Saudi Arabia Bucket List: 15 Destinations You Shouldn't Miss

15 Best Places to Visit in Saudi Arabia

1. Hegra, AlUla

Built by the Nabateans, the same people who gave us Petra in Jordan, Hegra is going to be the main highlight of your trip to Saudi Arabia. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with over 100 tombs carved into sandstone cliffs located in the middle of the AlUla desert.

The entire area is fenced off, and the only way to visit Hegra is to go on an organized tour run by the government. You can book it online here. Make sure to book in advance, as they have limited spots for each time slot.

The best time to visit Hegra is in the evening, so be sure to book a time slot that is as close to sunset as possible. When I booked the tour in early March, the last time slot of the day was at 2:30 PM, which turned out to be perfect. It took us about 30 minutes to get from the meeting point to Hegra, and we spent about 3 hours exploring the heritage site until 5 PM.

The tour takes about 3 hours, and you will be visiting 4 sites: Al Diwan, Jabal Al Banat, Qasr al-Farid (A tomb carved from a lone rock), and Face Rock, all in that order. The guide will take you to each spot and explain the history of the place as well as point out any details you might have missed.

The tour costs approximately 95 SAR and runs six times a day from 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM during the peak season, and two or three times a day during the low season. It is one of my favorite places in Saudi Arabia, so be sure to put Hegra on your itinerary.

2. AlUla's Old Town

AlUla's Old Town is another tourist attraction in AlUla that you shouldn't miss. With several mud houses and shops lining both sides of the street, the old town of AlUla really gives off a vibe of being in a Western cowboy movie.

The moment you walk into the Old Town, you will be greeted by a local who will give you a cup of Saffron coffee and a date as a welcome gift for free, which I think is a nice touch.

Along both sides of the Old Town's main street, you'll find plenty of shops and stores offering all kinds of goods, from souvenirs to perfumes, and more. You'll also find a selection of really lovely restaurants and cafes that blend seamlessly with the desert surroundings.

It is a great place to hang out in AlUla during the day. Be sure to also drop by Al Jadidah Arts District, a newly-developed district right next to AlUla's Old Town, where the creativity of the locals here shines the most.

Some of my favorite places in AlUla's Old Town are here, like Madrasat Addeera Cultural Center, Design Space, and my favorite of all, AlUla Public Library.

For more things to do in AlUla, check out:10 BEST Things to Do in AlUla, Saudi Arabia

3. Our Habitas, AlUla

Probably one of the most luxurious and expensive hotels I have ever splurged on, Our Habitas is the epitome of great hospitality with its collection of awesome hotels, located inside a vast private area with some of the most dramatic landscapes you will see in AlUla.

I usually do not stay in this kind of place, but when I found out that many of the coolest attractions in AlUla, like Maraya, are locked behind this private land and people without reservations are prohibited from entering, I decided to bite the bullet and book one of Our Habitas hotels.

They have about 3 hotels around the property, with the cheapest one being Caravan by Habitas, where I stayed, Banyan Tree AlUla, and the most luxurious of all, Our Habitas.

The coolest part about staying in one of these hotels is that you can use all the facilities, no matter where you choose to stay. I stayed at Caravan, and I have access to the swimming pool and the restaurant at Our Habitas, which is pretty awesome.

They are hella expensive, but if you stay only one night and spend the entire day exploring all the tourist attractions around the property, and enjoying all the facilities to their fullest as I did, you will get your money's worth in no time.

4. Maraya, AlUla

Maraya is a massive mirrored structure, the largest of its kind in the world, located inside the private land operated by Our Habitas in the middle of nowhere, and it is one of the most beautiful buildings you will see in AlUla.

Maraya is an architectural wonder with its all-mirrored exterior reflecting the stunning rugged landscapes of AlUla, creating an illusion as if the structure is one and the same. You won't believe your eyes the moment you see the structure from afar.

One thing to note is that Maraya is located inside the property of Our Habitas, and you are going to have to show a reservation of one of the hotels operated by them to get access to the attraction, which is why I recommend you splurge on Our Habitas hotel. The place is deep inside the canyons and you will not be allowed in without a reservation no matter what, so be sure to book the hotel in advance.

5. Edge of the World

To be able to stand at the Edge of the World is probably the reason why I decided to visit Riyadh. The Edge of the World is a massive canyon that overlooks a vast desert landscape, creating the illusion of standing at the edge of the world, hence its name.

It is located approximately 98 km north of Riyadh and is the perfect half-day trip if you are looking to escape the bustling city. The canyon consists of many stunning viewpoints, dramatic cliffs, and valleys that seem to stretch endlessly into the horizon, as far as the eye can see.

Since the place is in the middle of nowhere, to get here, you are going to need a 4WD and a good navigator to help you navigate the endless barren desert of Saudi Arabia. I do not recommend you go on this journey on your own as there is a high chance you will get lost, as the trails are not marked most of the way.

To visit the Edge of the World, I highly recommend you go with this organized tour instead. That's how I did it, and I'm glad I did because I would never be able to find where it is on my own.

With the tour, you will depart from Riyadh at 2 PM and have about 2 hours to roam freely and witness the incredible sunset over the horizon. Afterward, you will be provided with a basic dinner before being taken back to Riyadh, arriving around 8 PM. This experience was one of the highlights of my time in Saudi Arabia and definitely made my visit to Riyadh worthwhile, so be sure to include this in your itinerary.

6. Al Turaif, Riyadh

Another great place to visit in Riyadh is At-Turaif World Heritage Site. Located in the historic district of Diriyah, the oldest part of the city, At-Turaif is the place where the founding father of Saudi Arabia, the House of Saud, resided when the city was founded.

From its winding and crisscrossing streets and alleyways, you will find old mosques, palaces, and small museums dedicated to telling the story of the House of Sauds.

The place is huge, and you can expect to spend at least an hour just exploring At-Turaif alone. There are also a few cafes and restaurants tucked away in the maze in case you want to take a break.

If you are there in the evening, right after sunset, you will be able to witness its incredible light and sound show, which tells the history of Saudi Arabia from its founding days to its struggles with powers to the modern Saudi Arabian state we see today.

For more things to do in Riyadh, check out:10 BEST Things to Do in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

7. Al Wabah Crater

Located about 330 km from Jeddah, you will find the incredible Al-Wa'bah Crater, one of the most beautiful natural craters in Saudi Arabia, and a must-visit for those who are looking for something unique and different to do here.

The crater itself is an almost perfectly circular depression in the desert landscape, measuring about 2 kilometers in diameter and around 250 meters deep. It is believed to have been formed by a volcanic eruption thousands of years ago, although its exact age is still a mystery to geologists.

If you are planning to drive from somewhere to Jeddah, like Medina or Riyadh, stopping at Al-Wa'bah Crater to break the trip is an excellent idea, since it is only a small detour from the main highways coming into Jeddah.

People used to descend into the crater and camp there, but a local told me that some individuals died due to poisonous gas, so descending is now prohibited. Not sure how true this was, but most people who went down confirmed that going down is easy, but many people have difficulty climbing up due to how steep and slippery it is, so do not attempt to go down! Other than that, it is a great place to drop by on your way to Jeddah.

8. Old Jeddah

Out of all the old towns and heritage villages you can find in Saudi Arabia, Old Jeddah, the oldest part of the ancient port city of Jeddah, is my favorite. The place is steeped in history dating all the way back to the 7th century, and walking through it feels like stepping back in time.

Back in the day, Jeddah was one of the most prosperous trade hubs in the region, owing to its strategic location on the coast of the Red Sea and its proximity to Mecca, the most sacred city in Islam.

Jeddah greatly benefited as ships laden with massive crowds of pilgrims descended upon its port, making their pilgrimage to Mecca every year for centuries.

With such a diverse array of people from various cultures converging in one place, you can truly witness how it has shaped the city even now, with the incredibly unique architecture of Old Jeddah, which draws inspiration from different cultures.

Now, the place is a UNESCO Heritage Site where you can travel back in time and see what Jeddah was like in its heyday as you stroll along its crisscrossing streets and alleyways. It is one of the most beautiful old towns I've seen in Saudi Arabia, and it is not to be missed.

For more things to do in Jeddah, check out:9 BEST Things to Do in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

9. Al Tayabat Museum, Jeddah

Al Tayabat City Museum is the best museum in Jeddah and one that must not be missed. First and foremost, the museum is housed in this impressive multi-complex structure that is unlike anything you have seen before.

The museum is housed in a complex that recreates the traditional Hijazi architecture, an architectural style that you can still see in Old Jeddah, with bay windows overlaid with intricate wooden lattice work and ornate coral masonry.

Inside the museum, you will find an impressive amount of in-depth exhibits spread across 3 floors. The museum offers a living history lesson on the foundation of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, and the wider Arabian Peninsula.

There is so much to see at Al Tayabat City Museum, and you can expect to spend about 2 hours admiring its incredible exterior as well as learning about the history of Jeddah and beyond. It's definitely a great place to check out if you want to learn more about Jeddah.

10. Thee Ain Ancient Village

Located about 4.5 hours' drive from Jeddah, near the city of Baha, you will find the beautiful Thee Ain Ancient Village, a village built in the 8th Century on top of a marble mountain with more than 40 houses, a mosque, and a fortified wall surrounding it.

The village was named after the water that flows from the nearby mountains. There is a local legend that tells of a man who lost his stick in one of the valleys. In his attempt to retrieve it, he followed the river until he arrived at the village. There, he gathered its people and excavated until he extracted the stick from the spring.

You can read the history of the place and all its legends at the Visitor Center at the bottom of the village. The village is free to enter and although there is nothing inside the houses here, it is still worth the climb for the view over the area.

If you are planning to drive from Jeddah to Abha, Thee Ain Ancient Village is a great place to break the trip. You can even stay overnight in Al Baha and come to check out the village at night. I've heard that the place is illuminated by artificial light, which should make for an even more magical experience.

For more details on renting and driving a car in Saudi Arabia, check out:Renting a Car in Saudi Arabia: 19 Things to Know

11. Rijal Almaa Museum, Abha

Another great place to stop by if you are planning to travel from Jeddah to Abha is Rijal Almaa Museum, an incredible piece of architecture that has stood the test of time for more than 900 years.

It is a village turned museum, highly influenced by Yemeni culture, which is clearly visible in its unique architectural style, reminiscent of that found in the Old Quarter of Sana'a, the capital city of Yemen.

Despite certain areas being converted into a museum, you will still find people living in some of the houses here. It is said that there are around 60 multi-story buildings here, all made of stone, clay, and wood.

You will have to pay the entrance fee of 20 SAR per person to enter the structure. Inside, there is a small museum that contains old tools, weapons, and a few costumes. Rijal Almaa Museum is the sole reason why I decided to travel to Abha in the first place, and boy, was it worth the journey! If you want to get a glimpse of Yemeni culture in Saudi Arabia, be sure to visit Rijal Almaa Museum.

12. Jabal Sawdah, the highest mountain in Saudi Arabia

I'll be honest with you, seeing Jabal Sawdah was not part of my initial plan. In fact, I didn't even know about it until I drove from Jeddah to Abha and realized that I was ascending a steep mountain. It was only then that I discovered I was actually climbing Asir Mountain, and the high peak I saw from the car window was Jabal Sawdah, the highest mountain in Saudi Arabia.

As you drive the epic road, you will find a few rest stops along the way where you can appreciate the view of the Asir Mountain. One of the first rest stops you will find is this viewpoint, located at one of the hairpin turns up the mountain. You will get an incredible view of Jabal Sawdah and the Asir mountain range.

I was there at sunset, and it was incredible. There were also baboons everywhere, hanging out on the mountain, waiting for locals to feed them. They can get quite aggressive when they see anything that could be food, so do not have anything dangling around with you when you get out of the car.

As you drive up the mountain, you will find another great viewpoint with a clearer view of the serpentine road that you just drove up. Don't forget to stop here as well.

Last but not least, the highest viewpoint here will provide you with an incredible vantage point over the western side of the mountain, making it a perfect spot to watch the sunset. All three viewpoints are truly worth a visit, so be sure to keep an eye out for them! Bring your jackets too, as it can be extremely cold up here.

13. Al Masjid an Nabawi, the Grand Mosque of Medina

Medina is the second most sacred city in Islam and it is home to Al Masjid an Nabawi, one of the most beautiful mosques in the world. The city is more than 1,500 years old and is considered the place from which Prophet Muhammad, the founder of Islam, established the Muslim community after his flight from Mecca (622 CE) and is where his body is entombed.

The city used to prohibit non-Muslims from visiting, but in 2021, they relaxed this rule and now anyone is welcome to the city. That is why I have included it on the list and not Mecca. It would be a shame to come all the way to Saudi Arabia and not visit one of the most sacred cities in the world.

As of 2024, you can even go and see the Prophet's Mosque, which was built at the site where Prophet Mohammed passed away. It is the second-largest mosque in the world, second only to the Grand Mosque in Mecca, with a capacity of over a million.

Technically, you are only allowed to see the mosque from the outside, but sometimes the security guard might allow you to enter the fenced area, but not inside the mosque itself.

The rules aren't as clear-cut; however, I was let in at one gate and scolded by a security guard at a different gate, so your mileage may vary. It is important to respect the religion here, so I wouldn't attempt to enter the mosque without permission.

14. Jubbah Historical Heritage, Hail

Hidden amongst the sandstones of the rugged terrain of Jubbah, about 126 km north of Hail, you will find some of the best and oldest examples of Neolithic rock art with multiple petroglyph panels spanning thousands of years of cultural evolution.

Many of these rock arts are over 10,000 years old, with a variety of figures that shed light on human activities, hairstyles, and attire in the prehistoric time. There are many rock arts in Jubbah, but only a handful of them are accessible at the moment. Still, it is worth a visit, especially if you happen to be traveling in Hail.

Unfortunately, I found out the hard way that the area only opens on weekdays, which is a shame. Otherwise, if you can manage the trip, I highly recommend you do so.

15. Ushaiqer Heritage Village

Along the way from Riyadh to Hail, you will find Ushaiqer Heritage Village, a beautiful heritage village with a collection of beautiful mud houses, but unlike the ones in Riyadh, people actually do live in them here.

Bedouins first settled here 1,500 years ago, and Ushaiqer quickly became a popular stopping point for pilgrims who are crossing the desert to get to Mecca, thanks to its springs and low-brimmed olive and palm groves.

The village is connected via crisscrossing streets and narrow alleyways with a ton of hidden gems waiting for you to discover. I especially like Ushaiqer Heritage Mosque and its incredible architecture. To think that I almost missed it by accident!

If you are planning to travel from Riyadh to Hail or looking for a nice day trip from Riyadh, don't forget to drop by and check out Ushaiqer Heritage Village. There is no entrance fee, which is pretty awesome.

Now that we have all the information we need, it's time to start planning your trip! Here are some resources to help you get going:

Flights: Skyscanner and Expedia are the best places to start looking for cheap flights and great deals from your home country.

Accommodation: Hostelworld, Booking.com, and Agoda.com are the ultimate go-to platforms to search for amazing hostels and hotels at affordable prices.

Travel Insurance: Heymondo covers theft, medical emergencies, cancellations, and more during your travels. Get a 5% discount if you sign up today.

Transportation: For buses, I always go with Omio when traveling in Saudi Arabia while for trains, Omio is my go-to place to book all my train travels in advance.

Car Rental: DiscoverCars.com is a great and reliable platform to find rental cars.

Internet: Airalo is the best way to get a sim card and has reliable internet access for your trip. All you need is an esim compatible smartphone, install it on your phone prior to your trip, and you are all set.

VPN: To stay connected with people at home, I always make sure to have ProtonVPN, installed before traveling. It's FREE, and I can gain access to services that may be blocked in certain countries.

Day Trips & Tours: Viator, GetYourGuide and TripAdvisor are great platforms to search for trips and tours to join.

Tickets & Deals: Klook is always my go-to website when I want to find cheaper deals for entrance tickets to tourist attractions.

Are you planning to travel independently? Be sure to check out my guide on How To Plan A Backpacking Trip here.

Further Reading for Saudi Arabia

Looking for more information for your trip to Saudi Arabia? Here is a collection of articles about Saudi Arabia that you might find useful:

• Planning a trip to Saudi Arabia? Here's a perfect itinerary for you: 2 Weeks Saudi Arabia Itinerary.
• Visiting Riyadh soon and wondering what there is to do there? Check out: 10 Best Things to Do in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
• AlUla is, hands down, one of the most beautiful places in Saudi Arabia and if you plan to visit there, you are going to need this guide: 10 Best Things to Do in AlUla, Saudi Arabia.
• Jeddah is the Dubai of Saudi Arabia with the same laid-back vibe, but way cooler history. Here are the9 Best Things to Do in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
• Want to rent a car and travel around Saudi Arabia? You might want to read this first: 19 Things To Know Before Renting a Car and Drive in Saudi Arabia.
• Looking to explore more? How about dropping by the United Arab Emirates Travel Guide, Qatar, or Bahrain?
• Looking for more travel guides for the Middle East? You can find more on my Middle East Travel Guide page.
• For more of my travel guides, visit my Destinations page.