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Best Places to Visit in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia is the country with the most stunning visual and cultural experiences. Travelers choose Saudi for its cultural values, the richness of its history, and the availability of different landscapes. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia beholds a historical richness, a land where many cultures blend, and can explore many different natural spaces in different landscapes.

Cities like Riyadh and Jeddah should not get off your list of the best places to visit in Saudi Arabia .

As a part of “Vision 2034”, Saudi is undergoing rapid changes to become more a comfortable space for international visitors. Here is the list of must-see places in Saudi Arabia, read it to get a wider picture for your visit to Saudi Arabia.

Riyadh

The capital city of the Kingdom is also the largest city in Saudi Arabia. The biggest city in Saudi Arabia is also the Kingdom's capital. Riyadh holds a great significance in the history, politics, and business fields. Oil fields and petrochemical industries in the country are situated in the valleys of the city making it an economic hub. You can find history, and cultural entertainment, shopping centers, and many more activity spots in the capital land. A foodie inside will never be disappointed with a visit to Riyadh; you can have authentic Arabian dishes to Indian, European and many more international cuisines available at the restaurants. The top attractions of Riyadh are listed below to make a note of some top tourist destinations in Saudi Arabia.

Historical Riyadh

The historical roots of Saudi can be learned through the attractions at Riyadh. The 19th-century fort named Masmak Fortress will show you the kingdom’s rich history. Art has always been, The National Museum of Arabia showcases the art that evolved in the country's multiple phases and cultural influence.

Riyadh Deserts

The deserts of Riyadh are mesmerizing with their vast beautiful views. Desert camps and activities like dune bashing, camel riding, and sandboarding are available on the dunes. Traditional Arabic cuisine is served for your desert camps at Riyadh Tours under the twinkling stars. Stargazing from the dark deserts is an irreplaceable time.

Mamlaka Tower (Kingdom Centre Tower)

Kingdom Centre Tower is considered to be the changing face of modern Riyadh and the tallest building in the city. The tower has a height of 992ft. Inside this, there is a shopping mall with a sky bridge through which we can access the tower. There are several cafes and a luxurious hotel inside. You can get a panoramic view of the city from the tower top. If you can reach the tower by evening, you can witness the sunset glow of the city to its transition towards the night lights.

Murabba Palace

Another historic valuable place in Riyadh shows the time period of King Abdulaziz. The location of the palace is near to the old city. The elegance of Riyadhi architecture is more visible in each and every part of this palace. A guided tour will help you to understand the artifacts displayed in the gallery.

Diriyah

Diriyah is known as the birthplace of Saudi Arabia. There is a heritage site of UNESCO called Al-Turaif, showcasing the oldest architectural format of Saudi Arabia. Houses made in Najeede architecture are a must-visit place for all history lovers. On-going developmental projects of the country will make Diriyah into a cultural hub for its visitors.

Alkhaimah Theme Park

The only place where you can see penguins while visiting a humid region. This water park boasts almost 30 water attractions making it the UAE's biggest theme park. Its open from 9 AM to 4 PM. People of every age can relax and enjoy themselves here.

Edge of the World (Jebel Fihrayn)

This natural wonder is a must-visit among the best places to visit in Saudi Arabia . Jebel Fihrayn is another name for this cliff, where you can climb, camp, and wake up to the best morning view of the valley. The beauty of this place is so unique and can’t be replaced.

World Sights Park

World Sights Park will bring the miniatures of all world wonders under one roof. You don’t have to go around the world to see them all and capture a selfie. You'll spot spots to get snacks and take a breather as you walk in the park. You can visit from 4 PM until midnight.

The city's importance as a major travel spot in the country really stands out. As a traveler, you won’t be disappointed with the places to visit in Riyadh. Get in touch with My Saudi Arabia Tours for a hassle-free travel experience in the city.

Jeddah

The city is on the coast of the Red Sea, and is a hub of cultural, entertainment, and commerce.

The city pops as a key destination for travelers in the nation. Jeddah, other than the top tourist destinations in Saudi Arabia, is a gateway for pilgrims to the holy city of Mecca. The vibrancy of Jeddah city can be experienced and explored more in the evening times. Those who look for a culinary experience or a cultural exploration and just a getaway trip to relax and rewind will not be disappointed in this city. As they say, “Jeddah has something to offer for everyone.” Enjoy the magic of this Red Sea coast by visiting the main attractions of the city listed below.

Mall of Arabia

Mall of Arabia is a great destination to have retail therapy after a round around the city. From this largest shopping mall in Saudi Arabia, you can purchase the products of many international brands. This mall will be a great choice to get some souvenirs back to your home or to get some international products as gifts for your loved ones. The mall also provides special places for entertainment to kids and options to dine in for the customers.

Jeddah Deserts

Dunes surrounding the Jeddah city are something mesmerizing to watch and experience. Jeddah Tours will take you on activities like camel riding, sandboarding, etc. Desert camping in the dunes of Jeddah will give you the serene experience of stargazing from the desert lands.

Fakieh Aquarium

Fakieh Aquarium in Jeddah Corniche will show you the amazing marine life. The aquarium is among the top tourist destinations in Saudi Arabia, where you get the rare chance to see Jellyfish and Pearl Grouper fish inside the water tank of an aquarium. Fakieh Aquarium is a public aquarium open to visitors from 1 PM to 1 AM.

Jeddah Corniche

Corniche is one of the most happening places of Jeddah city. You can come to Corniche to take a long walk, along the promenade, or do some shopping and entertainment to relax. People choose the evening time to visit the corniche with family and friends for the amazing sunset view of the Red Sea and night lights.

Nassif House Museum

Dating back to a building from the 19th Century, Nassif House Museum is a must-visit among the Tourist Spots in Saudi Arabia . This place will show the traditional architectural features and the historic importance as the temporary royal residence to the founder of modern Saudi Arabia - King Abdulaziz. The place is also known as Tree House, because of the only building with a tree in the Balad region, they say the neem tree there has the same age of the building.

Al Shallal Theme Park

The largest theme park available in the Middle East. Al Shallal Theme Park has 40 attractions or more to give a fun packed adventurous experience to its visitors. The unique rides like the magic carpet, roller coaster, bunch jumping, and an amphitheater with a capacity of 16000 people, take this theme park to the list of must-see places in Saudi Arabia.

Al-Balad (Historical Jeddah)

Al-Balad is the second-largest district in Saudi Arabia and will give you the historical significance of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This place is home to a UNESCO World Heritage site and many historical buildings of old Saudi Arabia.

Jeddah showcases many historical and modern lifestyles of Saudi Arabia. The city is one of the most accessible areas in Saudi Arabia, as the International Airport is there. The list of Places to Visit in Jeddah does not end here, this city will make your journey an unforgettable memory.

Dammam

The city of Dammam is next among the best places to visit in Saudi Arabia. Dammam is an industrial hub for oil exchanges in Saudi Arabia and home to many people making it the largest city in the country’s Eastern province. As a traveler, you can explore seaside tourism, historical sights, and aesthetic corniches along the shore of the Arabian Gulf.

Dammam Corniche

Most pictorial Corniche of Saudi Arabia with green grass scenic park and shady walkway to enjoy the beautiful view of Arabian Gulf. The restaurants and cafes over the way will offer you delicious Arabian seafood. Locals and visitors, mostly families, will come for early morning and evening walks to enjoy the panoramic view of the blue sea water. If you want, there are facilities to camp for barbeque nights.

Dammam Deserts

The dunes of the Dammam Desert have left its visitors with heartfelt memories. You get to enjoy the panoramic view of stars at night from desert camps and can pump your adrenaline with activities like sandboarding, camel riding, and dune bashing. Enjoy the traditional Arabic cuisine offered to you at the Bedouin camps from Dammam Tours.

King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra)

The center focuses mainly on the contemporary lifestyle of Arabs in artifacts which are not available anywhere in Saudi. King Abdulaziz Center became the venue for many art exhibitions and cultural programs, making it a happening place for any art lover to visit the center.

Othaim Mall Dammam

Othaim Mall is famous among visitors mainly due to its ship-like structure. This mall is among the must-visit places in Saudi Arabia if you are looking for a one stop destination for entertainment, shopping, and relaxed dining spaces with different cuisines.

Tarout Castle

Tarout / Tarut Castle is a historic place in Saudi Arabia. It is believed to have been built 5000 years ago and then during the occupation of the Arabian Gulf in the 16th Century, Portuguese people renovated this part. Researchers had found many statues and poetry pieces from the Dilmun Civilization and Summer Era, showcasing the rich history of Saudi Arabia. It is also believed that the Tarut Islands got its name from the name of the castle. Don’t skip this place, if you are a cultural and historical enthusiast.

King Fahad Park

A space where you can relax and enjoy the greenery spread over hundreds of hectares. People usually visit this place for the dancing water fountain in the middle of the gardens. The park has 25 varieties of amusement rides like a roller coaster and special species of trees and bushes. The park is a major tourist spot in Saudi Arabia as a fun packed relaxation spot for families.

Marina Mall Dammam

Marina Mall can be said as the best mall of Dammam, which will give you the entertainment to enjoy, food spots to try different cuisines, and shops to get your branded and custom products at a reasonable rate. The mall gives a good waterfront view to its visitors.

There are many exciting and heart filling things to do in Dammam, which makes the city an irreplaceable

Al - Ula

The oasis of Al-Ula has historical and geographical importance in Saudi Arabia’s history. The amazing landscapes of the oasis and ruins of ancient times makes it a top tourist destination in Saudi Arabia. The officials of Saudi Arabia are transforming Al-Ula with world-class amenities to make it a global tourist hub. Come to witness the magic of ancient ruins and majestic landscapes at Al-Ula Tours.

Al Ula Old Town

The old town of Al-Ula was a trading hub during the ancient times, which later influenced the cultural exchanges of Saudi Arabia. Al-Ula’s old town is also known as Deira. The historical buildings are made up of bricks from mud and this place is a World Heritage Site of UNESCO. You can see the alleys used by an ancient society and their architectural brilliance.

Admire Elephant Rock (Jabal AlFil)

Jabal AlFil is a naturally formed sandstone. Local people felt the structure of the rock as an elephant, which later made its name to Elephant rock. During the visit you can also spot ancient petroglyphs and inscriptions. Elephant Rock is the best place to visit in Saudi Arabia for any history lover.

Jabal Ikmah

Another historical site for you to visit at Al-Ula. This place has nearly 300 inscriptions which the researchers say is from the Nabataen and Dadabite civilizations of the first millennium BC. Visiting this ancient site during sunset will give you the best view of deserts and a night time stargazing.

Ride a Hot Air Balloon

Al-Ula is famous for its winter Tantoura Festival. The cultural city became the favourite spot of tourists during that time. A hot air balloon ride in an ancient city is indeed irreplaceable among the best places to visit in Saudi Arabia. This ride will give you a bird eye view of the cliffs, deserts and rock formations.

Explore Hegra (Mada’in Salih)

Hegra at Al Ula is the first heritage site of Saudi Arabia by UNESCO. This largest protected site of Saudi Arabia will show you the civilization time of Nabataeans. Tombs of the people who lived that era were carved in stones. Guided tours are the best to explore Hegra, especially to visit sites like Qasr- al- Farid or lonely castle.

Al-Ula is a must-see place to visit in Saudi Arabia. Finding things to do in Al-Ula will help you to understand the historical importance of the area, the early civilization and their social life structures which later shaped the modern face of Saudi Arabia.

Abha

Abha is one of the best places to visit in Saudi Arabia which is located on the Asir Providence. The main picture that comes to someone’s mind when thinking about Saudi Arabia is the vast desert lands, but Abha is the city which can rephrase these pictures. The mountain ranges of Abha not only offer scenic views, but hold a lot of cultural significance in the history of Saudi Arabia. This cool climatic region is also known as “The Bride of the Mountain”. Explore the unexplored face of Abha Tours. The history, landscape and many other features.

Abha City Tour

The city of Abha offers scenic viewpoints and cultural viewpoints like castles, bazaars and mosques. A walk through the Abha city will take you to many major attractions like the traditional souks, palace, lake and a cable car ride. Places like Tuesday Market and Shadha Palace will give you authentic cultural experiences of Abha city. Major attractions of the city can be explored with the help of a guided tour or as by yourself will give back the Abha's essence.

Rijal Almaa Museum

Rijal Almaa is another city to be nominated for UNESCO’s World Heritage Site. The traditional houses in the province of the museum give cultural insights. Traditional working culture and traditional lifestyle of early residents Abha is exhibited in this muesem's galleries through architectural and heritage collections. The museum will also give you a beautiful view of the mountains and valleys of Abha.

Waterfall Park Abha

Amenities and picturesque landscapes of the park makes it a must-see place on the list of Abha. Visitors love to spend their evening time here with family, a dedicated play area for kids and long walkways inside the green garden space makes it more attractive. During the visit you can see seasonal waterfalls and take a swim near the pool.

Aseer National Park

The tranquil space of Aseer National Park and its diverse terrains make it a worth a visit to the park. It is also the first national park in Saudi Arabia spread over 1600 sq kms, is where you can visit the highest peak of Saudi Arabia Jebel Soudah. The park offers activities like birdwatching, hiking and a walk or a cable car ride over the peak to witness the flora and fauna.

Abha Dam

Abha dam plays a significant role in conserving the water of the lake. It is a famous evening picnic spot among the visitors to enjoy a boat ride, fishing and a walk to enjoy the panoramic view of sunset light on the blue water. On the side of the park there are public parks for you to enjoy and relax with family.

The Abha Art Street

A walk through the Abha Art Street will make you understand the local artistic works and crafts along with the modern and contemporary arts of Saudi Arabia. This place is also a cultural hub where the international and local artists meet and create art. An art lover inside you will be satisfied with the photographic art galleries and sides of the street.

Al Sahab Park

Another place to unwind and relax while enjoying the view of the lake. Al Sahab offers walking trails, restaurants and cafes to grab a quick bite and play area for children, making it a comfortable destination for people who seek to enjoy nature without any adventures.

Abha is considered to be the most scenic destination of Saudi Arabia to give you amazing views of green lush forests, old castle buildings and viewpoints on hills. The moderate climate of the region is also another factor to attract the visitors. The Abha is getting developed to become an international airport as a part of the developmental projects by the government, which will make it easier for tourists to reach the best places to visit in Abha.

Tabuk

Tabuk is a major city of Saudi Arabia's Northwestern region, with a strong historical and cultural background. The city is located to the West of the capital city Riyadh is said to be the gateway of Northwestern region. Settlements of Tabuk are as old as the BC 5th Century and said to be part of Prophet Mohammed’s expedition. By taking a visit to the city, Tabuk tours will give you the memories of entertainment, historic monuments visit and traditional culinary experience.

Masjid at-Tawba

This ancient mosque is one of the major attractions in Tabuk. Islamic history says that this mosque is blessed with the visit of Prophet Muhammad during his expedition to Tabuk. The mosque is also called the Mosque of Repentance.

Tabuk Fortress

The 16th century Tabuk fortress was built by the Ottoman Empire, and holds many significance in history. Fortress is currently a museum open to the public showcasing tje rich culture, local lifestyle and historical remarks of the region. Tabuk fortress had played a major role in the trade and military of the region in the past.

Desert Paths

The paths through the deserts to Tabuk were once a major trade route. The route was called the Incense route. There are guided tours available to explore the desert roads through activities like camel riding, hiking the rugged terrain and stargazing on the dark desert.

Jabal Al Lawz

This mountain range on the Tabuk provienve, near to the Jordan border is a best choice for any nature escapades. Hiking to the top of the mountains will offer a scenic view of the valleys and surrounding dunes. Winters in Jabal Al Lawz are special and famous due to the only snow covered peak you can explore in Saudi Arabia.

Tabuk Souq

Souqs in Tabuk are another must visit places in Saudi Arabia. While exploring these souqs you can find unique traditional souvenirs, textiles and local artisan crafts. Authentic delicacies are offered in the restaurants available inside the souq for you to taste the Mediterranean dishes. Visiting the souq will help you to understand and interact with the cultural heritage.

A wide range of things to do in Tabuk are available to you for experiencing and exploring the cultural heritage and historic landmarks of the region. Guided tours will help you to explore the available activities.

Conclusion

The list of Best places to visit in Saudi Arabia undeniably offers a unique blend of nature, history and rich cultural heritage. Saudi offers a warm hospitality culture which will make you feel comfortable and make memories with local culture.

Choose experienced travel partners like My Saudi Arabia Tours to experience the city life and majestic dunes of Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam, historical landmarks of Al-Ula and diverse landscapes in Abha and Tabuk.