Sana'a
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The UK Foreign Office currently advises against travel to all or parts of Yemen. This guide is for a safer time. Check the latest travel advice.
At a glance
- Country
- Yemen
- Region
- Amanat Al Asimah
- Population
- 3 million
- Best time to go
- October to March
- Main airport
- Sana'a International (SAH)
- Coordinates
- 15.37°N, 44.19°E
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Overview
Sana'a sits on a high plateau at around 2,200 metres, and its Old City is one of the most remarkable urban landscapes anywhere: many-storeyed tower houses of rammed earth and brick, their facades picked out in white gypsum patterns.
People have lived here for well over two millennia, and the souqs, mosques and gardens of the old town reflect that depth of history. Travel to Yemen is not possible at present; this guide is for a future, safer time.
Things to see
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Photo: ai@ce, CC BY 2.0 Old City of Sana'a
A UNESCO World Heritage Site of tall decorated houses, narrow lanes and walled gardens.
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Photo: Jialiang Gao www.peace-on-earth.org, CC BY-SA 3.0 Bab al-Yaman
The main historic gate into the Old City, leading straight into the souqs.
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Photo: Rod Waddington from Kergunyah, Australia, CC BY-SA 2.0 Great Mosque of Sana'a
One of the oldest mosques in the world, said to date from the lifetime of the Prophet.
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Photo: Dar_al_hajar.jpg : Antti Salonen derivative work: MrPanyGoff, CC BY-SA 3.0 Dar al-Hajar
The Rock Palace, a striking residence built on top of a rock pinnacle in Wadi Dhahr outside the city.
Things to do
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Photo: yeowatzup, CC BY 2.0 Wander the souqs
The old markets are divided by trade, from spices and raisins to silver and traditional daggers.
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Photo: Ibrahem Qasim, CC BY-SA 3.0 Visit the mountain villages
Thula and Kawkaban, perched on the plateau north-west of the city, are fortified stone villages.
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Photo: Rania al-Bahara, CC BY-SA 4.0 Taste Yemeni food
Try saltah, a bubbling stew finished with fenugreek froth, and qishr, a drink brewed from coffee husks.
Where to stay
Old City
Historically, traditional tower houses converted into small hotels offered the most memorable stays.
Hotels in Old CityModern city
Larger hotels in the newer districts outside the old walls.
Hotels in Modern city
Getting around
The Old City is best explored on foot with a local guide. For anywhere further afield, travel with trusted local arrangements when visiting becomes possible.
Sana'a International lies on the northern edge of the city; when flights resume normally, check current routes and advice before planning.
When to go
The altitude keeps Sana'a mild for much of the year. October to March is dry and sunny with cold nights, while the summer months bring afternoon rains.
Plan your trip to Sana'a
Guide last checked October 2026. Opening times and prices change, so check before you go.