Saudi Arabia offers dramatic desert landscapes, dynamic modern cities, and a deep sense of history, from ancient trading routes to coastal gateways on the Red Sea and the Gulf.
Discover Saudi Arabia
Discover Saudi Arabia
Why visit Saudi Arabia?
What to expect
You can move between the high-rise energy of Riyadh, the heritage quarters of Jeddah, and emerging destinations such as AlUla and the Red Sea coast, with a growing focus on culture, outdoor adventure, and events.
Plan your trip
Saudi Arabia is building fast, with improving transport links and visitor services, making it easier to combine city stays, desert escapes, and coastal time, as well as connect onwards across the Middle East.
Top experiences in Saudi Arabia
Explore Riyadhs historic Diriyah
Visit the mud-brick structures and restored streets of Diriyah to see where the story of the Saudi state began, set against stylish new public spaces.
Discover ancient AlUla
Walk among sandstone cliffs, rock formations, and ancient tombs at AlUla, where heritage sites sit within a vast desert valley.
Stroll Jeddahs old town
Wander the lanes of historic Al Balad in Jeddah, lined with coral-stone houses, traditional wooden balconies, and intimate courtyards.
Head to the Red Sea coast
Spend time by the Red Sea for warm waters, coral reefs, and relaxed promenades along seafront corniches.
Venture into the desert
Take a guided trip into dunes and rocky escarpments outside major cities for sunset views, starry skies, and quiet desert air.
Visit modern cultural hubs
Seek out museums, galleries, and cultural districts in Riyadh and Jeddah that showcase contemporary art, design, and local creativity.
Enjoy city viewpoints
Look out over Riyadh from its landmark towers for panoramic views of the citys grid, skyline, and surrounding plateau.
Experience Saudi Arabias way of life
Getting around
You will usually fly between major cities such as Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam, then rely on private transfers, taxis, and ride-hailing apps within urban areas, with new rail and highway links steadily improving overland journeys.
Local life & culture
Daily life often revolves around family, hospitality, and evenings in cafes, parks, and promenades, while traditional music, poetry, and storytelling are reflected in modern festivals and cultural venues.
Where to unwind
You can relax in city parks, landscaped corniches, and desert resorts, or escape to nature in mountain and coastal areas that offer cooler air, scenic viewpoints, and outdoor activities.
A taste of Saudi Arabia
National dishes & specialties
Hearty rice and meat dishes, spiced stews, grilled meats, and fragrant rice are common across the country, with regional variations between the central plateau, the Hijaz region, and coastal cities.
Casual & modern dining hubs
In Riyadh and Jeddah, you will find a wide mix of casual eateries, international restaurants, and contemporary cafes, making it easy to try both local flavours and familiar global favourites in one trip.
Signature & scenic dining
For a memorable meal, choose rooftop venues with skyline views, restaurants set within heritage districts, or desert and coastal resorts that pair local ingredients with striking surroundings.
Retail therapy in Saudi Arabia
Malls & lifestyle hubs
Across Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam, large malls bring together international fashion, lifestyle stores, cinemas, and family entertainment in air-conditioned comfort.
Markets & local crafts
Traditional souqs and smaller markets in cities such as Riyadh, Jeddah, and Abha offer textiles, perfumes, handicrafts, and regional products that reflect local heritage.
Evening retail scene
Many shops and malls open late into the evening, when cooler temperatures and illuminated streets encourage a relaxed, sociable atmosphere for strolling and browsing.
Best time to visit Saudi Arabia
Winter (November to March) is generally the most pleasant time to visit, with many cities seeing daytime temperatures around 15–25°C (59–77°F), making it peak season for outdoor sightseeing and desert trips. Shoulder season in spring (April to early May) and autumn (late September to October) brings warmer days of roughly 25–35°C (77–95°F), labelled as shoulder season, which can be comfortable if you plan activities for mornings and evenings. Summer (late May to September) is low season, when inland areas such as Riyadh can exceed 40°C (104°F) during the day, although coastal regions may feel slightly milder with sea breezes.