What are the best things to do in Sanaa?
Top picks in Sanaa include National Museum of Yemen, Military Museum, Great Mosque of Sana'a, Al Saleh Mosque. See the full list and itinerary on this Sanaa travel guide.
Photo: Dan from Brussels, Europe · CC BY-SA 2.0
Why visit Sanaa
Travel guide for Sanaa, Yemen — practical tips, places to visit, and planning help.
Sanaa is a stop in Yemen, not a country-in-a-weekend. Plan about 2 days. If time is short, prioritise National Museum of Yemen, Military Museum, Great Mosque of Sana'a instead of racing the whole list. Mid-range ground costs are about 55–150 USD per person per day, excluding international flights. Best time: November–March for cooler, drier conditions. Rankings, stay length and cost bands on this page come from Global Itinerary’s trip-planning models.
Best time
November–March for cooler, drier conditions
Weather
Varies from tropical to temperate depending on the season
Experiences
Things to do in Sanaa
1
National Museum of Yemen
2
Military Museum
3
Great Mosque of Sana'a
4
Al Saleh Mosque
Budget travel
Free things to do in Sanaa
Great Mosque of Sana'a
Al Saleh Mosque
Mostly free or pay-what-you-like — always double-check opening times and any seasonal fees before you go.
Plan your trip
Sanaa itinerary (2 days)
- 1
Day 1
Icons & landmarks
- Visit National Museum of Yemen
- Visit Military Museum
- Visit Great Mosque of Sana'a
- Eat at Al Shamiri Plaza hotel
- 2
Day 2
Culture & neighborhoods
- Visit Al Saleh Mosque
- Eat at Merkato Ethiopian Food
Budget
Sanaa trip cost
Budget
USD 25–45
per person / day
Mid-range
USD 55–150
per person / day
Luxury
USD 175–285+
per person / day
Typical on-the-ground spend in Sanaa, Yemen. Hostel/guesthouse + local meals ≈ budget; comfortable hotels + mix of dining ≈ mid-range; luxury hotels and fine dining ≈ luxury. Figures exclude international flights.
Trip budget estimator
Typical mid-range for Sanaa
Estimated total (USD)
$2,250
≈ $1,125 per person · $321 per day group total
Ground costs ≈ $100/person/day (lodging + food + transport + activities)
Defaults match Sanaa mid-range ground costs (budget 25–45 · mid 55–150 · luxury 175–285+ USD/day). Edit freely — flights vary by origin.
Where to eat
Local favourites
Al Shamiri Plaza hotel
Has a rooftop restaurant on 8th floor which offers great views over old and new part of Sanaa. Menu is also in English and prices are reason
Merkato Ethiopian Food
Al-Hamra
Popular fast food place.
Pizza Hut
KFC
Where to stay
Tourist favourites & top-rated
Hotel Dawood
Has a roof with excellent views over the old town, in addition to great views from rooms.
Burj Al Salam Hotel
In the old part of the city. Traditionally styled building with reasonable facilities. Excellent view of the city from the roof top restaura
Sam City Hotel
Staff make an effort to look after you and a great deal.
Sheba Hotel
Pool and restaurant.
Mövenpick Hotel Sanaa
Large hotel with pool outside the city centre. Great view and probably one of the safest hotels in Sanaa.
Museums & culture
- National Museum of Yemen
- Military Museum
- Great Mosque of Sana'a
- Al Saleh Mosque
In pictures
Sanaa gallery
Photos: Dan from Brussels, Europe, Ferdinand Reus from Arnhem, Holland, BluesyPete — via Wikimedia Commons
Good to know
Sanaa travel FAQs
When is the best time to visit Sanaa?
November–March for cooler, drier conditions.
How many days do I need in Sanaa?
Plan at least 2 days in Sanaa for the highlights on our suggested itinerary; add more time for day trips.
Where should I stay in Sanaa?
Popular stays in Sanaa include Hotel Dawood, Burj Al Salam Hotel, Sam City Hotel. Book central areas if you want to walk to major sights.
How much does a trip to Sanaa cost?
On the ground in Sanaa (excluding international flights), budget travellers often spend about 25–45 per person per day, mid-range about 55–150, and luxury about 175–285+ (USD). Typical on-the-ground spend in Sanaa, Yemen. Hostel/guesthouse + local meals ≈ budget; comfortable hotels + mix of dining ≈ mid-range; luxury hotels and fine dining ≈ luxury.
Keep exploring
