Enjoying Eid and Ramadan Around the World: A Traveller’s Guide

Eid al-Fitr and Ramadan are holidays that are celebrated and observed around the world. Both are two of the most special occasions that sit at the heart of the Islamic calendar. Each leaves its own mark on daily life, yet both brighten cities after sunset, inspire reflection, and welcome travellers with warmth and celebration.

Whether you find yourself wandering Istanbul’s historic alleys during Ramadan, gazing at Dubai’s contemporary skyline during Eid al-Fitr, or seeking the soulful warmth of Cairo during Ramadan, travel during Ramadan and Eid offers a rare window into communities at their most connected. It also gives you a chance to immerse yourself in new ways of life.

For many travellers, the experience first begins with observation: enjoying the soft quiet of daylight hours, the rhythm of fasting during Ramadan, and the pulse of anticipation that gathers when it’s time to break the fast at sunset.

By the time Eid al-Fitr arrives right after Ramadan – after a month of dawn-to-dusk fasting – the mood shifts into an atmosphere of excitement and warm hospitality. For the mindful visitor, it’s an opportune time to learn, savour, and connect with local cultures in a way that feels deeply rooted and genuine.

Ramadan – which is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar – commemorates the month in which the Qur’an was first revealed.

In Muslim-majority countries, as well as Muslim communities around the world, life takes on a different rhythm. Fasting from dawn until sunset is at the centre of the experience, but it’s only one part of a broader spiritual journey that encompasses patience, charity, prayer, and self-reflection.

Travelling during Ramadan offers its own gentle surprises. In Turkey, particularly Istanbul, early mornings are punctuated by the sound of the davulcu, traditional drummers who still wander neighbourhoods to wake residents for suhoor, the pre-dawn meal.

In Egypt’s traditional neighbourhoods, you’ll meet a similar benevolent figure: the Mesaharaty, literally “the one who wakes you up for suhoor.” So if you hear someone banging on a drum or a pan before dawn, don't be alarmed.

In the United Arab Emirates, Dubai brings flair to the season, with elegant iftar experiences across the city that invite travellers to join locals in breaking the fast. But Egypt may be the most spirited of them all: Cairo’s streets are adorned with lanterns, families gather in lively night markets in Alexandria, and the month feels woven into every corner of daily life. Many travellers fall in love with Egypt at this time of year for exactly that reason.

Across these destinations, the fast is broken with iftar at sunset – right after the Maghrib athan (call to prayer) fills the streets with its heartwarming echo. Iftar often starts with a handful of dates and some water, followed by regional dishes that speak to centuries of culinary tradition. After dark, cities come alive as cafés reopen, markets welcome shoppers, and families linger long into the night.

As Ramadan comes to an end after 29–30 days of fasting, reflection, and prayer, Eid al-Fitr arrives and brings about new energy.

This long-awaited celebration is often simply called “Eid” and it’s an occasion that celebrates the completion of Ramadan. It’s also a time of gratitude, family gatherings, and morning prayers that bring communities together in warmth and collective joy. Elders and adults often gift children, grandchildren, nephews, or nieces with toys, money, new clothes, or all of the above!

Travellers in Istanbul may find public squares buzzing with conversation as families enjoy holiday sweets like baklava and Turkish delights.

In the UAE, hotels in Dubai host refined Eid brunches, blending traditional dishes with international flavours. In Saudi Arabia, the celebration is intimate and familial, shaped by long-standing customs of visiting relatives and exchanging greetings.

And in Egypt, the festivities deepen further. In fact, the North African country is often described as the most exuberant Eid destination, thanks to its open-air events, Nileside gatherings, picnics, and a palpable sense of shared delight.

But no matter where you are in the world – a common exchange you’ll hear is the classic heartfelt greeting: “Eid Mubarak”, meaning “Blessed Eid.” Travellers who offer it at the right moment often find themselves met with warm smiles and genuine appreciation. Keep in mind: the spirit of hospitality runs especially deep during this period.

Exploring Muslim-majority countries during Ramadan and Eid invites a slightly different style of travel – one shaped by awareness, curiosity, and a willingness to embrace the slower daytime rhythm and the vibrant post-sunset energy.

Respectful etiquette includes dressing modestly in public spaces, refraining from eating, drinking, or smoking in public during fasting hours (in many countries, this is required by law), and speaking with a sense of mindfulness around those who are fasting.

The idea of fasting isn’t just to refrain from eating or smoking – it’s to speak kind words and express gratitude. Many travellers find this a welcome opportunity to decelerate: mornings become quieter, afternoons relaxed, and evenings more vibrant and social. Many people will also gather at mosques later in the evening for the communal, but voluntary Taraweeh prayers.

Hotel life during Ramadan is smooth and intuitive. Most hotels in places like Malaysia, Turkey, the UAE, or Egypt offer non-fasting guests regular dining options discreetly throughout the day. After sunset, you may find that iftar buffets become a highlight of the season with lavish spreads that offer a taste of local culinary traditions.

Travel logistics, on the other hand, require a bit of planning ahead. Flights near the start and end of Ramadan fill quickly, and the Eid holiday brings a surge of regional travel as families visit loved ones. Also, restaurants may open later in the evening, and certain attractions shift hours or close briefly during prayer times. In Egypt, the streets are especially lively after dark – an ideal time for those who enjoy riverside walks and vibrant evening gatherings.

For travellers seeking a deeper experience, participating in local traditions with sensitivity can be profoundly rewarding. If you’re invited to attend an iftar or suhoor with local friends or families, it’s an opportunity that often becomes a highlight of the journey. And remember: it’s customary to bring along a dessert, fruit basket, or chocolates when you visit a host’s home.

Ramadan encourages heightened acts of giving, and you may hear the term Zakat (charity) often. This is a charitable contribution made throughout Ramadan or during Eid prayers, and it’s intended to support those in need. It also ensures that everyone can enjoy the Eid and enjoy the celebrations after Ramadan. Even as a traveller, you may observe donation boxes in mosques or public spaces, or see community initiatives aimed at distributing meals.

Across regions, traditions vary in delightful ways. In Turkey, streets dazzle with light installations, and the sense of cultural heritage runs deep. Saudi Arabia’s nights are also vibrant, with families gathering in homes and courtyards.

The UAE’s cosmopolitan character makes Ramadan a multicultural experience, where global communities come together in elegantly curated iftar settings. Meanwhile, Egypt’s Ramadan nights turn the city into a tapestry of cafés, nostalgic music, lanterns, and shared meals.

Whether you’re travelling for the cultural immersion, the seasonal atmosphere, or a personal connection to Eid and Ramadan, this period reveals something essential about each destination: the beauty of slowing down, sharing, and celebrating humanity.

Accor hotels in Riyadh, Jeddah, Dubai, Istanbul, or Cairo frequently design special Ramadan and Eid offerings, from curated menus to late-night lounges and seasonal décor. Staying at a centrally located hotel with Accor allows for easy evening exploration – especially in cities like Cairo or Istanbul, where the nights unfold like a storybook.

It’s always a good idea to plan visits to landmarks outside fasting hours, although in cities like Dubai and Istanbul most museums and key attractions remain open throughout the day.

Above all, travelling during Eid and Ramadan invites a sense of openness: to new customs, new flavours, and new ways of understanding a place. It’s both a cultural experience and a seasonal rhythm that you carry along with you after your journey ends.

Ramadan begins with the sighting of the new moon, and the date moves earlier by around 10 to 12 days each year. Exact dates vary by country, so travellers should check local announcements before planning their trip.

Eid al-Fitr takes place the day after Ramadan ends, following the final sighting of the new crescent moon. It marks the first day when fasting is no longer required. The occasion is celebrated with morning prayers, family gatherings, and festive meals.

Zakat al-Fitr is a charitable contribution given to those in need right before Eid al-Fitr. It ensures that all community members can feed their families, gift their children, and partake in the Eid celebrations.

Travellers should expect quieter days, vibrant evenings, and potential adjustments to opening times. Eating and drinking in public during fasting hours may be restricted. Hotels typically provide seamless dining options for non-fasting guests. Booking early for Eid travel is recommended due to increased regional demand.

“Eid Mubarak” is the most common greeting, meaning “Blessed Eid”. “Eid Sa‘id” means “Happy Eid”. In English, “Happy Eid” or simply “Eid Mubarak” are both warmly received.

Eid al-Fitr marks the end of fasting and the month of Ramadan. Eid al-Adha occurs later in the year during the annual Hajj season and commemorates the story of Prophet Ibrahim. Each has its own traditions and significance within the Islamic faith and calendar.