6 Middle-Eastern Cities That Are Budget Alternatives to Popular Expensive Cities

Santorini is famous for its beautiful coast, unique architecture and delectable cuisine. But what if I told you that you could experience all of that and much more for a fraction of the cost in Turkey? Situated on the Mediterranean coast, Antalya is home to ruins and heritage that are several centuries old. It is also a popular hotspot for beach bums and hamam lovers.

I have made several trips around the world over the last several years. I love exploring cities and experiencing their unique vibe. After having traveled to possibly over a hundred cities, my favorite remains Istanbul. It may sound like a cliché but there really is no city like it. It is spread over two continents – Asia and Europe and presents a unique assortment of culture, food, art and architecture.

Tucked amid the eastern fringes of the Gulf, Muscat is a romantic and beautiful city that's worthy of more attention than it gets. Want cultural offerings? Visit the Mutrah Souk. Looking to aimlessly wander a beautiful historic site? Head to Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, that also happens to be one of the largest in the world. Have a sweet tooth that needs fixing? Muscat’s traditional bakeries and cafes will serve up some of the best Baklava and coffee you would have ever had. And for outdoor enthusiasts, the city is just a couple of hours from Wadi Al Shab, which is famous for its daunting hikes and crystal-clear water. Perhaps what most sets Muscat apart from Dubai is its natural organic culture and architecture that wasn’t built in a haste only a few years ago.

Beirut is one of the world’s oldest cities and was once even known as the ‘Paris of the Middle East’. While Ibiza has grown to be the party capital of the world over the last few years, it does not come close to matching how ‘wild’ parties in Beirut can get. Despite the recent political turmoil, Beirut continues to attract lovers of good food and wild parties from all over the world.

While Beirut plays host to jaw dropping night life like Ibiza, it also offers a chance to experience centuries old Arabic culture at its several churches, mosques and palaces. Add to this a sociocultural melting pot, teeming with makers, doers, and shakers. Perhaps it is time to have a pill in Beirut?

San Francisco is famous for its weather, restaurants and picturesque shoreline. Unfortunately, it is now also famous for how expensive it is to travel there. With skyrocketing hotel and dining prices, it is time to give a little-known city in Israel a chance.

Located on Israel’s beautiful and hilly coast, Haifa is its third largest city and is also widely regarded as one of the most beautiful cities in the Middle East. It has a rich 3000-year-old history complete with invasions and wars. It is now one of Israel’s most secular cities, where Arabs, Jews and Christians live together in harmony. Haifa is also home to some of the most innovative tech start ups in the world and is commonly called the Silicon Valley of the Middle East. Who cares for San Francisco anymore?