How to choose where to go in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia is large. Planning gets easier when you pick 2–3 “anchors” and build the trip around them.

• First time, 4–6 days: Riyadh + AlUla, or Jeddah + AlUla.
• 7–10 days: Riyadh + AlUla + Jeddah (classic triangle).
• 10+ days: Add Red Sea coast and/or the southwest highlands.

Top places to visit in Saudi Arabia

1) AlUla: desert landscapes and world-class heritage

AlUla is the headline destination for a reason. Think monumental rock formations, wide desert horizons, and historic sites in a setting that feels almost unreal. If your trip includes only one “big” nature destination, make it AlUla.

• Best for: scenery, photography, history, outdoor experiences
• Travel style: plan a few nights so you’re not rushing

2) Riyadh: modern Saudi, culture, and capital energy

Riyadh is the country’s modern heartbeat: large, fast, and constantly evolving. It’s a strong base if you want museums, city viewpoints, and a sense of contemporary Saudi Arabia. It’s also a common entry point for international flights.

• Best for: city experiences, museums, dining, shopping
• Travel style: choose a central base and cluster activities nearby

3) Jeddah: Red Sea city with historic soul (Al-Balad)

Jeddah is a coastal city with a different rhythm than the capital—more relaxed, more sea-oriented, and rich in heritage. The standout is Al-Balad, a historic district known for distinctive architecture and atmosphere.

• Best for: heritage areas, seaside evenings, a more laid-back city base
• Travel style: great as a start or finish point for a Saudi itinerary

4) The Red Sea coast: beaches, diving, and resort-style escapes

Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea coast is where the trip shifts into “slow mode.” It’s ideal if you want beach time, water activities, and a break from city schedules. It also fits well after AlUla or a Riyadh-heavy itinerary.

• Best for: relaxation, beach days, snorkeling/diving vibes
• Travel style: plan extra time—coastal days work best without a tight schedule

5) Mecca and Medina: religious significance and pilgrimage travel

Mecca and Medina hold deep religious importance. These cities are primarily associated with pilgrimage travel. If your trip includes them, plan respectfully and prioritize the purpose of the visit.

• Best for: faith-based travel and religious heritage
• Travel style: plan around peak periods and local logistics

6) Abha and the Asir Highlands: a cooler, greener side of the country

For travelers who want a break from desert landscapes and coastal humidity, the southwest highlands can feel like a different country. This is where you go for altitude, cooler air, and a slower pace.

• Best for: summer escapes, nature, mountain scenery
• Travel style: great add-on if you’re building a longer itinerary

7) Taif: mountain air and local getaway energy

Taif is often associated with cooler temperatures compared to lowland areas. It’s a good pick if you want a shorter mountain escape and prefer a more local-travel feel.

• Best for: a change of climate, relaxed days, local travel
• Travel style: best paired with nearby major cities depending on your route

8) Eastern Province (Dammam / Al Khobar): modern coast and business-city comfort

The Eastern Province can be a practical stop if you’re traveling for work or want a modern coastal city base. It’s less “bucket list” than AlUla, but it’s comfortable and easy to navigate.

• Best for: modern city travel, sea views, shorter stays
• Travel style: useful for business trips with a leisure add-on

Sample itineraries (so you can picture the trip)

5-day first trip: Riyadh + AlUla

1. Days 1–2: Riyadh city sights and museums, evening city viewpoints
2. Days 3–5: AlUla landscapes and heritage-focused days

8–9 day classic route: Riyadh + AlUla + Jeddah

1. Days 1–3: Riyadh
2. Days 4–6: AlUla
3. Days 7–9: Jeddah + Al-Balad + coastal evenings

Practical travel tips for Saudi Arabia

• Plan around climate: outdoor sites are best when temperatures are comfortable.
• Expect distances: domestic flights can save significant time on multi-city routes.
• Dress and etiquette: choose respectful clothing and follow local norms in public spaces.
• Book key experiences early: especially for AlUla and popular coastal stays.

Stay connected in Saudi Arabia with Zetsim

Saudi Arabia is easiest when you have reliable mobile data—especially for navigation across large cities, coordinating transfers, booking entry times, and staying on top of schedule changes. This matters even more when you’re moving between regions like Riyadh, AlUla, and Jeddah.

Zetsim travel eSIM plans help you stay online in Saudi Arabia without depending on public Wi‑Fi, so your trip stays smooth from arrival to your last day.

FAQ: Places to visit in Saudi Arabia