Flights from London (LON) to Saudi Arabia

Discover Saudi Arabia

Discover Saudi Arabia

Why visit Saudi Arabia?
Saudi Arabia offers sweeping desert landscapes, modern skylines, and a deep sense of heritage, from ancient trading routes to contemporary cultural districts. You can move between quiet historic quarters and ambitious new waterfront developments in a single trip.
What to expect
You will likely fly into Riyadh, the political and business heart of the country, where glass towers rise beside traditional mud-brick architecture. From there, you can connect onwards to coastal Jeddah, the mountains around Abha, or archaeological gems such as AlUla.
Plan your trip
Saudi Arabia is emerging as a major hub for culture, business, and outdoor exploration across the Arabian Peninsula. It also works well as part of a wider regional journey, linking easily with neighbouring Gulf states and destinations across the Middle East.

Top experiences in Saudi Arabia

Explore Riyadh’s historic Diriyah

Wander restored mud-brick lanes in Diriyah, a UNESCO-listed heritage area that tells the story of the kingdom’s early days.

Admire Riyadh’s modern skyline

Head to one of the city’s sky bridges or rooftop terraces for panoramic views of glass towers rising from the desert.

Discover the desert around Riyadh

Join a guided trip into the dunes or rocky escarpments outside the city for sunset views and stargazing.

Visit museums and galleries

Spend time in Riyadh’s museums and contemporary art spaces to understand the country’s rapid social and cultural transformation.

Stroll through city parks and wadis

Cool off in landscaped parks and wadis around Riyadh, where walking paths, family areas, and shaded lawns offer a calm break from the city.

Experience Saudi coffee culture

Relax in stylish cafés and traditional coffee houses, where aromatic Arabic coffee and dates are a central part of local hospitality.

Enjoy family attractions and malls

Combine shopping with entertainment at large malls that feature cinemas, indoor attractions, and extensive dining options.

Plan a side trip to AlUla or Jeddah

Use Riyadh as your gateway to discover AlUla’s sandstone formations or the Red Sea charm of historic Jeddah.

Experience Saudi Arabia’s way of life

Getting around
Riyadh serves as a main arrival point, with domestic flights, new metro lines, and taxis helping you move between districts and other Saudi cities. Well-maintained highways connect Riyadh to regional hubs, so private transfers and car hire are common options.
Local life & culture
Daily life blends long-standing customs with a young, forward-looking energy. You will find families gathering in parks, business travellers in sleek cafés, and cultural festivals bringing music, art, and design to the forefront across different seasons.
Where to unwind
Green spaces, desert resorts, and scenic viewpoints around Riyadh offer quiet places to slow down. You can spend lazy afternoons in shaded parks, book a stay at an out-of-town retreat, or join an evening walk when the city cools and lights begin to glow.

A taste of Saudi Arabia

National dishes & specialties
Across Saudi Arabia, rice-based dishes, slow-cooked meats, and fragrant spices play a central role in everyday meals and celebrations. Riyadh gives you easy access to regional favourites from across the country, from hearty plates to lighter bites shared over coffee.
Casual & modern dining hubs
In Riyadh, you will find casual eateries, international restaurants, and food halls that reflect the city’s diverse residents and visitors. New dining districts bring together local brands and global names, making it simple to try different flavours in one neighbourhood.
Signature & scenic dining
For special occasions, rooftop and high-floor restaurants offer city views, especially striking after sunset when towers are illuminated. Upscale dining rooms in leading hotels and stand-alone venues combine refined menus with calm, contemporary interiors.

Retail therapy in Saudi Arabia

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Riyadh is known for its large, air-conditioned malls where you can browse international labels, regional designers, and homegrown brands. Many complexes also house cinemas, family attractions, and broad dining choices, turning a shopping trip into a full day out.
Markets & local crafts
Traditional markets and boutique stores in Riyadh showcase textiles, fragrances, metalwork, and decorative items inspired by different Saudi regions. You can look for locally made pieces that reflect desert, coastal, or highland influences, each with its own textures and patterns.
Evening retail scene
After dark, shopping areas in Riyadh become livelier as temperatures ease and families head out. Illuminated façades, late-opening stores, and nearby cafés create a relaxed atmosphere for browsing, people-watching, and unhurried evening walks.

Best time to visit Saudi Arabia

Peak season
November to March is peak season, with cooler daytime temperatures around 15–25°C (59–77°F) in many central areas. This period is popular for outdoor sightseeing, desert excursions, and city exploring.
Shoulder season
April to May and October form the shoulder season, with warmer days averaging 25–35°C (77–95°F). You can still enjoy outdoor activities in the mornings and evenings, while spending hotter hours in museums, malls, or cafés.
Low season
June to September is low season, especially in inland cities such as Riyadh, where daytime temperatures can exceed 40°C (104°F). Travel is still possible if you plan mostly indoor activities and schedule any outdoor time for early mornings or late evenings.

Frequently Asked Questions