Saudi Arabia opened its doors to tourists only a few years ago, and the world is still catching up. Ancient tombs carved into desert cliffs, canyons that glow red at sunset, and cities blending tradition with futuristic ambition. Things to do in Saudi Arabia span thousands of years of history that few outsiders have ever witnessed.
This guide covers the best experiences across the kingdom. You’ll find the coral stone alleys of old Jeddah, the otherworldly rock formations of AlUla, the holy cities that draw millions each year, and Red Sea coastlines with untouched reefs. We’ve included timings, entry fees, and practical tips so you can plan your trip with confidence.
1. Hegra (Mada’in Saleh)
This site became Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage listing in 2008. The Nabataean civilization carved more than 110 tombs into these rock faces over 2,000 years ago. You might recognize the style from Petra in Jordan. Hegra served as the southern capital of that same kingdom along ancient incense trade routes.
Qasr al-Farid stands alone in the desert as the most photographed tomb here. Workers never finished carving it, which adds to its mystery. Guided tours run multiple times daily and last around two hours. This ranks among the top things to do in Saudi Arabia for anyone interested in ancient history.
- Google Rating: NA
- Location: AlUla, Medina Province
- Timings: Daily tours from 7:30 AM
- Entry Fee: From 95 SAR/ INR 2300 per person, set aside 2 hours to explore the region
Suggested Read: Saudi Arabia Visa For Indians – Fees, Process, Requirement
2. Historic Jeddah Al-Balad
The old heart of Jeddah earned its UNESCO World Heritage status in 2014. Merchants built these coral stone towers centuries ago when the city served as the gateway to Mecca for pilgrims arriving by sea. Wooden lattice balconies called rawasheen cover the windows. Each building tells the story of traders who brought goods from India, Africa, and beyond.
Walking these narrow lanes costs nothing. The Nassif House museum opens daily and shows how wealthy merchant families once lived. Souq Al-Alawi stays busy with vendors selling spices, perfumes, and fabrics. Many buildings stand over 30 meters tall. For things to do in Saudi Arabia for tourists seeking culture, Al-Balad delivers history you can touch.
- Google Rating: NA
- Location: Al-Balad, Jeddah
- Timings: Open 24 hours | Museums vary
- Entry Fee: Free to explore, set aside 2 to 4 hours to explore the area
3. Edge of the World
About 90 kilometers from Riyadh, these cliffs drop nearly 300 meters to the desert floor below. The local name is Jebel Fihrayn. Looking out from the top, you see nothing but flat land stretching to the horizon. No buildings. No roads. Just earth and sky meeting at the edge.
Getting there requires a 4×4 vehicle since the roads turn rough after you leave the pavement. Most visitors book guided tours that include sunset viewing and dinner in the desert. Fossils from ancient sea creatures appear in the rocks here. This spot defines must see places in Saudi Arabia for nature photography.
- Google Rating: 4.7/5
- Location: WXWR+W7، العويند 15423, Saudi Arabia
- Timings: Open for day trips
- Entry Fee: Free entry, Tours from 300 SAR/ INR 7,200, and expect to spend 7 to 9 hours on guided tours
4. Diriyah At-Turaif
The first Saudi state was born in these mud brick walls. At-Turaif served as the capital from 1727 until 1818. UNESCO recognized the site in 2010 for its Najdi architecture, a building style unique to central Arabia. The Salwa Palace complex shows how the ruling family once lived.
Located just 15 minutes from central Riyadh, the site offers both guided tours and self-guided walks. Audio tours bring the history alive on your own mobile device. Galleries explore Arabian horse culture and traditional construction methods. Sunset turns the buildings golden. Plan at least two hours for a proper visit.
- Google Rating: 4.5/5
- Location: Wadi Hanifah, Al Traif, Diriyah 13711, Saudi Arabia
- Timings: Daily from 10:00 AM – 12:00 AM, Friday from 2 PM – 12:00 AM
- Entry Fee: Tickets from the visitor center, set aside 4 minutes to 1 hour for guided tour
Suggested Read: Saudi Arabia Visa Photo Requirements – Size & Guidelines for Indian Citizens
5. National Museum of Saudi Arabia
Eight galleries walk visitors through the full sweep of Arabian history. The journey starts with meteorites and fossils, then moves through ancient civilizations, the coming of Islam, and the founding of the modern kingdom. Over 4,000 artifacts fill these halls. A massive model of Mecca sits in the Hall of Hajj section.
Architect Raymond Moriyama designed the building to echo the red sand dunes outside Riyadh. The museum opened in 1999 as part of the King Abdulaziz Historical Centre. The museum opens Saturday through Thursday from 9 AM to 8 PM, with Friday hours starting later. Things to do in Saudi Arabia today for families often start right here.
- Google Rating: 4.5/5
- Location: حي, 8745 King Saud Rd, 2722, King Faisal Road, Riyadh Saudi Arabia
- Timings: Monday to Wednesday 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM, Thursday 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM, Friday 2:00 PM – 10:00 PM, Closed on Sunday
- Entry Fee: Free, set aside 3 hours for guided tour
6. AlUla Old Town
Some 900 mud brick houses stand in this maze of narrow streets. Families lived here continuously from the 12th century until the 1980s. A fort perches on the hill above, watching over the valley below. Date palms still grow in the surrounding oasis.
Walking tours take you through restored sections where local guides share stories of daily life in past centuries. The Heritage Trail connects the old town to nearby date farms. The setting sun paints these ancient walls in warm colors. AlUla Old Town shows what fun things to do in Saudi Arabia look like for history lovers.
- Google Rating: 4.6/5
- Location: 375, AlUla 43562, Saudi Arabia
- Timings: Open 24 hours
- Entry Fee: NA, set aside 1 to 2 hours for guided tour
Suggested Read: 11 Buildings in Saudi Arabia Every Traveler Should Visit
7. Red Sea Diving
Over 1,800 kilometers of coastline meet some of the clearest waters on earth. The Red Sea holds more than 1,200 fish species, with 10% found nowhere else. Coral reefs here have stayed largely untouched by mass tourism. Jeddah and Yanbu serve as the main diving hubs.
Dive centers offer everything from beginner courses to advanced wreck exploration. The Farasan Banks in the south draw experienced divers looking for shark encounters. Visibility stays high year-round. This counts among the more adventurous things to do in Saudi Arabia for tourists who love marine life.
- Google Rating: NA
- Location: Red Sea Coast, Jeddah/Yanbu
- Timings: Dive operators open daily
- Entry Fee: Diving ticket prices vary, expect to spend a full day
8. Elephant Rock
Wind and time carved this sandstone outcrop into the shape of an elephant reaching its trunk toward the ground. The rock stands about 52 meters tall in the AlUla desert. Sunset brings the best light for photos when the stone glows orange and red.
A visitor area surrounds the formation with seating, food vendors, and walking paths. Some evenings feature live music performances. The site stays open late, making it popular for evening visits. Nearby rock formations create a natural outdoor gallery that stretches for kilometers. Elephant Rock gives a taste of what makes AlUla so unusual.
- Google Rating: 4.8/5
- Location: AlUla, Medina Province
- Timings: Daily until late evening
- Entry Fee: Free to explore, guided tour price may vary, set aside 1 to 2 hours for guided tour
Suggested Read: Top Shopping Malls in Saudi Arabia You Must Visit
9. Maraya Concert Hall
This building holds the Guinness record as the world’s largest mirrored structure. Over 9,000 square meters of mirrors cover its walls. The desert landscape reflects on every surface, making the building almost disappear into its surroundings. Major artists perform here during festival seasons.
Maraya opened in 2019 for the Winter at Tantora festival. The interior seats 500 guests for concerts, exhibitions, and special events. Access requires either event tickets or a stay at one of the nearby luxury resorts. The building sits within a private area of AlUla. Night things to do in Saudi Arabia reach their most glamorous expression inside these mirrored walls.
- Google Rating: 4.6/5
- Location: PVV8+C77, Al Atheeb 43552, Saudi Arabia
- Timings: Event dependent
- Entry Fee: Varies by event, 1 hour is enough for a complete guided tour
10. Riyadh Boulevard
Modern Saudi entertainment takes center stage at this sprawling complex. Restaurants, cafes, shops, and performance venues fill the space. International brands mix with local favorites. Fountains and gardens provide spots to rest between activities.
The Boulevard hosts concerts, comedy shows, and special events throughout the year. Food options range from fast casual to fine dining. Families find play areas and attractions suited to children. For those seeking what to do after dark, Riyadh Boulevard delivers contemporary nightlife in a family-friendly setting.
- Google Rating: 4.6/5 Stars
- Location: Hittin, Riyadh 13516, Saudi Arabia
- Timings: Daily 4:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Entry Fee: Free entry, Attractions vary, set aside 4 hours for complete exploration
Suggested Read: Exploring Saudi Arabia Monuments: From Ancient Wonders to Modern Marvels
FAQs
What are the best night things to do in Saudi Arabia?
Riyadh Boulevard is the place to be after sunset, with restaurants, shows, and entertainment going late. AlUla hosts magical evenings at Elephant Rock with live music under the stars. Jeddah’s Corniche waterfront buzzes until late, and the Hegra After Dark experience brings ancient tombs to life through theatrical performances.
How much does a Saudi Arabia trip cost?
You can travel on a budget of INR 8,000 to INR 9,000 per day if you stick to basic hotels and local meals. Mid-range travelers usually spend around INR 15,000 to INR 20,000 daily. Add more for desert tours, AlUla experiences, or Red Sea diving trips.
What is Saudi Arabia known for?
Mecca and Medina draw millions of pilgrims as the two holiest cities in Islam. Beyond religion, the country holds ancient Nabataean tombs at Hegra that rival Petra, old trade routes that once carried frankincense, and futuristic megaprojects like NEOM that are reshaping the region.
How many days do I need in Saudi Arabia?
A week gives you enough time for Riyadh and AlUla. Two weeks lets you add Jeddah and some Red Sea fun. If you have three weeks, you can venture into Asir or the Eastern Province. Ten days hits the sweet spot for most first-time visitors.
When is the best time to visit Saudi Arabia?
Aim for November through March when temperatures are pleasant across the country. Summer gets brutal with heat crossing 45°C in desert areas. Winter also brings cultural festivals and concerts to AlUla, and spring offers calm waters for Red Sea diving.
Do Indians need a visa for Saudi Arabia?
Yes, you’ll need to apply for a tourist visa online through the official portal. The e-visa usually comes through within 24 to 48 hours. It stays valid for a year and lets you stay up to 90 days per visit.
Is English enough for traveling in Saudi Arabia?
You’ll manage fine with English in major cities, hotels, and tourist spots. Signs are in both Arabic and English at most places, and younger Saudis generally speak good English. Keep a translation app handy for smaller towns and local markets.
What should I wear in Saudi Arabia?
Go for modest clothing that covers your shoulders and knees, whether you’re a man or a woman. Women don’t need to wear abayas anymore, though some still prefer them in conservative areas. Light, loose fabrics keep you cool, and pack comfortable shoes for walking through heritage sites.
What are the must-do activities for families?
Start at the National Museum in Riyadh where interactive exhibits keep kids engaged. Jeddah Waterfront works well for beach time and play areas, while Elephant Rock in AlUla gives children room to run around. These rank among the best things to do in Saudi Arabia for families traveling with children
