How to Visit Saudi ArabiaSave this first-timer's guide to Saudi Arabia’s must-see landmarks, from Jeddah’s Red Sea coast to AlUla, Riyadh, and even the sacred cities of Madinah and Makkah. Learn the best time to visit, what to wear, key cultural tips and more for travelers exploring Saudi Arabia’s iconic sights.AuthorsVisitSaudi
DestinationsSaudi ArabiaItinerary

Red Sea Coast

Old Jeddah, Al Balad
Al Balad is the UNESCO World Heritage-listed area of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia’s second-largest city, which is situated along the coast of the Red Sea. You can essentially walk on 7th-century streets here! Explore narrow alleys and wander traditional markets like Souq Al Alawi and Souq Qabil, taking in the scent of spices everywhere. Make sure you also check out the restored historic homes like Beit Nassif and Beit Al Matbouli. There is a lot to see outdoors, so consider visiting during the cooler months between November and March—and be sure to pack your walking shoes. What else should you pack for a visit to Saudi Arabia? While local men often wear traditional throbes and women typically wear an abaya (a long robe), visitors are not required to wear these. What should you wear? Modest, loose-fitting clothing that covers to the elbow and below the ankle is recommended for both men and women in public. If you plan to enter mosques, an additional hair covering for women is recommended.
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Al Rahmah Mosque
Famous for appearing to float on the water during high tide, Al Rahmah Mosque is a gorgeous building that seems to pull the sky and sea together as it sits on the horizon. Inside is just as serene as the setting outside. And visitors are welcome. If you’re interested in going inside, please remember this is a fully functional mosque, so in order to enter, remember to cover your arms and legs. Women should cover their hair, as well. Shoes also must be removed prior to entering.
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Jeddah Corniche
The best time to explore here is just before and after sunset. Trust, you will want to be on the boardwalk watching the sun sink below the waves of the Red Sea. If you’re an F1 fan, you’ll definitely want to check out the Jeddah Corniche Circuit first and foremost. If you’re not, there’s still lots to see. The Jeddah Sculpture Museum or Jeddah Waterfront should be where your feet go first, depending on whether you’re more into art or shopping. Either way, you can’t go wrong!
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King Fahad's Fountain
Once the sun sets on Jeddah Corniche, you’ll want to turn your eyes out to the Red Sea as the world’s largest fountain comes to life. Spraying sea water over 1,000 feet high, King Fahad's Fountain will blow your expectations out of the water. Tip: The fountain is lit up after dark, so that is the best time to see it, but the water usually starts to turn on around sunset and then continues until midnight.
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Umluj Beach
Offering crystal clear blue water and fluffy, white sand Umluj Beach is a relaxing stop on your Saudi Arabia getaway. If your dream is to sit on the beach and feel the sea breeze, then there isn’t anywhere better to go. Note that if you’re looking to explore more, there are some restrictions on how far you can go from shore and the boat tours to the islands offshore. If you’re looking to do some serious water recreation, taking a tour from a different location may be the best option.
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Yanbu Corniche
Yanbu Corniche is a scenic oceanside promenade and is a great spot to go on a morning walk to find a cup of coffee and a bite to eat or to just soak in the sea air. If you’re traveling with family, there are plenty of parks and playgrounds along the corniche to stop and play at, too. The walkway is also lined with shops and restaurants, so give yourself time to stop whenever something catches your eye.
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AlUla

Hegra
The UNESCO-listed Hegra has over 110 monumental tombs that are still standing from the 1st century. This necropolis, situated within the desert, features more than just tombs, though—it opens a gateway to the past. Note: You’re required to book a formal tour to explore here and cannot do a self-driving tour, but that’s for the best. With endless history on display, you’ll want an expert to tell you all about it as you explore!
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Visiting the Incredible Heritage Site Hegra in AlUla.
In order to visit Hegra, you will need to join a guided experience like this one. This 2.5-hour tour is in English and includes pickup from your AlUla hotel, entrance fees, and bottled water. Plus, you'll get an expert guide who can tell you more about the ancient tombs of UNESCO-listed Hegra!
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AlUla Old Town
The best time to explore AlUla Old Town is during the cooler hours in the evening, and the best way to see it is with a Rawi (storyteller) on a guided tour. You can, of course, explore by yourself, but with over 900 houses, five squares, and an ancient fort, there’s a lot to see! Tip: If you’re planning to explore after sunset as well, make sure to bring another layer as the desert nights can get cold.
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Tour AlUla's Old Town
The best way to see AlUla’s Old Town is with a knowledgeable guide. On this small group tour, which takes about 35 minutes to an hour, you’ll be able to learn more about what life was like here hundreds of years ago as you wander Old Market Street and the alleyways.
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Al Gharameel | أرض الغراميل
There’s a lot to see in the striking remote desert landscapes of the Al Gharameel nature reserve, from unique towering sandstone pillars to the graceful Arabian oryx, a nearly all-white desert antelope adorned with a set of long, slightly curving horns that can reach up to 30-inches long. But night is the absolute best time to visit. Al Gharameel is a Dark Sky Park and is one of the most incredible places in the world to go stargazing. When the sun goes down, the sky reveals the Milk Way and a canvas of stars. Note: You must take a guided tour to experience stargazing at Al Gharameel.
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Jabal Ikmah
UNESCO-recognized Jabal Ikmah is known as an “open library” thanks to its well-preserved ancient inscriptions and petroglyphs dating as far back as 644 BC! It's best to visit Jabal Ikmah between October and April for more comfortable desert temperatures. And, like many ancient sites in Saudi Arabia, you need to book a tour to visit Jabal Ikmah, but the experience is best with a knowledgeable guide. Once you’re in this “open library” you’ll be amazed at how much history is carved into the rocks around you!
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Discover Remarkable Tombs in Dadan and Jabal Ikmah
Step back thousands of years on this two-hour guided tour as you explore Dadan, once home to the powerful Dadanite and Lihyanite kingdoms that shaped AlUla’s history. A short drive away, Jabal Ikmah is like an open-air library, with ancient inscriptions and rock carvings etched into a dramatic desert canyon. Your entrance fees are included. These sites offer one of the most fascinating glimpses into Saudi Arabia’s pre-Islamic past!
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Elephant Rock (Jabal AlFil)
After exploring the daytime sights of AlUla, head to Elephant Rock for an unforgettable sunset and a relaxing evening. With food trucks serving delicious bites and drinks, and cozy fire pits dotting the sand, Elephant Rock offers a unique venue for the ultimate hangout with friends and family. The color of the sandstone is already a knockout during the day, but as the sunset brings new hues to the skies, it becomes magnificent, so make sure your camera is ready!
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Elephant Rock Discover
Set out into AlUla’s golden desert to see one of its most iconic natural wonders on this two-hour tour to Elephant Rock, also known as Jebel Al-Fil. Shaped entirely by wind and water over millions of years, this towering red sandstone formation looks uncannily like an elephant standing against the sky. After soaking in the scenery and snapping photos, relax on the scenic drive back to AlUla, taking in the vast desert landscape along the way.
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Maraya Concert Hall | قاعة مرايا
If you’re not paying attention, you may just miss this gem! Maraya Concert Hall is made entirely of mirrors, reflecting the beauty of the desert and sandstone formations back to you. While it’s gorgeous to visit and see from the outside, there are also wonderful events and musicians that perform at Maraya, as well. You’ll definitely want to check out their event schedule before you book your trip.
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Riyadh

Kingdom Center Sky Bridge
One of the coolest ways to see Riyadh is from nearly 1,000 feet above it. The Kingdom Centre Sky Bridge offers panoramic views of Riyadh all day long and after the sun sets, but the best time to go is inarguably after night has fallen. The lights of the city below become a dreamy sea of stars just waiting for you to explore them.
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Al Faisaliah Tower
It’s hard to miss Al Faisaliah Tower when you’re looking at Riyadh’s skyline as it’s the 7th tallest skyscraper in Saudi Arabia! The glass sphere perched atop the tower is an observation deck, restaurant, and lounge. The views from the top are incredible, and if you’re looking for a romantic date night, make sure to reserve a table for a dreamy sunset dinner.
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Boulevard City
Riyadh Season is the best time to visit Boulevard City, and in 2026, it runs until March! The boulevard is one of several sub-zones that divide the city with their own unique culture and vibe during Riyadh Season. This year, Boulevard City is packed with WWE rumbles and some fun musical concerts, so be sure to see what events are happening while you’re there! Tickets are best purchased in advance.
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Souk Al Zal
One of Riyadh’s oldest markets, Souk Al Zal has over 100 years of history behind it. There are shops selling just about anything and everything you could want, and shopkeepers are more than happy to debate prices with you. Polite haggling with witty banter along the way is fun for everyone involved and creates a lasting memory to go along with your purchase.
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Masmak Fortress
Built in 1895, Al Masmak Fortress was once a mighty fortress and the scene of several battles, but 100 years after it was finished, it reopened as a museum to teach visitors about the unification of Saudi Arabia. This reclaimed space is a great place to go to learn more about Saudi Arabia’s history. Note that it has a modest dress code and is closed on Fridays.
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King abdulaziz historic centre
Murabba Palace hosts several interesting sites, but you’ll definitely want to make sure you check out the King Abdulaziz Historical Center to learn more about the monarchy in Saudi Arabia. Plus, who doesn’t want to visit a palace? The Najdi architecture alone is stunning, and the surrounding gardens are fit for royalty.
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Edge of the World
The Edge of the World is located 60 miles northwest of Riyadh. While you can drive yourself there, the roads through the desert aren’t well-marked for visitors, and their rough nature requires a 4x4 to get through them safely. In order to avoid getting lost or getting stuck, hiring a driver to take you is the best way to go, so you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the jaw-dropping views. There are several short “hikes” to get to various viewpoints, but be sure to be careful, as there are no safety railings here. If you’re visiting with children, be sure to always keep one of their hands in yours.
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At-Turaif World Heritage Site
You can’t visit Saudi Arabia without going to At-Turaif World Heritage Site. It was the first home to the House of Saud and was also the first capital in 1727, which makes it one of the most important historical sites in all of Saudi Arabia. Lost to time after being sacked in 1818, this historic center was abandoned until a restoration project began in 2000 to preserve it. Today, you can book a free Diriyah Entry Pass online to visit At-Turaif and walk through history that was almost forgotten.
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Bujairi Terrace
Shopping and eating are two of the best vacation activities, and Diriyah’s Bujairi Terrace offers both! Diriyah, the City of Earth, has some of the finest cuisine and shopping in Saudi Arabia and in the world! Stop into cute boutiques featuring local gifts and chic luxury stores like Dolce&Gabbana and give your credit card a bit of exercise before you face the impossible decision of choosing between multiple Michelin-starred restaurants. In fact, there are more than 20 restaurants and cafés to choose from at Bujairi Terrace, and every table overlooks At-Turaif World Heritage Site!
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Desert Safari Riyadh Red Sand Dunes
There are so many options for how to experience the red sand dunes, from touring astride a camel to renting a sand bike and flying over the hills. Depending on what route you want to go, there are a variety of tours that’ll help you to experience the absolute beauty of the sands. If you don’t want to choose, there are tours that offer a little bit of quad biking, as well as a camel safari!
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Riyadh Red Sand Dunes 4x4 (Camel Ride, Quad biking, Old Palace)
Combine all the best things to do at the Red Sand Dunes into one incredible experience on this 3.5-hour guided tour. Your guide will pick you up in an air-conditioned vehicle and take your group out to the dunes and rocks of Al Thumama desert north Riyadh for an outdoor adventure you’ll never forget. The experience includes a high-quality desert quad, camel riding, and a visit to the old palace in the Riyadh desert. This tour also provides all safety equipment and drinks.
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Madinah

Al Masjid-e-Nabawi
The Prophet's Mosque in Madinah is Islam’s second holiest site following the Grand Mosque of Makkah. Madinah, a very spiritual city, welcomes visitors to explore its public spaces and preserved historic neighborhoods. For non-Muslim visitors, the stunning green dome and the towers of the Prophet’s Mosque can only be viewed from the outside. When visiting Madinah, be sure to dress modestly according to Saudi Arabia’s culture and avoid going into any areas marked as Muslim only if you are not Muslim. Note: For non-Muslim travelers, it is best to visit sacred sites and cities outside peak prayer times and major seasons.
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City Sightseeing Al Madinah Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour
This tour is a great way for non-Muslim visitors to explore the holy city of Madinah. Your ticket will be valid for 24 hours and you can hop on or off the bus at your own pace at 11 stops. (The full loop takes about one hour.) You’ll also be able to learn about the sights with audio commentary in your language. The bus includes water and free Wifi, as well. Sights include The Prophet’s Mosque, Al Bzi Cemetery, Al Manakhah, King Fahd Road, The Seven Masques, Majid Quba, and many more!
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Makkah

Masjid al-Haram
Makkah al Mukarramah (or Mecca), is the heart of Islam, and home to Al Masjid Al Haram (The Grand Mosque), the most sacred site in the Muslim religion. Makkah and Al-Masjid al-Haram are, therefore, open exclusively to Muslims. At Al Masjid Al Haram’s center stands the revered Kaaba, believed to be the first ever house of worship on Earth. Embedded in the eastern corner of the Kaaba, the Black Stone is believed to have descended from Paradise. Each year, millions of people journey to this spiritual sanctuary to perform Hajj, Umrah, and daily prayers. For Muslim pilgrims who plan to visit Makkah, permits for Umrah or Hajj must be obtained through official platforms and licensed service providers.
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