🇸🇦Saudi Arabia
The Arabian Peninsula's largest country, recently opened to tourism after decades of restricted access.
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Capital
Riyadh
Best time
November–March
Language
Arabic
Currency
Saudi riyal
Saudi Arabia opened to international leisure tourism only in 2019, after decades focused almost exclusively on religious pilgrimage — the shift has opened up AlUla's rock-cut Nabatean tombs (a sister site to Jordan's Petra) and the Red Sea coast to visitors for the first time.
🏛️ AlUla & Hegra
🏙️ Riyadh's modern skyline
🌊 Red Sea coast
🏜️ Edge of the World cliffs
Trip essentials
Budget: Budget: €40–60/day · Mid-range: €80–150/day · Luxury: €250+/day
Visa: Most nationalities can now get an e-visa or visa on arrival for tourism, following the country's 2019 tourism opening — confirm current requirements before booking.
Suggested days: 8 — 8 days covers Riyadh, AlUla, and the Red Sea coast at a reasonable pace, reflecting the significant domestic flight distances involved.
Getting there: King Khalid International Airport (RUH) in Riyadh and King Abdulaziz International (JED) in Jeddah are the main gateways
Getting around: Domestic flights are the practical way to cover the country's distances; ride-hailing apps work well in cities
Safety: Generally safe for tourists; be aware that Saudi Arabia maintains strict local laws and customs, including around dress and public behavior, which visitors are expected to respect
Tipping: 10% at restaurants is increasingly customary
Power plug: Type A/B/F/G, 230V
Tastes of Saudi Arabia
Kabsa
Spiced rice with meat, widely considered Saudi Arabia's national dish.
Jareesh
A porridge-like dish of cracked wheat cooked with meat and spices.
Dates
Saudi Arabia is among the world's largest date producers, with countless varieties central to local cuisine and hospitality.
Arabic coffee (qahwa)
Lightly roasted, cardamom-spiced coffee, traditionally served as a gesture of hospitality alongside dates.
Top attractions
Suggested itinerary
Days 1–2
Riyadh
Diriyah's historic district and the Edge of the World day trip.
Days 3–5
AlUla
Hegra's rock-cut tombs and the surrounding desert landscape.
🚗 Domestic flight from Riyadh
Days 6–8
Jeddah & the Red Sea
The historic old town of Jeddah and Red Sea coast access.
🚗 Domestic flight from AlUla or Riyadh
FAQ
Do I need a visa for Saudi Arabia?
Most nationalities can now get an e-visa or visa on arrival for tourism — confirm current requirements before booking.
What should visitors know about dress and behavior expectations?
Saudi Arabia maintains specific local laws and conservative social norms, particularly around modest dress and public behavior, that visitors are expected to research and respect before arrival.
Is Saudi Arabia really newly open to tourism?
Yes — leisure tourism for international visitors only became possible in 2019, after decades where entry was largely limited to business travel and religious pilgrimage.
How does Hegra compare to Jordan's Petra?
Similar Nabatean rock-cut architectural style, though Hegra sees far fewer visitors currently, offering a notably quieter experience of comparable historical significance.