The 10 Best Things to do in Sanaa, Yemen

Reviewed By Algharati

Mystical, romantic and endlessly enchanting, Sana'a is one of the greatest treasures of Arabia. It is also one of the world's oldest cities, and its rich history reveals itself throughout the narrow streets lined with centuries-old buildings. Unlike many great Arab cities, Sana'a has resisted modernization and retained its historic charm. You won't find any gleaming towers of steel and glass in the city, but you will see the stone and fired-clay buildings change hues from peachy-pink to deep rose as the sun moves across the sky. The Old City is the heart of Sana'a and a UNESCO World Heritage site. The entire district is a work of art, and wandering without aim is the best way to enjoy it. The area is so well-preserved that you can walk more than a kilometer in any direction without coming across a single new building. There are thousands of tower houses in old Sana'a, designed to bring residents as close to heaven as possible. Known as the world's first skyscrapers, the houses often reach six to eight stories and follow a set design: The Souq al-Milh lies at the center of the Old City and is one of the best markets in all of Arabia. There, visitors can shop for anything from mobile phones to handwoven carpets and everything in between. Silver jewelry gleams in the sunlight, the air is thick with the scent of jasmine, stalls overflow with piles of dates and colorful scarves wave in the breeze. Walking through the labyrinth of vendors is like traveling back to a bygone era. Surrounded by topsy-turvy whitewashed houses and dreamy mosques, the whole market feels like a fantasy brought to life. The National Museum is not just one of the largest museums in the region, it is also one of the best. The breathtaking collection of figurines, statues and artifacts from the Saba and Hadramawt kingdoms greets visitors on the first floor while the second is dedicated to the medieval Islamic period. The well-curated galleries present an incredible range of history while providing an outstanding introduction to the country's history, culture and people. In addition, you can visit the Museum of Traditional Arts and Crafts. Regarding its climate: there is very little rain in Sanaa as it is considered a mild desert climate. The temperatures are normally pleasant with the winters being warm and the summer comfortably hot.