Why visit Saudi Arabia?
Saudi Arabia blends ancient desert kingdoms, coastal cities, and dramatic mountain landscapes, offering a rich mix of history and modern development. You will find a country opening up to visitors, with new cultural districts and heritage sites ready to explore.
What to expect
From the capital Riyadh on the central plateau to the Red Sea coastline and the northwest desert canyons, each region has a distinct character. Striking museums, archaeological sites, and new leisure destinations sit alongside traditional souks, mud-brick forts, and old town quarters.
Plan your trip
Saudi Arabia is an emerging hub for exploring the Arabian Peninsula, with growing domestic air links and modern highways between key cities. You can easily combine a stay in Riyadh with journeys to other regions, using the country as a gateway to the wider Gulf.
Discover Saudi Arabia
Discover Saudi Arabia
Top experiences in Saudi Arabia
Explore historic Diriyah in Riyadh
Wander through the restored mud-brick lanes of Diriyah, the original seat of Saudi royalty, and learn about the region's history in beautifully curated museums.
Stroll through Riyadh's old town and souks
Visit traditional markets such as Deira to browse textiles, perfumes, and handicrafts, and experience the atmosphere of the historic city centre.
Take in city views from modern landmarks
Head to iconic skyscrapers in Riyadh for panoramic views of the city skyline, its vast grid of streets, and the surrounding desert.
Discover Saudi Arabia's museum scene
Spend time in national and regional museums that showcase archaeology, Bedouin culture, and the story of modern Saudi Arabia.
Experience desert landscapes near Riyadh
Join a guided excursion to nearby desert escarpments and dunes, where you can enjoy sunset views and the stillness of the open landscape.
Relax in modern parks and promenades
Unwind in landscaped parks, walking trails, and urban promenades, where you can enjoy greenery, public art, and evening strolls.
Enjoy family attractions and entertainment
Discover new entertainment zones, theme-park style venues, and seasonal festivals that cater to families and groups.
Experience Saudi Arabia's way of life
Getting around
Saudi Arabia is a large country, so domestic flights are often the fastest way to move between major cities, with frequent services linking Riyadh to other hubs. Within cities, you can use taxis, ride-hailing apps, and developing metro and bus systems to get around comfortably.
Local life & culture
Daily life balances long-standing traditions with a rapidly changing urban lifestyle, especially in cities like Riyadh. You will notice a focus on family, hospitality, and social gatherings in malls, cafés, parks, and cultural venues across the country.
Where to unwind
Across Saudi Arabia you will find peaceful parks, desert resorts, and coastal getaways where you can slow down. In and around Riyadh, landscaped green spaces and nearby desert retreats offer chances to relax, enjoy the night sky, and take gentle walks.
A taste of Saudi Arabia
National dishes & specialties
Saudi cuisine often features rice, lamb, and chicken, with spiced rice dishes and slow-cooked meats popular across the country. In Riyadh you can sample traditional plates that highlight local spices, fragrant rice, and roasted meats shared family-style.
Casual & modern dining hubs
Major cities host a mix of casual eateries, international chains, and contemporary restaurants serving flavours from across the Middle East and beyond. In Riyadh you will find lively dining streets and lifestyle complexes where cafés, bakeries, and eateries stay busy into the evening.
Signature & scenic dining
For a memorable meal, you can choose restaurants with elevated city views, refined interiors, or desert settings just outside the city. Many venues combine modern design with regional influences, offering relaxed yet polished service for business dinners and special occasions.
Retail therapy in Saudi Arabia
Malls & lifestyle hubs
Saudi Arabia's major cities feature large air-conditioned malls that bring together international brands, cinemas, and family entertainment under one roof. In Riyadh, modern lifestyle destinations combine shopping with cafés, casual dining, and open-air promenades.
Markets & local crafts
Traditional souks are ideal for browsing gold, perfumes, textiles, and handicrafts in an atmospheric setting. In Riyadh and other historic towns, you can look for items such as woven goods, pottery, and locally inspired décor that reflect regional craft traditions.
Evening retail scene
Shopping continues well into the evening, when temperatures are cooler and streets feel livelier. Malls, promenades, and some traditional markets in big cities stay open late, creating a relaxed social setting for strolling, browsing, and people-watching.
Best time to visit Saudi Arabia
Peak season: November to February brings the most comfortable conditions in many parts of Saudi Arabia, with daytime temperatures around 15–25°C (59–77°F). This is ideal for city sightseeing and desert outings.
Shoulder season: March to May and October offer warmer days, typically 25–35°C (77–95°F). It is still manageable for outdoor activities if you plan around the midday heat and focus on mornings and evenings.
Low season: June to September is very hot, especially inland, with temperatures often 35–45°C (95–113°F) or higher. This period suits travellers who prioritise indoor attractions, shopping, and shorter excursions.