Saudi Arabia blends sweeping desert landscapes, modern cities, and a deep sense of history. You can explore cutting-edge skylines, ancient trading routes, and dramatic coastlines in one trip.
Discover Saudi Arabia
Discover Saudi Arabia
Why visit Saudi Arabia?
What to expect
Expect futuristic towers in Riyadh, restored mud-brick forts on the plateau, and easy access to archaeological sites and desert adventures. The country is opening up to visitors with new cultural districts, museums, and outdoor experiences.
Plan your trip
Saudi Arabia works well as a stand-alone destination or a gateway to the wider Middle East. With expanding domestic flights and modern highways, you can combine major cities with desert escapes in a single itinerary.
Top experiences in Saudi Arabia
Explore Riyadh’s skyline and heritage
Take in views from iconic towers, then wander through restored palaces, old quarters, and traditional souqs for a sense of the city’s past and present.
Journey into the desert
Join guided trips to towering dunes and escarpments, where you can try dune drives, sunset viewpoints, and stargazing far from city lights.
Visit ancient archaeological sites
Discover rock formations, tombs, and old caravan routes that reveal the region’s role as a crossroads of civilisations.
Stroll through traditional souqs
Browse stalls of spices, textiles, perfumes, and handicrafts in historic marketplaces, and watch everyday life unfold around you.
Experience contemporary art and culture
Explore new museums, galleries, and cultural hubs that showcase Saudi artists, design, and performance in bold modern spaces.
Experience Saudi Arabia’s way of life
Getting around
Use domestic flights to cover long distances between major cities, then rely on taxis, ride-hailing, and hotel transfers in urban areas. Modern highways also make private drivers and car hire a practical option for day trips and regional journeys.
Local life & culture
Daily life moves between sleek malls, business districts, and historic neighbourhoods where traditional architecture still shapes the streets. Social life often centres on family gatherings, cafés, and outdoor events in the cooler months.
Where to unwind
Unwind in landscaped city parks, new waterfront promenades, and desert resorts offering pools and spa treatments. Cooler evenings and winter months are ideal for gentle walks, picnics, and scenic viewpoints on nearby escarpments.
A taste of Saudi Arabia
National dishes & specialties
You will find fragrant rice dishes, slow-cooked meats, and generous shared platters that highlight aromatic spices and local dates. Different regions offer their own takes on grilled meats, rice, and breads.
Casual & modern dining hubs
Riyadh’s neighbourhoods are dotted with casual eateries, coffee shops, and international chains, making it easy to find something familiar or try local flavours. Food trucks and contemporary cafés add a youthful energy to the dining scene.
Signature & scenic dining
Choose from restaurants with sweeping skyline views, desert resorts offering open-air dinners under the stars, or refined hotel venues where you can linger over long meals in elegant surroundings.
Retail therapy in Saudi Arabia
Malls & lifestyle hubs
Riyadh’s modern malls bring together international fashion, lifestyle brands, cinemas, and dining under one roof. Many centres also host seasonal events, family attractions, and spacious food courts.
Markets & local crafts
Traditional markets offer textiles, carpets, metalwork, and fragrance oils, often alongside everyday household goods. Look for stalls selling locally made items that reflect regional patterns and designs.
Evening retail scene
Evenings are a popular time to shop, with malls and some markets staying open late and filling with families and groups of friends. Illuminated façades, cafés, and outdoor terraces add to the relaxed after-dark atmosphere.
Best time to visit Saudi Arabia
Winter (November to March) is the peak season, with daytime temperatures often around 15–25°C (59–77°F) in central regions, making it comfortable for city sightseeing and desert trips. Shoulder season in spring and autumn (April to May, October) brings warmer days around 25–35°C (77–95°F), labelled as shoulder season, which suits travellers who can manage some heat. Summer (June to September) is the low season, when temperatures in many areas can exceed 40°C (104°F), especially inland, and outdoor activities are best planned for early morning or after sunset, making it the low season.