Travel Saudi Arabia

In recent years, Saudi Arabia has become a colorful cultural center that surprises with countless events. If you travel through the desert state, you should definitely attend one or the other celebration!

In addition to museums, art exhibitions and festivals, Saudi Arabia has numerous sights to offer you a glimpse into the country's diverse culture. The list is almost endless. The following attractions provide just a teensy taste.

Fort Masmak

At this fortress in Riyadh, built in 1865, you can immerse yourself in the turbulent history of Saudi Arabia.

Murabba Palace

The former royal palace in Riyadh nowadays houses a museum that gives you an insight into the modern history of the country. It is especially worth visiting in winter, as the extensive gardens are particularly green at this time of year.

Al-Rahma Mosque

The "floating mosque" is one of the landmarks of the city of Jeddah. The airy courtyards are worth a visit and are also accessible to non-Muslim tourists.

Jeddah Tower

The construction project in the north of the city of Jeddah was supposed to be the tallest building in the world at 1,007 meters. However, construction was halted in 2018 and has not yet resumed. However, looking at the tower in its current state of construction is also worthwhile!

Heritage Village

Those interested in culture will get their money's worth in this center in Dammam: from a museum to a handicrafts market to excellent restaurants, the Heritage Village lacks nothing.

Prophet's Mosque

The second largest mosque in the world and the second most important shrine to Islam in Medina is closed to non-Muslims. But with its ten minarets and green dome over the tomb of the Prophet Mohammed, it is impressive even from the outside.

Saudi Arabia boasts a proud six UNESCO World Heritage Sites that are definitely worth a visit!

Stone City of Hegra

Just like its Jordanian counterpart Petra, the former Nabataean city impresses with ancient facades and tombs. The circular structures were built between 100 B.C. and A.D. 100 on a former trade route.

At-Turaif in Diriyya

The historic district of Diriyya, located northwest of Riyadh, is considered the cradle of the first Saudi dynasty. It is worth exploring the sprawling mud-brick buildings together with a guide.

Historic Jeddah

The old city of the port city of Jeddah, with its characteristic wooden facades, was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2014. The architecture combines vernacular elements with international influences from brisk trade.

Rock art in the Ha'il region

Around the city of Ha'il, rock paintings bear witness to a former oasis and wadi (desert riverbed). Some of the inscriptions are up to 10,000 years old.

Al-Ahsa Oasis

The largest oasis in the world includes not only an elaborate irrigation system, archaeological sites and historic buildings, but also more than two million date palms.

Cultural area of Hima

The rock inscriptions in the province of Najran, which are up to 7,000 years old, are witnesses to an ancient trade route. You can admire here not only pictorial representations, but also various Arabic, Nabataean and even Greek writings.

Saudi Arabia is multifaceted and has much more to offer than is commonly known. No wonder: The country has been undergoing rapid change since the doors were opened to travelers. However, Saudi Arabia's sprawling deserts, which take up around 60 percent of the country, are and remain particularly fascinating:

Canyon "Edge of the World"

From a 300-meter cliff near Riyadh in Jebel Fihrayn Canyon, enjoy the spectacular view over a prehistoric sea bed.

Al-Ula Oasis

This ancient oasis town on the former Frankincense Road is one of many ambitious projects to promote tourism in Saudi Arabia. A desert city is being built around the rocks of Hegra, which is expected to become an international tourist magnet in the future.

Rub al-Chali

The "Empty Quarter" is located in southern Saudi Arabia and, with an area the size of Turkey, is considered the largest contiguous sand desert on earth.

Nefud Desert

The desert in the north of the country was a water-rich green landscape in the Stone Age, which is why many settlers settled there. Even today, their traces can be found in numerous archaeological sites, such as the Ha'il region.

A popular destination for excursions is the Asir Mountains. The ancient Frankincense Road - one of the oldest trade routes in the world - runs through Asir, which is why there are numerous historic settlements to marvel at here. Discover Saudi Arabia's southern architecture and get close to nature: Hiking and culture fans get both here.

Beware: The road up into the mountains is adventurous, but also quite winding - not a pleasure for everyone. Those with a head for heights can look forward to spectacular views and mysterious lost places. The numerous settlements and villages are no longer inhabited. However, the historic core is maintained! If you stroll through the alleyways here, you can mentally travel back to the old Saudi mountain village.