Hotels offers good value for money
Taxis, buses
October-April
+3hrs GMT
Bahraini Dinar
Arabic, English
One of the largest mosques in the world, capable of accommodating over 7,000 worshippers at a time and is the largest place of worship in Bahrain. It is also one of the top tourist attractions in Bahrain. The dome is currently the worlds largest fibreglass dome and is over 60,000 kg in weight. Al-Fateh includes the new National Library which opened to the public in 2006.
On the east coast of the city, this pleasant seaside promenade offers good views of the skyscrapers to the south and planes taking off from the airport nearby. Plenty of fun fair rides for the kids and shisha bars for the older set.
Is considered as the most important historic buildings in Bahrain. It derives importance as being the first official center for Bahrain Courts. The building was inaugurated by Late H.H. Sh. Hamad Bin Isa Al-Khalifa, the past Governor of Bahrain, during Calendar year 18th October, 1937. At that time the building comprised of four Supreme Courts, apart from three Directorates. Later on, during 1984 the building was transformed into a Traditional Heritage Center. Currently, the Museum of Pearl Diving is under the control of Directorate of Archaeology and Heritage, one of the major Directorates of Ministry of Cabinet Affairs and Information.
Budget hotels are available
Trains operate to major points. You can also ride a camel into the desert.
October to April
+2hrs GMT
Egyptian Pound
Arabic, English
Visit the Harraq Monastery. Located a few hours from the city, it is home to an old mansion, beautiful trees, a library and a souvenir shop.
Alexan Palace highlights Assiut’s contribution to the Egyptian Civilisation and is a must-visit for its architecture.
Banana Island is a great picnic spot.
Hotels to suit all budgets
Tram, metro and buses
June-August
+2hr GMT
Euro
Dutch and English
A canal tour makes a wonderful first impression, as the tour boats take in much of the monumental architecture that lines the Canal Belt, the four concentric semi-circles that loop around the historic centre. While any canal tour will be an experience to remember, the options are plentiful: hop aboard an open-top boat or charter a private boat or a special themed or catered tour.
The Amsterdam Museum (formerly the Amsterdam Historisch Museum) maps the last eight centuries of urban evolution using unusual found objects. Nest on the itinerary is the Museum Ons' Lieve Heer op Solder ('Our Lord in the Attic'), a delightful that has been recently restored to its 17th century glory.
The flea markets showcase the multi-ethnic spirit of Amsterdam. Traipse through the Albert Cuypmarkt, a large general market that winds its way across Pijp and it sells everything from smoked eel to Surinamese sherbets. The Dappermarkt in Oost and the Lindenmarkt in Jordaan are the other good flea markets.
Budget accommodations in addition to spa-style resorts near Dead Sea
Taxis are the best way to get around. Be sure to negotiate the fare beforehand.
May to October
+3hrs GMT
Jordanian Dinar
Arabic, English
The impressive Roman Theatre is the most well-known remnant of Roman Philadelphia in the city. Remember to carry a camera for the view here is spectacular.
The Amman Archaeological Museum was built in 1951 on the Citadel Hill in Amman. It houses artefacts from archaeological sites from all over in the country. The collection includes pottery, glass, flint and metal tools, inscriptions and statuaries.
For a look at the folk heritage of the city, stop in at the Jordanian Museum of Popular Traditions.
Plenty of smaller boutique-style and major hotel chain are available
Public buses take you to most parts of the city
Almaty is a traveller's dream during the month of April which coincides with late spring or early autumn, when the weather is most favourable. The warmest months are July and August while winters usually flow into December and January.
+6hrs GMT
Tenge
Kazakh, Russian
Dubbed the Grand Canyon's 'little brother', Charyn Canyon in Charyn National Park is an extraordinary natural rock formation. Capture a spectacular view from the bottom in the 'Valley of Castles', where you can gaze up at the towering gorge walls.
On the city's southeast edge is Kök-Töbe, the 1100-metre-high hillock with a flurry of attractions. Hop into a cable car for a leisurely ride up, then make time for a little roller-coaster rush before catching breath-taking vistas as the sun goes down.
Built without a single nail, emerged through an earthquake and still commanding attention, the Ascension Cathedral in the city's Panfilov Park is a sight to behold. The golden domes and kaleidoscopic colour palette are Insta-worthy moments.
For a shopping experience that's anything but commonplace, the colossal Barakholka flea market is a must-visit hotspot. Hustle your way to a good bargain in this old-style bazaar that sells anything from live animals to shower caps.
Luxury hotels, resorts, budget hotels and backpacker hostels are there
Taxis are best as they are cheap. There is also a limited tram system.
October to May
+2hrs GMT
Egyptian Pound
Arabic, English
Visit the Lighthouse of Alexandria, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, for a look at the structure deemed to be technologically way ahead of its time.
Royal Jewellery Museum has a stunning collection of royal jewellery and medals that belonged to King Farouk and his wife Queen Farida.
Stroll down a picturesque beach or stop for some sunshine and a picnic. Look out for seafood stalls or eateries and sample some traditional fare.
Hotels to suit all budgets
Public Buses & Taxis
November to April
+4hrs GMT
UAE Dirham
Arabic, English
Range of options, from budget to five-star hotels, are available
Hail a rickshaw, take a taxi or a public bus
September to February
+5:30hrs GMT
Indian Rupee
Gujarati, Hindi and English
The beautiful Akshardham Temple was built in 1992 by Pramukh Swami Maharaj to celebrate the bicentenary of Lord Swaminarayan. The temple complex, occupying a space of 23 acres, includes a garden, three exhibition halls and the temple monument that contains the Murti of Lord Swaminarayan. The monument which forms the main temple building, standing 108 feet tall, 240 feet long and 131 feet wide, is constructed from over 6000 tons of pink sandstone and features domes, pillars and window grills. The Murti, or embodiment of the Divine Spirit, takes the form of a 7 foot gold-plated statue weighing over a ton, depicting the seated Lord Swaminarayan flanked to his left and right by disciples.
Sabarmati Ashram, the building complex and farmstead that Mahatma Gandhi and his wife Kasturba Gandhi once called home, has been designated a national monument by the Indian government since the 1960s. The Indian civil rights and independence leader lived here during the 1930 Dandi March, or Salt Satyagraha, which was an important event in the lead-up to full self-government for India. There are several buildings at this site, located on the River Sabarmati, including the Nandini guest house, the Vinoba Kutir cottage, the open-air prayer ground known as Upasana Mandir and the Magan Niwas hut where Gandhi's cousin, the Ashram manager, lived.
The Sidi Saiyyed Mosque was built in 1573, the Gujarat Sultanate's final year, and was only in a partial state of completion by the time of the Mughal invasion. This spectacular mosque, in the city's Lal Dawaja quarter, is famous for its intricate wall and window carvings, often depicting botanical scenes, with the most recognizable of the ten carved windows being the Sidi Saiyyed Jali which has become a symbol of Ahmedabad. The yellow sandstone building, built to a rectangular design, features impressive arches, an interior with roof-supporting pillars as well as a courtyard complete with central water feature.
Hotels to suit all budgets
Public Buses & Taxis
November to April
+4hrs GMT
UAE Dirham
Arabic, English
A range of hotels are available
Hire a car or get a taxi
All year round
+3hrs GMT
Saudi Riyal
Arabic, English
The New Abha Resort and The Abha Lake Dam are a must-see. Stroll around the lakeside in the 300,000 square-meter garden and dine at the luxurious Abha Palace Hotel with peaceful views of the lake and city. You can take a scenic cable car ride from the resort to the Green Mountain.
Learn about the village by going on a thrilling cable car ride down to Habala, the Hanging Village. This ancient village was built halfway down a cliff face, and it used to be only accessible by ropes. It’s believed that the villagers fled the Ottomans here and lived in isolation completely self-sufficient until they were rediscovered by a Saudi army helicopter.
Drive up to the Green Mountain in the middle of Abha city. The “mountain” is actually a hill overlooking the city which is beautifully lit with green lights in the night. There’s a restaurant and café at the top with an outdoor terrace where visitors can enjoy views of Abha. Try the mint tea and sheesha while enjoying the sunset and the cool breeze on the terrace.