Things to See in Saudi Arabia | Visit Medina, Al Ula & Jeddah in One Trip!

Saudi Arabia is opening its doors and allowing tourists to spend up to 90 days exploring the Kingdom! That’s probably not enough time to discover all the things to see in Saudi Arabia, but it’s definitely a good start. With that much time and regional airports offering cheap domestic flights, tourists now can hop from one region to another in no time at all. With an extended itinerary, visitors to Saudi Arabia can explore a world-famous archaeological site in the Medina Region, climb to the highest viewpoint in Aseer Province, and still see the best attractions in Jeddah and Riyadh.

Medina Region (Al Madinah Province)

Home to the second holiest city in Islam, the Medina Region is one of the most historically-rich zones in all of Saudi Arabia. The capital city of Medina offers a range of things to see and do, and Yanbu on the coast is a popular spot for divers. Two of the most popular attractions in the northern section of the Medina Region are Madain Saleh and the ancient town of Al Ula.

Al Ula

With its winding rows of tightly-packed mud-brick houses and the buzzing atmosphere of everyday living in Saudi Arabia, Al Ula is a gem of a tourist attraction. Some houses still standing in the town are estimated to be up to 2,000 years old, and because the town has an abundant water supply and rare, fertile soil, it is considered a true oasis in the desert.

The tiny village has a population of only about 5,500 people, so visitors will get a true taste of local life when they visit Al Ula. In addition to its maze-like infrastructure, Al Ula also is located along the incense route, a network of roads that once were used to transport spices, silk and other goods for trade through Arabia from Egypt and India.

Things to do in the Medina Region

• Al Ula Heritage Village – view the remnants of an entire community that used to live on the outskirts of Al Ula. The historic village once housed 60,000 people but was eventually abandoned by all its inhabitants. Stone buildings remain preserved, and visitors can view the community’s solar clock, an ancient stone used to predict the changing of the seasons.

• Al Ula Viewpoint – grab a tour guide for this one, but don’t miss the mind-blowing view of red-rocked landscape from Al Ula Viewpoint. The landmark attraction is located just outside Al Ula, but guests who don’t know the area might have a hard time finding the road. Any local tour company will know exactly how to find the scenic spot, and the trip can be paired with a peek of Elephant Rock, the Siamese Cojoined Twin Rock, Hand Mountain and local farms along the highway.

• Madain Saleh – located about 40 minutes northeast of Al Ula and considered a town of its own, Madain Saleh is a dreamy archaeological site to explore, particularly for history fanatics. The city, which is more than three times the size of Al Ula, is most widely known for its cluster of 131 ancient tombs built for the Nabatean people, but it also contains hints of what life was like during the first century.

• Al Masjid an Nabawi – built by the holy prophet Muhammad and open 24 hours a day (but only to Muslims), Al Masjid an Nabawi serves as a centerpiece to the city of Medina. The mosque is one of the largest in the world and is the second-holiest site, after the Great Mosque in Mecca, in Islam. It contains the tomb of Muhammad in what is known as the Green Dome.

Check In to Madakhil Camp, Step Out to Al Ula

FIND & BOOK A HOTEL IN AL ULA TODAY

Asir Region (Aseer Province) & neighboring regions

Travelers who plan a trip to the southwest corner of the country will discover even more incredible things to see in Saudi Arabia. This mountainous region is a popular place to discover the Kingdom’s natural terrain and native wildlife as it is home to the highest peak in KSA and very close to Oroug Bani M’aradh Wildlife Sanctuary, which straddles the Najran and Riyadh regions, and Farasan Island in the Jizan Region.

Agoda Travel Tip: the southern Asir Region borders with the northern border of Yemen. While travelers are advised to stay clear of this area, even with local tour guides, the capital cities of Abha in the Asir Region and Najran in the Najran Region are considered safe to visit.

Abha

Known as the “City in the Sky” and located in one of KSA’s most scenic mountain ranges, Abha is a splendid place where visitors can get a taste of local life as well as a cool refuge. Because the city is built in the mountains, Abha experiences much cooler temperatures – 70°F (21°C) in summer and 60°F (15°C) in winter – and sometimes even sees snow! Visitors can explore historic sites like Shada Archaeological Palace and natural wonders like Jabal Soudah in Al Soudah (Asir) National Park. Abha also is the perfect place to see traditional architecture, particularly mud and stone houses, some of which were built more than three centuries ago.

Things to see in Abha

• Al Soudah National Park – also known as Asir National Park (though not to be confused with Aseer National Park in Abha), Al Soudah National Park is home to juniper forests and dozens of native bird species. The park also contains Jabal Soudah, the highest point in Saudi Arabia.

• Jabal Soudah (Jabal Sawda) – sometimes called Black Mountain because of the black rock that forms it, Jabal Soudah stands at 10,848 feet (2,995 meters) and is considered the coolest (literally) viewpoint in the Kingdom. Travelers who show up at Jabal Soudah in the summer may catch the annual paragliding competition during the Asir Festival, which lasts nearly a full month during July or August. Jabal Soudah is accessible by four cable car networks. In fact, passengers can ride a gondola to several different destinations and tourist attractions, including Al Habala Tourist Park in Al Habala, New Abha and Lake Sa’ad (Abha Dam), Green Mountain and of course, Jabal Soudah.

• Al Muftaha Art Village – decked out in bright colors and exuding a modern vibe, Al Muftaha Art Village is a work of art itself. The modern complex features outdoor murals painted by local artists as well as indoor art displays. The area never closes, and visitors are welcome to stroll around the premises to view paintings and watch artists at work.

• Tuesday Market Place – open every day, not just on Tuesdays, this traditional market is only a short walk from Al Muftaha Art Village and features local goods and souvenirs. Hours are 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and noon to 6 p.m. on Friday.

• Shada Archaeological Palace – built in the early 19th century as a main ruling palace, Shada Archaeological Palace now serves as a reminder of Abha’s rich history. The site has been converted into a museum, which is open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day except Friday (when it is closed).

Check In to Shafa Abha Hotel, Step Out to Abha

FIND & BOOK A HOTEL IN ABHA TODAY

Najran (Najran Region)

Najran is the fastest growing city in Saudi Arabia, and since it borders Yemen, it was once designated as a trading area called Abul Saud. The city is loved for its lush vegetation and fruit orchards. Visitors will find their fill of fresh grapes, lemons and oranges while visiting Najran, and tourists often are surprised to find that Najran is full of natural attractions and historic landmarks as well.

Things to see in Najran

• AlUkhdud Archaeological Site (Al-Okhdood) – considered a gory piece of history by some, AlUkhdud Archaeological Site is actually a trench where more than 1,500 Jewish rulers lost their lives when they converted to Christianity. The leaders were incarcerated in 525 B.C. and then burned inside the complex, which now awaits its designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

• Najran architecture – many historic buildings in Najran take on an architectural style known as midmakh. The structural design is influenced by Yemenis, many of whom occupy the city today.

• Najran Dam – if you’re in Najran, you might as well stop by the biggest dam in Saudi Arabia! The area offers lovely walking trails and scenic viewpoints.

• Historic Amarah Palace (Najran Fort) – designed like a castle out of mud, straw and stone, this 65-room complex once housed the local governor and his assistants. Inside, guests can now explore a museum that preserves the history of Najran along with a water well that dates to the pre-Islamic age.

• Najran Museum – this incredible display of artifacts helps unfold the history of Najran as well as the city’s influence in Saudi Arabia. Mud houses at the entrance are a huge attraction, but guests should still enter as the museum contains a flurry of fascinating facts.

Check In to Hyatt Najran Hotel, Step Out to Najran

FIND & BOOK A HOTEL IN NAJRAN TODAY

Riyadh Province

Riyadh Province not only contains Saudi Arabia’s capital city of Riyadh, but it also claims some of the most historic and modern landmarks in the country. Visitors can spend several days in Riyadh exploring royal palaces, ancient fortresses and the world’s third tallest building with a hole. Think that’s unique? It’s just the beginning of things to see in Saudi Arabia!

Top things to see in Riyadh

Murabba Palace – the former home of King Abdul Aziz, Murabba Palace now serves as a showcase for the king’s memorabilia and personal items. The royal court occupied the premises from 1938 to 1953, the year of the king’s death. Visitors can stroll through palace gardens and view a Rolls-Royce that was gifted to the king in 1946 by former UK Prime Minister Winston Churchill.

Murabba Palace is open from 9 a.m. to noon and 4:30 to 10 p.m. daily. Women and families can visit on Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday evenings. Men are allowed to enter on Sunday, Monday, Wednesday and Thursday mornings, as well as Tuesday evenings. Admission is 15 SR for adults and 10 SR for children.

Masmak Fortress – looking like a fort in the middle of the desert, Masmak Fortress represents a time when garrisons were necessary to protect a city. The former military station turned museum was built in the late 1800s and was raided in 1902. Visitors can see a spearhead still embedded in the main entryway and learn how the garrison was turned into an ammunition warehouse – and a prison – in later years.

Masmak Fortress is open for men from 8 a.m. to noon and 4 to 9 p.m. on Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday and from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday. Women can visit from 8 a.m. to noon and from 4 to 9 p.m. on Monday and Wednesday and from 4 to 7:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. Admission is free, but additional fees may be required for special exhibits and events.

Kingdom Tower – what exactly does a record-breaking building with a hole look like? Sightseers willing to visit the 99-story Kingdom Tower can find out! The skyscraper is home to Al-Mamlaka, a modern shopping mall with brand-name stores and high-end restaurants, but it also is the best place to get a smashing view of Riyadh. Visitors can reach an inverted parabolic arch (the hole) in the upper third of the tower, and an ascent via elevator to the tippy-top leads sightseers onto a 65-meter-long skybridge with glass panels. Besides Al-Mamlaka shopping mall, Kingdom Tower also houses the Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh at Kingdom Centre, office buildings and luxury apartments.

Kingdom Tower is open for tours from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and from 4:30 to 10:30 p.m. Sunday through Wednesday; from 9:30 to 10:30 p.m. on Thursday and Saturday; and from 4:30 to 10:30 p.m. on Friday.

Al Faisaliyah Center & The Globe Lounge – containing 44 floors and a dynamic restaurant, Al Faisaliyah Center is one of Riyadh’s most modern attractions. The skyscraper is the fourth tallest building in the Kingdom, and guests can dine in luxury and enjoy a panoramic view of the city from The Globe Lounge, which sits on top.

Wadi Hanifah – this scenic oasis in the southern part of the city spans nearly 120 km long and features water channels, green spaces, and walking trails. It’s a perfect place for families and couples, and visitors can even get a glimpse of area date farms and orchards.

Spend the morning under the cool shade trees in Wadi Hanifah and then grab lunch at Najd Village, on the corner of Takhassusi Street and Musa Ibn Nusair Street, about a 20-minute drive from Wadi Hanifah. The castle-shaped restaurant serves authentic Najd cuisine and offers a traditional dining experience – Saudi Arabian style!

Historic Ad Diriyah – listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ad Diriyah is where the first Saudi state was established in 1745. The area currently is undergoing reparation in preparation for the influx of tourists expected to enter the country, but tourists are still welcome to explore the grounds. The city once served as Saudi Arabia’s capital, and while the complex is historic, the restaurants and shops surrounding it are very chic. Families and tourists can spend an entire day in Ad Diriyah traversing winding pathways and viewing exhibits, as well as dining at local restaurants and shopping for souvenirs.

Ushaiqer Heritage Village – a perfect daytrip from Riyadh, Ushaiqer Heritage Village is by far one of the best things to see in Saudi Arabia. The community, one of the oldest mud villages in the Najd Region, lies about 110 miles (180 km) northwest of Riyadh and is best visited with a tour guide. The quaint town features dar AlOmar Traditional House, Heritage House museum, Al Salem Museum, Ushaiqer Market, several mosques and several local restaurants. The village is arranged in seven walkable districts that are lined with palm trees and date orchards.

Guests who want to spend more than one day in Ushaiqer Heritage Village should consider booking a room at Raoum Inn Shaqra in nearby Shaqra.

Check In to Aloft Riyadh, Step Out to Riyadh

FIND & BOOK A HOTEL IN RIYADH TODAY

Mecca Region (Makkah Province)

Many visitors come to Saudi Arabia to experience one province, and that’s Mecca! Situated on the western edge of Saudi Arabia, the Mecca Region is the most populous area in the country and contains two of KSA’s most loved destinations – Masjid al-Haram and Jeddah. With nearly 9 million people in the Mecca Region alone, visitors can never run out of things to see in Saudi Arabia!

Jeddah Waterfront

It’s impossible to name all the incredible attractions in Jeddah, but one place to start is on the coast! The Jeddah Corniche is one of the newest and nicest additions to the city, and its sparkling beaches, interactive water fountains, children’s play areas and stupendous view leave travelers wondering: why go anywhere else in Jeddah?

The coastal walkway stretches for 18 miles (30 km) along the Red Sea, and visitors can find shade under pavilions while viewing large-scale, open-air sculptures, yachts in the marina and even King Fahd’s Fountain, the highest fountain in the world! The corniche also is the gateway to Farasan Island, popular for diving, birdwatching and playing on private beaches.

A fun museum to visit near the Jeddah waterfront is Al Tayebat International City in the Al Faisaliyah District. The museum was once a palace and now offers a look into the past through four floors full of artifacts and exhibits. Guests can view Islamic manuscripts, antique currency and weapons, as well as a full display of home interior replicas in more than 300 rooms. One of the most popular displays at Al Tayebat International City is a fisherman’s humble home, which is easily contrasted with a neighboring room that was decorated for a bride-to-be from Abha.

Al Tayebat International City is open from 8 a.m. to noon and from 5 to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday. The museum is closed on Friday. Admission is SR300.

PLAN A TRIP TO JEDDAH

Check In to Royal Casablanca Hotel, Step Out to Jeddah

FIND & BOOK A HOTEL IN JEDDAH TODAY

Mecca (Makkah) & Masjid al-Haram

Last, but certainly not least, is Saudi Arabia’s star attraction, the Masjid al-Haram. This exquisite mosque located in the holy city of Mecca is known around the world as the most sacred place in the Muslim world, as it is the birthplace of the Prophet Muhammad and Islam itself. Only Muslims are permitted to enter the city, and millions arrive each year for the annual Hajj, or pilgrimage, to Mecca. Masjid al-Haram sits in the center of the city and surrounds the Kaaba, a cloth-covered cube that is Islam’s most sacred shrine.

Check In to Al Marwa Rayhaan Hotel by Rotana, Step Out to Mecca

FIND & BOOK A HOTEL IN MECCA TODAY

[contact-form to=”travelguides@agoda.com” subject=”Travel guide survey results”][contact-field label=”Was this travel guide helpful?” type=”checkbox-multiple” =”1″ options=”Yes,No”][/contact-form]