Cheap Places to Go in the Middle East for History, Culture, and Adventure

Why the Middle East Is Great for Budget Travelers

The first time I considered traveling to the Middle East, I assumed it would be expensive. Dubai’s luxury hotels, private desert tours, and influencer-packed resorts set the wrong impression. But after spending time in the region, I realized something: the real Middle East—the one filled with rich history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant culture—is actually one of the best places to travel on a budget.

I’ve wandered through ancient souks where a meal costs less than $3, stayed in family-run guesthouses for under $20 a night, and explored centuries-old ruins without spending a fortune on guided tours. The Middle East is a dream for travelers who love history, culture, and adventure—but don’t want to pay luxury prices.

This guide will take you to cheap places to go in the Middle East that offer Roman ruins, ancient mosques, breathtaking deserts, and bustling markets—all without draining your wallet. If you want big experiences for little money, this is where to go.

What Makes a Destination Budget-Friendly?

When I first started traveling the Middle East, I was surprised by how wildly different prices could be from one place to another. In Dubai, I once paid $10 for a bottle of water at a hotel bar. A few weeks later, in Amman, I had a full meal of falafel, hummus, and fresh bread for the same price. I quickly learned that in the Middle East, you can spend a fortune—or you can travel comfortably on a budget. It all depends on where you go and how you do it.

Here’s what separates truly budget-friendly destinations from the overpriced ones:

1. A Place Where Accommodation Is Affordable

A city can have cheap food and free attractions, but if hotels start at $100 a night, it’s not a budget destination. I’ve found some of the best places to stay by skipping fancy hotels and looking for locally run guesthouses, hostels, or budget hotels.

One of my best stays was in Shiraz, Iran, where I paid $20 a night for a charming traditional guesthouse with a courtyard full of fountains and pomegranate trees. In contrast, in some Gulf cities, even a basic hotel room starts at $150 per night. The difference? One caters to locals and budget travelers, the other to business tourists and luxury seekers.

In places like Cairo, Amman, and Beirut, it’s easy to find guesthouses or dorm beds for $10–$30. And if you’re adventurous, some Bedouin camps in Jordan and Oman offer a night in the desert for as little as $25—including meals.

💡 Lesson learned: Always check if guesthouses and hostels are available before assuming a destination is expensive.

2. Local Food That Doesn’t Cost a Fortune

I’ll never forget my first morning in Beirut. I walked into a bakery, handed over less than a dollar, and walked out with a hot, fresh manakish—Lebanese flatbread covered in za’atar and olive oil. That’s when I realized: Middle Eastern street food isn’t just cheap—it’s some of the best food you’ll ever eat.

Eating out in the Middle East can either wreck your budget or be one of the cheapest parts of your trip. Sit down at a tourist-friendly restaurant, and you might pay $20 for a plate of kebabs. Go to a street vendor, and you can get the same thing for $3.

Some of my cheapest (and best) meals:

Cairo, Egypt – Koshari (a filling mix of pasta, lentils, and tomato sauce) for $1.50 at a hole-in-the-wall shop.
Istanbul, Turkey – Simit (sesame-crusted bread rings) for 50 cents from a street cart—perfect with a cup of Turkish tea.
Amman, Jordan – Falafel wraps for $1 at Hashem, a famous no-frills spot where locals and tourists eat side by side.

💡 Lesson learned: Eat where locals eat. If you see a long line at a tiny shop, that’s where you want to be.

3. Free or Cheap Attractions (So You’re Not Paying for Every Experience)

The best experiences in the Middle East? Most of them cost nothing. I’ve spent entire days wandering through historic souks, climbing up ancient ruins, and hiking through desert landscapes—all without spending a dime.

One of the best examples? The Blue Mosque in Istanbul. Some travelers spend $20–$30 visiting expensive palaces and museums, but the most breathtaking site in the city is completely free. In Egypt, while most people head straight to the pyramids (which are worth every dollar of the $15 entry fee), I found just as much magic wandering the chaotic streets of Old Cairo, visiting centuries-old mosques and hidden courtyards—for free.

Other free or dirt-cheap experiences I loved:

Watching the sunset over Petra from a quiet viewpoint—no tour required.
Exploring the historic souks of Aleppo and Fez, getting lost in centuries-old alleyways.
Taking a $1 ferry ride across the Bosphorus in Istanbul, getting million-dollar views for the price of a coffee.

💡 Lesson learned: Not everything needs a guided tour. Walk, explore, and sometimes the best moments come for free.

4. A Destination Where You Can Get Around Cheaply

If you take taxis everywhere in the Middle East, your budget will disappear fast. I’ve made that mistake before—taking an unmetered taxi in Cairo and getting charged five times the normal price.

But I’ve also learned that most Middle Eastern cities have excellent, cheap public transport if you know where to look. Some of the best money-saving hacks I’ve used:

Cairo’s metro – It costs less than 30 cents per ride and gets you anywhere in the city.
Shared taxis in Jordan (called service taxis) – A fraction of the cost of a private taxi and far more reliable than buses.
Long-distance buses in Turkey – Comfortable, cheap, and often serve tea and snacks for free.
Budget airlines like Pegasus and FlyDubai – If you book early, you can fly across the region for under $50.

💡 Lesson learned: Always check public transport first before assuming taxis are the only option. And if you do take a taxi, negotiate the fare before getting in.

The Best Cheap Places to Go in the Middle East

After traveling across the Middle East, I realized something: the best experiences aren’t always in the most expensive places. Sure, Dubai and Doha have their skyscrapers and luxury hotels, but if you want rich history, vibrant culture, and incredible landscapes without breaking the bank, there are far better (and cheaper) places to go.

These are the best cheap places to go in the Middle East—destinations where you can explore ancient ruins, wander through historic souks, and even experience the desert without spending a fortune.

1. Amman, Jordan – Affordable Gateway to Ancient History

When most people think of Jordan, they think of Petra—and its $70 entrance fee. But what they don’t realize is that Amman itself is a budget-friendly city full of history, great food, and cheap day trips.

Why it’s affordable: You can find hostels and guesthouses for $10–$25 per night, and local food like falafel or mansaf costs as little as $2–$5.
What to do for free or cheap:
- Visit the Amman Citadel ($3 entry) for incredible Roman ruins and views over the city.
- Explore Rainbow Street—a lively area full of local shops, street musicians, and cheap cafés.
- Take a cheap public minibus ($5–$8 round trip) to Jerash, one of the best-preserved Roman cities in the world.
Best time to visit: Spring (March–May) or fall (September–November) for warm weather and fewer crowds.

💡 Budget tip: If you plan to visit Petra, get the Jordan Pass ($99), which includes Petra, Jerash, and over 40 other sites—saving you at least $50.

2. Cairo, Egypt – Ancient Wonders Without the Price Tag

Cairo is chaotic, loud, and full of energy—but it’s also one of the most affordable cities in the Middle East, especially for history lovers. I spent days exploring ancient ruins, eating ridiculously cheap food, and taking Nile boat rides for just a few dollars.

Why it’s affordable: You can stay in budget hotels for $10–$20 per night, and meals like koshari (a carb-heavy local favorite) cost $1–$3.
What to do for free or cheap:
- Visit the Pyramids of Giza ($15 entry)—or get a free view from a rooftop café nearby.
- Walk along the Nile Corniche at sunset—one of the best free things to do.
- Wander through Khan el-Khalili bazaar, a historic market where you can buy souvenirs, spices, and tea for next to nothing.
Best time to visit: November–February (cooler weather and fewer tourists).

💡 Budget tip: Avoid overpriced camel rides at the pyramids. Instead, take a local minibus ($0.50) from downtown to the entrance gate.

3. Beirut, Lebanon – Culture, Beaches, and Street Food for Less

Lebanon might not be the first place that comes to mind for budget travel, but Beirut is a cultural goldmine with Mediterranean beaches, a great food scene, and affordable history. The city itself is more expensive than Cairo or Amman, but if you eat locally and take public transport, it’s surprisingly cheap.

Why it’s affordable: Budget hotels start at $15–$30 per night, and local food like manakish or shawarma costs $2–$4.
What to do for free or cheap:
- Walk along the Corniche for stunning sea views—totally free.
- Visit Pigeon Rocks, Beirut’s natural rock formations, at sunset.
- Take a cheap bus ($2–$5) to Byblos or Baalbek, home to some of the most impressive Roman ruins in the world.
Best time to visit: Spring (April–June) or fall (September–November) when the weather is perfect.

💡 Budget tip: Shared taxis (called “service” taxis) cost a fraction of the price of private cabs. Just tell the driver your destination and hop in.

4. Istanbul, Turkey – Two Continents for the Price of One

Istanbul is one of the most budget-friendly major cities in the world—and it also happens to be one of the most fascinating. Where else can you walk from Europe to Asia, explore ancient palaces, and eat incredible food without blowing your budget?

Why it’s affordable: Hostels and guesthouses start at $10 per night, and street food like simit or kebabs costs $1–$4.
What to do for free or cheap:
- Visit the Blue Mosque—one of the most spectacular mosques in the world, and completely free.
- Take a $1 ferry across the Bosphorus for incredible city views.
- Explore the Grand Bazaar—one of the oldest and biggest markets in the world, with no entrance fee.
Best time to visit: March–May or September–November (cooler temperatures and lower hotel prices).

💡 Budget tip: Many museums offer free entry on the first Sunday of the month—check before you go.

5. Shiraz, Iran – Persian Culture & History on a Budget

Shiraz is one of the most beautiful and affordable cities in the Middle East, full of Persian gardens, colorful mosques, and some of the friendliest locals you’ll ever meet.

Why it’s affordable: Guesthouses and budget hotels start at $10 per night, and local meals cost $2–$5.
What to do for free or cheap:
- Visit the Nasir al-Mulk Mosque ($4 entry)—also known as the Pink Mosque, where the stained-glass windows create stunning light patterns.
- Wander through Eram Garden ($3 entry), a peaceful escape full of ancient cypress trees.
- Take a budget bus to Persepolis ($5 round trip) to see the ruins of one of the greatest ancient cities.
Best time to visit: March–May (spring) or September–November (fall) for perfect weather.

💡 Budget tip: Iran is one of the cheapest countries in the Middle East, but you can’t use international credit cards. Bring cash and exchange it locally for the best rates.

How to Save Even More While Traveling the Middle East

Even if you stick to cheap places to go in the Middle East, small expenses can add up quickly if you’re not careful. I’ve made mistakes—like overpaying for taxis in Cairo or getting stuck in a tourist trap restaurant in Istanbul where a single cup of tea cost more than an entire meal at a street stall. But I’ve also figured out ways to travel across the region without spending a fortune.

Here’s how to stretch your budget even further while still experiencing the best of the Middle East.

1. Finding Cheap Flights to the Middle East

Flights to the Middle East can be surprisingly affordable—if you know where to look. I once flew from Europe to Amman for $50 on Ryanair, and I’ve found round-trip flights from the U.S. to Istanbul for under $400.

Fly into budget-friendly hubs. The cheapest cities to fly into are usually:
- Istanbul (Turkey) – A major international hub with cheap flights from Europe, the U.S., and Asia.
- Cairo (Egypt) – One of the most affordable gateways into Africa and the Middle East.
- Dubai (UAE) – Emirates and FlyDubai offer frequent deals.
- Amman (Jordan) – Ryanair and other low-cost airlines fly here from Europe.
Use budget airlines for regional travel. Once you’re in the Middle East, airlines like Pegasus, FlyDubai, Air Arabia, and Jazeera Airways offer cheap flights between cities.

💡 Budget tip: Flights to Israel are often expensive, but you can fly to Amman instead and take a cheap overland bus to Jerusalem.

2. Staying in Budget Accommodations (Skip Western-Owned Hotels)

If you rely on chain hotels, you’ll pay Western prices. But the Middle East has tons of affordable guesthouses, hostels, and family-run stays that give you a more authentic experience for way less.

Guesthouses & local hotels – In places like Cairo, Amman, and Shiraz, you can get a private room for $10–$25 per night.
Hostels – Istanbul, Beirut, and Petra have well-rated dorms for under $15 per night.
Desert camps & eco-lodges – In Wadi Rum (Jordan) or the Wahiba Sands (Oman), you can sleep in a traditional Bedouin-style tent for as little as $20, including meals.
Couchsurfing & homestays – Iran has a strong hospitality culture, and many locals offer free stays to travelers.

💡 Budget tip: Booking sites don’t always list the best deals—ask locals or other travelers for recommendations.

3. Eating Cheap Without Missing Out on Local Cuisine

Middle Eastern food is one of the easiest to enjoy on a budget—if you eat like a local. The mistake many travelers make is eating in touristy restaurants, where prices are inflated for visitors.

Some of my best budget meals:

Falafel wraps in Jordan – $1 for a fresh, stuffed pita with tahini and pickles.
Koshari in Egypt – $1.50 for a massive bowl of pasta, lentils, chickpeas, and tomato sauce.
Simit in Turkey – 50 cents for a sesame-covered bread ring, perfect for breakfast.
Street kebabs in Iran – $2–$3 for juicy, spice-marinated skewers.
Manakish in Lebanon – $2 for a hot, fresh za’atar-covered flatbread.

💡 Budget tip: Always check where locals eat. If a place has no locals and only tourists, it’s probably overpriced.

4. Getting Around Cheaply (Avoiding Taxi Scams)

Transportation can be one of the biggest money-drainers in the Middle East, especially if you rely on taxis. Many drivers don’t use meters and will charge you double or triple the local rate if you don’t negotiate.

Instead, here’s how to get around for cheap:

Use metro systems – Istanbul, Tehran, and Cairo have modern metro networks for under $1 per ride.
Take local buses and shared taxis – In Jordan, Lebanon, and Egypt, minibuses cost $0.50–$3 per ride, way cheaper than private taxis.
Negotiate taxi fares – If you must take a taxi, always agree on a price first. In some cities, ride-hailing apps like Careem and Uber are cheaper and more reliable.
Book long-distance buses instead of flights – Buses in Turkey, Jordan, and Egypt are comfortable and cost $10–$20 per trip, compared to $100+ for flights.

💡 Budget tip: In many cities, taxis charge higher rates at night. If you need to travel late, check if public transport is still running to avoid getting overcharged.

5. Taking Advantage of Free & Cheap Activities

Some of the most iconic experiences in the Middle East are free or cost next to nothing. You don’t need to book expensive tours to enjoy the region’s history, culture, and landscapes.

Some of my favorite free or cheap activities:

Hiking the Petra Back Route (Jordan) – A free way to enter Petra without the main gate crowds.
Exploring Old Cairo’s mosques and historic streets – Completely free.
Walking across the Bosphorus Bridge in Istanbul – See two continents at once, for free.
Sunset at the Pyramids of Giza – Grab a tea at a rooftop café for a stunning (and free) view.
Visiting the Blue Mosque in Istanbul – One of the most famous mosques in the world, with no entrance fee.
Swimming in the Dead Sea (Jordan) – If you avoid resort beaches, public access areas are free.

💡 Budget tip: Many museums and historical sites offer free or discounted entry on certain days. Check ahead to save money.

Final Thoughts

The Middle East is one of the most rewarding places to travel—and it doesn’t have to be expensive. Some of the most ancient cities, breathtaking landscapes, and best food in the world are found here, and if you travel wisely, you can explore it all on a budget.