Saudi Arabia blends dramatic desert landscapes, dynamic modern cities, and layers of ancient history, offering you a surprising mix of culture, innovation, and wide open spaces.
Discover Saudi Arabia
Discover Saudi Arabia
Why visit Saudi Arabia?
What to expect
Expect futuristic skylines in Riyadh, restored heritage quarters, Red Sea coastlines, and vast desert plateaus, with new museums, galleries, and outdoor adventures opening up across the country.
Plan your trip
Use Riyadh as your starting point to explore the country by domestic flights or road, linking major cities, historic oases, and evolving resort areas along the Red Sea coast.
Top experiences in Saudi Arabia
Take in the views from Riyadh's skyline
Head up one of Riyadh's landmark towers for sweeping city views, especially atmospheric at sunset when the capital's lights begin to glow.
Wander heritage quarters and mud-brick forts
Explore restored old towns and traditional fortresses where narrow lanes, courtyards, and palm-shaded squares tell the story of the region's trading past.
Escape to the desert for a day trip
Join a guided excursion into the desert outside Riyadh to see dramatic cliffs, rolling dunes, and wide horizons under clear desert skies.
Discover Saudi Arabia's museum scene
Spend time in thoughtfully curated museums that trace the peninsula's archaeology, trade routes, and rapid transformation into a modern nation.
Relax in city parks and date palm oases
Unwind in landscaped parks and traditional palm groves that offer cool, green spaces away from the bustle of busy streets.
Experience Saudi Arabia's way of life
Getting around
Riyadh acts as a key hub, with domestic flights connecting major cities and resort areas, while modern highways and an expanding rail network make overland journeys between regions straightforward.
Local life & culture
Daily life balances long-standing traditions with a growing contemporary arts and café scene, where families and friends gather in parks, galleries, and community spaces across the city.
Where to unwind
Unwind in desert camps outside Riyadh, scenic escarpments overlooking wide valleys, and urban parks with walking paths and shaded seating that invite slow, unhurried afternoons.
A taste of Saudi Arabia
National dishes & specialties
You will find fragrant rice dishes, slow-cooked meats, and spiced stews, with different regions known for their own family recipes and generous hospitality.
Casual & modern dining hubs
In Riyadh, casual eateries, food courts, and contemporary restaurants offer everything from grilled specialities to global favourites, making it easy to dine well at any time of day.
Signature & scenic dining
Look for rooftop terraces, garden restaurants, and venues with city or desert views to enjoy long, relaxed meals paired with the glow of the skyline or the open horizon.
Retail therapy in Saudi Arabia
Malls & lifestyle hubs
Riyadh offers large malls and lifestyle centres where you can browse international brands, local labels, and family-friendly entertainment under one roof.
Markets & local crafts
Traditional markets and smaller boutiques showcase perfumes, textiles, metalwork, and home décor pieces that reflect local craftsmanship and regional design.
Evening retail scene
Many shops stay open into the evening, when cooled streets, illuminated facades, and lively malls create a relaxed atmosphere for strolling and browsing after dark.
Best time to visit Saudi Arabia
Winter (November to February, peak season) brings mild days and cool nights, with average temperatures around 15–22°C (59–72°F) in many central and coastal areas, ideal for sightseeing and desert excursions. Spring and autumn (March to May, and October to early November, shoulder season) are warmer, typically 22–32°C (72–90°F), suiting travellers who enjoy longer daylight hours and outdoor evenings. Summer (June to September, low season) is very hot, with inland highs often 38–45°C (100–113°F) or more, and coastal humidity higher, better for short city stays in air-conditioned comfort.