20 Best Tourist Attractions to Visit in Yemen

1. The Ancient Tombs, Sanaa

It is a very impressive fact that the southwestern portion of Asia and the northeastern portion of Africa are thought of as the most ancient part of the world. In Yemen, you can explore different old graves, which date back to the Paleolithic age. These lands were dwelt by ancient civilizations and cultures before about 40,000 years. In western Yemen, in the Al-Mahwit region, which is situated in Sanaa, there are hundreds of ancient graves are discovered. These graves are mainly some of the most ancient historical landmarks to add in your visit list and, they all are located in close vicinity to Sanaa.

2. Bottle Trees, Socotra Island

Socotra island is also a very well known destination for the visitors, and also familiar as the home to other native tree spots- The bottle trees. They develop on the rocky regions, where you will be surprised by the huge forests with Bottle Trees. Their typical appearance is easily noticeable and also attracts the visitors to watch the stunning wonder of God. The trunks of these trees are vast, and it is stouter near the ground and slenderer near the crown. The top itself contains a couple of twigs in maximum cases, and these twigs are embraced by several leaves. The Bottle Trees are truly fascinating sights to watch during your trekking tour to the rocky regions of Socotra Island. When these trees blossom, the mountain landscape is bathed in the fascinating view of a golden sunset.

3. Al-Saleh Mosque, Sanaa

Al-Saleh mosque is situated in the capital city of Yemen, Sanaa. The really captivating cultural and historical place is very alluring for the visitors. Reaching the mosque is very simple, and it can be viewed from far away within the city. As you get nearer to the wonderful frontages of AL-Saleh mosque you will be an observer to its stunning Yemeni architectural style, which contains four 160 meters-tall minarets and two little minarets, four colossal domes as well. And the entire edifice is adorned by lush timbered ornaments and engravings, and the neighboring green gardens are photogenic.

4. The Old City of Sanaa, Yemen

The ancient city of Sanaa is located just in the downtown, and it will arrest your mind through the wide variety of awesome views. Mainly, every single thing within the ancient town of Sanaa is an unparalleled historical landmark. The city was inhabited for more than 2,000 years and it boasts a sensational concoction of old houses with beautiful Islamic architecture. The Ottoman era also left for us a huge variety of hammams, nearly a hundred mosques, and different ancient edifices. During wandering within the slender and scenic streets in the ancient city of Sanaa, you will be astonished by the incredible spirit and beauty of this magnificent town.

5. Yemeni Fortress, Sanaa

Taiz is a little, but photogenic and dramatic mountain village in southwest Yemen, where you can find the marvelous Al-Qahira Fortress. This is one of the most captivating and renowned destinations for the tourists and situated on an elevated rocky peak. You must add this fort in your trip to Yemen because the panoramic views from the base of the fort are wonderful. The mesmerizing view of this castle also allures the visitors to make their trip wonderful.

6. Socotra Island, Yemen Gulf of Aden

Socotra Island is situated nearly 380 Km south of Yemen. This wonderful island is secluded by the deep waters of the Arabian Sea, and it contains in which flora and fauna species also involve. Socotra Island is the place of perpetuity. The coasts of Socotra Island are rocky, but they are also dotted by a number of totally tranquil sand beaches. This unparalleled island is undoubtedly an attractive place to see and you can constantly find something striking.

7. Sand Dunes, Socotra Island

The sand dunes in Socotra Island are one of the prominent destinations for the visitors, and also some of its most captivating landscape settings. The sand dunes on Arther Beach are very usual glorious spots. They are truly huge and governed just by the huge mountain hills and brilliant blue sky also tempts the visitors.

8. Archer Beach, Socotra Island

Archer beach is an additional fascinating place to must-see during your trip to Socotra Island. Here you can enjoy an unparalleled natural grandeur and a huge variety of outdoor activities. The white sandy beaches and huge sand dunes are situated close to the north side of the Socotra shore. The thermal and transparent water of the Arabian Sea will entice you to step into the water and emerge totally in paradise. You will enjoy complete relaxation there. The sand dunes are unavoidable enticements for hikers and climbers, while camping, swimming, photographing, and wandering along the beach are just a few instances for memorable activities on Archer Beach.

9. Al Mukalla Harbor, Yemen

It is the key seaport of Yemen, and it is situated in the center of the southern coastline of the country. It is a completely bustling harbor, which is nearly filled with the tiny fishing boats sometimes big boats as well. The familiar and usual shapes of maximum boats generate a wonderful atmosphere. If you go there by boat, then Al Mukallah harbor is one of the most stunning spots you must visit in Yemen and, within the town you can take complete benefit of countless lodgings, stores, eateries, and other amusements.

10. Gulf of Aden, Aden City

It is gulf, and situated in the Arabian Sea. In the northwest, it links with the Red Sea through the Bab-el-Mandeb strait, which is nearly 20 miles broad. It parts its name with the port city of Aden in Yemen, which constitutes the northern coast of the gulf. Historically the Gulf of Aden was familiar as “The Gulf of Berbera”, named after the old Somali port city of Berbera on the south side of the gulf. This is it Yemen – a fascinating combination of history, nature and innumerable settings for a memorable experience and memories. During your leisure or your family trip to the most southwestern part of the Arabian Peninsula, don’t forget to visit all or at least a few of the destinations, stated in this list.

11. Old Walled City of Shibam

Shimam or Shibam Hadramawt is one of the ancient cities in Yemen as it has been in existence for nearly 1700 years the city is situated in the central western region of Hadramaut Governorate. Its key road joins Sanaa and other towns of western Yemen to the distant eastern territories. This city is frequently referred to as the “Chicago of the Desert” or “Manhattan of the Desert”.  The city has a warm desert climate at an average temperature of 28.0 °C. Shibam is famous for its exclusive architecture. Shibam is referred to as “the oldest skyscraper city” in the world. It is one of the ancient and best instances of urban planning based on the basis of vertical construction. The city contains some of the elevated mud buildings on earth. Some of them are more than 30 meters high. This architectural style was used to defend inhabitants from Bedouin attacks. The city is encompassed by a strong wall, thus it got its name “the walled city of Shibam” Now the city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

12. The Old City of Zabid

Zabid is an ancient city located in the western coastal plain in Yemen. It is one of the oldest cities in Yemen and a UNESCO World Heritage Site from 1993. It was the former capital of Yemen from the 13th to the 15th century. Zabid’s grand mosque holds distinguished play in the city. You can also find the vestiges of is the university. In the year of 2000, the city was placed on the List of World Heritage in Danger for the Yemeni authority’s poor upkeeping and conservation. According to a UNESCO report, about 40% of the city’s ancient houses were replaced by concrete structures and other houses and old marketplaces are in a declining state.

13. Archeological Site of Marib

Marib is the epicenter of the Marib Governorate in Yemen.  It was the capital of the old kingdom of Saba which some archaeologists think to be the ancient Sheba mentioned in the Bible. It is situated nearly 120 km east of the present capital city of Yemen, Sanaa.  It is nestled in the Sarawat Mountain region. The Sabaean Kings built the Marib Dam for massive irrigation work. Marib Dam whose remains are still noticeable was built to support a flourishing culture for over a thousand years. They also established castles and temples in Marib. The old city collapsed in 5 75 CE. The site of this old city was exceedingly abandoned during the 20th century, though a little village still remains now. The multi-storied mud-brick structures are mostly in ruins. The modern city of Marib is situated nearly 3.5 km north of the center of the old city.

14. Shaharah Bridge

If you like architectural marvels then you should visit Shaharah in North West Yemen to watch this ancient architectural wonders. Shaharah is a village located in a hilly region. This bridge was constructed in the 17th century over a deep ravine. It was a limestone structure that even now fascinates the visitors whoever sees it.

15. Baran Temple, Marib City

This is located 1400 m to the northwestern point of Mahram Balquis. It is a Sabaean Temple dedicated to the Almaqah, the Moon God. This temple comes next to Awam Temple in gravity and is locally familiar as “al-Amaid” or the throne of Bilpuis. A German Archaeological mission discovered this temple, whereupon they saw it be square in shape with an open yard containing the holy well in the middle, along with a reservoir supplied with water by a faucet from the mouth of the sculpture of the Holy Taurus.

16. The Historic City of Thula

Thula or Thila is an ancient city located in west-central Yemen. This city is in the Amran Governorate.  Thula is placed on the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List. This city is dated back to the Himyarite era. The city is very well-conserved and contains ancient houses and mosques. Archaeological exploration revealed the Sabaean era relics with huge rock architecture underneath the Himyarite Restoration from 2004 to 2011.

17. The Madrasa Amiriya of Rada

Al Amiriya is a madrasa (educational institution) of the 16th century situated in Rada, Yemen. This place is on the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List. This institution was constructed in 1504 and is an instance of the architecture of Tahirids. This structure was in bad condition until 1978 when archaeologist Selma Al-Radi found it and collected finance from foreign missions to repair it in a more than twenty-year endeavor. The reinstatement process resuscitated the art of qadad, a style of waterproof interior and exterior plastering.  The repairmen of the Amiriya Complex got the Aga Khan Award for Architecture in 2007.

18. Jibla and its Surroundings

Jibla is a city in southwestern Yemen. It is situated at the height of nearly 2,200 meters (7,200 feet), close to Jebal Attaker. The historical place of Queen Arwa is situated in this city. This city and its neighboring areas were placed on the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List for its intended universal cultural value.

19. Jabal Haraz

Jabal Haraz is a hilly region of Yemen amid Sanaa and Al-Hudaydah. It was the fort of the Sulaihid dynasty many of whose structures remain even now. It contains Jabal An-Nabi Shuayb, the most elevated mountain in Yemen and the Arabian Peninsula. Haraz is well known for its fortified villages which are located at the nearly inaccessible rocky peaks. Their authoritarian architecture meets two demands: protecting the villages and leaving vast space for crops. Each village is established like a fort; the houses create the wall. Constructed from sandstone and basalt, the structures are compact into the landscape. The mountain is separated into terraces of a few acres or more, divided by walls sometimes a few meters high.

20. Balhaf

Balhaf is an industrial port city and an oasis located in the Burum Coastal area of Yemen. It is enriched with palm trees and white sand. It gives way to surfaces of black lava and the fishing port of Bir-Ali. Qana, a key point of exit of the Route E’Encens, was the key port of the old kingdom of Hadhramaut. It is dominated by the relics of the ancient vestiges. Burum a fishing port actually is an ancient village encompassed by a gypsum kiln.