Saudi Arabia · Local picks
100+ Places to Visit in Saudi Arabia
These are the places worth your time in Saudi Arabia, from the mud brick palaces of Diriyah and the coral houses of Jeddah to the tombs of Hegra, the mountain villages of Asir and the Gulf coast. Classics sit beside quiet corners many visitors miss, so every kind of traveller finds something to love.
Places to Visit in Riyadh
Arts and Culture
- At-Turaif District (Diriyah)
The UNESCO listed mud brick heart of the first Saudi state, best walked at golden hour. - Masmak Fortress (Al Dirah)
The fort where the modern kingdom's story began in 1902, with a small museum inside. - National Museum of Saudi Arabia (Al Murabba)
The best single introduction to Arabian history, from early rock art to the founding of the kingdom. - Murabba Palace (King Abdulaziz Historical Center)
King Abdulaziz's mud brick palace sits in shady gardens next to the National Museum. - JAX District (Diriyah)
Old warehouses turned into studios, galleries and cafés at the centre of Riyadh's art scene.
Restaurants
- Bujairi Terrace (Diriyah)
A promenade of fine restaurants looking straight across the wadi to the lit walls of At-Turaif. - Najd Village (Al Olaya)
Traditional Najdi dishes like kabsa and jareesh served on floor cushions in a mud style house. - Al Romansiah (Riyadh)
A popular Saudi chain for generous platters of rice and slow cooked lamb.
Shopping and Markets
- Souq Al Zal (Al Dirah)
Riyadh's oldest market sells carpets, incense, daggers and antiques, with auctions some evenings. - Souq Al Thumairi (Al Dirah)
Lanes of perfume, oud and traditional clothing shops a short walk from Masmak. - Riyadh Park (Al Aqiq)
A big, family friendly mall with a cinema, restaurants and a covered park setting. - Al Faisaliah Mall (Olaya)
Shopping beneath the landmark Al Faisaliah Tower and its golden globe.
Things to Do
- Kingdom Centre Sky Bridge (Olaya)
A glass walkway high on the Kingdom Centre tower with sweeping views over the city. - Via Riyadh (Diplomatic Quarter area)
An elegant outdoor complex of restaurants, a cinema and boutiques for a calm evening. - Diplomatic Quarter walking trails (Diplomatic Quarter)
Leafy trails and parks along the edge of the wadi, ideal for a cool evening walk.
Nature and Outdoors
- Edge of the World (Jebel Fihrayn)
Sheer cliffs drop to an ancient seabed in one of the most dramatic views in Arabia. - Red Sands (Al Muzahimiyah)
Bright red dunes on the edge of the city for quad bikes, sandboarding and sunset picnics. - Wadi Hanifah (Riyadh)
A restored valley of walking paths, palm groves and water running through the city. - King Abdullah Park (Al Malaz)
A large city park with gardens, a lake and a dancing fountain show in the evening.
Cafés
- Elixir Bunn (Riyadh)
One of the Saudi roasters that helped spark the kingdom's specialty coffee boom. - Brew92 (Riyadh)
A local specialty coffee chain loved by Riyadh's coffee obsessed crowd.
Events
- Riyadh Season (Riyadh)
The winter festival brings concerts, food zones, shows and theme parks across the city. - Boulevard City (Hittin)
A neon lit entertainment district of restaurants, shows and attractions during Riyadh Season. - Boulevard World (Hittin)
Themed zones representing countries around a lake, open during the winter season.
Stays
- The Ritz-Carlton, Riyadh (Al Hada)
A palatial hotel set in vast gardens, a landmark in its own right. - Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh at Kingdom Centre (Olaya)
A central tower hotel with direct access to the Kingdom Centre mall.
Places to Visit in Jeddah
Arts and Culture
- Al Balad (Historic Jeddah)
The UNESCO listed old town of coral stone houses, carved balconies and lantern lit souqs. - Nasseef House (Al Balad)
The most famous of Al Balad's merchant houses, where King Abdulaziz once stayed. - Al Rahma Mosque (Corniche)
The Floating Mosque stands on stilts over the Red Sea, beautiful at sunset. - Hayy Jameel (Al Muhammadiyah)
An arts complex with galleries, an independent cinema, studios and cafés. - Jeddah open air sculptures (Corniche)
Works by artists including Henry Moore and Joan Miró dot the seafront parks.
Shopping and Markets
- Souq Al Alawi (Al Balad)
A long, narrow market of spices, perfumes, sweets and fabrics leading through the old town. - Red Sea Mall (North Obhur)
One of the city's largest malls, with a wide mix of shops and food. - Mall of Arabia (Jeddah)
A huge family mall with an indoor entertainment area for children.
Things to Do
- Jeddah Corniche (Al Hamra)
Kilometres of seafront parks, sculptures and promenades that fill with families after sunset. - King Fahd Fountain (Al Hamra)
One of the tallest fountains in the world, lit up over the sea at night. - Red Sea diving from Obhur (North Obhur)
Dive centres run trips to coral reefs and wrecks a short boat ride offshore. - Haramain train ride (Jeddah)
A sleek high speed train linking Jeddah with Madinah, with a station at the airport.
Restaurants
- Al Baik (Jeddah)
The Jeddah born fried chicken chain that Saudis queue for, cheap and cheerful. - Jeddah Central Fish Market (Al Balad area)
Pick your fish at the market and have it grilled or fried at nearby restaurants. - Mutabbaq stalls of Al Balad (Al Balad)
Street stalls fold stuffed flatbreads and serve sweet tea late into the evening.
Nature and Outdoors
- Obhur Creek (North Obhur)
Beach clubs, water sports and boat trips along the creek north of the city. - Jeddah Waterfront (Al Shati)
A modern promenade with beaches, piers and parks along the central Corniche.
Events
- Red Sea International Film Festival (Al Balad)
The kingdom's big film festival screens world and Arab cinema each December.
Stays
- The Ritz-Carlton, Jeddah (Corniche)
A grand seafront hotel with gardens and views over the Red Sea. - Park Hyatt Jeddah (Al Hamra)
A marina and seafront resort hotel with pools close to the fountain.
Places to Visit in AlUla
Arts and Culture
- Hegra (Hegra)
Saudi Arabia's first UNESCO site: Nabataean tombs carved into lonely sandstone outcrops. - Qasr al Farid (Hegra)
The famous lone tomb that looks like an unfinished castle in the sand. - AlUla Old Town (AlUla)
A ridge of hundreds of mud brick houses, now with restored lanes, shops and cafés. - Jabal Ikmah (AlUla)
A quiet canyon of ancient inscriptions often called an open air library. - Dadan (AlUla)
The capital of ancient kingdoms, with lion tombs cut into the cliff. - Maraya (Ashar Valley)
A concert hall covered in mirrors that reflects the canyon around it.
Nature and Outdoors
- Elephant Rock (Jabal AlFil)
A natural arch shaped like an elephant, with a sunset lounge at its base. - AlUla Oasis (AlUla)
Shaded trails through palm groves and farms, lovely on foot or by bike. - Harrat Viewpoint (Harrat Uwayrid)
A volcanic plateau with sweeping views over the valleys of AlUla. - Gharameel (AlUla)
A field of strange rock spires, magical for stargazing on clear nights. - Sharaan Nature Reserve (Sharaan)
A protected reserve of canyons and valleys where wildlife is being reintroduced.
Restaurants
- AlUla Old Town cafés (AlUla Old Town)
Simple cafés along the restored lanes for dates, coffee and local snacks.
Shopping and Markets
- AlUla Old Town shops (AlUla Old Town)
Local crafts, dates and souvenirs in restored mud brick shops.
Events
- AlUla Moments season (AlUla)
A winter programme of music, art and wellness events among the canyons.
Stays
- Banyan Tree AlUla (Ashar Valley)
Tented villas set into the rocks of a dramatic canyon. - Habitas AlUla (Ashar Valley)
An eco style resort of villas among sandstone cliffs. - Shaden Resort (AlUla)
Villas and rooms beneath towering rocks, a good mid to upper range option.
Places to Visit in Abha
Nature and Outdoors
- Al Soudah (Al Soudah)
A juniper covered plateau near the kingdom's highest peak, cool and misty in summer. - Abha Dam Lake (Abha)
A lakeside park popular for evening walks and picnics. - Green Mountain (Abha)
A hilltop park lit up at night, with views over the city. - Tanomah (Asir)
A mountain town of granite peaks and green valleys north of Abha.
Arts and Culture
- Rijal Almaa (Rijal Almaa)
A village of stone tower houses stacked in a valley, with a museum inside. - Al Muftaha Village (Abha)
An arts village of studios and galleries in the heart of Abha. - Thee Ain Village (Al Baha)
A marble village on a hill above banana groves, a striking detour north.
Shopping and Markets
- Abha Tuesday Market (Abha)
A traditional market of honey, spices, crafts and produce held each Tuesday.
Restaurants
- Asiri food houses (Abha)
Traditional spots serving areeka with honey and mountain style grilled meats.
Cafés
- Al Soudah mountain cafés (Al Soudah)
Coffee with views over cloud filled valleys from cliff edge cafés.
Stays
- Abha Palace Hotel (Abha)
A long established hotel overlooking the lake and city.
Places to Visit in Al Khobar
Things to Do
- Al Khobar Corniche (Al Khobar)
A long seafront of walkways and parks, busy with families in the evening. - King Fahd Causeway (Al Khobar)
The long causeway to Bahrain, with a midway island and viewing tower.
Arts and Culture
- Ithra (Dhahran)
The King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture, with museums, a library and a cinema. - Al Ahsa Oasis (Al Ahsa)
A UNESCO listed oasis of millions of date palms, canals and springs. - Ibrahim Palace (Hofuf)
An Ottoman era fort with a domed mosque in the centre of Hofuf. - Jawatha Mosque (Al Ahsa)
One of the oldest mosque sites in eastern Arabia, said to date from the early years of Islam.
Nature and Outdoors
- Half Moon Bay (Al Khobar)
A sheltered lagoon of beaches and resorts south of the city. - Jabal Al Qarah (Al Ahsa)
Cool, wind carved caves in a hill rising from the oasis. - Dammam Corniche (Dammam)
Parks, playgrounds and walking paths along the bay.
Shopping and Markets
- Al Rashid Mall (Al Khobar)
A central mall with shops, cafés and family entertainment. - Qaisariah Souq (Hofuf)
A historic market in Al Ahsa for dates, bisht cloaks and crafts.
Restaurants
- Prince Turki Street restaurants (Al Khobar)
A lively strip of casual cafés and restaurants near the seafront. - Al Khobar seafront restaurants (Al Khobar)
Grilled fish and Gulf dishes by the water on a warm evening.
Cafés
- Prince Turki Street cafés (Al Khobar)
Specialty coffee and dessert spots that fill late into the night.
Places to Visit in Madinah
Arts and Culture
- Quba Mosque (Madinah)
The first mosque in Islam, a calm and beautiful visit for Muslim travellers.
Shopping and Markets
- Madinah Date Market (Madinah)
A market selling Ajwa and other famous Madinah dates.
Places to Visit in Taif
Nature and Outdoors
- Taif Rose Farms (Al Hada)
Rose farms that bloom in spring, when rose water is distilled for perfume.
Places to Visit in Hail
Arts and Culture
- Jubbah rock art (Hail)
UNESCO listed rock carvings of people and animals thousands of years old.
More to Explore
We are still checking these with fresh sources, so confirm opening times before you go.
- Takya (Diriyah, Riyadh)
Modern Saudi cooking with heritage touches in a smart setting near the old town. - Diriyah Gate Visitor Centre (Diriyah, Riyadh)
A good first stop to understand the history of Diriyah before walking the old town. - Bab Samhan (Diriyah, Riyadh)
A heritage styled hotel steps from At-Turaif, built in Najdi architecture. - King Fahad National Library (Olaya, Riyadh)
A striking building with a fabric screened facade and a reading room open to visitors. - Snow City (Riyadh Park, Riyadh)
An indoor snow park where families can play in real snow in the middle of the desert. - Rawdat Nourah (Riyadh Province, Riyadh)
A desert meadow that turns green and flowered after winter rains, loved by families. - Al Nakheel Restaurant (Corniche, Jeddah)
A long running seafront favourite for mezze and grilled seafood with sea views. - Byblos Jeddah (Al Rawdah, Jeddah)
Elegant Lebanese dining that is a long standing Jeddah date night choice. - Medd Café (Jeddah, Jeddah)
A Jeddah specialty roaster known for its carefully sourced beans. - Bayt Al Balad cafés (Al Balad, Jeddah)
Old houses turned into cafés where you can sip qahwa beneath carved wooden balconies. - Fakieh Aquarium (Corniche, Jeddah)
A big aquarium on the seafront with Red Sea marine life and shows for children. - Jeddah Season (Jeddah, Jeddah)
A summer and winter programme of shows, concerts and food events across the city. - Tayebat International City Museum (Al Faisaliah, Jeddah)
A rambling private museum of Islamic and Hejazi heritage in a building styled on old Jeddah. - Shada Resort (Obhur, Jeddah)
A beach resort on Obhur Creek where you can swim in the Red Sea. - Jeddah Yacht Club (Al Shati, Jeddah)
A marina complex with restaurants and alcohol free lounges for a stylish evening. - Hot air balloon flights (AlUla, AlUla)
Sunrise balloon rides over the canyons run during the winter season. - Via ferrata at Hidden Valley (AlUla, AlUla)
A climbing route on fixed cables along sandstone cliffs, led by guides. - Somewhereelse (AlUla Old Town area, AlUla)
A stylish restaurant tucked against the old town cliffs. - Suhail (AlUla Old Town, AlUla)
Arabian and Saudi dishes served beside the old town. - Joontos (AlUla, AlUla)
A popular café stop for coffee and pastries between sites. - Desert X AlUla (AlUla, AlUla)
Large scale art installations set into the desert landscape. - Sahary AlUla Resort (AlUla, AlUla)
Simpler chalets in the desert, popular as a value base for exploring. - Caravan by Habitas (AlUla, AlUla)
Airstream style trailers in the desert for a playful stay. - AlUla hop on hop off bus (AlUla, AlUla)
A convenient bus loop that links the main sites when running in season. - Al Soudah cable car (Al Soudah, Abha)
A cable car ride down the escarpment towards the village of Rijal Almaa. - Habala (Habala, Abha)
A hanging village on a cliff ledge, reached by cable car. - Abha Art Street (Abha, Abha)
A lively strip of cafés, art and evening entertainment. - Shada Palace (Abha, Abha)
A mud and stone palace museum in the old city. - Abha summer festival (Abha, Abha)
A summer season of events, concerts and markets when families flock to the cool hills. - Mountain lodges of Al Soudah (Al Soudah, Abha)
Chalets and lodges perched near the escarpment for a cool night away. - Al Khobar Water Tower (Al Khobar, Al Khobar)
A landmark tower with a viewing area over the Gulf. - Heritage Village Dammam (Dammam, Al Khobar)
A museum restaurant filled with antiques and traditional Gulf decor. - Coral Island (Dammam, Al Khobar)
A seafront park and island popular for evening outings. - Mövenpick Hotel Al Khobar (Al Khobar, Al Khobar)
A comfortable city hotel close to restaurants and the seafront. - Kempinski Al Othman Hotel (Al Khobar, Al Khobar)
A resort style hotel with pools and gardens in Al Khobar. - Sharqiah Season (Eastern Province, Al Khobar)
Seasonal festivals of shows and markets across the Eastern Province. - Souq Okaz (Taif, Taif)
A revived ancient market fair with poetry, crafts and performances in season. - Red Sea coast islands (Red Sea Global, Al Wajh)
New island resorts on one of the least touched coral coasts in the world.