Yanbu

Just a few hours west of Medina lies the port of Yanbu, which is actually two cities. The new city to the south is known for its oil refineries and industrial plants, whereas the old town to the north is an ancient spice route staging post where T.E. Lawrence — the British military officer best known for his role in the Great Arab Revolt — lived in a typical Hijazi building between 1915 and 1916. Many of the attractions are concentrated in the old district surrounding the waterfront, which comes alive at night. Join the natives as they eat Red Sea-caught fish while looking out over the ocean. Explore the neighboring bright aisles of the freshly renovated Souq Al Lail (night market), which was traditionally open late to serve fisherman. Among the items for sale are local dates and green mulkhiah leaves.

The residence of T.E. Lawrence, author of the Seven Pillars of Wisdom and inspiration for Lawrence of Arabia, has been reconstructed as a museum commemorating the British officer's incredible narrative, surrounded by evocatively disintegrating coral-stone structures. Lawrence was a teenager when he resided here between 1915 and 1916. Locals had abandoned the house, claiming it was haunted. It is now a place to immerse yourself in the tale of a complicated man who permanently reshaped the Arab world.