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Best Places to Visit in Saudi Arabia

Travel Guide April, 20, 2025

Saudi Arabia is a country located in western Asia. It is one of the most affluent Arab countries and is the fifteenth most prosperous country globally. Saudi Arabia is well known for innumerable things, which include

  1. The world's largest sand desert, i.e., Rub' Al Khali, 
  2. The world's largest oasis, i.e., Al-Ahsa, 
  3. Holy cities of Mecca and Medina
  4. Kaaba Holy Mosque of Mecca
  5. Kingdom Center Tower - the tallest building in Riyadh

Bewildering Culture of Saudi Arabia

Islamic traditions and Arabic traditions significantly sway Saudi Arabia's culture. Although they are adapting to modernization, the culture of Saudi Arabia is immensely religious, traditional, and dyed in wool. Most of the traditions followed there are centuries old and are borrowed from Arab civilization. Society, to a great extent, is governed by Islam. The governance system and the legal system have religion as their core aspect.

Men usually wear a traditional dress called thawb, and women generally wear abaya. Like the other neighbouring Arab countries, the cuisine in Saudi Arabia is pretty much moved by Persian, Turkish, and African food. Khūzī is a traditional national dish of Saudi Arabia consisting of stuffed lamb. Shawarma is also a trendy dish. The official language of Saudi Arabia is Arabic. Janadriyah National Festival, annually held, is one of the most important festivals and events of all festivals. There are three public holidays per annum: Eid Al Fitr, National Day, and Eid Al Adha. 

Saudi Arabia, known for its deserts and gorgeous oases, has numerous beautiful sites that attract tourists worldwide. Here are some of the country's most stunning places that you should visit at least once in your life:

Visit Al' Ula, a Prehistoric Town.



The Saudi Arabian desert hamlet of Al Ula, which dates back more than 2,000 years, serves as a host city. Only mud and stone were used to construct this hamlet. There are countless historical and cultural landmarks to discover in this ancient city, which dates back to the 6th century BC. 

Walking the historic city's small lanes will provide you with insights into Saudi Arabia's ancient civilization. The Al Ula perspective provides the ideal vantage point from which to take in the overwhelming grandeur of this location. As you take in the red sandstone mountains and the valley below, prepare to visit more of Al Ula's historic ruins. Indulge your sense of time travel by visiting the Madin Saleh, which has more than 100 graves with ancient writings on them, or simply strolling around the old town to feel like you've been there for ages! 

Take a Scuba Diving Trip to the Coral Reefs 



Take a break from learning about the history and culture of the area by going snorkelling, even if you don't enjoy it. Indulge in water sports and activities, and forget about the rest of the world for a while! It's well-known that much of Saudi Arabia is located on the Red Sea's shore. There is a good possibility to dive because of this. Between the Jordanian border (the Gulf of Aqaba) and the Yemeni border, there are several coral reefs that can be found in Saudi Arabian seas. 

Snorkeling is possible at a plethora of other nearby dive locations. It's possible to see a vast and unusual shark population among the pelagic marine life that may be found here. More than 200 types of coral reefs have been identified in the seas of Saudi Arabia, according to one estimate. Explore these coral reefs if you get the chance! 

The southernmost part of the continent 

It's a world apart from Riyadh in Saudi Arabia's southern province of Asir. Local men wear fragrant crowns of flowers in their hair during the summer rainstorms, which bring lush foliage to stunning mountain vistas. Hiking and visiting the medieval town of Rijal Alma are among the most popular activities. To ensure their safety, visitors should examine the current security situation. The Saudi-led coalition fighting Houthi rebels in Yemen is roughly 115 kilometres (71 miles) from Abha, the region's largest city. Houthi drone assaults on Abha's airport have killed and maimed Saudis and foreigners. However, a recent event in the area drew enormous throngs of both local and foreign tourists, largely unharmed. 

Dive in the Red Sea and Saudi History at Yanbu

Yanbu has a beautiful lake, a well-developed seashore, and a historic district that make it a perfect weekend getaway. Prepare to see Radwa Mount, famous for its unusual red colour and rugged mountaintops. You may join one of the many trips departing from Yanbu to visit this poetically beautiful location. A visit to T.E. Lawrence's house will be a memorable experience for individuals who enjoy books. Because the water temperature in Yanbu is never lower than 20° Celsius, you may enjoy the underwater adventures in Seven Sisters to see a magnificent live coral reef, tiger sharks, and tuna fish. Yanbu Waterfront is a great place to go birdwatching and fishing. 

Indulge in Thrilling Adventure Activities in Taif

Taif has a lot more to offer adrenaline seekers than simply beautiful mountain scenery and perfect weather. The hills and valleys of Taif may be seen during a journey there. Taking part in zip lining while looking down over the plains from a height of thousands of feet is an adrenaline junkie's dream come true! Take the cable car down to the Al Hada mountain's base while you're here. At Al Kar Tourist Village's waterpark, children and adults alike may enjoy a day of fun. 

From the Jabal Dakka top, you may get a birds-eye perspective of the surrounding area. As an alternative, you may drive to Ghadir Banat, where you'll be met with gushing water, birds of prey, and an abundance of lush greenery. 

Check out Souq Al Qaisariya's Rich Trading History. 

You may learn a lot about commerce in ancient Arab civilization by going to Saudi Arabia's Souq Al Qaisariya, one of the country's oldest markets. A maze-like network of rows connects the more than 400 booths in Souq Al Qaisariya, a cultural monument with clay walls dating back more than 600 years. These booths are overflowing with customers and dealers from a bygone era. First-time souq shoppers who want to get a sense of what it's like to shop there can start here. Textiles and apparel, perfumed booths, cuisine and spices, antiques and trades are all available here.

Al-Kharj Road

With an average elevation of 838 meters (2,755 feet), this road is one of the significant roads extending to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. It offers panoramic views of green grassy fields and farms. The desert surrounding it gives a unique charm to the place. The picturesque view inspired the development of an amusement park called "Al Hokair" on this road which opened in 2008. The road is accessed via several routes; however, the easiest way is via King Abdullah Road.

Qasr Al-Farid



Qasr Al-Farid or Faraid Castle is a historical site located in Abal Khashab and near Najran Province, Saudi Arabia. It was built in the 11th century A.D. used mud bricks and was covered by sand until recently when some renovations began to prevent further collapse. The castle belongs to Sabaeans, trading merchants based in Yemen; however, there are no records of its existence before the 11th century. It contains four towers, two of which look like they're about to fall while the other seems fine. Visitors can visit the castle during weekends and holidays; however, they need to be accompanied by a local guide to avoid getting lost in its many winding passages.

Masmak Fortress



The Masmak Fortress was built with mud bricks in the 19th cent A.D. It is located in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, near Turki bin Abdullah Street. A.D by King Abdulaziz Al Saud. It has four towers inside, which used to be homes and has a unique design. Visitors can walk around and explore different parts of the fortress. There is also a tiny museum inside; it contains several artefacts belonging to old Saudi Arabia, including weapons and household items used by early generations.

Al-Masjid an-Nabawī (Mosque of Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H.)



This mosque is located in M' Street; it's considered the second holiest place for Muslims after Masjid al-Haram or Grand Mosque in Mecca. It was initially built by Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H.) himself, who then expanded it to include several other structures! Apart from being religious, Medina, Saudi Arabia, near Quba Mosque, is also one of the most beautiful mosques globally. Visitors can watch regular prayer sessions held here, while some people can shop for souvenirs at its many outlets near Gate 3! With a perfect blend of modern and traditional architecture, it boasts a stunning crystal chandelier that hangs from an equally beautiful ceiling.

Quba Mosque

Located in Quba city on Al Madinah Road, this mosque is considered among the oldest mosques in Saudi Arabia and worldwide! It was built by Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H.) himself during his migration from Mecca to Medina. The place consists of two floors which hold several rooms where visitors can purchase items related to Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H.), including booC.D.s C.D.s and DVDs.

Jabal Al-Lawz

Also referred to as Mount Lawz or the "mountain of almonds", this place is known for being one of the mountains where Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H.) prayed towards Mecca. Located in Ash Sharifah, about an hour away from Madinah, it has beautiful sceneries that attract locals and foreigners alike! However, its main attraction remains a tenet that 'Mount Sinai' mentioned in Christian Bible was Mount Lawz! The mountain has many trees surrounding it, while its top holds remnants of pagan idols worshipped by people back then. There are also rumours saying that the leg of Satan resides on the mountain, which should be avoided while scaling it!

Mada'in Saleh

Located at Al-Ula in Saudi Arabia, this place has also been among the UNESCO World Heritage Sites since 2008. Consisting of elaborate tombs and other structures built with sandstone, people used this place to bury their dead back in the 8th cent A.D. It's known for its remarkable Qashani (carpet-like) stonework which decorates several buildings within the site. Visitors can hire four-wheelers driven by locals to explore different parts of this fabulous location, which spans about 51 km²! Apart from seeing artefacts that belonged to early civilizations, tourists can also purchase locally produced handicrafts to take home as souvenirs.

Al Batha Museum

This museum is located in Al Batha Street; it's considered the best location for those interested in learning about Bedouin and the Islamic culture and heritage of Saudi Arabia. It's a treasure trove of many things, including models, old costumes, weapons, idols, coins, etc., that are found in different parts of Saudi Arabia by archaeologists. Visitors can also find several ancient manuscripts written on gazelle or deerskin here!

Al-Nafud Deserts

Located in the north-central Arabian Peninsula, this place enjoys a unique status within the country due to being the least populated region! It's known for its sub-zero temperatures during winters and scorching heat that witnesses a rise in temperature up to 50°Celsius during summer days! There are varieties of flora and fauna located here, including venomous snakes, scorpions, etc. The perfect way tourists enjoy their visit is by riding Bactrian camels towards dunes located in the heart of the desert!

If you're looking for a vacation destination with an abundance of natural beauty, cultural diversity, and history, then Saudi Arabia should be your next stop. Known as one of the wealthiest Arab countries globally, Saudi Arabia is also ranked fifteenth on Forbes' list of most prosperous nations globally. With everything from breathtaking beaches to awe-inspiring deserts and mountainsides, this country offers something for everyone. So why wait? Make plans today to visit some of these fantastic places in Saudi Arabia before it's too late! You'll regret missing them if you don't make time soon.