4 Must-Visit Destinations in the Middle East & North Africa

The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region is a cultural and culinary goldmine filled with stunning landscapes, ancient cities, and mouthwatering food. If you're an explorer at heart, these four destinations—Tunisia, Türkiye, Iran, and Morocco—are a must for your travel bucket list!
4 Must-Visit Destinations in the Middle East & North Africa
Walnut Chicken
Walnut Chicken
Walnut Chicken
Rating: 4.7 out of 5 (23)
$8.60
Meatball Sauce
Meatball Sauce
Meatball Sauce
Rating: 4.7 out of 5 (23)
$8.60
Herb Stew
Herb Stew
Herb Stew
Rating: 4.7 out of 5 (23)
$8.60
Tagine
Tagine
Tagine
Rating: 4.7 out of 5 (23)
$8.60
Shakshuka
Shakshuka
Shakshuka
Rating: 4.7 out of 5 (23)
$8.60

Tunis, Tunisia – A Crossroads of Cultures 🇹🇳

Tunisia’s capital city, Tunis, is where North African, Arab, and Mediterranean influences collide. Wander through the UNESCO-listed Medina, where narrow alleyways lead to bustling souks selling handcrafted ceramics, spices, and traditional Tunisian textiles. A short drive away, you'll find the breathtaking ruins of Carthage, once a powerful Phoenician empire, and the postcard-perfect blue-and-white village of Sidi Bou Said overlooking the Mediterranean Sea.

 Must-Do in Tunisia:

✔️ Explore Carthage – Walk through the ruins of this ancient empire.
✔️ Visit the Bardo Museum – Home to one of the world’s largest collections of Roman mosaics.
✔️ Relax in Sidi Bou Said – Sip mint tea with a sea view in this charming village.

🍽 Must-Try Dish: Tunisian Shakshuka


Istanbul, Türkiye – The City Where East Meets West 🇹🇷

Straddling Europe and Asia, Istanbul is an architectural marvel with a history stretching back thousands of years. Explore the Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and the Grand Bazaar, where over 4,000 stalls sell everything from Turkish delights to intricate carpets. At sunset, take a Bosphorus cruise, sipping on Turkish tea while admiring the skyline dotted with minarets

Must-Do in Türkiye:

✔️ Visit Topkapi Palace – Step into the world of Ottoman sultans.
✔️ Soak in a Turkish Hammam – Experience a traditional steam bath and scrub.
✔️ Take a Bosphorus Ferry – Enjoy Istanbul from the water, separating Europe and Asia.

🍽 Must-Try Dish: Turkish Style Meatballs



3️⃣ Isfahan, Iran – The Jewel of Persian Architecture 🇮🇷

Known as “Half the World”, Isfahan is one of Iran’s most breathtaking cities, home to Persian masterpieces of tilework, bridges, and bustling bazaars. Start your journey in the Naqsh-e Jahan Square, a UNESCO-listed plaza lined with mosques, palaces, and a historic bazaar filled with Persian carpets, saffron, and miniature paintings. Walk along the Si-o-se-pol Bridge, a stunning 33-arch bridge lit up beautifully at night, and don’t miss a traditional Persian tea house experience.

Must-Do in Iran:

✔️ Admire the Shah Mosque – A stunning example of Persian architecture.
✔️ Walk the Si-o-se-pol Bridge – Watch the sunset from this iconic spot.
✔️ Shop in the Grand Bazaar – Pick up handwoven Persian carpets and pistachios.

🍽 Must-Try Dish: Perisan Herb Stew & Persian Walnut Chicken


 Marrakech, Morocco – The Red City of Spices & Souks 🇲🇦

Marrakech is a sensory overload in the best way possible—vibrant souks, fragrant spices, bustling squares, and centuries-old palaces. Get lost in the Medina, where snake charmers and storytellers bring Jemaa el-Fnaa square to life. Visit the Majorelle Garden, an oasis of cobalt-blue and lush greenery once owned by Yves Saint Laurent. For a true taste of Morocco, sip sweet mint tea on a rooftop terrace as the call to prayer echoes through the city.

Must-Do in Morocco:

✔️ Explore Jemaa el-Fnaa – Marrakech’s famous marketplace filled with food stalls and performers.
✔️ Visit the Majorelle Garden – A peaceful escape from the city's hustle.
✔️ Stay in a Riad – Traditional Moroccan guesthouses with beautiful courtyards.

🍽 Must-Try Dish: Moroccan Tagine


Shop The Recipe

Walnut Chicken
Walnut Chicken
Walnut Chicken
Rating: 4.7 out of 5 (23)
$8.60
Meatball Sauce
Meatball Sauce
Meatball Sauce
Rating: 4.7 out of 5 (23)
$8.60
Herb Stew
Herb Stew
Herb Stew
Rating: 4.7 out of 5 (23)
$8.60
Tagine
Tagine
Tagine
Rating: 4.7 out of 5 (23)
$8.60
Shakshuka
Shakshuka
Shakshuka
Rating: 4.7 out of 5 (23)
$8.60