population: 0.12 million

extension: 51.8 square kilometers

Museums

If you're in Rafah and interested in visiting museums, one option is to visit the Gaza Museum of Archaeology and Ethnography. It's located in Gaza City and features artifacts and exhibits related to the region's history and culture. Another option is the Baituna al-Talhami Museum, also in Gaza City, which focuses on the life and work of Palestinian artist Ismail Shammout.

If you're interested in similar types of museums, you could also check out the Palestinian Museum in Birzeit, which showcases Palestinian art, history, and culture. Alternatively, the Khalil Sakakini Cultural Center in Ramallah hosts exhibitions and events related to Palestinian art, literature, and culture.

Food

Some of the most recommended, popular, and typical dishes in Rafah and the broader Palestinian cuisine include:

1. Musakhan: a baked chicken dish with sumac, onions, and pine nuts on top of taboon bread.

2. Maqluba: a rice-based dish with meat, vegetables (such as eggplant or cauliflower), and spices, cooked in a pot and flipped upside down before serving.

3. Makloubeh: another rice-based dish with meat, fried vegetables (such as eggplant or potatoes), and spices, also cooked in a pot and flipped before serving.

4. Mansaf: a Bedouin-style dish made with lamb cooked in yogurt sauce and served on top of rice or bulgur wheat.

5. Falafel: deep-fried balls made from ground chickpeas or fava beans, served in a pita bread with tahini sauce and vegetables.

6. Hummus: a dip made from mashed chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, and garlic, usually served with bread, vegetables, or meat.

7. Shawarma: thin slices of marinated meat (usually chicken or beef) grilled on a spit and served in a pita bread with vegetables and sauces.

8. Kanafeh: a sweet pastry made from shredded phyllo dough, cheese, and sugar syrup, often served hot and garnished with pistachios.

These dishes are widely available in Rafah and throughout Palestinian cuisine, and are enjoyed by locals and visitors alike.

Activities

In Rafah and the surrounding areas, there are several fun activities that locals enjoy. Here are a few suggestions:

1. Beaches: Visit Al-Mawasi beach, which is located just south of Rafah on the Mediterranean Sea. It's a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and picnicking.

2. Markets: Check out the weekly markets in Rafah, where vendors sell fresh produce, clothing, household items, and more. The market is a great place to experience local culture and pick up souvenirs.

3. Parks: Spend an afternoon at the Al-Sultan Park in Rafah, which features playgrounds, picnic areas, and a small zoo with animals such as camels, ostriches, and peacocks.

4. Dunes: Take a trip to the nearby sand dunes, where you can go sandboarding or simply hike and enjoy the scenic views.

5. Historical sites: Explore the ancient Roman ruins at Anthedon Harbor, located about 30 kilometers north of Rafah. These ruins date back to the 2nd century AD and include a theater, bathhouse, and other structures.