Things to See on an Epic Trip to Saudi ArabiaWant to visit Saudi Arabia? You'll need a week minimum, and up to 10 days, to see it all. From a floating mosque in the Red Sea to iconic Elephant Rock, here are some epic ideas for what to do, where to stay, and what to eat if you're planning an unforgettable trip to Saudi Arabia.AuthorsSteller
DestinationsSaudi ArabiaItinerary

AlUla

Elephant Rock (Jabal AlFil ) | جبل الفيل
Elephant Rock, known in Arabic as Jabal AlFil, was shaped by millions of years of erosion and stands at over 170 feet high. This place, an icon of AlUla, is magical at dusk. Tip: There's a cafe and restaurant here open most of the year that makes an epic dining experience.
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Maraya Concert Hall | قاعة مرايا
Maraya, located in AlUla's Ashar Valley, is the largest mirrored building in the world and is an incredible concert hall! The structure blends in with its natural surroundings thanks to the 9,740 mirrored panels that cover the exterior. Fun fact: Maray holds a Guinness Book of World Records title!
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AlUla Old Town | بلدة العلا القديمة
Step back in time—way back—in AlUla Old Town! Built near ancient trade routes where caravans traveled loaded with incense and spices, the history dates to the 12th century. Make sure you check out the clay houses, watch local craftsmen in the traditional markets, and dine in one of the local markets.
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Hegra | الحِجر
Hegra, also known as Madain Salih, is one of the most recognizable places in Saudi Arabia, and should not be missed. The ancient rock-cut structures take you back to a time of a thriving city that was located on an incense trade route. Saudi Arabia's first UNESCO World Heritage Site, Hegra, is over 2,000 years old and is spread across the desert. More than 110 incredible preserved tombs are cut into towering sandstone cliffs. Make sure you see the Tomb of Lihyan Son of Kuza, Jabal Banat, and Jabal Ithlib.
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Shaden Resort AlUla
Shaden Resort in AlUla has a unique location in that it is situated directly between two large rock outcroppings. Incredible at night, too!
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Our Habitas AlUla
Go glamping in a stunning setting in AlUla at Our Habitas AlUla, a luxury, sustainability-focused resort set in the Ashar Valley, surrounded by dramatic sandstone cliffs and desert landscapes. There are 96 villas built with low-impact materials, and they offer experiences such as yoga, wellness treatments, outdoor cinema, and guided explorations of AlUla’s heritage sites.
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Madakheel viewpoint
Madakheel offers one of the most stunning panoramic points in AlUla. Hiking up to the plateau rewards you with sweeping views of desert canyons, sandstone formations, and the ancient valley below. At night, the area becomes a top spot for stargazing under some of Saudi Arabia’s darkest skies, making it a magical blend of nature, history, and quiet grandeur. Tip: Madakheel Viewpoint Cafe up here offers an otherworldly experience!
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Riyadh

Edge of the World
Book a tour to Edge of the World, a dramatic cliff rising about 3,710 feet and located roughly 62 miles northwest of Riyadh at the end of the 500-mile Tuwaiq Mountain range. Known for its sweeping desert panoramas, fossils from an ancient sea, and rugged rock formations shaped by erosion, it’s a favorite spot for hikers and climbers. Visitors can also spot acacia and samar trees in the valleys below, making the area especially striking during the cooler, rainy winter season.
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Red Sand Dunes
Ever wanted to check sandboarding off your bucket list? The Red Sand Dunes near Riyadh are the perfect place to do it! The gentle rolling dunes of reddish sand are a popular place for quad biking, sandboarding, or just watchin an incredibly golden sunset.
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Kingdom Center Sky Bridge
Rising up 984 feet above the streets of Riyadh, the Kingdom Center Sky Bridge is a great place to get a photo of the city. The glass panels along the sides of the bridge allow for incredible panoramic views!
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Fairmont Riyadh
Riyadh is home to the country's capital, so it's a great place to stay to take advantage of both the modern and traditional sides of Saudi Arabia. Fairmont Riyadh sits in the Business Gate district, only about 15 minutes from the airport, making it a convenient base for both business and sightseeing. The hotel offers stylish rooms with skyline views, luxurious bathrooms, a full spa and indoor pool, plus dining at several top-tier restaurants. Its mix of modern comfort and classic Arabian hospitality makes it a standout stay in Riyadh.
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Najd Village
Experience traditional Saudi cuisine of Kabsa, Mogalgal, Margoog, Jreesh, and Gursan at Najd Village in Riyadh. You eat family style—the traditional way here.
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Jeddah

Al Rahmah Mosque
This incredible floating mosque is a Jeddah icon. Al Rahma Mosque, sometimes called the Floating Mosque, appears to float at high tide. The mosque welcomes visitors from all walks of life and is especially beautiful at sunset as it reflects on the waters of the Red Sea.
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Jeddah Historic District – Al-Balad
Al Balad, Jeddah’s historic district, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its centuries-old coral-stone buildings, traditional souqs, and narrow alleyways that once welcomed pilgrims traveling to Makkah. The area features restored merchant houses, vibrant street art, and cultural venues that highlight Jeddah’s role as a historic Red Sea port. Walking its lanes offers an immersive glimpse into the city’s architecture, heritage, and daily life.
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Bayt Nassif Museum
Bayt Nassif, built in the late 1800s for a powerful merchant-governor family, is a stunning coral-stone mansion in historic Al-Balad that now serves as a museum preserving Jeddah’s rich mercantile history. Step inside to explore 106 rooms filled with artifacts, old maps, traditional furnishings, and exhibits that show life in the Hijaz region before modern times.
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Al Taybat International City Museum of Science and Information
Al Taybat International City Museum of Science and Information (or Tayebat Museum) in Jeddah, the gateway to the holy city of Makkah, is a really cool place to see traditional Hejazi architecture and its intricate wooden lattice work. The museum itself features several floors with fascinating, in-depth exhibits. Learn more about Islam, Jeddah's pre-Islamic history, how Saudi Arabia was formed, and more.
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Historic Nights Rooftop Cafe, Al Balad
Perched above the old city of Al-Balad in Jeddah, Historic Nights Rooftop Cafe offers a relaxed rooftop atmosphere with sweeping views over coral-stone buildings and the Red Sea skyline. Go here for a peaceful cup of coffee or evening refreshments after wandering the winding alleys below. It's a cool blend of historic surroundings and laid-back ambiance.
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Hyatt House Jeddah Sari Street
Hyatt House Jeddah – Sari Street is a modern, family-friendly hotel in the As Salamah district, offering amenities such as a rooftop pool, a 24/7 gym, free breakfast, and in-room kitchens. With its contemporary vibe and practical facilities, it’s a reliable base for visitors exploring Jeddah or arriving via the nearby airport.
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Umluj & The Red Sea

Umluj Beach
Umluj is often referred to as the "Saudi Maldives," and one look at Umluj Beach shows you why. Famed for its white-sand shores, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine life, Umluj Beach is perfect for swimming, snorkeling, or just relaxing by the sea. With calm, shallow waters and family-friendly vibes, the beach offers a tranquil coastal escape along Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea coast.
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Shebara Resort
Shebara Resort is a new luxury retreat on the Red Sea coast near Umluj, part of a modern wave of developments bringing upscale accommodation and sustainable design to the area. Guests here can expect modern comforts, beautiful sea-facing views, and easy access to the stunning marine environment and beaches. It's ideal for a relaxing, upscale coastal getaway.
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Makkah

Mecca Museum
Wander through Al Zahir’s grand halls, where faded walls hum with centuries of stories. Ancient manuscripts, intricate Islamic art, and traditional architecture collide, letting you feel Makkah’s pulse outside the sacred precincts, a quiet window into the city’s layered soul.
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Jabal Khandamah View Point
Climb to Jabal Khandamah and watch Makkah stretch beneath rugged peaks. The city’s rooftops, alleys, and minarets shrink into the horizon, a photographer’s dream and a reminder of the desert’s vastness, where modern life brushes against timeless mountains.
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Hira Cultural District
At the foot of Jabal al-Nour, history unfolds in vibrant, modern design. Interactive exhibits and storytelling immerse you in Arabia’s ancient trade routes and desert life, letting the past speak clearly without needing to step into sacred spaces.
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The Clock Towers
Beyond the tower’s shadows, the mall hums with energy. Cafés spill aromas of coffee and sweets, luxury boutiques sparkle, and the city’s pulse feels tangible. It’s a slice of contemporary Makkah—modern, chaotic, and undeniably magnetic.
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A Spiritual Journey Through the Holy Sites of Makkah
ChatGPT said: Embark on a spiritual journey through Makkah’s sacred sites—from Arafat’s Jabal Al Rahma, Namira Mosque, and Zubaida Spring, to Muzdalifah and Mina, culminating at Jabal Al Noor and Hera Cave, finishing with the Revelation Exhibition and immersive museum experiences.
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