Al Saleh Mosque

Sana'a, the capital of Yemen, is one of the world's oldest continuously inhabited cities and a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its extraordinary Islamic architecture and cultural heritage. The city sits at an altitude of 2,300 meters in the Yemeni highlands, creating a unique mountainous desert climate. At the heart of Sana'a stands the magnificent Al Saleh Mosque, one of the largest and most impressive mosques in the Middle East, completed in 2008 and serving as a symbol of modern Yemeni Islamic architecture. The Old City of Sana'a, with its distinctive multi-story tower houses built from local stone and decorated with geometric patterns, creates an almost fairy-tale skyline that has remained largely unchanged for over a millennium. The city blends ancient Yemeni traditions with Islamic culture, offering visitors a glimpse into authentic Arabian Peninsula heritage through its bustling souks, traditional architecture, and warm hospitality. However, due to ongoing conflict, travel to Yemen requires careful planning and up-to-date security assessments.

Yemeni cuisine offers unique flavors with dishes like saltah (a hearty stew), mandi (spiced rice with lamb), and fresh flatbreads baked in traditional ovens. Local restaurants in the Old City serve authentic meals at very reasonable prices ($3-8 per person), while hotel restaurants offer more international options. Don't miss trying Yemeni honey, considered among the world's finest, and traditional Yemeni tea served in small glasses. Street food vendors offer fresh fruits, nuts, and local snacks, though visitors should choose busy stalls with high turnover for food safety. Most restaurants are halal, and alcohol is not widely available.

The best time to visit Sana'a is during the cooler months from October to March when temperatures are pleasant (15-25°C) and rainfall is minimal. The high altitude makes Sana'a cooler than other parts of Yemen year-round, but summer months (June-September) can still be quite warm during the day. Winter evenings can be cool, so bring layers. However, current security conditions should be the primary consideration for any travel planning, regardless of weather conditions.