Capital : Riyadh 
Population : 34,218,169 (2019 estimate) 
Area : 1,149,690 sq km 
Currency : Saudi Riyal (SR) (SAR) 
Land : 99.3% 
Elevation : 665 M 
Water : 0.7% 
Time Zone : UTC+03:00 (AST) 
Map Referred : Middle East
Driving : Left Home / Destinations / Saudi Arabia Guide / Places to Visit in Saudi Arabia
Experience the waterfront at this coastal resort, one of the best things to do in Jeddah. Take a promenade that stretches along 30km of pristine coastline. You could explore an array of restaurants, mosques (Al Rahma Mosque), parks, resorts, and more. The XJED Music Festival is a good time to be in Jeddah. Check out the Durrat Al-Arus private beach or head out to Silver Sands Beach for watersports activities. Red Sea Mall, Mall of Arabia, Andalus and Boulevard shopping malls are some of the things to do in Jeddah as well.
Best Time to Visit : October to March
Entry Price : Based on the attraction (SAR 200 per person upwards to book a table for meals)
Looking for traditional clothes, perfumes, jewelry, crockery, and other artifacts, then head to the Al Balad Souk, Jeddah's open-air market. It is one of the oldest and popular souks, a popular Saudi Arabia attraction as well. Buy souvenirs such as rare coffee beans, carpets, electronics, rugs and more. Gabel Street Souk is another alternative market to experience in the city. Explore the intricately designed houses in Jeddah's old town built using corals and take a walk as you retrace the history of the great kingdom. Don't forget to bargain a good deal for yourself at the array of shops for a good buy.
Best Time to Visit : October to March
Entry Price : Based on the tour/ items purchased
The Kaaba is also known as 'The Sacred House'. It is located in one of the holiest cities in Saudi Arabia, Mecca. The Kaaba is in the shape of a cube made of granite and stands on a ten-inch marble base. It is covered with gold embroidered calligraphy decorated silk curtains known as Kiswah. Muslims believe that Kaaba was built by Ibrahim for his son Ismail and God ordained this to be a place of worship on earth. It is inside and in the center of Islam's holiest mosque, Masjid al-Haram. It is also known as the Great Mosque of Mecca, one of attractive Saudi Arabia places to visit especially to perform Hajj (religious pilgrimage).
Best Time to Visit : October to March
Entry Price : Based on the tour cost
Visiting the Center Point Skyscraper is a popular thing to do in Riyadh which is a 99 story, 302.3 m tall skyscraper completed in 2002. The beautiful arched skyscraper also has an observatory from where you can get a chance to witness spectacular sunset views. The building with modern architecture is also called 'the necklace of the city' due to the St. Louis Arch. Try fine dining experiences at the Four Seasons Hotel that occupies the 30th to 48th floor. The 77th floor is home to the world's tallest mosque. Or, you could also opt for shopping on the second floor called 'The Ladies Kingdom'.
Best Time to Visit : October to March
Entry Price : Free (Cost on the purchase of the product).
Just two hours away from Riyadh is a mesmerizing stop, Jebel Fihrayn, that stands in the middle of a barren desert. This Saudi Arabia tourist place is called 'The Edge of The World'. A great spot for a weekend getaway, the towering plateau offers superb hiking adventures. The view is awe-inspiring that stretches to an endless expanse as you sense the deafening silence around you. Don't miss the dramatic geological wonder located in the northwest of Riyadh, and make it a part of your itinerary during your Saudi Arabia tourism rendezvous.
Best Time to Visit : October to March
Entry Price : Free
Book a tour to the islands off the coast of Al-Wajh and Umluj in the Red Sea. Hire a local boatman in the winter and head out to discover the dolphins. Indulge in diving, snorkeling, and bring on your adventurous side. The locals are delightful with their hospitality and probably welcome you to a meal. However, please remember that the tourists are expected to dress modestly and bikinis are not allowed. Take along your diving gear and have a great time.
Best Time to Visit : October to March
Entry Price : Tour package cost
This is a famous Saudi tourism highlight, an archaeological site at the Mada'in Saleh with scattered rock formations. Mada'in Saleh is the most famous ruin with 2000-year-old Nabatean tombs. You could visit it in the winter during the Tantora Festival. Lots of restaurants spring up in the area, a great way to indulge in local cuisines as well. The ruins take you back to the history of the ancient Dadanian Kingdom's metropolis, now a ghost town made of mud and stone.
Best Time to Visit : October to March
Entry Price : Free
Among the many things to do in Jeddah are the Jeddah’s waterfront malls and beaches, Al Balad neighborhood, and more. The culture capital of Saudi Arabia is also called ‘the Bride of the Red Sea’ whose seaport has played a significant role in the development of Jeddah. Experience the city’s spiritual side as well by visiting mosques such as Al Rahma Mosque. Visit the Mecca Gate and explore the vibrant art scene in the Athr Gallery and Art Jameel.
Visit For: King Fahd's Fountain, Kingdom Tower, Fakieh Aquarium, Nassif House Museum, Atallah Happy Land Park, Al- Shallal Theme Park
Mecca located in western Saudi Arabia is the holiest city in Islam and the birthplace of Muhammad. Mecca is home to the Kaaba, the holiest site in Islam. The Umrah pilgrimage to Mecca is a shorter version of Hajj. Hajj is a religious ritual of greatest significance. Only Muslims are allowed in the city to perform prayers in the central Masjid al-Haram at the Kaaba, the most sacred shrine.
Visit For: Kaaba, Masjid al-Haram, Abraj Al Bait Mall, Mount Arafat, Jabal Al Nour, Zamzam
Riyadh is the capital of Saudi Arabia and a financial hub. There are many landmarks in the business district such as Kingdom Centre, Al Faisaliyah Centre while in the Deira district are historical sites such as the Masmak Fort. Riyadh means Rawdah in Arabic, meaning gardens or meadows. Enjoy the illuminated city lights at night right in a city that is in the middle of a desert.
Visit For: National Museum, Al Faisaliyah Centre, Masmak Citadel, Kingdom Centre Tower, Ad- Diriyah, Riyadh Zoo
The city southwest of Saudi Arabia is known for its attractions such as Shubra Palace, Taif National Park, King Fahd Garden, Taif Regional Museum, and more. The city is noted for its grapes, figs, roses, pomegranates, and honey. It is in the Mecca Province located at an elevation of 1879 m in the slopes of Hejaz Mountains and is the 6th most populous city in the kingdom.
Visit For: Shubra Palace, Taif National Park, King Fahd Garden, Taif Regional Museum, Arruddaf Park, Saiysad National Park, Souk Okaz
Dammam is an important administrative center for the country's oil industry. The metropolitan area consists of ‘The Triplet Cities’ of Dammam, Khobar, and Dhahran. Dammam is famous for its pearls, art, entertainment, sports legends, and music. Enjoy the landscapes, parks, and the beautiful coastline of the Persian Gulf. Saudi Aramco is a large oil company based in Dhahran where the first oil well was dug.
Visit For: Murjan Island, Dammam Corniche, Dolphin Village, King Abdulaziz Centre for World Culture, Heritage Village, King Fahd Park
Other Popular Places to Visit in Saudi Arabia
