A week in Saudi Travel guide to Riyadh and Jeddah
Saudi Arabia is becoming one of the top tourist destinations in the world. Even though the country undergoes development, it is still known for its rich cultural and historical heritage. The cities and deserts offer you the chance to explore this heritage of the country, along with opportunities for exciting adventures.
Riyadh is the capital of Saudi Arabia, and the development happening indicates the growth of the city. Skyscrapers, shopping destinations, and world-class dining offered by the city capture the attention of tourists around the world. Jeddah, known as the “Bride of the Red Sea", is another important city in the country. It is a cultural coastal city and holds historic significance. Al-Balad in Jeddah is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, visited by tourists every year.
A large number of tourists visit Saudi Arabia every year to experience the culture and to explore city and desert life. Welcome to Saudi Arabia, where your journey turns into a memory that lasts a lifetime. If you are looking for a travel guide to Riyadh and Jeddah, then this blog is for you.
Visa requirements: How to travel to Saudi Arabia?
- Saudi Arabia has opened its doors to tourism with the launch of the e-Visa program in 2019. Citizens from 49 countries across North America, Europe, and Asia can now apply for a tourist visa online.
- Travellers from other countries can get a visa in two ways.
- You can get a visa on arrival if you have a valid multiple-entry US, UK, or Schengen visa in the tourist or business category.
- You can apply for a visa at your local Saudi consulate before the trip.
- You can visit places in Saudi Arabia in a span of one week to ten days with a tourist visa.
Things to know before you go
There are some things you should be aware of when you plan a visit to Saudi Arabia.
Women: Women have to follow a modest dress code, covering their chest, shoulders, and midriff. Any dresses that extend below the knee are fine. Hijab is not necessary, but it is mandatory while entering a mosque. It is advised to wear a scarf for both the weather and mosque visits.
Men: Men are also supposed to wear modest dresses, covering their shoulders and knees. It is advised to wear long-sleeved shirts, but short-sleeved and polo shirts, along with t-shirts are also allowed.
Alcohol prohibitionSaudi Arabia is a dry land, and no alcohol is served anywhere in the country.
LanguageArabic is the official language of Saudi Arabia while English is a widely spoken alternative language.
CurrencySaudi Arabia’s national currency is the Saudi Riyal (SAR).
Local dishesShakshuka, Kabsa and Hummus are the must-try local dishes. Kabsa is considered the national dish of Saudi Arabia.
Best time to visit Riyadh and Jeddah
The Best time to visit Riyadh and Jeddah is during the winter season, i.e. from November to February. Avoid visiting the country during the summer.
Riyadh: The modern hub of Saudi Arabia
Riyadh is the capital of Saudi Arabia and the birthplace of modern Saudi Arabia. As part of Saudi Vision 2030, Riyadh is undergoing massive changes to attract global tourists. Kingdom Centre, Al Faisaliah Tower and Diriyah are the major tourist attractions.
You can stay in Riyadh city hotels and residences that offer accommodation to tourists.
Top activities and tours in RiyadhNow let us see what Riyadh has to offer its travellers.
Morning desert safari Riyadh offers an experience to witness the beautiful sunrise over the sand dunes and engage in fun desert activities.
Riyadh historical tour takes you through the historical heritage of Riyadh, visiting the historical Diriyah, the birthplace of Saudi Arabia.
The Riyadh food tour gives you the chance to taste Riyadh's traditional dishes, street food, and unique beverages.
The Diriyah sightseeing tour gives you an insight into historical and ancient sites to witness their cultural and traditional significance.
Riyadh city tour provides you with an opportunity to have a journey through the iconic landmarks in Riyadh city.
Evening desert safari Riyadh promises you an unforgettable experience of watching the sunset over the sand dunes along with other fun rides.
Overnight desert safari Riyadh offers you a memorable overnight desert camping experience filled with excitement and relaxation.
Jeddah: A coastal gem
Jeddah, often called the "Gateway to Mecca," is at the forefront of initiatives aimed at promoting the country as a global tourism hub. King Fahd's Fountain, Historic Jeddah (Al-Balad), and Jeddah Corniche are the main attractions of the place.
Jeddah city hotels and residences offer accommodation facilities for tourists visiting the country.
Must-see attractions and activities in JeddahThese are the main things to see and do when you visit Jeddah.
Morning Desert Safari Jeddah offers you the extraordinary experience of watching the sunrise, followed by numerous adventures.
Starting with Jeddah’s historical downtown area (Al-Balad), the Jeddah historical tour offers you a remarkable journey into the city’s rich history.
Quad biking tour Jeddah provides an adventurous ride through the sand dunes under the guidance of an expert instructor.
Jeddah food tours give you an opportunity to find the best local dishes, main dishes, drinks, and sweets around Jeddah.
Evening desert safari Jeddah offers you an unforgettable sunset experience along with a BBQ dinner and photo shoot session.
Desert horse riding tour Jeddah gives you the chance to enjoy the beauty of Jeddah on a horseback ride.
Overnight desert safari Jeddah offers you a unique experience of a beautiful night starting with a sandboarding session followed by sunset.
Travel tips for visiting Saudi Arabia
Transportation: You can depend on cab services such as Uber or rent a car for traveling around the destination. Choosing a guided tour can give you a better experience.
Cultural etiquette: Start conversations with “As-Salaam-Alaikum” (Peace be upon you), a traditional Arabic greeting conveying respect. Dress modestly and try to avoid public displays of affection.
Packing tips: While packing, carry essential items for all types of tours you are planning to go on. For example, sunscreen, shoes and a hat for a desert tour.
In this blog we have discussed the unique experiences Riyadh and Jeddah offer tourists who visit Saudi Arabia. There are several tour packages including historical tours, food tours, desert tours etc. Consider this blog as a travel guide to Riyadh and Jeddah, as we have included all the necessary details and tips in the blog.
Why wait any more? Pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable journey with the help of our Riyadh and Jeddah travel guide. Always remember to respect Saudi customs.
Saudi Arabia Tours offers you a range of Saudi tours to show you the best of Saudi. We provide you with the top tour packages including desert tours, food tours, city tours and many more. Enjoy your tour with peace of mind and have the best time of your life.
Popular Tours in Jeddah
