Somalia has real things to see, even if reaching most of them safely is currently impossible for the average traveler. What follows is an honest account of what is there.
Mogadishu has a historic old quarter, Hamarweyne, with whitewashed coral-stone buildings and narrow lanes that date to the Arab trading era of the 10th century. The Arba'a Rukun Mosque, built in 1268, is one of the oldest in sub-Saharan Africa. Much of the old city was damaged in the civil war but reconstruction is underway. The Lido Beach area draws Somalis on weekends. Security in Mogadishu has improved enough that a small restaurant and cafe scene has returned in the Maka al-Mukarama corridor, but attacks remain frequent.
Puntland's coast around Bossaso offers striking desert-meets-sea scenery and some of East Africa's most isolated beaches. The region is more stable than the south, though kidnapping risk remains significant.
Laas Geel, northeast of Hargeisa in Somaliland, contains rock art estimated to be 5,000 years old — some of the finest prehistoric cave paintings in Africa. The paintings are vivid and remarkably well preserved. Note that Laas Geel is in Somaliland territory; see the Somaliland page.
The Jubba Valley in the south, around Kismayo, was once known for its wildlife — elephants, giraffes, hippos — but years of conflict and poaching have decimated animal populations. The Kismayo area is controlled by al-Shabaab-adjacent forces and is not safe for travel.
For most travelers interested in Somali culture, history, and landscape, Somaliland currently offers the only realistic option.