Lanterns, feasts and night markets: A traveller’s guide to discovering Ramadan across MENA cities

Ramadan is a time of reflection, devotion, and self-discipline for millions of Muslims around the world.

Yet beyond its spiritual significance, the month also offers an opportunity for travellers to witness how different cultures celebrate it — from bustling markets to traditional foods and local customs.

Across cities in the Islamic world, for example, streets fill with the scents of spices and freshly cooked meals, markets buzz with activity, and public squares host communal gatherings, while visitors can join Iftar meals and cultural events that reveal the heartbeat of the city during the holy month.

That being said, historic cities — from Saudi Arabia to Morocco, Türkiye, and Lebanon — offer a striking blend of old and new, where centuries-old traditions merge with modern life, giving travellers the chance to see how local communities keep their customs alive while adapting to the present day.

At the same time, although overall travel tends to slow down during Ramadan, some countries are actively working to welcome visitors. In Saudi Arabia, for example, initiatives invite tourists to step inside mosques, attend cultural events, and experience the atmosphere of Ramadan firsthand.

Similarly, Beirut is positioning itself as a hub for cultural and religious tourism during the holy month. This year, the city is inviting visitors to explore its mosques and Islamic communities, and to join communal Iftars in restaurants and public squares, where traditional Lebanese dishes are served in a festive and welcoming atmosphere.

Even after Iftar, the city does not go quiet. Music and cultural events spill into streets and squares, giving visitors a glimpse of how Ramadan brings people together for both social life and worship.

For travellers looking to experience the traditions and customs of Ramadan across the MENA region, these cities offer some of the most immersive and unforgettable experiences.

From Riyadh to Fez

For Ramadan 2026, Saudi Arabia is launching a special tourism campaign under the slogan 'Enjoy the Glow of Ramadan Lights'. The campaign aims to attract travellers from around the world to experience a unique combination of culture, luxury and nature during the holy month.

As part of the initiative, the Saudi Tourism Authority is offering more than 35 travel and accommodation packages in two prominent destinations: AlUla and the Red Sea.

Visitors to Saudi Arabia often look for experiences that go beyond sightseeing. Many start by joining communal Iftars in major cities such as Riyadh and Jeddah, as well as in religious centres where Iftar tables are set up alongside cultural activities. Some free events are also held in mosques and public squares.

After Iftar, Muslims head to evening prayers, and the cities come alive once again. Places like Riyadh, Jeddah, Mecca and Medina host vibrant night markets where visitors can buy local products, sweets, dates and more.

In Morocco, the city of Fez is offering a similar Ramadan experience through its own religious tourism programme. The month begins at dawn, when the call to prayer rises from the city’s historic mosques.

By sunset, Fez transforms into a lively and festive place. Residents and visitors gather in the traditional Ramadan markets of Fes el Bali.

Here, authentic Moroccan dishes such as harira, tagine, and pastilla are displayed alongside local sweets as the air fills with the scent of spices and fresh bread.

Tourists can also join communal Iftars in either the market square or traditional riads, sitting together around tables of local food to share meals in the spirit of Moroccan hospitality and the social atmosphere of the holy month.

Istanbul nights

When visiting Istanbul during Ramadan, tourists often explore historic mosques, such as the Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Camii), and spend the afternoons immersed in the atmosphere of prayer and reflection.

As evening approaches, the Iftar cannon signals the end of the day’s fast. Visitors can then join evening prayers and enjoy meals distributed in mosques. Some travellers also take part in volunteer programmes to help distribute food to those in need.

Communal Iftars are another highlight of Ramadan in Istanbul. They are organised in mosques, public squares and historic hotels, with tables filled with dates, traditional Ramadan drinks and Turkish dishes such as shawarma, borek and sweet treats. These events can be booked in advance through hotels, or visitors can join free gatherings in mosques and squares.

After Iftar, attention turns to the city’s Ramadan markets. In places like the Sultanahmet market, visitors can wander among local vendors, buy sweets, spices and dates, and enjoy traditional music.

The experience continues with night tours along the Bosphorus or the city’s coastal areas, giving travellers a full sense of Istanbul’s Ramadan atmosphere.

Ultimately, Istanbul offers a complete Ramadan experience, combining religious traditions, Ottoman culture, rich culinary delights, and vibrant night markets and cultural activities for visitors.

Doha's magic

Visiting Qatar during Ramadan offers a mix of spiritual and cultural experiences, along with activities that can only be seen during the holy month.

During the day, tourists often explore cultural landmarks such as the National Museum of Qatar, the Museum of Islamic Art and the Qatar National Library. These visits provide insight into Islamic civilisation and Qatari heritage.

As evening approaches, the focus shifts to local Ramadan traditions. Visitors can join Iftar tables in Ramadan tents, enjoying traditional dishes such as harees and thareed while taking part in the social atmosphere of the month.

After Iftar, prayers are held in all mosques. Following this, markets come alive, and life pulses in areas such as Souq Waqif and Katara Cultural Village. Visitors can attend heritage events, watch cultural performances and visit traditional cafés.

A different experience can be found at the Old Doha Port, where a Ramadan festival offers a variety of local dishes from Qatari restaurants. Families can enjoy games, musical performances and competitions suitable for all ages, combining heritage and modernity in a festive atmosphere.

Other events, such as Ramadan Nights in Msheireb Downtown Doha and markets in Souq Waqif and The Pearl, add further local flavour and bring the spirit of the holy month to life for visitors.

Cairo comes alive

It is impossible to think about a tourist trip during Ramadan without including Egypt, particularly Cairo. Spending the holy month in the city offers a unique blend of cultural, social and spiritual experiences.

Cairo, like other Egyptian cities, decorates its streets with traditional lanterns and Ramadan figures, especially in areas such as Al-Hussein Mosque and Khan el-Khalili. Visitors can soak in the historical atmosphere while experiencing the spiritual side of the month.

Shortly before the Maghrib call to prayer, the streets come alive with activity as people prepare for Iftar. Tourists can join in traditional Egyptian Iftar, where charity tables are set up in neighbourhoods, reflecting the spirit of social solidarity.

After Iftar, the city remains lively. Cafes stay open until suhoor, and Ramadan tents host performances and religious chants for locals and visitors alike.

For those wishing to take part in prayer, historic mosques such as Al-Azhar and the Mosque of Muhammad Ali in the Citadel offer the chance to attend Tarawih prayers.

A must-visit area is Imbaba, known for hosting the longest communal charity Iftar table in the country. Every year, thousands gather for this meal, organised by local residents, in a display of community spirit and national unity.

This is an edited translation from our Arabic edition, translated by Afrah Almatwari; to read the original, click here.