10 Best Places to Visit in Saudi Arabia in 2026 (Beyond Umrah)

Beyond Makkah and Madinah, the best places to visit in Saudi Arabia are AlUla (the tombs of Hegra, Saudi Arabia's first UNESCO site), Riyadh (Diriyah and Masmak Fortress), the Edge of the World, Jeddah's Al-Balad, the Red Sea resorts, Taif in rose season, the Al Ahsa oasis, Yanbu for diving, the Hail rock art and the Empty Quarter. The best time is mid-December to mid-March. The tourist eVisa is multiple-entry, valid for one year, and allows stays of up to 90 days.

Most visitors know Saudi Arabia for Umrah. But since the country opened to tourists, travellers have discovered ancient Nabataean tombs, a mud-brick royal city, coral reefs, rose farms and some of the most dramatic desert landscapes on earth. Saudi Arabia now has eight UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Whether you are adding a few days to your Umrah or planning a first visit, here are the 10 best places to see, each with one practical tip.

1. AlUla and Hegra

Why go: Hegra was Saudi Arabia's first UNESCO World Heritage site (2008), with more than 110 tombs carved into the rock by the Nabataeans, the same people who built Petra. Around it you will find Elephant Rock, the old mud-brick town of AlUla with more than 900 houses, and Maraya, the world's largest mirrored building.

Tip: Hegra can only be visited on an organised tour, and daily slots are limited, so book ahead on the official Experience AlUla website. Go early or late in the day for cooler air and golden light. AlUla has its own airport, with flights from Riyadh, Jeddah and Dubai.

2. Riyadh: Diriyah and the old city

Why go: At-Turaif in Diriyah, the birthplace of the first Saudi state, is a UNESCO-listed mud-brick city, and the restaurants of Bujairi Terrace are right next to it. In the city centre, Masmak Fortress tells the story of the 1902 battle for Riyadh (look for the spear tip still stuck in the gate). Then enjoy the National Museum and the entertainment of Boulevard Riyadh City.

Tip: The Riyadh Metro now has six lines, an easy way to avoid traffic. Sightsee early in the day, and plan evenings around Riyadh Season: the 2026 season launches in October.

3. The Edge of the World (Jebel Fihrayn)

Why go: About 100 km from Riyadh, the Tuwaiq escarpment drops away in a sheer cliff, with views across an endless plain. It is one of the most spectacular sights in Arabia.

Tip: There is no entry ticket, but the road is rough and remote, so go with a tour or an experienced driver. Aim to arrive for sunset, and bring water.

4. Jeddah: Al-Balad

Why go: Historic Jeddah (Al-Balad) is a UNESCO-listed old town of coral-stone houses with carved wooden balconies (*rawasheen*). Combine it with a walk on the Corniche and a dive in the Red Sea.

Tip: Explore Al-Balad in the late afternoon and stay into the evening, when the streets and souqs come alive. Jeddah is also the gateway to Makkah on the high-speed Haramain train.

5. The Red Sea resorts

Why go: A new luxury destination of islands, lagoons and coral reefs on the west coast. The official Red Sea destination lists 11 resorts open for booking, including Four Seasons, Miraval, SLS and The Red Sea EDITION.

Tip: Resorts set their own dress rules for beaches and pools. Public beaches elsewhere expect modest swimwear.

6. Taif and the rose harvest

Why go: High in the mountains above Makkah, Taif is cooler and famous for its Taif roses. The harvest starts around the end of March to early April and lasts about 45 days, when farmers pick roses before sunrise to make rose water and oil.

Tip: Visit a rose farm early in the morning during the season, and ride the Al Hada cable car for mountain views.

7. Al Ahsa Oasis

Why go: One of the largest natural oases in the world, with millions of palm trees, springs, caves and the old Souq Al Qaisariya. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Tip: Combine it with a trip to the Eastern Province. Winter is the most comfortable time for walking.

8. Yanbu: the diving capital

Why go: Yanbu calls itself Saudi Arabia's diving capital. Sites like the Seven Sisters have coral walls and, with luck, hammerhead sharks.

Tip: Dive with a licensed centre and bring your certification. The Red Sea here is warm most of the year.

9. Hail: rock art and red dunes

Why go: The rock art of the Hail region is a UNESCO site (2015), with thousands of ancient carvings of people and animals. Nearby are the red dunes of the Nafud desert and the historic A'arif Fort.

Tip: Take a local guide for the rock-art sites and the desert. Carry plenty of water and a way to navigate.

10. The Empty Quarter

Why go: The largest sand desert in the world. 'Uruq Bani Ma'arid, a protected area of towering dunes, became a UNESCO natural World Heritage site in 2023.

Tip: Only visit with an experienced desert tour operator and a proper 4x4. Never go alone.

About Abha and Asir: the green mountains around Abha, with Al Soudah and the painted village of Rijal Almaa, are one of Saudi Arabia's most beautiful regions. In September 2026 the UK advised against all but essential travel to Abha and Khamis Mushait, so check the latest official advice before planning a visit to the south.

Visa and rules for tourists

• Tourist visa: the official tourist visa is multiple entry, valid for one year, and allows stays of up to 90 days. Depending on your nationality it is an eVisa, a visa on arrival or an embassy visa. Holders of some US, UK or Schengen visas and residents of the GCC may be eligible too. Apply only on the official Visit Saudi website.
• Umrah on a tourist visa: according to the official Visit Saudi FAQ, you can perform Umrah on a tourist visa, but not during the Hajj season. Umrah permits are booked through the Nusuk app. Makkah is for Muslims only. Madinah is open to all visitors.
• Dress: dress modestly and respectfully. Cover shoulders and knees. Women do not need to wear an abaya or cover their hair.
• Alcohol is illegal everywhere in Saudi Arabia.
• Drones: tourists may not fly drones.
• During Ramadan: don't eat, drink or smoke in public during daylight hours.

Best time to visit Saudi Arabia

• Mid-December to mid-March is the best time: pleasant days and cool evenings.
• Mid-September to mid-December is milder, but days can still be over 30°C.
• Mid-June to mid-September is very hot, with averages around 45°C in many areas.
• Riyadh Season (from October) brings concerts, sports and festivals to the capital.

Getting around Saudi Arabia

• Domestic flights connect Riyadh, Jeddah, AlUla, Al Ahsa, Hail and other cities.
• The Haramain high-speed train links Makkah, Jeddah, KAEC and Madinah in about two hours end to end.
• Ride-hailing apps (Uber, Careem and others) work in the big cities.
• Car rental is easy, and international licences are accepted.
• Money: the Saudi riyal is fixed at 3.75 SAR = 1 USD. Cards are widely accepted.

Staying connected in Saudi Arabia

You will need data for ride-hailing, maps, Nusuk permits, tour bookings and train tickets. A travel eSIM is the easiest option: install it before you fly and it connects when you land.

In our [2026 network data](/blog/which-network-does-my-travel-esim-use-by-country-2026), travel eSIMs in Saudi Arabia connect to STC and Zain, with 5G on some plans. Coverage is strong in cities and along the main highways, with gaps deep in the desert, so download offline maps before desert trips.

Going for Umrah? Read our [Umrah eSIM guide for Makkah and Madinah](/blog/esim-for-umrah-makkah-madinah-saudi-arabia), or see all [Saudi Arabia eSIM plans](/destinations/esim-saudi-arabia).

Sample 8-day itinerary

1. Days 1–2: Riyadh, including Diriyah, Bujairi Terrace, Masmak Fortress and the National Museum.
2. Day 3: The Edge of the World at sunset.
3. Days 4–5: Fly to AlUla for Hegra, Elephant Rock, the old town and Maraya.
4. Days 6–8: Fly to Jeddah for Al-Balad, the Corniche and a Red Sea dive, or add Umrah via the Haramain train.

Frequently asked questions

Can I do Umrah on a Saudi tourist visa?

Yes. According to the official Visit Saudi FAQ, you can perform Umrah on a tourist visa, but not during the Hajj season. Book your Umrah permit through the Nusuk app.

What is the best place to visit in Saudi Arabia for tourists?

AlUla is the highlight for most visitors, with the rock-cut tombs of Hegra, Elephant Rock and dramatic desert scenery. Diriyah in Riyadh and Al-Balad in Jeddah are the best places for history.

Do women need to wear an abaya in Saudi Arabia?

No. Tourists should dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees, but women do not need to wear an abaya or cover their hair.

When is the best time to visit Saudi Arabia?

Mid-December to mid-March has the best weather. Summer is very hot in most of the country.

How many UNESCO sites does Saudi Arabia have?

Eight, including Hegra in AlUla, At-Turaif in Diriyah, Historic Jeddah, the Al Ahsa Oasis, the Hail rock art and 'Uruq Bani Ma'arid in the Empty Quarter.

Can I use a travel eSIM in Saudi Arabia?

Yes. Travel eSIMs connect to Saudi networks (STC and Zain in our data). Install it before you fly and turn on data roaming for the eSIM when you land.

The bottom line

Saudi Arabia is one of the world's newest travel destinations, with ancient tombs, royal mud-brick cities, coral reefs and endless desert. Visit in winter, book Hegra tours early, check the latest official travel advice, and stay connected across the Kingdom with a [Saudi Arabia eSIM](/destinations/esim-saudi-arabia).