Saudi Arabia: Best Places to Visit in Saudi Arabia

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With a rich landscape from desert to sea and bustling cities to serene mountains – Saudi Arabia has charmed the tourists with some amazing places. The skyscrapers and extravagant shopping malls in Riyadh to the extensive mountain region of Abha, grand mosques of Medina and industrial visits to Al Jubail – the place promises to offer a fascinating experience to the travellers. If you are planning a trip to Saudi Arabia, this blog is a must-read. Other than an extensive travel itinerary, we will walk you through some pro tips that will come in handy.

Riyadh

Riyadh is a delightful place for cultural enthusiasts and business travellers alike. Placed at the heart of Saudi Arabia, the place beautifully merges modern and traditional with a bit of elegance. The modern skyscrapers will fascinate you just as the historical landmarks will charm you in all their glory.

Al Masmak Fort is one of the major tourist sites in Riyadh. The site dates back to 1865 and is made of mud and clay bricks. The fort tells the glorious history of the Arabic kingdom and their lifestyle. The mosque inside the fort and a luxurious diwan will fascinate you.

If you have a turn for historical artefacts, pay a visit to the King Abdulaziz Historical Centre or the National Museum of Riyadh. Rich with artefacts, sculptures, antiques, and even ornaments, the museum will offer a deeper insight into the country. The place has a park, 8 main galleries, and a mosque. You can also enjoy audio-video tours and mini theatres. 

For shopaholics, Deerah Souq is one of the best tourist spots to visit. It is the old marketplace in Riyadh where you can explore various traditional attractions of Saudi Arabia. Here, you can find a wide collection of traditional clothing, antiques, silver jewellery, and more.

If you have a turn for tasting local cuisines, Riyadh will delight you with its delicacies. Hit The Globe, Elements, Spazio, The Naajd Village, and Mirage Restaurants to try some of the famous delicacies of the city.

Riyadh airport is the nearest airport to the city, located at a distance of 30.1 km away from the city centre. Flights from all around the globe reach the destination. You can avail of private or public transport to reach your hotel.

Jeddah

Jeddah is the second-largest city in Saudi Arabia. It is rich in historical and cultural delights along with an uber-modern lifestyle. The blend of modern and historical attractions will surely amaze you. from tranquil beaches to art galleries, picture-perfect coastline to cafes and museums – Jeddah offers a fascinating experience to the tourists.

If you are an art lover, there’s no way you can skip Athr Gallery. With a wide display of sculptures, photographs, sceneries, and other types of arts from all around the world, the gallery is sure to stun you.
Jeddah floating masque is yet another popular tourist spot. It is a must-watch on your trip to Jeddah. Built in a way that it seems to be floating on the sea, the masque has an ambience of tranquillity and serenity. Frequented by millions of tourists every year, the mosque is known as Fatima Al Zahra mosque.
 
Spend a fun-filled day at the Al Shallal theme park with some stunning rides. There are several simple rides for the kids, so you can visit the place with your children. The hip and happening aesthetic of the park along with its artificial waterfalls and lakes make it more intriguing. Two-storey malls and restaurants will add to your delight.

For the shopaholics, Jeddah has a plethora of malls including the Mall of Arabia, Red Sea Mall, Aziz Mall, Flamingo Mall, Al Salam Mall, Haifaa Mall, Alandalus Mall, and more. You can buy a wide variety of souvenirs from these places.

Once here, taste some of the lip-smacking delicacies like Kasba (a mixed rice dish prepared with vegetables and meat), Matazeez (traditional treat of Saudi Arabia), Madfoon (made of meat and rice), Quran (made of pressed thin and wheat flour), and more.

Jeddah airport is the nearest one to the city, located 20.2 km away. You can avail of a cab or bus to reach the city.

Dammam

Earlier acknowledged as a small city comprising hamlets, Dammam has transformed into the sixth-largest city in Saudi Arabia over time. Though the place was earlier dependent solely on the pearl and fishing industry, the discovery of mining oil has given its economy an added boost. Now renowned as a hub for commerce and trade, the place is brimmed with picturesque islands, scenic beaches, historical and cultural milieu, ports, theme parks, and more.

If you want to enjoy a leisurely day at a scenic beach, Dammam Corniche is the best place to visit. It offers a panorama view of the city. Starting from Aziziah beach and expanding to the Tarot island, Corniche is surrounded by lush greenery. Gazing at the sunset is truly a remarkable sight at the place. There are several kiosks around to buy snacks and playing areas for children.

If you have an interest in the cultural heritage of Dammam, visit the Heritage Village. The vintage vibe of the place is complemented by a wide array of artefacts from the days gone by. Apart from a rich historical tour, you can indulge in a fine dining experience.

Half Moon Bay is the best beach to visit during summer. It offers a tranquil atmosphere along with some captivating views. Enjoy the aquatic life by diving into the sea. The white sandy beach along with the turquoise water will surely charm you. You can even spot some majestic whales at the place.

Al Marjan Island is yet another must-visit in Dammam. Whether you are planning a trip with family or friends, you cannot skip this place. Large seating areas amidst lush greenery and the artificial island will uplift your mood in no time.

Some of Dammam’s most famous delicacies can be found at Maestro, Red Dragon, Copper Chandni, Shawarma, and Rahee’s. If you are looking to buy souvenirs or pamper yourself with some goodies, hit Othaim Mall, Ibn Khaldoun Mall, Al Hayat Plaza, Marina Mall, MIST Coffee Roaster, and Second Touch Shop. You will be charmed with their collection of jewellery, handicrafts, spices, and apparel.

Located 30.7 km away, Dammam airport is the nearest airport. Once you land at the airport, you can avail of public or private transport to reach the city.

Medina

Widely recognized for its rich cultural and religious heritage, Medina is a must-visit for tourists. Brimmed with numerous religious and cultural delights, the tour to Medina will offer you an insight into the lifestyle of Mohammed and his devotees.

Famous as the second-largest mosque in the world, Al-Masjid has avid importance in the Islamic religion. The place can accommodate a million devotees at once. The masque is never closed and you can spot devotees all around the day. With features like rectangles and motorized canopies and marble minbar, the architecture of the masjid is a fascinating sight.

The Madinah museum conveys various historic information to tourists. It showcases the Prophet’s mosque’s model. Mahamal or the ottoman in the centre dates back to 1792. Next, pay a visit to Al Jubail – an industrial site. The city was known as the pearl industry due to its preoccupation with pearl mining. Now, it houses the largest petrochemical company in the entire Middle East.

Al Madina Souq is the mecca for shopping enthusiasts. It has been acknowledged as a UNESCO heritage site as the largest market in the Middle East. You can spot vibrant retail and wholesale shops for handicrafts and handlooms. Quality stuff at cheap pricing – that’s the USP of the place. You can also spot various street food vendors here and try local cuisines.

Located at 16 km from the centre of Medina, Prince Mohammad Bin Abdulaziz International Airport is the nearest one. Land here and reach your hotel availing of a bus or cab.

Mecca

A trip to Saudi Arabia will complete once you pay a visit to Mecca – the holiest city in western Arabia as it is the birthplace of Prophet Muhammed. Every here, devotees from all around the world frequent this spiritually reach the destination. The grand mosques of the city will fascinate you.

Masjid al Harim is the largest mosque in the world – housed in the city of Medina. It includes both indoor and outdoor praying spaces and is a treat to the eyes. It was believed that the place was built by the angels. The mosque was damaged by floods and is rebuilt anew.

The Kabba is yet another frequented place in Mecca. Once a sanctuary in pre-Islamic times, it is now a cubical structure. With gold-made doors, the mosque serves as a reminder of how sacred monuments are ruined and renovated over time.

Hira is believed to be the site where Allah is believed to have revealed to the prophet. You can hike here to get into the cave. Other than spiritual-minded people, many adventure lovers visit the place for trekking the mountain. Remember, the arid desert climate may not suit everyone. It’s important to keep yourself hydrated and energized at all times.

Here, you can buy Holy Qurans, prayer beads, prayer mats, Zamzam water, balsam oil, perfume, date, palms, diamond and gold. Visit some of the famous restaurants like Mecca cafe, Hardee’s, Albaik, Feld D Saji, Al Shorfa, and Saad Aldeen confectionary to taste local cuisines.

Jeddah is the nearest airport to Mecca, located at a distance of 74.8 km. You can hire a cab to reach your destination in Mecca.
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From natural bounty to cultural heritage, historical insights to modern artefacts – Saudi Arabia is a blend of everything you can imagine. Visit the place and feel the life of the citizens. They will embrace you with a cordial heart and you will return full of vibrant memories.