10/10
BEIRUT, LEBANON

Culture: 89.6Friendliness: 85.4Atmosphere: 81.3Restaurants: 83.3Lodging: 71.7Shopping: 73.9
The capital of Lebanon has "much to offer the adventurous traveler." Find "exotic cuisine and cocktails" at the "most exclusive clubs in the world" in what one reader calls "the Paris of the Middle East." This city offers a "tapestry of sects, religions, and lifestyles that provide a feast for the mind of the intellectual."


9/10
JERUSALEM, ISRAEL

Culture: 91.9Friendliness: 72.2Atmosphere: 85.7Restaurants: 73.1Lodging: 74.6Shopping: 68.8
As you'd expect, this historical city earned its highest rating for the subcategory of cultural attractions. History buffs will surely appreciate the "most spiritual place on earth," as one reader called it; what's more, the markets are "an incredible place to shop full of new sights and smells." "No matter one's religion or beliefs, this feels like a special place."


8/10
TEL AVIV, ISRAEL

Culture: 79.4Friendliness: 72.9Atmosphere: 81.4Restaurants: 76.8Lodging: 72.4Shopping: 69.5
Tel Aviv's "never-ending" nightlife, spectacular beaches, shopping and restaurants make this city a "cosmopolitan" hub where "the people are super-friendly and hospitable." Many of our readers said the energy was so vibrant that the city felt like "a combination New York City and Miami Beach."


7/10
DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

Culture: 62Friendliness: 60.5Atmosphere: 68.2Restaurants: 78.1Lodging: 85.7Shopping: 82.5
Expect to "shop till you drop" in this "architectural wonder," known for its over-the-top and futuristic attractions. Dubai embodies an "interesting mix of Eastern and Western culture," where "everything is the biggest, fastest or best in the world." According to at least one reader, it also has "some of the best food in the world."


6/10
HAIFA, ISRAEL

Culture: 83.3Friendliness: 73Atmosphere: 78.4Restaurants: 62Lodging: 70.1Shopping: 55.7
The third largest city in Israel, Haifa offers "variety in a small package." It lies on a slope along the Mediterranean, which showcases a skyline reminiscent of San Francisco, as one reader put it. A must-see location is the Baha'i Gardens, site of the Hanging Gardens and Mt Carmel.


5/10
CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA

Culture: 85.2Friendliness: 82.9Atmosphere: 86.8Restaurants: 83.4Lodging: 86.9Shopping: 67.9
This "marvelous destination with much to see and do" scored high for its culture and atmosphere. Readers like it because you'll find "an ideal mix of nature, coastal, mountains and beaches with excellent restaurants at reasonable prices."


4/10
MARRAKECH, MOROCCO

Culture: 78.5Friendliness: 62.9Atmosphere: 75.1Restaurants: 63.7Lodging: 72.1Shopping: 58.8
Known for its "sprawling bazaars, impeccable cuisine and charming riads, this "exotic" city lived up to the hype of our readers and was even described by one as the "new city offering European sophistication."


3/10
FEZ, MOROCCO

Culture: 78.8Friendliness: 65.9Atmosphere: 77.6Restaurants: 56.6Lodging: 72.7Shopping: 58.7
This "charming vibrant city" is the "best location for historical landmarks," seeing how it is Morocco's "oldest Imperial city" and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As one reader suggests, "if you want to experience the real Morocco, go to Fez." This "fascinating city" is home to "amazing people" and "incredible craftspeople."


2/10
ESSAOUIRA, MOROCCO

Culture: 68.3Friendliness: 68.3Atmosphere: 78Restaurants: 52.5Lodging: 74.4Shopping: 61.1
Essaouira is a "tourist city not to be missed on your Moroccan travels," according to our readers. The "intriguing" atmosphere comes from its fortress remains and its seaside location.


1/10
LUXOR, EGYPT

Culture: 95.8Friendliness: 57.5Atmosphere: 69.2Restaurants: 48.9Lodging: 68.2Shopping: 46.7
Our readers rave that Luxor offers "archeological sites beautiful beyond expectation" and is "one of the best places to learn about history and go for photography."