Yemen captivates with ancient history, stunning architecture, and dramatic landscapes. From the UNESCO-listed Old City of Sana'a with its iconic tower houses to the otherworldly Socotra Island, Yemen offers unforgettable experiences for adventurous travelers.
Local currency: Yemeni Rial (YER); US Dollar (USD) widely accepted and preferred.
Daily budget by traveller style
Typical per-person daily spend in Yemen.
Cost breakdown
Typical price ranges across major spending categories.
Accommodation
- Hostel
- $15-25
- Budget
- $30-50
- Midrange
- $70-130
- Luxury
- $180-350+
Food
- Street
- $2-4
- Local
- $6-10
- Midrange
- $15-25
- Fine
- $40-60+
Transport
- Shared Taxi
- $1-5 city
- Private Taxi
- $10-25 city
- Airport
- $15-20
- Intercity Bus
- $10-15 Sana'a-Aden
Activities
- Museum
- $3-10
- Sites
- $5-15
- Socotra Permit
- $50
- Guided Tour
- $40-80
- Socotra Package
- $80-150/day
Trip budgets by length
What a typical trip to Yemen costs end-to-end.
Budget traveller
$200-300/week
Midrange traveller
$550-900/week
Luxury traveller
$1800-2500+/week
Money-saving tips
Practical ways to stretch your budget further.
Socotra packages are most economical when booked as all-inclusive group tours from Abu Dhabi - typically $150-200/day with flights, accommodation, meals, and guides included
Shared taxis (dabab) are 5-10 times cheaper than private taxis for city travel in Sana'a and Aden
Eat where locals eat - saltah restaurants around Old City serve filling meals for $3-8
Yemeni Rial has limited value; carry USD for larger expenses and exchange strategically at money changers offering better rates than hotels
Arrange private guides through hotels rather than touts near monuments - safer and often same or lower price
Free things to do
Memorable experiences that cost nothing.
Old City of Sana'a Walking
Wander the UNESCO-listed Old City's ancient alleyways, souks, and architecture without any entry fee - one of the world's great free attractions
Bab al-Yemen Gate
The iconic main gate to Old Sana'a and surrounding marketplace is completely free to visit and one of Yemen's most atmospheric locations
Wadi Dhahr Valley Walk
Free walking through the green agricultural valley northwest of Sana'a with terraced gardens and traditional villages (Dar al-Hajar palace charges $5)
Detwah Lagoon (Socotra)
Included in the Socotra island permit - the turquoise lagoon itself has no additional fee once you're on the island
Arher Beach Sand Dunes (Socotra)
Free access to Socotra's most dramatic beach dunes with island permit - bring your own sandboard for free entertainment