Asia has no hard edge. Istanbul straddles Europe and Asia, Dubai is the stopover hub for flights between Europe and Asia, and the turquoise domes of Samarkand and Bukhara sit on the old Silk Road that once tied China to the Mediterranean. These gateways are worth a few days in their own right, and they make long-haul trips to the rest of Asia easier to break up.
Countries in Gateways & Neighbours
United Arab Emirates
Dubai's skyline, desert safaris and the classic stopover between Europe and Asia.
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Turkey
Istanbul across two continents, Cappadocia's balloons and the Turquoise Coast.
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Uzbekistan
The turquoise domes of Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva on the ancient Silk Road.
Explore →Map of Gateways & Neighbours
Top landmarks
Burj Khalifa
The world's tallest building, with observation decks over the desert city.
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Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
A white-marble mosque with 82 domes and one of the world's largest carpets.
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A 6th-century masterpiece that has been a cathedral, a mosque, a museum and a mosque again.
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Göreme National Park
Fairy chimneys, rock-cut churches and valleys for hiking.
Discover →Registan
Three tiled madrasas around a grand square, the jewel of the Silk Road.
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Po-i-Kalyan Complex
The 12th-century Kalyan Minaret with its mosque and madrasa.
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