UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Book Attractions in Advance

Skip the lines at Saudi Arabia's top attractions by booking tickets in advance through Tiqets. Get instant confirmation and mobile tickets for museums, historical sites, and experiences across Saudi Arabia.

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Al-Hijr Archaeological Site (Madain Saleh)

Explore Nabataean rock-cut tombs and facades in Al-Ula, a sister site to Petra.

Mystical desert landscapes with guided tours revealing ancient trade routes.

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At-Turaif District in ad-Dir'iyah

Discover the birthplace of Saudi Arabia with mud-brick palaces and mosques.

Restored heritage site offering insights into the first Saudi state.

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Historic Jeddah, the Gate to Makkah

Wander coral-stone houses and souqs in this ancient port city.

Vibrant markets and architecture blending Ottoman, Islamic, and African influences.

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Rock Art in the Hail Region

View prehistoric carvings depicting ancient life in Shuwaymis and Jubbah.

Archaeological treasures spanning 10,000 years of human history.

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Al-Ahsa Oasis

Explore the world's largest date palm oasis with canals and forts.

Fertile Eastern Province gem with traditional farms and Qatif Castle.

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Ḥima Cultural Area

Discover petroglyphs and ancient settlements in the mountainous northwest.

Remote site highlighting early pastoral communities and rock engravings.

Natural Wonders & Outdoor Adventures

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Edge of the World (Riyadh Province)

Hike dramatic desert cliffs overlooking vast canyons and sunsets.

Off-road adventure spot with camel treks and stargazing opportunities.

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Red Sea Coral Reefs

Dive into vibrant underwater ecosystems near Jeddah and Farasan Islands.

World-class snorkeling with marine life including dolphins and turtles.

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Asir Mountains

Trek terraced highlands and cloud forests in Abha for cooler climates.

Biodiverse region with cable cars, villages, and seasonal wildflowers.

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Empty Quarter (Rub' al-Khali)

Cross the world's largest sand sea on guided dune-bashing tours.

Extreme desert adventure with fossilized dunes and rare wildlife.

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Al-Ula Valleys

Explore sandstone formations and palm groves in this northern oasis.

Hot air balloon rides and hiking trails amid dramatic rock landscapes.

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Farasan Islands

Island-hop for pristine beaches, mangroves, and birdwatching in the Red Sea.

Relaxed eco-adventures with sea turtles and traditional fishing villages.

Saudi Arabia by Region

🏰 Central Region (Riyadh)

  • Best For: Modern capital vibes, historical sites, and desert excursions with urban energy.
  • Key Destinations: Riyadh, Diriyah, and Edge of the World for palaces and souqs.
  • Activities: Museum visits, desert safaris, shopping malls, and cultural festivals.
  • Best Time: Winter (Nov-Mar) for mild 15-25°C weather and outdoor events.
  • Getting There: Well-connected by train from other cities, with private transfers available via GetTransfer.

🌊 Western Region (Hejaz)

  • Best For: Coastal ports, holy cities, and Red Sea adventures as the gateway to pilgrimage.
  • Key Destinations: Jeddah, Taif, and Yanbu for beaches and mountains.
  • Activities: Souq shopping, diving trips, fruit orchards, and seaside dining.
  • Best Time: Year-round, but spring (Mar-May) for festivals and cooler 20-30°C temps.
  • Getting There: King Abdulaziz Airport in Jeddah is the main hub - compare flights on Aviasales for best deals.

⛰️ Northern Region (Najd)

  • Best For: Ancient archaeological wonders and rock art in remote desert landscapes.
  • Key Destinations: Al-Ula, Hail, and Skaka for tombs and petroglyphs.
  • Activities: Hot air ballooning, hiking, heritage tours, and stargazing camps.
  • Best Time: Cooler months (Oct-Apr) for 10-25°C and avoiding summer heat.
  • Getting There: Rent a car for flexibility in exploring remote archaeological sites.

🌴 Southern Region (Asir)

  • Best For: Lush mountains, oases, and cultural villages with diverse climates.
  • Key Destinations: Abha, Jazan, and Al-Baha for highlands and coasts.
  • Activities: Cable car rides, honey farms, birdwatching, and traditional dances.
  • Best Time: Summer (Jun-Aug) for 15-25°C mountain escapes from desert heat.
  • Getting There: Direct flights to Abha Airport or drives from Riyadh via scenic routes.

Sample Saudi Arabia Itineraries

🚀 7-Day Saudi Arabia Highlights

Days 1-2: Riyadh

Arrive in Riyadh, explore Kingdom Centre, visit Diriyah for historical sites, and enjoy souq shopping.

Days 3-4: Jeddah & Red Sea

Fly to Jeddah for Al-Balad walks and corniche strolls, then snorkel in the Red Sea.

Days 5-6: Al-Ula

Travel to Al-Ula for Madain Saleh tours, elephant rock hikes, and desert evenings.

Day 7: Return to Riyadh

Final day with Riyadh museums, local cuisine, and departure preparations.

🏞️ 10-Day Adventure Explorer

Days 1-2: Riyadh Immersion

Riyadh city tour including National Museum, Masmak Fortress, and modern skyline views.

Days 3-4: Jeddah & Taif

Jeddah for historic sites and markets, then Taif for rose gardens and mountain drives.

Days 5-6: Al-Ula & Hail

Al-Ula archaeological wonders and rock art in Hail with guided heritage tours.

Days 7-8: Asir Mountains

Abha for cable cars, villages, and hikes in cooler southern highlands.

Days 9-10: Red Sea & Return

Farasan Islands relaxation with diving before returning to Riyadh.

🏙️ 14-Day Complete Saudi Arabia

Days 1-3: Riyadh Deep Dive

Comprehensive Riyadh exploration with souqs, museums, and desert day trips.

Days 4-6: Western Hejaz Circuit

Jeddah ports and markets, Taif orchards, Yanbu beaches for coastal adventures.

Days 7-9: Northern Najd Adventures

Al-Ula tombs, Hail rock art, and Edge of the World cliffs with off-road tours.

Days 10-12: Eastern & Southern

Al-Ahsa oasis farms, then Abha mountains for cultural villages and hikes.

Days 13-14: Red Sea Finale

Jeddah Red Sea diving, final shopping, and departure from the capital.

Top Activities & Experiences

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Desert Safaris

Embark on dune-bashing and camel rides in the Empty Quarter or near Riyadh.

Evening camps with Bedouin dinners and traditional entertainment under stars.

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Red Sea Diving

Explore coral reefs and shipwrecks off Jeddah and Farasan Islands.

Diverse marine life with PADI-certified centers for all levels.

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Souq Shopping Tours

Bargain for spices, textiles, and gold in Jeddah's Al-Balad and Riyadh markets.

Cultural immersion with guided walks and artisan workshops.

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Hot Air Balloon Rides

Soar over Al-Ula's rock formations at dawn for breathtaking vistas.

Seasonal flights with champagne toasts and professional pilots.

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Heritage Site Tours

Guided visits to Madain Saleh and Diriyah with expert archaeologists.

Interactive exhibits on Saudi history and ancient civilizations.

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Cultural Workshops

Learn henna art, coffee brewing, or date harvesting in Asir villages.

Hands-on experiences connecting to Saudi traditions and hospitality.

Explore More Saudi Arabia Guides