Explore the Beautiful cities in Saudi Arabia to visit: Saudi Arabia is a country that has a very distinct history, culture, and variety of landscapes due to its extensive size. This kingdom has plenty to offer everyone, from the teeming metropolises and cutting-edge architecture to the undulating dunes and ancient landmarks. The following is a list of the 23 most popular tourist cities in Saudi Arabia, along with information on what each city offers visitors.
- Best places to visit in Saudi Arabia
- 1. Mecca – The Holiest City of Islam
- 2. Medina – The City of the Prophet
- 3. Jeddah – The Gateway to Mecca
- 4. Riyadh – The Capital City
- 5. Dhahran – The Oil Capital
- 6. Taif – The City of Roses
- 7. Dammam – The Industrial City
- 8. Al-Ahsa – The Oasis City
- 9. Abha – The Mountain City
- 10. Tabuk – The Northern Gateway
- 11. Buraidah – The Garden City
- 12. Al-Kharj – The Agricultural City
- 13. Khamis Mushait – The Southern Gateway
- 14. Najran – The Ancient City
- 15. Al-Bahah – The Mountain City
- 16. Arar – The Border City
- 17. Hafar Al-Batin – The Industrial City
- 18. Al-Mubarraz – The Heritage City
- 19. Skaka – The Rock City
- 20. Al-Ula – The Historic City
- 21. Jazan – The Coastal City
- 22. Abqaiq – The Oil City
- 23. Known as the Cultural City, Al-Hofuf
Best places to visit in Saudi Arabia
1. Mecca – The Holiest City of Islam
The Mecca is considered the holiest city in Islam because it is where Muhammad was born. It is the location of the Kaaba, which is considered to be the holiest shrine in Islam, as well as Al-Masjid Al-Haram, which is the largest mosque in the world. People worldwide come to undertake the Hajj or Umrah pilgrimage because it is an opportunity to connect with their religion once in a person’s lifetime. The Holy place is one of famous historical Places in Saudi Arabia to visit.
2. Medina – The City of the Prophet
It is believed that the Prophet Muhammad was laid to rest at Medina, making it the second holiest city in Islam. Additionally, it is the location of the Al-Masjid An-Nabawi, the Al-Masjid An-Nabawi, world’s second-largest mosque and the final resting place of the Prophet Muhammad. Pilgrims performing the Hajj or Umrah are the most common types of visitors to Medina; however, tourists interested in Islamic history and culture also flock to the city.
3. Jeddah – The Gateway to Mecca
Jeddah is the largest city in Western Saudi Arabia, as well as the city that serves as the entrance to Mecca. It is a sophisticated city with modern shopping, a flourishing arts scene, and a long and illustrious past. The Jeddah Corniche, the historically significant Al-Balad area, and the Jeddah Museum of Archaeology and Ethnography are excellent tourist destinations. It’s one of best places to visit in Saudi Arabia.
4. Riyadh – The Capital City
The Riyadh, the capital city of Saudi Arabia, is a contemporary metropolis with a deep and complex past. Visitors can learn about Saudi Arabia’s rich history at the King Abdulaziz Historical Center, the National Museum of Saudi Arabia, and the old Masmak Fort. Riyadh is also a premier shopping destination, as it is home to some of the finest shopping malls in the world, such as the Kingdom Tower.
5. Dhahran – The Oil Capital
The Saudi Arabian Oil Company headquarters are located in Dhahran, which is widely regarded as the “oil capital” of Saudi Arabia (ARAMCO). Visitors can investigate the ARAMCO display and gain knowledge regarding the development of the oil industry in Saudi Arabia. Because there are many parks, beaches, and opportunities for outdoor sports, Dhahran is an excellent location for people who appreciate the natural world.
6. Taif – The City of Roses
Taif is located in the Western Highlands of Saudi Arabia, and it is famed both for its breathtaking views of the mountains surrounding it and for its renowned Rose Festival. Visitors have the option of touring the city’s historical attractions, such as the Al-Shafa Mosque and the Taif Fortress, or taking a stroll through the city’s world-famous rose gardens. The place is one of best attractions in Saudi Arabia.
7. Dammam – The Industrial City
Dammam is the most important commercial and industrial center in Eastern Saudi Arabia and the largest city in the region. The King Fahd Park and the Al-Danah Mall are two examples of the city’s contemporary architecture that tourists can visit throughout their stay. Dammam is an excellent location for anyone interested in participating in water activities due to the abundance of beaches and marinas along the Gulf coast.
8. Al-Ahsa – The Oasis City
Al-Ahsa is located in eastern Saudi Arabia and is well-known for its verdant oasis, which is regarded as one of the largest in the world. Visitors have the opportunity to tour the historical Al-Ahsa Oasis and gain an understanding of the region’s agricultural past while learning about traditional irrigation methods.
9. Abha – The Mountain City
The Abha is a city located in the Asir Mountains of Saudi Arabia. It is famous for its breathtaking views of the peaks in the surrounding area and its extensive cultural history. The Abha Palace, the Abha Regional Museum, and the Asir National Park, home to some of the country’s most breathtaking scenery, are open to the public and can be explored by tourists.
10. Tabuk – The Northern Gateway
The city of Tabuk is located in the northwest of Saudi Arabia and is well-known for the stunning seaside vistas and ancient sites that it contains. Visitors can explore the Tabuk Fortress, the Tabuk National Museum, and the Wadi Al-Shattah, which is located nearby and is a popular destination for trekking and other outdoor sports.
11. Buraidah – The Garden City
Buraidah is famous in the middle of Saudi Arabia and is well-known for its many verdant parks and gardens. The Al-Qassim Botanical Garden, the Al-Qassim Museum, and the Al-Hasa Oasis, which is located nearby and is one of the largest oases in the world, are all attractions that tourists can visit.
12. Al-Kharj – The Agricultural City
Al-Kharj may be found in the middle of Saudi Arabia and is well-known for its extensive agricultural history. The Al-Kharj Agricultural Museum, the Al-Kharj Camel Market, and the Al-Kharj Palm Grove, one of the country’s most extensive palm groves, are all available for guests to visit during their stay time in the city.
13. Khamis Mushait – The Southern Gateway
The city of Khamis Mushait is located in the southwest of Saudi Arabia and is well-known for its historical sites and the breathtaking views it provides of the mountains in the area. The Khamis Mushait Castle, the Al-Sulaiyil Heritage Village, and the surrounding Wadi Bishah, a popular destination for trekking and other outdoor sports, are all available for guests to explore.
14. Najran – The Ancient City
The city of Najran is located in the southwest of Saudi Arabia and is well-known for the cultural and historical treasures that it possesses. The Najran Archaeological Museum, the Najran Old City, and the adjoining Najran Fort, one of the country’s oldest fortifications, are all open to the public and can be explored by tourists. It’s one of best cities to visit in Saudi Arabia.
15. Al-Bahah – The Mountain City
Al-Bahah is a city located in the Asir Mountains of Saudi Arabia. It is famous for its breathtaking views of the peaks in the surrounding area and its extensive cultural history. The Al-Bahah Palace, the Al-Bahah Regional Museum, and the Asir National Park, home to some of the most magnificent landscapes in the country, are all attractions guests can visit during their stay.
16. Arar – The Border City
The city of Arar may be found in the northwestern region of Saudi Arabia, quite close to the border with Iraq. The Arar Border Museum, the Arar Old City, and the surrounding Al-Washm Oasis, a popular location for hiking and other outdoor activities, are open to the public and can be explored by guests.
17. Hafar Al-Batin – The Industrial City
Hafar Al-Batin is located in the northeastern part of Saudi Arabia. It is well-known for its contemporary industries as well as its extensive history. The Hafar Al-Batin Museum, the Hafar Al-Batin Castle, and the surrounding Al-Kharj Palm Grove, one of the country’s most extensive palm groves, are open to the public and available for exploration.
18. Al-Mubarraz – The Heritage City
Al-Mubarraz is a city located in the middle of Saudi Arabia that is well-known for its extensive history and cultural legacy. The Al-Mubarraz Heritage Village, the Al-Mubarraz Museum, and the surrounding Al-Kharj Palm Grove, one of the country’s most extensive palm groves, are all open to tourists who want to learn more about the region’s history.
19. Skaka – The Rock City
Skaka is a city in the southwest of Saudi Arabia that is famous for the stunning landscapes and one-of-a-kind rock formations that can be found there. The Skaka Rock Art Site, Skaka Mountain Park, and the surrounding Skaka Oasis, a popular destination for various outdoor activities, are open to the public and can be explored by guests.
20. Al-Ula – The Historic City
The city of Al-Ula is located in the northwest of Saudi Arabia and is well-known for the cultural and historical treasures that it possesses. The Al-Ula Old City, the Al-Ula Archaeological Museum, and the surrounding Al-Ula Oasis, which is a popular destination for outdoor activities, are all available for guests to explore during their time in the area.
21. Jazan – The Coastal City
The city of Jazan is located in the southwest of Saudi Arabia and is well-known for its stunning coastline and extensive history. The Jazan Fort, the Jazan Regional Museum, and the surrounding Jazan Beach, a popular place for swimming and sunbathing, are open to the public and can be explored by tourists.
22. Abqaiq – The Oil City
Abqaiq is located in eastern Saudi Arabia and is well-known for its advanced industries and oil production. Visitors can tour the Abqaiq Oil Museum, the Abqaiq Cultural Center, and the surrounding Abqaiq Nature Reserve, home to some of the most exotic animals in the country.
23. Known as the Cultural City, Al-Hofuf
The city of Al-Hofuf can be found in the eastern part of Saudi Arabia and is well-known for its extensive historical and cultural legacy. The Al-Hofuf Palace, the Al-Hofuf Regional Museum, and the Al-Hofuf Oasis, which is located near and is a popular location for activities in the great outdoors, are all open to visitors.
Plan A Trip to Saudi Arabia
Visitors can immerse themselves in Saudi Arabia’s rich cultural and historical heritage in any one of the country’s many cities, each of which features its collection of one-of-a-kind experiences and attractions. This varied nation has something to offer everyone, regardless of their areas of interest, whether it be the past, the natural world, or contemporary industry.
