The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has opened its doors to tourists recently, offering visas that make this once-closed country accessible to visitors. Saudi cities provide a window into a unique culture and breathtaking landscapes unlike anywhere else. From the rose-red structures of Jeddah to the golden sands of Riyadh, here are the most popular cities to visit in Saudi Arabia.
No matter what destination or city you pick to visit, you should apply for Saudi visa. Keep reading to discover the best places in KSA.
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5 Beautiful Saudi Arabia Cities You Must Visit
1. Jeddah – The Cosmopolitan Red Sea Gateway
Jeddah is often the first entry point for many visitors arriving into Saudi Arabia, thanks to its international airport connecting to major hub cities worldwide. Known as the Bride of the Red Sea, Jeddah is Saudi Arabia’s second-largest city with a fascinating history of trade and cultural blending. Even if you seek beautiful places in Saudi Arabia, you may consider visiting here.
The city’s architecture gives it a distinct beauty, with ornately carved wooden window frames and coral-colored stone buildings that glow crimson in the sunlight. No trip to Jeddah is complete without seeing the city’s famed historic homes, which you can tour or even stay overnight inside, immersing yourself in traditional Saudi hospitality. Jeddah is also home to incredible shopping bazaars where you can put your haggling skills to work while buying traditional crafts, gold, and more.
Beautiful places in Jeddah include Al Shallal Theme Park along the waterfront, Al Balad historical district, and the Corniche waterfront promenade. Before hitting this destination, do make sure to check the entry requirements. Those visiting from the UAE can easily obtain a KSA visa from Dubai through approved travel agents before catching a short flight across the Gulf.
2. Riyadh – The Thriving Desert Capital
Riyadh is among the major cities in KSA. The political and economic center of Saudi Arabia, Riyadh is where you’ll find the major pillars of the Kingdom’s past and future. As one of the major cities in KSA, Riyadh has undergone massive development over the past few decades, with glittering skyscrapers towering above while ancient fortresses endure.
Wander through the Masmak Fortress where Saudi Arabia began over a century ago, then visit the King Abdulaziz Historical Center to dive into the country’s origins. See Saudi royals’ extravagant palaces before going off-road through the desert just outside the city with touring groups. Local guides lead visitors to stunning natural sights in the desert landscape, from the red sandstone formations in the Diriyah Valley to lush palm oases.
Beautiful places near Riyadh feature dramatic canyons, photogenic rock formations, and peaceful desert lakes perfect for camping. Riyadh makes accessing other parts of Saudi Arabia easy with its vast airport and centrally located position on the Arabian Peninsula.
3. Al Ula – The Rose-Colored Ancient Treasure
Among Saudi cities with historical value, Al Ula holds a prominent place. The ancient domain of the Nabataean civilization, Al Ula is a region of stunning natural and historical treasures being reinvented as an archaeo-tourism destination. Nestled amidst sandy valleys and rocky peaks northwest of Medina, Al Ula was a vital incense trading hub along caravan routes over 2,000 years ago.
Today, visitors to Al Ula can explore incredibly preserved tombs carved into sandstone cliffs reaching up to 140 meters tall. Marvel at craftwork and engineering as you gaze up at these towering monuments cut into the rocks. Beyond the intricate facades, Al Ula’s valleys and oases also invite discovery with guided tours by camel, horseback, or 4×4 vehicles.
Stargaze while glamping amidst the dunes, then rise at dawn to watch hot air balloons launch over the ancient site of Hegra. Al Ula reveals Saudi Arabia’s crossroads of history, nature, and architecture at its most photogenic rose-tinted sandstone that seems to glow from within.
4. Taif – The Greener Mountain Escape
Though much of Saudi Arabia is covered by desert landscapes, Taif offers a cooler climate and more lush scenery. Located in the mountainous region along the western side of the Kingdom, Taif is a popular weekend escape for residents in nearby Mecca and Jeddah seeking crisp air and outdoor adventures.
Taif is Saudi Arabia’s fruit basket, surrounded by orchards growing peaches, pomegranates, figs, and grapes in fertile soil. Breath in sweet fragrance as you stroll through flower gardens covered in roses that are made into rosewater and used to create traditional perfumes.
Adventure seekers can hike among juniper and wildflowers in the highlands outside Taif, such as Al Shafa and Al Hada Mountains, which are great for mountain biking and camping while watching the sunrise. Cultural attractions in Taif include souqs where you can shop for handicrafts like silver jewelry and explore folk museums displaying traditional regional architecture.
6. Dammam – Port City on the Persian Gulf
On Saudi Arabia’s eastern coastline along the Persian Gulf, Dammam serves as a gateway city with a more relaxed pace of life. An important trading center since ancient times, visitors will want to explore Dammam’s heritage by visiting the Dammam Regional Museum as well as the nearby ancient site of Thaj, with remains dating back over 5,000 years.
Soak up Dammam’s multicultural influences by strolling the Corniche Beach promenade and visiting the colorful Aziziyah neighborhood, filled with mosques, Hindu temples, and churches standing side by side. Taste East African and South Asian cuisine reflecting the diversity of immigrants who have shaped Dammam’s culture over generations.
Nearby attractions include bargain shopping at the enormous Dareen Mall, getting a glimpse of daily local life at Al Shamsan Square, and walking along the half-moon Doha corniche stretching along the coastline. Dammam offers an authentic Saudi experience as one of the major cities in KSA sitting in the most tourist itineraries.
Final Words on Most Popular Cities to Visit in Saudi Arabia
Whether you choose the grandeur of Riyadh, the coastal heritage of Dammam, the mountain air in Taif, the ancient treasures of Al Ula, or the coral city of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia tourism opens doors to natural beauty, cultural diversity, and incredible hospitality. As tourism infrastructure improves each year, seeing this Kingdom’s iconic and lesser-known destinations firsthand becomes easier than ever.
