←Yemen travel guide
Sana'a Governorate, Yemen
Sana'a
Tower houses in gingerbread brick, ringed by ancient walls
ArchitectureCultureHistory & Heritage
You stand in the Old City among tower houses of dark stone and fired brick, their windows outlined in white gypsum tracery. Minarets rise over the souqs while the gates of the old walls, including Bab al-Yemen, frame the lanes where this 2,500-year-old capital still trades and prays.
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Best time to visit
October to April
Region
Sana'a Governorate
Main airport
Sana'a SAH (SAH)
Beyond the City
Day Trips from Sana'a
Culture
Dar al-Hajar (Rock Palace)
Perched on a rock pinnacle in the green valley of Wadi Dhar near Sana'a, this five-storey palace seems to grow straight out of the stone. Built in the 1920s as a summer retreat for the imam atop an earlier eighteenth-century structure, it is one of the most recognisable images of Yemen and now serves as a museum. Climbing through its rooms, you take in views across the orchards and cliffs of the surrounding valley.
UNESCO World HeritageHistory
Landmarks of the Ancient Kingdom of Saba, Marib
Around the desert city of Marib lie the remains of the Sabaean civilisation that controlled the incense trade across Arabia in the first millennium BCE. The UNESCO-listed landmarks include temples, the ruins of ancient cities, and the famous Great Dam of Marib, a feat of early hydraulic engineering. Walking the site, you trace the legacy of a kingdom associated in tradition with the Queen of Sheba.
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Plan Your Trip
Getting Around Sana'a
Tours, stays, transfers, and flights — curated partner options are on the way.
Tours & Activities
Skip-the-line tickets, guided tours, and day experiences — curated partner options are on the way.
Coming soonWhere to Stay
Hotels, apartments, and guesthouses across every neighbourhood — booking options are on the way.
Coming soonAirport Transfers
Private and shared rides between the airport and the city centre — partner options are on the way.
Coming soonFlights
Compare fares from hundreds of airlines to find the best route in — search options are on the way.
Coming soonTravel Guide
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Yemen
Most governments advise against all travel to Yemen due to the ongoing armed conflict, which has caused a severe humanitarian crisis since 2015. The situation remains extremely dangerous throughout most of the country. Check your government's official travel advisory and the Yemen page at Yoogo before making any plans.
Yemen uses the Yemeni rial (YER). The currency and banking system have been severely disrupted by the conflict. Conditions on the ground change frequently and vary by region and controlling authority.
Yemen has been in the grip of a devastating civil war since 2015, with multiple armed factions controlling different parts of the country. Airstrikes, ground combat, landmines, kidnapping, and terrorism make travel anywhere in Yemen extremely dangerous. Most governments issue 'do not travel' advisories for the entire country.
Yemen was once one of the Arabian Peninsula's most remarkable destinations, with the ancient Old City of Sana'a (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), the island of Socotra with its unique dragon blood trees, and the mud-brick tower houses of Shibam. These extraordinary cultural and natural assets remain, though access is currently impossible for most visitors.
Before the conflict, October to April was the most comfortable time to visit, with milder temperatures than the intense summer heat. The southern highlands and Socotra were accessible during the winter months when weather conditions permitted.
Arabic is the official language. Modern Standard Arabic is used in formal contexts, while Yemeni Arabic dialects are spoken in daily life. English is rarely spoken outside some urban professional and academic circles.
The conflict has devastated Yemen's public health infrastructure. Consult a travel health clinic if considering travel. Cholera, which saw large outbreaks during the conflict, and other infectious diseases pose elevated risks. Yellow fever vaccination is required if arriving from an endemic country. Medical care is extremely limited and unreliable across most of the country.
Historically, tipping was not a formal custom in Yemen, though small tips for guides, drivers, and hotel staff were appreciated. Hospitality is deeply embedded in Yemeni culture, and guests are traditionally welcomed warmly.
Mobile networks are severely disrupted across Yemen. Connectivity varies dramatically by region and controlling authority. Internet access is extremely restricted and unreliable. Communication infrastructure has been extensively damaged by the conflict.