Top Things to Do in Sanaa

About the City

Sanaa, the historic capital of Yemen, offers its visitors an enchanting experience! Picture this: Ancient clay skyscrapers towering into the sky, a cityscape that's a tangible page from a storybook. Bustling markets, known as 'souqs,' where you can haggle over intricately designed handicrafts, and the aromatic scents of rich, spiced coffee fill the air. The Old City, a UNESCO World Heritage site, boasts stunning architecture with its distinctive geometric patterns and stained-glass windows that play with light like a jeweled kaleidoscope. However, not all that glitters is gold. The city, unfortunately, bears the scars of ongoing conflict, with many historical sites at risk or damaged. The tumultuous political situation leads to basic services being inconsistent, and the safety of locals and travelers can be a concern. Tourism is challenged by visa restrictions and lack of infrastructure. Yet, the resilient spirit of the Sanaa locals shines through—they welcome visitors with open arms and share stories of their rich heritage, offering a humbling and immersive experience into their vibrant culture that has withstood the test of time and conflict.

Things to Do in Sanaa

Taste the Tempting Haneeth

Food & Drink

Indulge in the tender, falling-off-the-bone magic of Haneeth, a scrumptious slow-roasted lamb that has been marinated to perfection. This melt-in-your-mouth experience is like a hearty embrace from Ye...

Equestrian Escapades

Outdoors

Hey there, cowboy! Ever dreamt of gallivanting through mesmerizing landscapes on horseback? Well, Sanaa's equestrian trails are your chance to saddle up and channel that inner horse whisperer. Feel th...

Pottery Whiz Kid Workshop

The Unexpected

Unleash your inner artist and get those hands dirty in a traditional Yemeni pottery workshop. It's like playing in the ultimate mud pit, but instead of making mud pies, you'll craft souvenirs that won...

Khat-Chewing Connoisseur Challenge

The Unexpected

Fit right in with the locals by learning the age-old custom of khat-chewing. Skip the touristy stuff and lounge like you’re one of the gang. Just be prepared for some intense afternoon tea discussions...

Thrilling Thula Trek

The Unexpected

Strap on your adventure boots and embark on a hike to ancient Thula, where the air is fresh, and every stone has a PhD in history. You’ll be stepping into postcards and gasping more than your treadmil...

Heritage Hunting in the Yemeni House Museum

The Unexpected

Become a culture detective and search for clues of the past in this museum that’s like a time capsule dressed in limestone and stained glass. It's your chance to snoop around like you live there, minu...

Tantalize Your Tastebuds with Yemeni Coffee

Outdoors

Get a caffeinated kick from the birthplace of mocha! Yemeni coffee ain't your average joe; it's full-bodied with a side of cultural history!

Trek the Ancient Terraces

Outdoors

Put on those hiking boots and get ready to roam Yemen's stunning landscapes like a pro! The ancient terraces of Sanaa are not just farmlands; they're steps to heaven carved right into the mountainside...

Bouldering Bonanza

Outdoors

Got a gusto for grappling rocks? Sanaa's boulders are calling out to all you spider-people wannabes. Let's crank the adventure dial to 11 and clamber over some serious stone. Don't just hike the trail...

Garden Gallivants

Outdoors

Take the chill pill and stroll through Sanaa's gardens—your secret hideaway from the hustle. Flora, fauna, and cascading greenery are on the guest list. It's nature's therapy sesh, right in the middle...

Cherish the Aseed Twist

Food & Drink

Brace yourselves for Aseed, the ultimate comfort food that's like a warm hug from your Yemeni grandmother. This doughy, porridge-like feast is often topped with savory broth and meat, and it's a true ...

Discover the Grandeur of the Great Mosque of Sana'a

Sights

Stand in the shadow of one of the oldest mosques in the world - the Great Mosque of Sana'a. Feel the history beneath your feet as you wander around this magnificent relic. It's not just old, it's anci...

Escape to the Sana'a Gardens

Sights

Duck out of the city buzz and duck into Sana'a's green havens! The gardens are like a secret meeting spot for relaxation and chirping birds. Just breathe in the flowery air, and let nature's charm do ...

Witness the Al-Khair Mosque

Sights

This isn't your average mosque; it's a piece of history with a minaret that reaches for the skies. Stand in awe of the architecture and reflect on the serenity that this timeless structure offers to e...

Dive into Yemeni Handicrafts

Sights

Get crafty with it! Sanaa's artisans are like wizards with their hands, turning silver and leather into treasures. Scoop up some handcrafted wonders to adorn your home, and marvel at skills passed dow...

Roam the Souk Al-Milh

Sights

Forget the shopping malls; this market is where the real action is at! Navigate the labyrinth of stalls at Souk Al-Milh and haggle like a pro. Spices, textiles, you name it - it's a kaleidoscope of ch...

Sip on Shafoot

Food & Drink

Dive into a bowl of shafoot, an appetizing yogurt-based dish that'll cool you down faster than a dip in a chilly mountain spring. It's like a zesty, herby, dilly pool for your senses!

Savor Zurbian

Food & Drink

Zurbian is like the cool, worldly cousin of biryani that studied abroad in Yemen. This aromatic, spiced rice dish packed with tender meat will transport you to flavor town on a first-class flying carp...

Nibble on Bint Al-Sahn

Food & Drink

Get ready to swoon over Bint Al-Sahn, a honey-drizzled dream that's the queen of Yemeni sweets. This multi-layered, buttery cake is like diving into a sweet, flaky cloud. Be prepared: your taste buds ...

Master the Yemeni Jambiya Dance

The Unexpected

Get ready to shake it like a local! Master the art of the traditional Jambiya dance, an adrenaline-pumping performance that'll have you brandishing a ceremonial dagger while busting some serious moves...