With the KSA visa and upcoming GCC Unified Visa, traveling to Saudi Arabia is becoming simpler. This country is home to many historical and natural sites, which will astound visitors with its charm and unique beauty.
Recently opened up to international visitors, Saudi Arabia also boasts modern amenities and a host of luxury experiences, proving to be the perfect destination for shopping, dining, and ultimate relaxation.
Here’s a comprehensive guide to things to do in Saudi Arabia:
Hegra, Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site, stands out as an archaeological masterpiece in the middle of the AlUla desert. It is home to over 100 tombs carved into sandstone cliffs and unique monuments. Also known as Mada’in Saleh, it was built by the Nabateans, the same people who built Petra in Jordan.
Hegra can only be explored on a government-organized guided tour and you can make your booking online. It is best to book a tour in the evening when it is cooler. The tour usually takes about three hours, and you will visit these sites: Al Diwan, Jabal Al Banat, Qasr al-Farid, and Face Rock.
Located in the Medina province in the northwestern part of Saudi Arabia, AlUla’s Old Town is an ancient village that’s home to over 800 mud-brick and stone houses. Dating back 2,000 years, AlUla was the capital of the ancient empires of Dadan and Liyah and is one of the oldest settlements in Saudi Arabia.
Once a bustling civilization, AlUla was where ancient traders and pilgrims crossed paths. It has now been carefully restored to become a top tourist destination. As you stroll through Old Town’s main street, explore the many shops selling street food, crafts, souvenirs, perfumes, and other items. Enjoy a meal surrounded by the desert in one of several restaurants and cafes there.
Make sure to visit the AlUla Heritage Village, Madrasat Addeera Cultural Center, Design Space, and the AlUla Public Library while you’re there. You can also pop by the Al Jadidah Arts District, a new district next to the Old Town, to enjoy the creative arts scene of the locals.
To learn more about the area in an immersive and interactive way, go for the Incense Road Experience tour. The two-hour tour has live actors you can engage with and several hands-on activities.
To visit AlUla, you can drive there, take a public bus from Jeddah or Medina, or fly to AlUla’s international airport.
(pictured) About 100km west of the capital Riyadh, the Edge of the World is a cliff in the Tuwaik Mountain range which overlooks the vast desert. From here, you can enjoy unparalleled views of the arid landscape and catch one of the best sunsets in Saudi Arabia. You can also spot camels and their herders moving along the ancient caravan routes.
To get here, you will need to arrange for a 4WD vehicle and tour guide or join an organized tour to avoid getting lost in the desert. Explore the different hiking trails on and around the cliffs, but be careful of the loose gravel and sharp rocks.
Located in the historic district of Diriyah, At-Turaif was the residence of Saudi Arabia’s founding father and became the capital of the First Saudi State in 1727 under the House of Saud. Under Vision 2030, the Saudi government has made significant investments to transform this culturally and historically rich city into a tourist destination.
At-Turaif’s charm lies in its winding streets and alleyways, old mosques, and palaces, which give it its character.
Here are some major sites of attraction to visit:
Right after sunset, you can enjoy the light and sound show which describes the history of Saudi Arabia. Check if there will be any local events or performances at At-Turaif when planning your visit.
For a better view of the sandstone formations, soar over the AlUla desert on a hot air balloon. Experience the magic of catching the sunrise while up in the air. If you visit during the Ancient Kingdoms Festival in November, there will be a trained person to recite Arabic poetry onboard the hot air balloon. They’ll also share stories about the history of AlUla.
Al Badad, Jeddah’s historic district, has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2014. Known for its narrow, winding streets, bustling souqs, and coral-stone buildings adorned with wooden lattices, Al Badad is a city that brims with history and culture.
Dating back to the 7th century, Jeddah was a flourishing trading center due to its strategic location along the coast of the Red Sea and its proximity to Mecca.
Enjoy street shopping for textiles, traditional handicrafts, spices, and perfumes and sipping on Arabic coffee or tea at cafes. Head over to Balad’s Al Bujairi Square to experience Saudi culture and to try authentic Arabian dishes. If you’re there on a Thursday night, you may be treated to a traditional sword-dancing performance.
Here are some key attractions to visit in Al Badad:
While you’re there, visit the nearby Jeddah Corniche, a scenic waterfront area with a variety of dining options. You can also visit Al Rahma Mosque, also known as the Floating Mosque.
With its unique and diverse underwater ecosystem, the Red Sea is often on the travel bucket list destinations for diving enthusiasts. It has over 1,700 shallow fish species and more than 300 hard coral species, making snorkeling or diving in the Red Sea a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Do some in-depth research on the diving schools, tours, and operating times ahead of your visit for the best experience.
Race your family and friends across the red sand dunes on a quad bike outside Riyadh. Typically, a short camel ride and walking trails are included as part of a guided tour. If you’re not confident driving, opt for a 4x4 dune bashing tour instead.
Bearing the meaning “The Valley of Palm Trees”, Wadi Al Disah is an awe-inspiring valley featuring several sandstone columns and high grasses and palm trees. It’s situated in the mountainous region of the Tabuk province in the northwestern part of Saudi Arabia.
Head to Wadi Al Disah for a hike or go for a picnic while surrounded by the dramatic cliffs. You can also camp here and there are no restrictions as to where you can pitch your tent.
Ensure that you have sufficient food and water with you when visiting this site as the facilities in the valley and the surrounding area are limited.
This ancient village built on top of a mountain in the 8th century is located about 4.5 hours from Jeddah by car. It has more than 30 stone houses build with volcanic rock and a mosque, but was abandoned 30 to 40 years ago due its weakening structures.
Thee Ain is free to visit and you can enjoy the spectacular view of the area from the top. The surroundings of Thee Ain are highly fertile and locals cultivate basil and fruit there. Visit the nearby shops selling locally produced goods and traditional handicrafts to bring home some souvenirs.
For Saudi Arabia travel in 2025, citizens of eligible countries can apply for a Saudi eVisa, also known as a KSA visa. The eVisa allows for multiple entries for one year for a maximum stay of up to 90 days. You can submit your application online along with a copy of your passport, a recent photo, and a completed application form.
If you’re not eligible for an eVisa, apply for a traditional Saudi Arabia tourist visa instead at the embassy or through a visa agency.
With the GCC Unified Visa nearing its launch date in the final quarter of 2025, visiting Saudi Arabia and the rest of the GCC will become a seamless experience. The Schengen-style visa will allow for borderless travel across the six GCC countries – Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Here are some travel tips to review before you visit Saudi Arabia:
