Once a country shrouded in mystery, Saudi is now the inviting travel destination of choice for global citizens wishing to discover the heart of Arabia.
As many as eight of the land’s 10,000 archaeological sites are listed as UNESCO heritage sites, set against transcendent landscapes, lush mountains, and a stunning Red Sea coastline.
ADVERTISEMENTFrom ancient ruins amid the revitalizing desert oasis of AlUla to the culture-filled capital city of Riyadh, Saudi offers a dazzling blend of time-honoured traditions and cutting-edge modernity, made memorable by warm and outward-looking locals to share the land’s secrets.
Become one of Saudi’s 100 million+ international tourists, planning your trip with our guide to the country’s top cities and attractions below.
Aseer
Forget everything you think you know about Saudi on a trip to Aseer. A mountainside region with cool temperatures and lush green landscapes, Aseer feels like a well-kept Saudi secret, home to rural villages, an artsy capital city and fertile, fog-filled landscapes.
Starting in Abha, the culture-rich capital of Aseer, you’ll find an array of entertainment overlooked by the hilltop heritage attraction of Shada Palace. A display of grand 1920s architecture, Shada Palace is also a cultural centrepoint, providing the backdrop for Aseeri art workshops, tea ceremonies and even Al Arda sword dances.
For a fresh, local breakfast, head to Al Areesh Restaurant for an authentic farm-to-table experience. In the afternoon, enjoy delicious tea with stunning views of Tihama and the Green mountain in the Nafas district – a must-see spot. End your day in the historic Basta district, one of Abha’s oldest residential areas, now bustling with tourists savoring local flavors and shopping for unique souvenirs.
ADVERTISEMENTEmbrace the fog at Dhabbab Walkway, Sky Village, and High City, where all-encompassing views of the misty mountains can be enjoyed from dusk till dawn. Hiking adventures in Aseer National Park and the cool southern highlands can follow, as home to the 3000-metre Al Soudah mountain.
Wider exploration of the region will take you to appreciate the local tribal customs in either Habala hanging village or Rijal Almaa. The latter, otherwise known as ‘The Gingerbread Village’ offers a fairytale perspective on the region, with its local Flower Men tribe, and the women-pioneered artform of Al Qatt Al Aseeri.
For a rundown of cultural events in Aseer, including highlights of the famous Aseer season, go to VisitSaudi.
Jeddah
The cosmopolitan port city of Jeddah charms with its laid-back lifestyles and jam-packed cultural calendar, centred on the Historic Jeddah district.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Historic Jeddah is a delight to explore, its cobblestone alleyways and market streets having served as a melting pot of culture and trade for millennia, protected by a number of grand stone gateways. Explore the district’s artistic side through Zawiya 97, Tariq Abdul Hakim Museum, and TeamLab Borderless, the latter making its debut in the Middle East for the first time.
After filling up on local street food and fresh produce at Jeddah’s lively local bazaars and markets such as Souk Al Alawi, the Red Sea coast beckons with its beautiful beaches. Enjoy the scenic views along the Jeddah Waterfront promenade and Jeddah Yacht Club and Marina, both studded with cafes and restaurants along the way.
Throughout the summer months, Jeddah outdoes itself with its offering of culture and entertainment, as part of Jeddah Season. During this time, the city comes alive with concerts, family-friendly activities and experiences across key locations including City Walk, Jeddah Corniche Circuit and the Jeddah Yacht Club and Marina.
Red Sea Resorts
For peace and quiet upon the paradisiacal coastline, the Red Sea resorts stand out as a premier year-round destination. Luxuriate at a resort of your choice, between St. Regis, Nujuma, and Six Senses Southern Dunes, among others. Enjoy fine dining options, breathtaking island-hopping boat tours and daily activities, thoughtfully arranged by the attentive and welcoming staff.
Though restful beach days are par for the course, there’s plenty of fun to be had. As home to the world's fourth-largest barrier reef system, the Red Sea’s turquoise waters are primed for snorkelling and diving, offering a rich diversity of habitats and underwater ecosystems home to 280 species of fish, hawksbill turtles, dugongs, dolphins, sharks and numerous sea birds.
Alternatively, fill your Red Sea vacation with sand boarding, kayaking among the Red Sea mangroves, or hiking, biking, climbing and stargazing at one of the Dark Skies areas of the Red Sea resorts.
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AlUla
Sift through layers of ancient history in the enduring desert oasis of AlUla, where heritage and adventure come hand-in-hand with wellness and luxury.
Base yourself within AlUla Old Town for easy access to exceptional restaurants against stunning mountains. For history buffs, an absolute must is the Land Rover tour of the ancient Nabataean city of Hegra, the first of the Saudi’s eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites. With its collection of monumental Thamud tombs and sandstone-carved facades dating back to the 1st century BC, Hegra is a living chronicle of early civilisations.
Beyond the millenia-old attractions of Hegra, stick to the comforts of your 4x4 for a safari at Sharaan reserve before moving on foot through the stunning canyons and rock formations of the Oasis Heritage Trail.
For a jaw-dropping experience, embark on a stargazing adventure at Gharameel, watch the sunset from the heights of a hot-air balloon, or enjoy the sunset by the majestic Elephant Rock. Alternatively enjoying the view from the elegant environs of Michelin-starred eatery, Maraya Social.
Consider visiting AlUla in winter when the city and surrounding landscape provide the ultimate backdrop for the rhythms and festivities of AlUla Moments, held from September to February. Among AlUla’s cultural highlights are Azimuth and Winter at Tantora for music, alongside AlUla Skies Festival (hot-air balloons) and AlUla Wellness Festival.
Riyadh
The vibrant capital of Saudi, Riyadh enthrals worldly tourists with a unique mix of ancient and modern attractions backed by a futuristic cityscape highlighted by the iconic Kingdom Tower. Tourists can have a panoramic view of Riyadh from the Sky Bridge, before savouring local and international flavours at Al Mamlaka Social Dining.
Culture enthusiasts are easily spoiled by the city’s great selection of museums, galleries and heritage attractions, including the National Museum and impressive Masmak Fortress set in the heart of the city, while thrillseekers might visit the desert to test their dune-bashing abilities.
While the babble of Souq Al Zal market touts the city’s best traditional crafts and souvenirs, the sounds of the city intensify in late summer for the Esports World Cup and later in winter, at the MDL Beast’s festival lineup. Riyadh Season kicks off winter with an array of cultural, culinary, and festival events taking over 14 city zones, including Boulevard City and Riyadh Zoo, from October.
A Riyadh trip isn’t complete without experiencing At-Turaif district in Diriyah, a UNESCO heritage site that promises visitors an immersive experience of the city with its mud brick architecture. Get lost within the city’s alleyways, cafes and independent crafts stores. Come in December for Diriyah Season, the town’s annual cultural showcase.
Practical information for your visit to Saudi
Saudi is a multicultural hub which welcomes tourists from around the world with warm hospitality. Travellers can prepare for their visit by following the below advice:
Complete your eVisa application online: Use the efficient tourist eVisa Portal to apply for your visa.
Plan your visit ahead: Align your trip with exciting events to make your experience even more memorable and be sure to check availability and prices in advance to secure your preferred activities. Desert safaris, camel rides, hot-air balloon rides and cultural tours can all be pre-booked through platforms like GetYourGuide, Viator, and Klook.
Stay informed: Discover events, festivals and cultural happenings in each destination via VisitSaudi.com
Load your contactless card: Most establishments in Saudi accept contactless payments using cards or mobile wallets like Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay.
Travel easily and affordably: Download, create an account and request rides from your smartphone through car hailing apps like Careem and Uber for convenient and affordable transportation within cities.
Get accessible travel: Saudi’s major airports, including King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah and King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, are equipped with facilities for travellers with disabilities. Contact the airport or your airline in advance to inquire about specific facilities and assistance.
Pack weather-appropriate clothing: Bring cool, breathable clothes for cities like Riyadh and Jeddah, and sweaters for the mountainous region of Aseer where it’s chilly year-long.
By following these practical tips, you can confidently explore these incredible destinations, discovering the wonders of Arabia and creating lasting memories.
For more information, go to VisitSaudi.com.
