Abha is often thought of as a gateway to the mountains, or a jumping-off point for outdoor adventures in the rest of Aseer. In fact, it’s so much more than that, as the capital of the Aseer province (also spelled ‘Asir’) is packed with things to do. From inspiring galleries and historic palaces to perfect picnic spots and wonderful walks, there’s a wealth of activities to keep all kinds of travellers busy.
The weather is famously mild year-round, making Abha the perfect city for urban excursions to open-air cultural hubs and heritage sites or breezy visits to the city’s parks. These are the top things to do in Abha.
1. Ride the cable car to Green Mountain
Green Mountain (Jabal Thera) is one of Abha’s most iconic landmarks – a greenery-covered hill that’s illuminated after dark with striking green rings of light. It’s one of the best places to visit in Abha at night, as the summit gets lively, cafes and coffee shops are open until late, and the well-lit pathways are perfect for an evening stroll overlooking the city lights below. If you don’t feel like a long walk, you can take the cable car up to the top instead.
2. Browse the stalls at the Tuesday Market
One of the top outdoor attractions in Abha is the famous Tuesday Market (Souq Al Thulatha). It’s one of the most historic souqs in the province, with oud burners wafting sweet scents into the air, hot coffee served from stalls in plastic cups and lots of opportunities to chat with vendors. There are great souvenirs on sale, from antiques and handicrafts to jewellery and trinkets, plus lots of local produce on offer including dates, honey, fruits, herbs and spices. It’s a feast for the senses and not to be missed.
3. Take a sunset stroll along The Fog Walkway
Abha has plenty of walking trails, but none as unique or spectacular as the Dabab Walkway, or ‘Fog Walkway’. On the outskirts of Abha, it’s a 7km-long elevated pathway that takes walkers through a misty, often cloud-covered route that overlooks the Tihama mountains. Visit at sunrise or sunset to see the scenery at its most beautiful.
4. Pack a picnic and head to Abu Kheyal Park
For walking trails that wind past grassy slopes and colourful flower beds, plus beautiful views of Abha, head for Abu Kheyal Park. It’s located just above the city, and the fresh air, greenery and relaxed atmosphere make it a great family-friendly destination during the day or the evening. There are onsite children’s play areas and a popular cafe here too, as well as numerous shady areas that are perfect for a picnic. Arrive early at weekends to nab the most scenic spots.
5. Head back in time at Shada Palace
For history buffs, one of the top things to do in Abha is a visit to Shada Palace. This imposing building dates back to the 1820s, when it was the key ruling palace of the city. Today, it serves as a striking showcase of the traditional mud walled architectural style of the era. The palace has been converted into a museum, and there are exhibitions of historic photographs, antiques and heritage artwork on display here. It’s a great way to get an insight into Abha’s fascinating past.
6. Go high-altitude shopping at High City
A modern shopping and leisure destination with superb views, Abha High City sits in an elevated position right in front of Aseer National Park. It’s a popular place for families, as the air is fresh and breezy up there, and there’s lots to do. Make the most of the numerous kid-friendly restaurants and cafes, take a wander through the complex’s shops and pick up some souvenirs, or enjoy the cooling fountains. There are also numerous viewpoints where you can stop to admire the gorgeous panorama of the peaks and valleys of the national park beyond.
7. Spend an afternoon people-watching in Al Basta
The best neighbourhood in Abha for tourists who want to get a glimpse of day-to-day city life is Al Basta. This relaxed district is primarily residential, with narrow streets and traditional architecture, perfect for exploring on an afternoon walk. By evening, the large open square comes to life, with shops, cafes and restaurants open until late.
8. Climb the green slopes of Jabal Soudah
Jabal Soudah is Saudi Arabia’s highest peak, and is less than an hour’s drive from Abha city centre. This incredible peak stands at approximately 3,000 meters above sea level, and is a popular hiking destination. There are ancient paths to follow, with varying levels of difficulty, but all pass spectacular viewpoints of misty cliffs, rocky valleys and lush green forests. It’s one of the highlights of a trip to the region – aim to be somewhere scenic for sunset for one of the most memorable moments of your trip.
9. Delve into the local arts scene in Al Muftaha Village
Abha’s Art Street is a beautiful walkway lined with trees, grassy banks and street art, along with countless coffee shops and a wonderful backdrop of mountain scenery. It’s a perfect place to begin an art-filled afternoon, as nearby is the cultural hub of Al Muftaha Village. This artsy zone is filled with mural-covered buildings, galleries, boutiques and artists studios.
10. Fatimah Museum (Al-Qatt Al-Asiri Museum)
The bold colours and geometric patterns of Al-Qatt Al-Asiri art are instantly recognisable, and will become a familiar sight for most visitors to the Aseer region. This traditional artform has long been used to decorate the interiors of Aseeri homes and is recognised by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage. The Al-Qatt Al-Asiri Museum, also known as the Fatimah Museum, showcases the work of highly influential Al-Qatt Al-Asiri artist Fatimah Faye'e Alalmai and offers a fascinating education into the symbolism and history of this unique regional art.
11. Take a stroll around Abha Dam Lake
Abha Dam Lake is a small, man-made lake just ten minutes by car from the city centre. It’s a lovely place to go for a low-key wildlife walk, as there are ducks and fish to look out for in the water, and pretty views of the city from afar in the background. There’s a park with seating nearby and plenty of secluded spots that are ideal for a sunset picnic.
