8 Enchanting locations in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia remains a far-off, little-known, exotic place for travelers from Western countries. This is the fabled land of Lawrence of Arabia, sprawling deserts, and ancient cities. It is a place that is often left out of most travel itineraries, and this is precisely what makes it an ideal place to visit right now.

Where to go in Saudi Arabia:

Jeddah

For thousands of years, Jeddah has been an epicenter for pilgrims, traders, and travelers from all over the world. The city, known as the “bride of the Red Sea,” is the gateway to Mecca, a place where all Muslims are encouraged to take a pilgrimage at least once in their lives, and still has that vibrant, international, and, relative to many of Saudi Arabia’s other cities, liberal feel. Today, Jeddah is a modern city with a distinctly ancient vibe — a mix of the new and the old that is the hallmark of 21st-century travel. There’s traditional Red Sea architecture, bountiful beaches, and busy markets where you can find just about anything — not to mention food that, in and of itself, makes the journey worth it.

What to do in Jeddah:

Go shopping- Jeddah is famous for its array of shopping malls, such as the Red Sea Mall and the Mall of Arabia, as well as ancient souks, such as Souq Al Bawadi, where you can find all manner of traditional wear, including rugs and jewelry.

Try the cuisine- So much of public activity in Jeddah revolves around eating, and people tend to hang out at restaurants and cafes all over the city, eating dishes like Matazeez and Kabsa. Seafood is particularly popular in Jeddah, with fresh catch coming in right from the coast daily.

Go to the Jeddah Corniche- This waterfront area is the biggest in Saudi Arabia and is packed with hotels, restaurants, and other attractions aligned along a sprawling beach. A stretch of resorts in the north of the Jeddah Corniche is outside the jurisdiction of the religious police and has become known as a party area.

Abha

High up in the Sarawat Mountains, 2,200 meters above sea level is Abha, one of Saudi Arabia’s most interesting tourist destinations. Visiting Abha is like going back in time — there are castles and palaces and historic stone streets. This is a place to see the traditional ways of Saudi life, walk through ancient cityscapes, and rest beneath Jacaranda trees.

What to do in Abha:

Visit house museums- Many residents have turned their centuries-old homes into tourist sites, and allow visitors to come inside and look around.

Go to Al Muftah Village- This is where you can find the best examples of Asiri architecture.

Go to Jabal Sawda- If you want incredible views, go to Jabal Sawada, one of Arabia’s tallest mountains.

Al-Ahsa

If you ever find yourself dreaming of a desert oasis, then Al-Ahsa is a place that you must go. Sitting right in the middle of the Rub’ al-Khali desert, the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Al-Ahsa, is a bountiful refuge from the dry beyond, with over 30 million palm trees, natural springs, and verdant parks.

What to do in Al-Ahsa:

Climb Al Qarah- Standing 75 meters tall, you can go to the top for a view of the massive oasis below. Snake through the network of interconnected caves and then visit the Land of Civilization museum to find out what Al-Ahsa is all about.

Explore Souq Al Qaisariya- While the precise origin of Souq Al Qaisariya remains unknown, it is thought to be at least 200 years old. This is a place that really represents what the old markets of Saudi Arabia used to be like. It’s a 7,000-square-meter colossus full of shops, artisan workshops, and cafes. If you can imagine it existing in ancient Saudi Arabia you can probably find it here.

Go to Yellow Lake- One of Al-Ahsa’s biggest attractions is Yellow Lake, which sits right outside the town butting against ochre sand dunes. The catch is that there are no roads that go here, so you need to get into an all-terrain vehicle and do a little dune riding. But the journey is worth it, as the lake is full of birds, foliage, and wildlife.

Taif

Another mountain destination that you simply have to visit in Saudi Arabia is “the City of Roses,” Taif. Located in a pristine landscape of jagged peaks, this is one of the new global destinations for outdoor enthusiasts. From mountain climbing to zip lining, Taif has it all. Due to its elevation, it even has really mild weather, and during the hot winter months people from all over the country pour in to cool off.

What to do in Taif:

Go to Mount Dhaka- Go to rental car Taif airport and get some wheels to go out to Taif’s highest point, where you can get spectacular views of the surroundings.

Go to a waterpark- Al Kar Tourist Village is one of the premier water parks in Saudi Arabia. Come here to cool down, go down water slides, and splash in pools.

Watch camel races- Every other week through July and August a very special Arabian tradition is practiced in Taif: camel racing. This is something that no tourist would want to miss.

Umluj

If you’re really looking to get way out there, then travel out to Umluj, a small town in Northwest Saudi Arabia right next to the Red Sea. It’s a dreamy place with over a hundred islands, lush foliage, palm trees, and wildlife. This is the place to go if you want to experience nature and get into some unspoiled landscapes.

What to do in Umluj:

Boat out to Jabal Hassan- Go to the island of Jabal Hassan and hang out on pristine beaches.

Go to Harrat Lunayyir- Ever want to see a landscape of black lava? Well, this is your chance. Drive to Harrat Lunayyir and check it out.

Go bird watching- Contrary to popular belief, Saudi Arabia isn’t all empty desert. There’s a lot of wildlife here, and you can get out into it no better than by going bird watching on the islands of Libana or Um Sahar.

Riyadh

Saudi Arabia’s capital is starting to rebrand itself away from a conservative and restrictive city and is opening up to things which would attract a global audience. Besides having the country’s best museums and best restaurants and accommodations, Riyadh is also starting to host events like music festivals.

What to do in Riyadh:

Get a view- Go up into the sky bridge in Kingdom Tower to get a view of the city.

Go to the museum- The National Museum of Saudi Arabia is one of the best in the country, offering exhibits showing Saudi’s history and where it is going in the future.

Search for the traditional- Najd Village is one of Riyadh’s biggest attractions. It’s a place where you can see some local traditions and try traditional food.

Souq Al Qaisariya

At more than 600 years old, Souq Al Qaisariya is one of the oldest marketplaces in Saudi Arabia. It sits inside of an ancient clay wall and is 7,000 square meters of vendors selling just about anything you can imagine, including rugs, clothes, spices, perfumes, and antiques.

What to do in Souq Al Qaisariya:

Shop for textiles- Wander over to the textile section to find hundreds of examples of traditional dresses, including dresses, leather shoes, and even sunglasses.

Shop for antiques- This is the place to go for antique shopping. Browse through the stalls and find your own one-of-a-kind treasure.

Try new food- When you’re finished shopping go over to the food stalls and try some new and interesting foods.

Northern Saudi Arabia

This is the part of the country to go to get into Saudi Arabia’s ancient history. There are archaeological sites and historic cities scattered throughout the landscape, and the traveler can rent a car and drive through the desert to visit them.

What to do in Northern Saudi Arabia:

Go to Madain Saleh- This is the headlining tourist destination in Northern Saudi Arabia, with stone carvings like Petra in Jordan.

Visit Al Ula- A rising historic attraction that’s concealed by palms and surrounded by cliffs.

Check out the Ottoman Hejaz Railway- Explore the ruins of a railway that once had a big role in Saudi history.

When exploring the diverse and captivating landscapes, consider applying for an International Driver’s Permit in Saudi Arabia. Having an IDP can make traveling between these locations easier and ensure a hassle-free experience as you navigate the country’s roads. It’s a practical step for anyone planning to drive and fully immerse themselves in the beauty of Saudi Arabia.