Saudi Arabia is calling. From wind-sculpted deserts to coral reefs teeming with life and mosques steeped in history, this Middle Eastern nation offers a bounty of treasures to curious travelers.
Known as the birthplace of Islam, Saudi Arabia is brimming with religious sites, including two of the most sacred mosques. Explore the Saudi capital, Riyadh, a dynamic city where five-star hotels and futuristic skyscrapers sit alongside centuries-old landmarks.
Among the most famous sites here is the Masmak Fortress, a towering 19th-century clay and mud-brick construction surrounded by sand. While in Riyadh, take a tour to Diriyah, a historic town located on the banks of the Wadi Hanifa, thought to be where the Saudi state was first established in the 18th century.
Fly from Riyadh to Medina, famous for the Islamic pilgrimage site of Masjid an-Nabawi (Prophet’s Mosque). From Medina, it’s about a 3.5-hour drive north to Madain Saleh, where you’ll find a collection of well-preserved tombs carved into the rock face. Then drive 30 minutes south to explore the ancient UNESCO site of Al 'Ula, whose mud-brick walls and majestic tombs reveal some 7,000 years of history.
Haggle with the stallholders in the Souq Al Alawi, one of the biggest in the whole kingdom. This souq cuts through the heart of the old city of Jeddah, and vendors here sell everything from clothing and jewelry to art.
Go diving off the coast of the Red Sea near Jeddah, where the waters are warm and the coral reefs are teeming with marine life. Visit the large Fakieh Aquarium to see fish and sharks up close.
Obtain a visa before you travel and fly into one of Saudi Arabia’s seven international airports. Hire a driver or use private taxis to take you to the major tourist sites. Visit between October and March for lower daytime temperatures and cool nights.
While in Saudi Arabia, remember to dress modestly. Both men and women should wear full-length pants or skirts and sleeved shirts, and women should bring a shawl or headscarf for visiting religious sites.
With unspoiled desert oases, ancient civilizations and five-star luxury, Saudi Arabia packs a lifetime of travel experiences into one fascinating destination.
