Top Things to Do in Saudi Arabia | Best Places to Visit for Tourists

Explore the best activities in Saudi Arabia - wander old ruins, trek sandy deserts, or check out futuristic cities. Keep your phone working easily using eSIM tech while you move around and see cool spots across the country.

Saudi Arabia captivates with its blend of ancient history, vast deserts, and futuristic cities, offering experiences from spiritual pilgrimages to adrenaline-fueled adventures. Whether chasing ruins in the northwest or skyscrapers in Riyadh, visitors find diverse Saudi Arabia activities to do that mix tradition and innovation. The highlights, must-see spots, and practical tips for what to do in Saudi Arabia, including eSIM connectivity, will all be covered in this guide.

Why Saudi Arabia Tops Travel Lists

Saudi Arabia’s turning heads as a top travel spot, thanks to Vision 2030 aiming to boost tourism far beyond religious trips. Fast trains and fancy stays mix well with ancient landmarks, opening doors for visitors from everywhere. Instead of just relying on old paths, fresh tech like solid phone coverage keeps you linked whether you’re lost in sand or strolling city streets - especially helpful when checking out Saudi sights, not French ones.

Iconic Riyadh Experiences

Riyadh hums with life, serving as the heart of Saudi Arabia where modern buildings meet a fresh wave of tradition. Tall skyscrapers rise nearby old districts brought back to life, shaping trips for newcomers who enjoy smooth transit and welcoming spaces good for families.

1. Wander Al Rajhi Grand Mosque

Al Rajhi Grand Mosque impresses through wide marble yards plus detailed Islamic lettering, standing as one of Earth’s biggest prayer sites. Visitors who aren’t Muslim may enter at set times to enjoy the design along with peaceful vibes. Combine this stop with a trip to Kingdom Centre close by - spend the whole day exploring key spots in Riyadh, often ranked high across guides to must-see places in Saudi Arabia.

2. Explore Diriyah Gate

This historic site, where the Saudi kingdom began, holds rebuilt clay homes such as Saad Bin Saud, along with garden courts lined with palms that bring old 1700s living to mind. Displays inside tell stories of the royal family’s early days, pulling in visitors who love past tales. At night, glowing displays ramp up the energy, turning it into one memorable stop across the country.

3. Stroll Boulevard World

Riyadh’s Boulevard World brings faraway city vibes - think cozy French cafés or glowing Tokyo alleys - to a giant play area filled with live music, tasty bites, and dazzling lights. Kids dig the fun zones while parents unwind during themed festivals that pop up now and then. This spot highlights how Saudi Arabia is stepping into fresh forms of nightlife just when travelers start wondering what to check out across the country.

Spiritual Heart: Makkah and Madinah

Saudi Arabia’s most sacred sites pull in huge crowds every year - lately, visitors can drop by just to explore using unique travel permits. These trips let people see deep-rooted traditions while spotting fresh roads and modern builds popping up around them.

4. Visit Masjid al-Haram in Makkah

The Grand Mosque wraps around the Kaaba - Islam’s most sacred spot - and holds space for two million people, along with seven tall minarets. Visitors can walk through outside sections to see religious practices or view the Zamzam well nearby. Phone apps with guidance features make moving through busy zones easier, especially during key visits across Saudi Arabia’s faith-based trips.

5. Tour Masjid an-Nabawi in Madinah

Madinah’s main mosque has the famous Green Dome along with a quiet spot called Rawdah where people pray. It's been made bigger so now around 1.6 million can fit inside. When night falls, lights from big chandeliers brighten up worship, giving visitors calm moments to think. Pair this visit with nearby Quba Mosque - the first ever built in Islam - for a complete look at the city’s deep roots.

Ancient Wonders of AlUla

AlUla’s rust-colored cliffs hide ancient Nabatean graves, just like Petra - only quieter. These days, it draws visitors with high-end camps plus sunrise flights by hot air. Out west, this spot beats most duneside towns hands down - think less dust, more dazzle.

6. Hike Hegra (Mada'in Saleh)

Hegra’s 131 tombs carved into stone - named a UNESCO spot - highlight how skilled the Nabateans were around 100 AD. Tours led by experts uncover writings on walls along with buildings such as Qasr al-Farid. Going at dawn helps beat high temps, making it one of Saudi Arabia’s top travel spots.

7. Discover Elephant Rock

This rocky shape looks like an elephant standing among sunlit sands - great for pictures or rugged desert drives. When night falls, glowing displays tell stories about how the land formed over time. Stay nearby in plush outdoor tents that blend comfort with wild surroundings.

8. Explore Old Town AlUla

Narrow paths weave through huts topped with palm leaves, ending at ancient fortresses from the 1100s that overlook the valley. Creative works by artists worldwide bring a modern twist here. Vendors dish out dates and spiced lamb rice, mixing flavors with tradition.

Desert Adventures Across the Kingdom

Saudi’s vast empty quarter and remote desert pools shape wild travel trips - guides set up rides on camels or night views under open skies.

9. Dune Bash in Rub' al-Khali

The Empty Quarter’s vast orange sands test off-road adventurers on intense desert runs - yet these trips include cozy night stops with traditional meals beneath twinkling stars. For those chasing excitement, this experience stands out across Saudi Arabia - not just another tourist highlight, but a raw journey into wild terrain.

10. Camel Trek in Al Khafji or Shuwaymis

Rock carvings dating back to 10,000 BC show people hunting alongside camels across these ancient sites. Instead of just reading about it, try a quick camel trek or join a guide’s storytelling session to feel that old-world vibe. Since temperatures drop during winter, visiting then works better - especially if you’re bringing kids along.

Red Sea Diving and Coastal Gems

The Red Sea draws divers with coral reefs along with sunken ships, while fresh resorts pop up on quiet islands.

11. Dive Thuwal or Farasan Islands

More than 80 spots underwater burst with shark schools, sea turtles, yet over a thousand types of fish. Boats that sleep guests reach far-off rocky peaks. Eco-friendly rules guard this rich zone - counted among Saudi’s least-known gems.

12. Sail Yanbu Mangroves

Kayaking or yachting through winding mangroves lets you spot flamingos along with dugongs. Afterward, beachside meals pop up, mixing chill time with wild scenery. This spot’s becoming popular across Saudi Arabia, offering a quieter escape from busy shorelines.

Eastern Province and Hofuf

This oil-filled region holds hidden oases along with old forts - rarely seen yet full of surprises.

13. Oasis Hop in Al-Ahsa

UNESCO’s Al-Ahsa? Home to around 2.5 million palm trees - Qatif Fortress stands close by, built from coral stone. Water trickles up through hidden springs, nurturing crops you can see stretching out wide; these age-old watering methods still work like magic today. Grab a handful of ripe dates - they’re sweet, juicy, ideal on the go.

Modern Jeddah Vibes

Jeddah blends coastal walkways with creative neighborhoods - also serving as a path toward Makkah.

14. Stroll Corniche and Al-Balad

The 30km Corniche has beaches, sculptures - also great spots to see yachts. In UNESCO-listed Al-Balad, coral-built homes now hold art spaces along with coffee stops. Exploring via street art walks gives a real feel for local Saudi vibes.

15. Visit Jeddah Yacht Club Area

Luxury marinas sit beside floating mosques - perfect for evening meals when the sun drops. The Red Sea Mall’s just around the corner, bringing shops into play. Together, they show Jeddah’s modern, mixed-up vibe.

Culture, Heritage, and History

Saudi culture stretches from desert tribes to Islam’s peak era, kept alive through old towns fixed up and places where history lives. According to Dr. Abdulaziz Al-Bassam in his 2023 book on Saudi tourism, these spots hold the country's soul together - also helping outsiders get a clearer picture of Arabia’s past

Staying Connected: eSIMs and SIM Cards

With solid 5G spreading from urban hubs into remote desert zones through growing tower networks, travelers can stay connected nearly everywhere. Instead of waiting, grab a Saudi eSIM before landing - set up starts early, perfect for maps and last-minute reservations. Otherwise, pick up a local SIM, even at the airport from providers like STC, Mobily, or Zain offering short-term plans made for visitors.

SimCorner founder Shahzeb Shaikh notes, "Understanding cultural symbols like flags deepens travel, but seamless connectivity lets you capture and share those stories responsibly across borders."

Check out our eSIM options if you're going for a quick hajj trip or sticking around longer. For travels that hop between Gulf countries, regional options work pretty well.

Food, Festivals, and Nightlife

Kabsa rice comes with camel burgers while coffee rituals shape Saudi food culture. Every year, Riyadh Season heats up just as Jeddah's markets kick into gear. Up top in the Kingdom Centre, rooftop spots give you a solid look at the cityscape.

Suggested Itineraries

• 7 days: Riyadh three nights, then head to AlUla for two, after that spend two in Jeddah.
• 10 days: include Makkah or Madinah, then head out for a desert ride.
• Two weeks: features the Red Sea along with Al-Ahsa.

Capture Your Saudi Journey with SimCorner eSIM

Saudi Arabia mixes ancient marvels with futuristic dreams - think Hegra’s rock-cut graves alongside skyscrapers in Riyadh. With a SimCorner eSIM, your navigation, reservations, or photo uploads keep running smoothly, whether you're downtown or deep in desert stretches.

Get an eSIM for quick 5G, or pick up a physical card when you land - it’s your call. Check out cool things to do in Saudi Arabia, share those epic Al Ula morning views, then keep exploring - stay charged, stay ready.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s worth checking out in Saudi Arabia if you’ve never been before?

Begin at Diriyah and the Kingdom Tower in Riyadh, then head to Hegra near AlUla for ancient vibes. Toss in a dune ride across the sands plus a stroll along Jeddah’s waterfront strip. That mix hits tradition, thrill, and city life - all packed into seven days, while an eSIM keeps your phone alive.

What’s the best number of days for must-see spots in Saudi Arabia?

The seven-day trip covers three spots in Riyadh and AlUla, a couple of sacred places, then two along Jeddah or the Red Sea coast. Stretch it out to 10 or even 14 days if you want desert dips and oasis stops. Go during winter - October through April - for cooler temps. Use an eSIM so switching between cities feels smoother.

What are must-see Saudi Arabia tourist attractions beyond pilgrimage?

Hegra’s ancient tombs, that striking Elephant Rock, lush Al-Ahsa greenery - Riyadh Season's highlights keep calling. These spots, picked by UNESCO or packed with local flavor, fit anyone chasing real culture. Skip guesswork; grab a trusted app to lock in guided visits and feel the story unfold.

What’s it like for women traveling alone in Saudi Arabia? Could a trip there work out fine just exploring on your own?

True - some cities have female-only areas on transit or shopping centers, along with tools such as Tawakkalna for personal security. Use a visitor permit instead, wear low-key clothing. An eSIM helps reach help fast while guiding your way around.

When’s the ideal moment for activities in Saudi Arabia?

From October through April, you dodge the hottest weather - perfect for desert trips or walking trails. Events such as Riyadh Season, running between October and February, bring extra fun things to do. When summer hits, it’s smarter to stick to air-conditioned spots like shopping centers or indoor attractions, where a solid eSIM keeps you connected.