Resembling a giant picture frame, the Dubai Frame is an example of architectural ingenuity. Standing around 492 feet (150 meters) tall and measuring 312 feet (95 meters) wide, this massive structure can be seen from the ground and atop its 48th-floor observation deck.
Overlooking the lagoon in Sharjah’s Al Khan district, Sharjah Museum brings visitors face-to-face with marine life native to the Persian Gulf and other oceans. Set over two levels of an impressive modern building, the aquarium houses more than 100 species—from exotic fish to stingrays—making it a fun and educational destination for all.
A hub for snorkelers and scuba divers, Baie Ternay Marine National Park is small at 198 acres (80 hectares) but mighty in ecosystems with wetlands, seagrass, mud flats, rocky shores, and coral reefs. Here crystal-clear water and white sands play against the dramatic backdrop of Morne Seychellois mountain—the island's highest peak.
Flowing out from under a building above the medina of Chefchaouen, the Ras el-Maa Waterfall is a series of drops and rapids fed by a local spring. While downstream you might spot locals washing clothes, up at the fall the water rushes over and between large rocks and manmade edges, all within view of several local cafés.
For a landlocked country, Zambia has some surprisingly beautiful beaches. Home to the largest artificial lake in the world—so big you can’t even see the other side—Lake Kariba was created by damming the Zambezi River in the 1950s. Bordering Zambia and Zimbabwe, the lake is now known for wildlife safaris, epic fishing, and great views.
From Roman relics to rooftop bars, from elegant mosques to designer stores, from bullet-pocked ruins to glitzy restaurants, downtown Beirut (Beirut Central District) is a study in contrasts. Archaeological museums, art galleries, and Mediterranean vistas offer much, but for many the focus will remain on food, drink, and fun in this sophisticated and diverse city.
A must-see on any visit to Accra, Jamestown is just as vibrant as the street art that adorns its buildings. But dig a little deeper, and you’ll discover how the fishing village has been shaped by colonialism, slavery, poverty, and rebellion over the centuries.
Located near the border with Uganda, the Kakamega Forest is the last remaining part of the Guineo-Congolian rainforest, which once covered much of Africa. This rainforest is home to 330 species of birds and 400 species of butterflies, as well as snakes, primates, and hundreds of types of trees and other plants.
One of Oman’s largest forts, Nizwa Fort stands in the country’s former capital, Nizwa, overlooking a date-palm oasis and the arid Hajar Mountains. Built in the 17th century by the Ya’rubi tribes who expelled the country’s Portuguese occupiers, the fort draws visitors with its massive cylindrical tower—Oman’s tallest—and its beautiful mud-brick architecture and rampart views.
Kumasi Centre for National Culture showcases Ghanaian culture and explores what it means to be Ghanaian. You can see traditional arts and crafts, and live music and dance performances. The center offers craft workshops—such as beadwork, pottery, wood carving, and batik—and there’s also the on-site Prempeh II Jubilee Museum, with rare antiques and Asante regalia.
One of the top archeological sites in the UAE, Hili Archeological Park allows visitors to easily access the UAE’s Bronze Age and Iron Age past. Located north of Al Ain, the UNESCO World Heritage Site and public park is home to remnants of ancient villages, tombs and burial grounds, and agricultural infrastructure and sites.
Part of the Giftun Island marine reserve in the Red Sea, just off Hurghada, Eden Island is a stunning beach getaway ideal for lovers of sun, sea, and snorkeling. Set on Big Giftun Island (Giftun Kebir), its pale sands lead to turquoise waters and offshore corals, while numerous visitor facilities ensure you can easily spend an entire day here.
The Chavonnes Battery Museum in Cape Town houses the remains of an old cannon battery, one of the fortifications the Dutch East India Company (VOC) built at the beginning of the 18th century to protect against seaborne aggressors. It is said to have taken over a decade to complete the battery, which stood at what is now the V&A Waterfront.
Once one of Tel Aviv’s coolest streets, Shenkin Street (also spelled Sheinkin Street) is now a vibrant thoroughfare, home to an ever-changing array of stores, boutiques, and eateries. Although it’s moved on from its hippie, counter-cultural heyday, it’s still worth a wander while en route from nearby Carmel Market or Nachlat Binyamin.
A small and charmingly quirky museum containing life-sized dioramas, La Storia Tourism Complex depicts Jordan’s history and heritage in a series of themed displays. Visitors can see recreations of scenes from the Old and New Testaments, replicas of Islamic sites, and even mock portions of a historic Bedouin village with animatronic villagers. The museum is located 1 mile (1.6 kilometers) from Mt. Nebo.
Bargain hunters who are big fashion fans will find a bit of paradise at Dubai Outlet Mall. This massive shopping center has around 240 stores showcasing more than 1,200 brands at hyper-discounted rates. The mall also has 20-odd restaurants and food court offerings, plus a kids' area with a Chuck E. Cheese.
One of several government-approved papyrus factories and shops in Cairo, the Papyrus Institute in Giza showcases the ancient Egyptian art of papyrus-making. Travelers watch demonstrations of papyrus rolling, pressing, and painting, and browse and buy authentic papyrus works to take home.
Set in a rewilded limestone quarry on the outskirts of Mombasa, Haller Park is home to a wealth of wildlife. Hippos wallow in cool ponds, giraffes graze on overhead leaves, tortoises amble through the undergrowth, and staff hand-rear rare butterflies in the butterfly pavilion. Many travelers love the chance to hand-feed the resident giraffes in the afternoon.
Tranquil gardens and grassy picnic areas surround a scenic reservoir, providing the perfect respite from the hustle and bustle of Johannesburg. The botanical gardens meld a mix of herbs, succulents, and roses—all lining walkways and water features. The reservoir offers ample opportunities for fishing, paddling, and sailing.
Designed to promote Dubai’s customs and culture, Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding (SMCCU) is in the city’s Al Fahidi Historical Quarter—also called the Bastakia Quarter—and welcomes visitors under an “Open Doors, Open Minds” motto. The center showcases Dubai’s traditional and Bedouin roots through a variety of activities.
Located in the heart of the medina of Marrakech, Dar el-Bacha is one of the city’s most beautiful palaces. Inside this former home of Pacha Thami El Glaoui, who ruled Marrakech from 1912 to 1956, are audaciously luxurious and elaborate tilework, wall paintings, and woodwork.
With its exhilarating slides, games, rides, and pools, Wild Waters blends the thrill of an amusement park with the refreshing cool of a water park, making it an ideal place to beat the scorching Kenyan sun. Plus, a food court, bar, and coffee shop ensure you stay hydrated.
Qasr Al Watan, the United Arab Emirates Presidential Palace, is a spectacular tribute to the UAE's past and future. Completed in 2017, the palace was initially used for state purposes but opened to the public in 2019. These days, visitors can explore the opulent interiors of the palace, check out its massive library, and watch the Palace in Motion light show.
On the outskirts of Hurghada, Sand City boasts around 60 giant sand artworks in an open-air park. Created by talented global artists, the works span everything from giant sculptures of ancient pyramids and pharaohs to reliefs of mythical beings and cartoon characters. A kids’ sand-sculpture workshop area and souvenir stalls complete the picture, promising a fun family outing.
South of Abu Dhabi, Emirates National Auto Museum (ENAM) houses 230 vintage and custom vehicles owned by Sheikh Hamad Bin Hamdan Al Nahyan, also called the Rainbow Sheikh for his love of the colors of the rainbow. Here, one of the world’s largest car collections is displayed inside and outside a pyramid-shaped hangar.
Embellished with thousands of Turkish iznik tiles and elaborate red and gold carpets, Al Farooq Omar Bin Al Khattab Mosque—often referred to simply as the “Dubai Blue Mosque”—is an homage to the famous Blue Mosque in Istanbul. The Ottoman influence can be seen throughout this architectural landmark, from its four towering minarets to its impressive 21 domes.
Today a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Gorée Island was the African coast’s largest trading area for enslaved people from the 15th century through to the 19th century. Today, this colorful island is a popular day trip for visitors from Dakar who are interested to learn about the history of the Transatlantic Slave Trade.
Elmina Castle, also known as St. George’s Castle, is thought to be the oldest surviving European building in sub-Saharan Africa. Despite this superlative, the building is renowned for its role in the transatlantic slave trade, as thousands of enslaved peoples were held captive here before being forcibly shipped to the Americas. In addition to touring the castle and dungeons here, you can visit a small museum to learn more about the history of the slave trade.
Opened in 2003 by the political leader himself, Nelson Mandela Bridge is the largest cable-stayed bridge in southern Africa and a gleaming icon of Johannesburg’s rejuvenated city center. The bridge soars over more than 40 rail lines, linking the Newtown and Braamfontein neighborhoods and symbolizing the unity for which Mandela was known.
Museum Africa, Johannesburg’s main cultural and historical museum, occupies an imposing building that was once the city’s main fruit and vegetable market. Interactive displays examine the importance of gold for South Africa, the Treason Trial, Jo’Burg’s dazzling musical heritage, and the hundreds of cultural and ethnic groups in South Africa.
