If you have limited time, and you are planning to visit one of the largest country, Saudi Arabia. We recommend having a list of the best cities you should not miss in your first visit. 

Wildyness put together the best places you would want to see in Saudi Arabia; if you want to combine between natural beauty, religious sites, and archaeological sites, you are in the right place. 

To start, first check our article that introduce the steps to take to get a tourist visa to Saudi Arabia. 

We want to go through the places that are really worth visiting, such as the ancient city, and popular tourist attractions. But first, we have to explain that there are places where non-Muslim are not allowed to visit, while others are open for everyone! Check Wildyness article to know more about this.  

Saudi Arabia, is known as the host of the holiest cities for Muslims, and it carries in these Saudi cities a rich history, and historical sites that tell the story of ancient traditions. 

Saudi Arabia, the largest country on the Arabian Peninsula, is a treasure trove of rich culture, vibrant cities, and historical landmarks. 

Whether you are drawn by its ancient traditions or modern developments, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has something for everyone.

The most beautiful cities are Mecca and Medina, Riyadh, Jeddah, Al Ula, and many others. 

Mecca and Medina

This city is restricted when it comes to entrance. Only Muslim are allowed in the holiest place for Muslims. 

For Muslim pilgrims, Mecca, home to Al-Masjid Al-Haram, and Medina, where Prophet Muhammad is buried, are the ultimate religious sites. 

Non-Muslims are prohibited from entering Mecca primarily due to the concept of Ihram, a state of ritual purity that Muslims must observe while performing the Hajj pilgrimage.

Every year, the Hajj pilgrimage and Umrah packages bring millions of visitors to these cities, making them worth visiting for their unparalleled Islamic history and spiritual significance.

This is the heart of Saudi Arabia, and the top travel destination for every Muslims at least once in their lives. 

Muslims can perform Umrah, the "minor pilgrimage," at any time of the year. Unlike Hajj, Umrah is not obligatory. 

Each year, approximately 2–3 million Muslims from over 183 countries participate in Hajj, and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia continues to expand its efforts to welcome even more pilgrims. 

Pilgrimage as well as Umrah include a visit to the great mosque of Mecca. It is also called Al-Masjid al-Haram which is the most significant mosque in Islam.  

Riyadh

Riyadh, the capital city of Saudi Arabia, blends history and modernity on a desert plateau. 

The Kingdom Centre’s Sky Bridge offers breathtaking panoramic views through secure glass panels, giving visitors a unique perspective of the city’s vibrant landscape, iconic architecture, and vast desert horizon. 

Whether day or night, the view is an unforgettable highlight of Riyadh's skyline.

Explore the Red Sand Dunes, the towering Kingdom Centre with its sky bridge, the striking Al Faisaliah Centre, and the historic Masmak Fort, where the Al Saud (ruling family) dynasty's story began in 1902.

You must experience Riyadh like never before from 300 meters above the city. 

Red Sand Dunes Tour

The Red Sand Dunes in Riyadh is one of the top attractions for tourist in Saudi Arabia. Visitors are mostly interested in desert landscapes. 

Here where you can experience the real desert experience, a scenic beauty of desert and sun set or sunrise. 

Get ready for high temperature, and pack your water and desert outfit. Here are the directions. 

This is a popular destination for visitors, and all people are allowed in this wide magical place. The major challenge is to go solo, you can pack your tent and get your food first hand. 

The place is one of the safest, so you can get your camping in the desert quietly. And if you want to check a restaurant, here are our recommendations: 

After a good meal, it is always an opportunity to ride the sand, you can ride a camel or a quad, or both. It is up to you! The wide space and speed will stay in your mind forever. 

Activities

Here are some activities you can do in Red Dunes Sand: 

Camel Rides: Explore the desert the traditional way while enjoying the serene surroundings.

Quad Biking: Zoom across the dunes for a thrilling, high-energy adventure.

Picnics: Relax with family or friends and enjoy the beauty of the open desert. 

The Red Sand Dunes visit is not only about a magic adventure, it also opens the door for you to know more about the natural beauty and amazing places in Saudi Arabia. 

You will discover a lot about Bedouin lifestyle and how they survive, especially during hot summers. Their tent, their food, their clothes, and most importantly their magnificent hospitality. 

Towering Kingdom Centre with its Sky Bridge

This is a popular tourist destination, where you can see the whole city from above. Here are the directions on Google map.

This 300-meter-high bridge offers one of the best views of Riyadh, showcasing the city’s modern skyline and desert surroundings.

If you want to know how to access, all you have to do is to enter the Kingdom Centre Mall and take the elevator to the 99th floor. Super high, isn't it? But trust us, it is worth the hassle! 

Tickets can be purchased at the entrance or online, and availability may depend on the time of day (according to the official website, the ticket prices are 69 SR (18 dollars) for adults and 23 SR (6 dollars) for kids under 10 years old)

Opening hours typically extend into the evening, allowing for stunning sunset and nighttime views. You can get your ticket here. 

Al Faisaliah Center

Do you know that the Al Faisaliah Centre is one of Riyadh's most iconic landmarks and a symbol of modern Saudi Arabia? A modern city with beautiful places and views. 

It is located in the heart of the city, this towering structure is known for its distinctive architectural design and its significance as a hub for business, shopping, dining, and luxury experiences.

Here are the directions to get to it. 

The main key Features of Al Faisaliah Centre are: 

1. Architectural Design

Al Faisaliah Tower stands out with its unique pyramid-like structure topped by a massive glass globe.

The building is 267 meters (876 feet) tall, making it one of the tallest structures in Riyadh.

2. The Globe

This looks like one of those movies from the future, the glass globe at the top of the tower houses a luxurious restaurant offering panoramic views of Riyadh.

You can enjoy a fine dining experience while taking in the breathtaking cityscape.

3. Shopping

If you are into taking a few gifts, or shopping for yourself, the Al Faisaliah shopping malls are also the place for that. The Mall is located at the base of the tower, featuring high-end international brands, boutique shops, and a vibrant city.

It also includes a food court with diverse dining options to suit every taste.

4. Hotels

Also a place to spend the night! The Al Faisaliah Hotel, part of the complex, is a five-star luxury hotel known for its world-class hospitality and amenities.

The tower and hotel often host major business meetings, conferences, and events, making it a central location for corporate activities.

5. Entertainment

Don’t miss the views, the tower offers an observation deck with stunning views of Riyadh, a must-visit for tourists.

Its modern design and luxurious offerings make it a favorite spot for locals and visitors

In a nutshell, the Al Faisaliah Centre reflects Riyadh’s transformation into a global city, blending cutting-edge architecture with elements of Saudi heritage. 

It serves as a landmark of progress and innovation in the Kingdom.

Whether you're visiting for shopping, dining, or simply admiring the view, Al Faisaliah Centre would offer the best time in Riyadh. This is one of the richest city in the capital of Saudi Arabia. 

Historic Masmak Fort

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Masmak Fort is a historical landmark that offers a fascinating glimpse into Saudi Arabia’s past. 

Masmak Fort was built in 1865, originally functioned as a military stronghold for the city.

It gained historical significance in 1902 when King Abdulaziz Al Saud and his forces stormed the fort to reclaim Riyadh, initiating the unification of Saudi Arabia.

It combines historical storytelling with an immersive cultural experience. 

It is a must-see destination for history enthusiasts and anyone interested in understanding the Kingdom’s journey

​Here is the direction to Masmak fork on google Map.

Jeddah, the Port City

Jeddah, the second largest city in Saudi Arabia, is also one of the most beautiful city to visit in Saudi Arabia. It is the opposite of Riyadh when it comes to its location, this is a good place if you like coastal city. 

Jeddah is a port city on the Red Sea. It is also one of the modern cities in KSA. A lot of international visitors love to see the Red Sea Coast. 

The main historical significance of Jeddah is that it was the port of Mecca, the place where Hajij (Pilgrims) landed on their long journey to fulfill their pilgrimage in Mecca and Madina. 

This one of the best historical landmarks that tells the story of how life used to be when pilgrimage to Mecca was done in groups through camels. 

Al Balad, the Old Town 

Al-Balad is acknowledged as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its unique architecture. Mainly colorful tower wooden houses from the 19the century. 

The place was first found in 7th century, and it was the center of Jeddah back in the days. 

This coastal town, is similar to a time machine, buildings are standing still, with the same original architecture. And right next to it there are local markets that keep the place alive during the day. 

Al Balad is famous for its Hijazi-style buildings, featuring coral stone and wooden latticed balconies known as rawasheen.

It is also famous for its iconic structures like Nassif House and Baghdadi House showcase the unique architecture and serve as cultural landmarks.

Here are the directions to Al Balad.   

The community work hand in hand with the Saudi government to restore and preserve the historical landmarks, showing a great interest in the rich cultural heritage in the best way possible. You can tell from the hospitality there! 

The moment you will be in Al Balad, you will want to visit the Souks: the traditional makets. 

The place is home to bustling souks, including Souq Al-Alawi, one of the largest and oldest markets in Jeddah.

You can shop for spices, textiles, perfumes, antiques, and handcrafted goods, immersing yourself in the lively local trade atmosphere. Here you can taste the culture. 

Al Ula