Must See

Aden

Aden is a former British colonial town and important sea port, although its history stretches back much further than colonial times. It was mentioned in the biblical Book of Ezekiel (c. 6th century BC), and there is a collection of pre-Islamic artefacts on display in the National Museum of Antiquities near Tawahi Harbour.

Huge lava mountains by the shore shelter the deep natural port. Crater, the oldest part of the city, lies in the crater of an extinct volcano and is home to the Aden Tanks, manmade reservoirs, partly cut out of the rock, with a storage capacity of 50 million litres. The Military Museum and the Ethnographical Museum may also be found in Crater.

Little Aden, also in the crater of an extinct volcano, lies to the south of Aden. It is an area of small fishing villages in sheltered bays, with several excellent beaches fringing the Indian Ocean.

Al-Khaw Kha

Watch skilled craftsmen shape wooden boats and rafts using traditional tools in this Red Sea fishing village, the unofficial capital of the wooden boat-building industry. Pelicans and other sea birds can be spotted along the palm fringed shore.

Dar Al-Hajar

Climb to the top of a large bald rock in the green Wadi Dhar valley, on top of which sits the famous Rock Palace, a former summer residence for kings designed with Yemeni-style takhrina windows: this building has become a symbol of the Yemen.

Dar al-Shukr

The National Museum in Dar al-Shukr ('Palace of Gratefulness') contains engravings of pre-Islamic times, a beautiful mashrabia (cooling place for water), bronze statues, and several examples of folk art. It also offers an excellent view of Taherir Square and the Muttawakelite Estate from the roof.

Marib and Baraquish

Explore the ancient monuments and ruins of the country's most stunning archaeological sites, which formed the cradle of Yemeni civilisation, in a region now inhabited by Bedouin tribes.

Mareb Dam

The ancient Mareb Dam was used thousands of years ago to irrigate the surrounding land, although fell into disuse around AD 570. The stonework is impressive, measuring 18 m (60 ft) deep and 600 m (1,968 ft) wide.

Mokha

Mokha, located on the Red Sea, is an old Himyarite port. It enjoyed a boom period during the 17th and 18th centuries by exporting coffee, which, at the time, was becoming fashionable in Europe. In later years, coffee was cultivated elsewhere and Mokha fell into decline. However, the beans continued to be prized for their strong, chocolate flavour - and remain so even today. From this coffee the English language gained the word mocha.

Sa'dah

The walled city of Sa'dah is in the northwest of the country, and visitors may walk along the top of the walls for excellent views of the city. The market sells some fine silverware and traditional stone necklaces. The Great Mosque is the central building in the city, whilst the thick walled Sa'dah Fortress is the seat of the provincial government (formerly the Imam's residence). Outside the city is the Zaydi Graveyard, filled with some of the most beautiful gravestones in Yemen.

Sana'a

Wander through Yemen's ancient and intoxicating capital, said to have been founded by Noah's son Shem. Long an important citadel on the trade route between Aden and Mecca, the bustling city is centred upon the largest preserved medina in the Arab world, where mosque minarets rise above distinct Yemeni tower houses and Ottoman bathhouses. Sana'a's 1,000-year-old Bab al-Yemen Market is divided into 40 different crafts and trades; the spice market is one of the best to visit. Other markets include the Souk al-Nahaas, once the copper market, now selling jambias (curved daggers), belts and embroidered head-dresses.

Shahara

Scramble up to one of Yemen's most famous fortified mountain villages, set atop the rocky 2,600-metre Shahara mountain. Its famous stone bridge connects two mountains and can be crossed by foot.

Ta'izz

The city of Ta'izz lies in the south at an altitude of 1,400 m (4,590 ft). Although the old city has been all but been engulfed by the modern city around, there are still some beautiful old houses and mosques remaining within the line of the 13th-century city wall along the southern side. Within the city walls, Al-Qahera is the fortress and the oldest part of the city, whilst Al-Mudhaffar and Al-Ashrafiya are two of the most beautiful mosques in Yemen. Other highlights include the museum in the Palace of Imam Ahmed, which contains the personal effects of the last Imam. The Souk Ta'izz sells a variety of goods, including carpets and silverware.

Just 18 km (11 miles) from Ta'izz is Mount Saber, which rises to an altitude of 3,000 m (9,840 ft) and offers a breathtaking view of the city and the Ta'izz basin.