Perhaps you’re dreaming of classic Arabian adventures in windswept sandscapes, noisy souqs and palm-fronted coastlines. Maybe you’re craving more unexpected thrills – neon-lit skyscrapers, otherworldly rock formations or colossal, gravity-defying fountains. In Saudi Arabia, you can take your pick.
With the Kingdom’s recent embrace of international tourism, many visitors are getting to experience the ‘real’ Saudi for the first time, discovering a warm welcome in a land that encompasses fiercely hot desert, cool green mountain regions, laidback beaches and head-spinning cities. If you’re among that lucky number, here are just a few of the best places in Saudi Arabia to help you plan the trip of a lifetime.
1. Riyadh
With high-end fashion, fine dining, a fascinating contemporary art scene and a packed events calendar, Riyadh has a dynamic energy all of its own. There are cutting-edge museums, galleries, restaurants and attractions open in the capital all year round (the National Museum is perfect for a deep-dive into the Kingdom’s heritage, and most visitors can’t resist a stroll across the illuminated 300m-high Kingdom Centre Sky Bridge).
But for total immersion in Riyadh’s forward-facing culture scene, Boulevard City is the place to go. This sprawling entertainment complex comes to life during the annual Riyadh Season festival, with world-class performances, sports tournaments, art installations, foodie experiences and an amusement park.
2. Jeddah
It’s easy to see why Jeddah is often described as Saudi’s most beautiful city – the friendly commotion of the souqs, atmospheric alleyways and fascinating coral houses of the old town make it a feast for the senses. There’s plenty to do in this historic seaside city, including a stop at the busy Central Fish Market for some of the freshest seafood you’ll ever taste. It’s not all hustle and bustle though. Along the breezy corniche, there are mini parks, sculptures and sweeping Red Sea views to enjoy. Nearby, the dramatic King Fahd’s Fountain, shooting more than 260m into the sky, is a spectacular sight to behold.
3. Mecca
Mecca (also known as Makkah) needs no introduction – the holiest site in Islam and a beacon of spirituality for millions around the world. While non-Muslims are not permitted to enter, Mecca is still one of the most-visited cities on earth, the streets humming with worshippers coming to perform Hajj or Umrah pilgrimages. For many, experiencing the Al-Masjid Al-Haram (also called the Great Mosque) with its cool white marble floors, towering minarets and of course, the Kaaba, is the opportunity of a lifetime.
4. Hegra
Firmly at the top of most bucket lists is a journey to the archeological site of Hegra (also known as Madain Saleh). The ruins of this ancient Nabataean city lie deep in the desert and date back 2,000 years. Travellers can wander the site where over a hundred burial tombs remain well-preserved, carved from rock and carrying intricate inscriptions. Often compared to Jordan’s Petra, Madain Saleh offers a glimpse into the civilisation that once thrived in this desert oasis. The surrounding area of AlUla, with its epic desertscapes, mysterious rock formations and dramatic canyons is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places in Saudi Arabia.
5. Diriyah
Diriyah is a wonderful place to immerse yourself in Saudi history – founded as the first Saudi state in 1727 by the Al-Saud dynasty, it’s known as the birthplace of the Kingdom. There is a wealth of museums and cultural sites here that tell the city’s history, not to mention numerous hosted events throughout the year that aim to bring the traditions of the region’s past to life. Don’t miss exploring the restored mud-brick palaces and monuments of the UNESCO-listed At-Turaif district, which overlooks Wadi Hanifa and the Diriyah oasis.
6. Al Khobar
With its two long coastlines, stretching along the Red Sea to the west and the Persian Gulf to the east, Saudi Arabia has no shortage of beautiful beaches. One of the most relaxed is Al Khobar’s lovely Half Moon Bay in the Eastern Province. This crescent-shaped beach is a family favourite because of its clean sands, shallows perfect for little swimmers, picnic areas and playgrounds. This area is also great for watersports and diving enthusiasts.
7. Soudah
Cool, green, misty and mountainous… yes, this is in Saudi, but way up in the Aseer region (also known as 'Asir'), where the country’s highest peak can be found. Hiking, adventure travel, sports, wildlife spotting and camping are the order of the day here, as visitors make the most of the gentler climes – temperatures here are around 10°C cooler than the rest of the KSA. This is also a deeply cultural region and you have the opportunity to visit historic tribal villages such as Rijal Almaa to find out more about local customs, take in the quirky natural-stone palaces and admire the floral crowns worn by the men of the village.
8. Taif
For a truly feel-good experience, head to the Hejaz region to visit the glorious rose gardens of Taif. The roses flower between February and April, and the city’s farms spring to action to capture the scent in perfumes, oils and rosewater. The inside of the Great Mosque’s Kaaba is washed twice a year with a mixture of Zamzam water and oil pressed from the roses of Taif – in days past, the flowers used to be transported in sacks by camels to Makkah to be distilled. The oil is now produced on the spot in Taif and tourists are often invited to help pick the blooms.
9. Umluj
It’s all about getting out on the water in Umluj, where you can enjoy the company of local dolphins, dugongs and hawksbill turtles as you island-hop between the 100-plus atolls. Diving and snorkelling are very popular here, as there are more than 1,200 fish species and 300 coral types at home in the clear turquoise waters. And after a day’s marine adventures, a little downtime on the smooth white sands of one of the pristine beaches might be just what you need – it’s no wonder Umluj is renowned as one of the most beautiful places on earth.
