Top 3 Cities to Travel To with the Best Hotels, Must-See Attractions, and Delicious Food
From Middle Eastern marvels to cultural crossroads, these three cities—Beirut, Peshawar, and Isfahan—are close to my heart. Each one offered me a deeply personal journey, where history, hospitality, food, and atmosphere all intertwined in unforgettable ways.
Let me take you through my top experiences in each city—complete with hotel stays, the must-see sights, and the dishes you absolutely can’t miss.
🇱🇧 Beirut, Lebanon
Why I fell in love: Beirut is a city of contradictions: old and new, loud and tender, resilient yet welcoming. One minute you’re wandering ancient Roman ruins, the next you're sipping wine in a modern rooftop bar. Beirut's heartbeat is felt everywhere—from the sea-swept Corniche to the bustling alleys of Gemmayzeh.
🏨 Top Hotels to Stay In:
Le Gray Beirut – Modern elegance with unbeatable city views. The rooftop pool and bar are reason enough to stay.
Hotel Albergo – A Relais & Châteaux property with Ottoman-era décor and intimate balconies. It’s luxury meets tradition.
Kempinski Summerland Hotel & Resort – A beachfront escape with its own private marina. Ideal for downtime.
🌆 Top 3 Sites to Explore:
Sursock Museum – Housed in a 19th-century villa, this museum offers a contemporary art haven. I spent a peaceful morning here with no plan—just wandering.
Byblos (Jbeil) – A 45-minute drive away, this ancient Phoenician city has charming old souks, seafood restaurants, and a sunset view that will stay with you forever.
The Corniche – A waterfront promenade perfect for a morning jog, or just people-watching while sipping on fresh juice.
🍽️ Top 3 Dishes to Try:
Manousheh with za’atar – A flatbread brushed with olive oil and herbs. Best eaten hot from a street oven.
Kibbeh Nayyeh – Lebanese steak tartare mixed with bulgur and spices. Try it at a family-run restaurant.
Fatteh – Layers of chickpeas, yogurt, and crispy bread. A hearty, flavorful dish perfect for breakfast or dinner.
🇵🇰 Peshawar, Pakistan
Why it surprised me: Often misunderstood, Peshawar is one of Pakistan’s oldest cities and a gem of cultural richness. The aroma of kebabs fills the air, kids wave at you with genuine joy, and stories live in every alley. It’s gritty, soulful, and entirely authentic.
🏨 Top Hotels to Stay In:
Peshawar Serena Hotel – Easily the best hotel in the city. Secure, elegant, and with traditional architecture that adds charm.
Shelton’s Rezidor – A comfortable mid-range option located near the bustling University Road.
VIP House Peshawar – A boutique guesthouse ideal for travelers seeking a homier atmosphere and excellent service.
🌆 Top 3 Sites to Explore:
Qissa Khwani Bazaar – This historic market, once the heart of caravan traders and storytellers, is now alive with spices, fabrics, and street snacks.
Bala Hisar Fort – A massive structure dating back to the Mughal era. Walk its ramparts for a commanding view of the city.
Peshawar Museum – Home to one of the best collections of Gandharan Buddhist art. A place that truly took me by surprise with its beauty and depth.
🍽️ Top 3 Dishes to Try:
Chapli Kebab – A spiced meat patty fried to perfection. Best enjoyed fresh at Jalil Kebab House.
Kabuli Pulao – Fragrant rice with raisins, carrots, and tender lamb. A regional staple you must try.
Namak Mandi Karahi – Cooked over open flames, this meat dish is loaded with green chilies and flavor. Ideal for meat lovers.
🇮🇷 Isfahan, Iran
Why it enchanted me: Known as "half the world" in Persian lore, Isfahan lives up to the legend. It’s a masterpiece of Safavid architecture, tranquil gardens, and bridges where people gather to sing. Every mosaic tile tells a story.
🏨 Top Hotels to Stay In:
Abbasi Hotel – Once a caravanserai, now a five-star luxury hotel dripping in history. The courtyard is the definition of Persian elegance.
Ghasr Monshi Hotel – A boutique hotel with classic charm, just a few steps from Naqsh-e Jahan Square.
Kianpour Historical House – A restored 18th-century merchant house, ideal for lovers of architecture and traditional Persian hospitality.
🌆 Top 3 Sites to Explore:
Naqsh-e Jahan Square – A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the world’s largest squares, flanked by mosques, palaces, and shops selling everything from miniatures to saffron.
Si-o-Seh Pol (33-Arch Bridge) – At night, locals gather under the arches to play music and tell stories. I joined a group playing the tar (a Persian lute) and it turned into one of my favorite travel moments ever.
Vank Cathedral, Jolfa District – Built by Armenian Christians in the 17th century, this church has frescoes that blend Christian iconography with Persian aesthetics.
🍽️ Top 3 Dishes to Try:
Beryani – A minced lamb dish served on flatbread, unique to Isfahan. Rich, spiced, and unforgettable.
Fesenjan – A stew made with pomegranate and walnut, typically served with chicken. Sweet, savory, and deeply comforting.
Gaz – Isfahan’s famous nougat, often served with tea. A perfect edible souvenir.
🧭 Final Reflections
These cities—Beirut, Peshawar, and Isfahan—could not be more different, yet they all left the same mark on me: a deeper understanding of the world and of myself.
Each city offers:
Rich heritage with living traditions
Diverse hotels for comfort and culture
Memorable meals that define local flavor
Moments that don’t just fill your camera roll—they fill your heart
Whether you're sipping coffee in Beirut, sharing kebabs in Peshawar, or whispering a prayer in Isfahan, know this: the soul of a place lives in its people, and these cities welcome you with open arms.
With gratitude and wonder,
Jay