The first time I saw the mud brick towers of Sana’a rising against the mountains at sunrise, I couldn’t believe what I was seeing. These 16th-century skyscrapers, painted with intricate white designs, made Manhattan look young. Yemen might not be on most travelers’ radar, but it stopped me in my tracks.
From the otherworldly Dragon Blood trees of Socotra Island to the ancient stone villages perched on cliffs, the beautiful places in Yemen feel like stepping into another time entirely. While security concerns limit travel to certain regions, these incredible spots remind us why Yemen was once known as Arabia Felix—happy Arabia. Let me show you 12 remarkable places that showcase this country’s extraordinary heritage and natural wonders.
Best Places to Visit in Yemen
Looking for the coolest things to do in Yemen? Visit the stunning Al Saleh Mosque, explore the historic Dar Al Hajar, and take in the breathtaking landscapes of Jabal Haraz. Wander through the ancient village of Kawkaban, known for its rich history and scenic views. Whether you’re interested in architecture, culture, or history, here are the top attractions to visit in Yemen.
Disclosure: Currently, the US State Department and other countries advise against travel to Yemen. This is due to security concerns, including terrorism, kidnapping, armed conflict, and civil unrest. Please refer to relevant government websites to learn more about the safety risks of traveling to Yemen.
1. Al Saleh Mosque
- 📍 Location: Central Sana’a, Yemen’s capital city
- 🏆 Best For: Architecture enthusiasts 🕌, spiritual seekers 🙏, photographers 📸
- ✨ What Makes It Beautiful: Stunning white marble exterior, six towering minarets, massive prayer hall with colorful stained glass windows
- 📸 Top Experiences: Admiring the intricate calligraphy, exploring the vast courtyard, witnessing the sunset reflecting off the domes
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Sheba Hotel – Modern comfort with rooftop terrace providing panoramic views of the mosque and city
Looking for modern magnificence amid ancient wonders? Al Saleh Mosque stands as Yemen’s largest mosque, a gleaming architectural masterpiece completed in 2008. Its brilliant white marble exterior creates a striking contrast against Sana’a’s earthen buildings and the mountain sky. Six soaring minarets mark the corners of this massive complex that accommodates up to 44,000 worshippers. Inside, the main prayer hall dazzles with enormous crystal chandeliers and a spectacular dome adorned with Quranic verses in gold calligraphy.
The play of light through dozens of stained glass windows creates an atmosphere that left me speechless, particularly during the afternoon when colored light streams across the vast carpeted floor. The enormous courtyard features elegant arcades and refreshing fountains with geometric tile work that draws on classical Islamic design while incorporating distinctly Yemeni motifs.
2. Dar Al Hajar
- 📍 Location: Wadi Dhahr valley, about 15 kilometers northwest of Sana’a
- 🏆 Best For: Architecture admirers 🏰, photographers 📸, cultural explorers 🔍
- ✨ What Makes It Beautiful: Five-story palace dramatically perched atop a natural rock spire, blending seamlessly with its foundation
- 📸 Top Experiences: Touring the royal residence rooms, climbing to the roof terrace, exploring the surrounding valley gardens
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Mountain Breeze Resort – Comfortable accommodations with views of Wadi Dhahr
That Instagram shot everyone will envy awaits at Dar Al Hajar (Rock Palace). This gravity-defying structure rises organically from a massive rock outcropping in the Wadi Dhahr valley. Built in the 1930s as a summer residence for Imam Yahya, this architectural marvel exemplifies traditional Yemeni building techniques with ochre-colored walls and white-trimmed windows. Inside, you can explore numerous rooms connected by narrow staircases carved directly into the rock.
Each floor reveals ingenious solutions to desert living, from natural ventilation systems to water collection chambers. The uppermost levels offer breathtaking views of the surrounding valley with its terraced farms. I’ve never seen anything that appears so perfectly like a mirage against the stark mountain backdrop, particularly striking at sunrise when light plays across its distinctive silhouette.
3. Jabal Haraz
- 📍 Location: Western highlands of Yemen, approximately 90 kilometers west of Sana’a
- 🏆 Best For: Hikers 🥾, photographers 📸, cultural immersion seekers 🌍
- ✨ What Makes It Beautiful: Dramatic mountain villages perched on steep slopes, terraced agriculture creating living art on mountainsides
- 📸 Top Experiences: Village-to-village trekking, witnessing traditional farming methods, visiting ancient fortresses
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Skyline Cliff Hotel – A high-altitude stay with dramatic valley views and easy access to nearby hiking routes
Adventure-seekers will find paradise in Jabal Haraz, a rugged mountain range where ancient villages cling to seemingly impossible slopes. These settlements, many dating back over 800 years, appear to grow organically from the rocky terrain. What makes this region exceptional is the ingenious terraced agriculture system transforming steep slopes into productive farmland. These hand-built stone terraces cascade down mountainsides in rippling patterns that change with the seasons.
I could spend days exploring each village in the Haraz Mountains with its distinct traditions and communities tracing heritage to the earliest days of Islam. Narrow stone pathways connect these villages, offering spectacular hiking opportunities with panoramic views at every turn. Remote mosques with distinctive minarets punctuate the landscape, their calls to prayer echoing across deep valleys in a timeless rhythm unchanged for centuries.
4. Kawkaban
- 📍 Location: Northern Yemen, perched atop a plateau overlooking the city of Shibam, about 35 kilometers northwest of Sana’a
- 🏆 Best For: History buffs 🏛️, view seekers 🌄, photographers 📸
- ✨ What Makes It Beautiful: Ancient walled city dramatically positioned on a cliff edge with panoramic views of surrounding mountains and valleys
- 📸 Top Experiences: Walking through the historic stone gate, exploring ancient cisterns, witnessing sunset from the cliff edge
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Sheba Hotel – A high-end hotel in Sana’a with premium amenities, ideal for travelers wanting comfort and guided trips to Kawkaban
Craving that edge-of-the-world feeling only epic viewpoints offer? Kawkaban stands as one of Yemen’s most dramatically situated settlements, perched atop a sheer cliff 2,800 meters above sea level. This ancient fortified town is accessible by only one road that winds up the mountainside, culminating at an impressive stone gateway. The village’s strategic position made it virtually impregnable throughout history. Narrow streets wind between stone houses with intricate wooden doors and window screens, opening occasionally to reveal stunning views across the vast landscape below.
The massive stone reservoir system demonstrates the engineering prowess of early inhabitants. What truly distinguishes Kawkaban is its position literally on the edge. I stood breathless at the village perimeter facing a sheer drop of hundreds of meters with views extending to distant mountain ranges.
5. Old City of Sana’a
- 📍 Location: Capital city of Yemen, situated in the western highlands at 2,300 meters above sea level
- 🏆 Best For: History enthusiasts 🏛️, architecture lovers 🏠, photographers 📸
- ✨ What Makes It Beautiful: UNESCO World Heritage site with distinctive tower houses decorated with geometric patterns, intricate stained glass windows, and white gypsum designs
- 📸 Top Experiences: Wandering the ancient souqs, visiting the Great Mosque, exploring the 7th-century city walls
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Al Hawta Palace – Boutique hotel in a converted merchant’s mansion with an interior courtyard, traditional furniture, and exceptional service
Imagine waking up to a skyline that hasn’t changed for a millennium. Old Sana’a captivates with its mud-brick tower houses rising like ancient skyscrapers from the valley floor. These architectural marvels date back over 1,000 years, with facades adorned with intricate geometric patterns and alabaster-framed windows. The labyrinthine streets lead to bustling souqs where artisans practice traditional crafts like metalwork and textile weaving.
I was mesmerized by the Great Mosque, one of the oldest in the Islamic world, with its distinctive minaret and peaceful courtyard. What makes Sana’a magical is how history blends with everyday life – families still inhabit these ancient homes while calls to prayer echo through narrow alleys and the scent of fresh bread fills the air as it has for centuries.
6. Qalansiyah Beach
- 📍 Location: Northwestern coast of Socotra Island in the Arabian Sea, about 380 kilometers south of Yemen’s mainland
- 🏆 Best For: Beach lovers 🏖️, nature enthusiasts 🌿, solitude seekers 🧘
- ✨ What Makes It Beautiful: Pristine white sand meeting crystal clear turquoise waters, dramatic limestone cliffs, and untouched marine ecosystem
- 📸 Top Experiences: Swimming in the sheltered lagoon, spotting dolphins offshore, exploring nearby sea caves
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Desert Rose Lodge – A remote eco-lodge offering a unique desert-beach experience, perfect for those seeking peace and solitude
Ever dreamed of having a world-class beach virtually to yourself? Qalansiyah Beach stretches along the northwest coast of otherworldly Socotra Island, often called “the most alien-looking place on Earth” for its unique endemic species. This crescent-shaped beach offers powdery white sand that contrasts dramatically with impossibly blue waters in its protected bay. Unlike most paradise beaches, Qalansiyah remains largely undeveloped. The waters teem with marine life, where reef fish dart through shallows and dolphins frequently visit.
Small fishing communities line the shore, where traditional wooden boats (dhows) are still built by hand and launched each morning. My favorite moment came at sunset when the fading light transformed the landscape, casting long shadows across the sand and painting the sky in spectacular oranges that reflected off the tranquil waters.
7. Seiyun Palace
- 📍 Location: Seiyun, Hadhramaut Valley, Yemen
- 🏆 Best For: History enthusiasts 🏛️, architecture lovers 🏰, photographers 📸
- ✨ What Makes It Beautiful: Stunning mud-brick architecture, intricate geometric designs, desert backdrop
- 📸 Top Experiences: Exploring the palace museum, rooftop panoramic views, sunset photography
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Al-Mukalla Hotel – An elegant hotel with modern amenities, perfect for exploring the region’s history and culture with ease
Ever think of sleeping in a sultan’s neighborhood? Seiyun Palace rises like a seven-story wedding cake from Yemen’s Hadhramaut Valley. This 1920s mud-brick marvel combines royal opulence with traditional building techniques. The palace’s brilliant white walls contrast dramatically with the surrounding desert landscape. Inside, visitors can explore the fascinating museum showcasing local artifacts and historical photographs.
I was mesmerized by the intricate woodwork and plasterwork revealing extraordinary Yemeni craftsmanship. For the best experience, visit in the late afternoon when golden light bathes the palace. Climb to the upper levels for breathtaking views across the entire Wadi Hadhramaut as the sun sets behind distant mountains.
8. Shehara Bridge
- 📍 Location: Shehara Mountains, 140 km northwest of Sana’a, Yemen
- 🏆 Best For: Adventure seekers 🧗♂️, history buffs 🏛️, thrill lovers 🌉
- ✨ What Makes It Beautiful: Dramatic mountain setting, ancient stone engineering, canyon views
- 📸 Top Experiences: Walking the historic bridge, exploring mountain villages, canyon photography
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Sheba Hotel – A stylish hotel in Yemen’s historic district, offering scenic views, modern amenities, and exceptional service for a comfortable stay
Your Instagram followers won’t believe this isn’t CGI. Shehara Bridge spans a dizzying gorge in Yemen’s rugged northern mountains. This 17th-century stone arch connects twin villages perched atop steep mountain peaks. The journey involves a challenging drive up winding roads followed by a hike along ancient stone pathways. Brave visitors can cross the narrow bridge suspended high above the canyon floor.
The surrounding views will take your breath away even more than the height. The nearby villages of Shehara feature traditional stone houses built directly into the rocky terrain. You’ll feel like you’ve discovered a hidden world when wandering these ancient communities. Few travelers make it this far, making the experience all the more special.
9. Socotra Archipelago
- 📍 Location: Indian Ocean, 380 km south of Yemen mainland
- 🏆 Best For: Nature enthusiasts 🌿, adventure travelers 🧳, photographers 📸
- ✨ What Makes It Beautiful: Dragon blood trees, pristine beaches, unique endemic species
- 📸 Top Experiences: Hiking Firmhin Forest, swimming at Qalansiyah Beach, exploring limestone caves
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Socotra Eco-Lodge – Sustainable accommodation with local hospitality
Alien landscape seekers, this is your mothership. The Socotra Archipelago hosts over 700 species found nowhere else on Earth. The island’s most iconic resident is the umbrella-shaped dragon blood tree. This biological treasure combines limestone mountains, sand dunes, and crystal waters into one of Earth’s most visually stunning locations. Visitors can explore diverse ecosystems from the Homhil Protected Area with its frankincense trees to the vast white dunes of Zahek.
The indigenous Socotri people maintain traditional lifestyles and a unique language. Getting here requires effort, but standing beneath a 2,000-year-old dragon blood tree makes it all worthwhile. Allow at least 5 days to explore this isolated paradise. The limited infrastructure feels like a small price for visiting one of the last truly wild places on Earth.
10. Taiz City
- 📍 Location: Southwestern Yemen, at the foot of Jabal Saber mountain
- 🏆 Best For: Cultural explorers 🧭, history enthusiasts 🏛️, coffee lovers ☕
- ✨ What Makes It Beautiful: Mountain backdrop, historic architecture, vibrant cultural scene
- 📸 Top Experiences: Exploring Cairo Castle, wandering through Al-Mudhaffar Mosque, sampling local coffee
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Sheba Hotel – A modern hotel with comfortable rooms, excellent amenities, and beautiful mountain views
Coffee connoisseurs and culture seekers will find their paradise in Taiz City. Long considered Yemen’s cultural capital, this vibrant city sits dramatically at the foot of Jabal Saber mountain. The skyline is dominated by the impressive Cairo Castle, perched high above the city on a rocky outcrop. The challenging climb rewards visitors with spectacular panoramic views and fascinating architecture.
Downtown, the elegant Al-Mudhaffar Mosque showcases exquisite Islamic design with distinctive minarets. Taiz is famous throughout Yemen for its coffee culture. The city’s cafes serve some of Yemen’s finest brews, often accompanied by local sweets like bint al-sahn honey cake. Markets burst with color, offering everything from traditional handicrafts to the city’s famous cheese. Despite recent challenges, Taiz’s cultural resilience makes it one of Yemen’s most captivating urban destinations.
11. Thula Village
- 📍 Location: Amran Governorate, 40 km northwest of Sana’a, Yemen
- 🏆 Best For: History lovers 🏛️, architecture enthusiasts 🏰, photographers 📸
- ✨ What Makes It Beautiful: Preserved medieval stone architecture, mountain setting, ancient terraces
- 📸 Top Experiences: Walking ancient stone streets, exploring the citadel, visiting traditional water cisterns
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Al-Saif Hotel – Modern hotel in Sana’a with comfortable rooms and easy access to the city’s historic sites
Step back in time 2,000 years without a DeLorean. Thula Village perches on a rocky outcrop as one of Yemen’s most perfectly preserved historical settlements. This fortified village features remarkable stone architecture that has withstood centuries. The village is famous for its ingenious water management system. The largest cistern, Bir Al-Azab, continues to collect rainwater for the community.
Walking through Thula’s narrow streets reveals multi-story tower houses built from precisely cut stone blocks without mortar. The distinctive white gypsum windows create a striking contrast against honey-colored stone. The village mosque has stood since the 9th century. When I visited, locals proudly showed me ancient inscriptions hidden within the stonework. Come during early morning when sunlight creates dramatic shadows across the ancient village.
12. Zabid’s Historic Metropolis
- 📍 Location: Tihama coastal plain, 75 km south of Al Hudaydah, western Yemen
- 🏆 Best For: Islamic history scholars 🕌, architecture buffs 🏛️, cultural travelers 🧳
- ✨ What Makes It Beautiful: Ancient Islamic architecture, intricate brick decoration, historic institutions
- 📸 Top Experiences: Visiting the Great Mosque, wandering the old town, admiring ornate brick facades
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Sheba Hotel – A cozy hotel with traditional Yemeni design, near Yemen’s historic sites.
History lovers can walk the streets where algebra was invented. Zabid once stood as one of the Islamic world’s most important centers of learning. This UNESCO site housed an Islamic university that predated Cairo’s Al-Azhar. The city’s distinctive architecture features hundreds of mud-brick houses with elaborate geometric patterns. The city contains 86 mosques, including the Great Mosque built in 628 AD.
These showcase some of the earliest examples of Islamic architectural styles. The city follows classical Islamic urban planning with its central souk, main mosque, and residential quarters connected by a labyrinth of narrow streets. Though quieter now than in its heyday, Zabid remains an archaeological treasure. Visitors can experience centuries of Islamic scholarship and architectural innovation in a single afternoon. The warm coastal climate makes winter visits especially pleasant.
