Underrated Middle East Cities
Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
Jeddah is one of the most iconic Middle Eastern cities. This town blends the charms of a coastal village with modern energy. With its rich history, the historic Al Balad district is known for its old architectural buildings and narrow streets.
- Find out more about Jeddah by clicking here!
Apart from these historical features of buildings and ruins, the city is filled with rich culture and tradition. With abundant food stalls scattered around the city that serve the best authentic foods. As this is close to Mecca, a lot of devotees stop over at this place before going to Mecca. And being closer to the Red Sea, there are a lot of activities you can enjoy as well.
Yanbu, Saudi Arabia
Another beautiful coastal town in Saudi Arabia, Yanbu, is often overlooked by the powerful presence of Jeddah. Being pretty close to Jeddah, many people tend to bypass Yanbu as just another city without exploring its beauty, tradition, and rich history.
- Read: Top 10 things to do in Yanbu!
Being close to the Red Sea offers ample opportunities to enjoy its beauty. Whether you’re diving, snorkeling, fly surfing, jet skiing, or doing any other activity, you name it, they have it. This is one of the best cities to visit in Middle East if you’re into underwater activities.
- Click to find out the best transport options between Jeddah and Yanbu!
Muscat, Oman
Muscat is another beautiful city steeped in tradition that travellers often overlook. This city is known for its natural beauty and Islamic architecture. In terms of natural beauty, you can access mountains, deserts, and the sea all within a short drive. It is one of the few Middle East cities that offers this luxury to its travelers. Out of the best places to visit in this vast landscape, the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque and Mutrah Souq are awe-inspiring.
Aqaba, Jordan
Aqaba, another amazing coastal city near the Red Sea, is often overlooked by the travellers who visit Jordan. Jordan is known worldwide for its traditions and history, but it is the only coastal city in Jordan and is often forgotten in itineraries.
This city is a fun and vibrant city, which offer ample opportunities for all those adrenaline junkies to engage in wild adventures. Whether you want to ride high speed on a jet ski or dive into deep oceans searching for corals, Aqaba has it all. Being close to the Red Sea is an excellent spot for relaxation in Jordan.
Isfahan, Iran
Isfahan, often called the Half of the World by locals, is unparalleled in the beauty of Persian architecture worldwide. Beautiful mosques, historic bridges, and even a historically significant town square in Naqsh-e Jahan exist. But travellers often overlook this beautiful architectural paradise. Eventhough this might be due to political reasons, if you visit Iran or any region nearby, check out this fantastic location.
Byblos, Lebanon
Byblos is one of the oldest cities in the world and is still intact to this day. The streets of Bylabos have gone through centuries of modernisation, architectural changes, and evolution, but they haven’t lost their charm or aura. This is often overlooked because it is close to Beirut, the Paris of the Middle East. But with historic ruins, a picturesque harbour, and abundant opportunities to have a great night, this is a must-visit location in Lebanon.
Salalah, Oman
Often called the Caribbean of the Middle East, this city turns into paradise and Caribbean vibes in the monsoon season. It is when you have to visit this fantastic city that is often overlooked in the Middle East. With the start of monsoon season, the mountains turn green, the waterfalls become active, and the whole place turns into a different setting. Along with these, the Arabian Peninsula’s cities and sights are not missed when visiting the Middle East for your next vacation.
Amman, Jordan
The capital city of Jordan, this is often used as a transportation hub without considering the historical and traditional side of the city. The ancient city of Amman was once ruled by mighty Romans, leaving their ruins and architectural wonders behind. The Citadel has fabulous Roman architectural finds and a colourful market to explore. This is one of the best cities in the Middle East to visit if you are looking for a friendly city with a historical background.
Sidon, Lebanon
Being one of the oldest Phoenician cities in Lebanon, this is often overlooked for Beirut. This coastal city has a calm, peaceful vibe and a rich history and tradition. One of the top places to visit is the Sea Castle, an architectural wonder in its true form. You can also explore the nearby Soap museum to get an authentic city experience.
Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
Often called the Garden City of UAE, this beautiful city is located between Abu Dhabi and Oman, the capital cities of UAE and is frequently overlooked due to its position between these two cities. If you visit this fantastic city, you can explore oases, camel markets, the Jebel Hafeet mountains, and hot springs. This offers an all-in-one experience for its travellers, and I can’t get around the fact that people overlook this beautiful destination during their stays in the Middle East.
Beirut – The Paris of the Middle East
Beirut the Paris of the Middle East, is not just another city. It is a symbol of Lebanon and the Middle East for its resilience, art, and sophistication.
When walking through the streets of Beirut, you feel like you are in Paris. With its chic fashion scene, café culture, and European-style architecture, the name seems almost appropriate for this area.
Apart from these modern features, Beirut has a rich historical background as well. An ancient market hub and ruling city, it is filled with history and tradition. So, when visiting the Middle East, ensure you have a slot reserved for Beirut the Paris of the Middle East.
The Middle East cities featured here may not be as famous as Dubai or Istanbul, which makes them special. Each one offers its flavor—a Red Sea dive in Yanbu, monsoon magic in Salalah, or ancient ruins in Byblos. These are the best cities to visit in the Middle East if you crave something off the beaten path.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to travel to the Middle East?
Where is considered Middle East?
Which Middle Eastern city is called the Big Orange?
Who are the Middle Eastern countries?
Which Middle East country is best to live?
What are the Safest Middle Eastern cities?
- Abu Dhabi, UAE – Consistently ranked among the safest cities globally
- Doha, Qatar – Extremely low crime rates and excellent infrastructure
- Muscat, Oman – Known for friendly locals and peaceful atmosphere
- Dubai, UAE – Very safe with strict laws and visible security
- Amman, Jordan – Politically stable with low crime against tourists
- Tel Aviv, Israel – Despite regional tensions, the city itself is pretty safe
