Saudi Arabia Travel Guide
Saudi Arabia is one of those places that still feels genuinely new on the travel scene, in the best way. It’s a country of big contrasts: futuristic cities and ancient ruins, glossy malls and quiet desert emptiness, Red Sea beaches and mountain villages where the air feels totally different. It’s bold, fascinating, and full of “wait, I didn’t know that was here” moments, especially once you step beyond the headlines and start exploring properly.
Saudi sits on the Arabian Peninsula and is the largest country in the Middle East. The capital, Riyadh, is modern, fast-growing, and packed with food, museums, and skyline views, while Jeddah on the Red Sea has a more laid-back coastal vibe with a historic old town and a strong arts scene. Then you’ve got the wow-factor extras: the rock-carved tombs of AlUla, desert road trips through endless dunes, cool highland landscapes around Abha, and diving and snorkelling along the Red Sea where the water is ridiculously clear.
Whether you’re into history, desert scenery, winter sun, cultural sites, epic landscapes, food, or just want somewhere that feels different from your usual travel loop, Saudi Arabia has got you covered. 🇸🇦✨
Best Time To Visit
Saudi Arabia runs on desert weather, so timing really matters. In winter you get those crisp, sunny days that make sightseeing and desert trips feel effortless. In summer, the heat can be intense enough to turn a “quick walk” into a personal challenge.
Winter (November to March) is generally the best time to visit. Days are warm, nights can be cool, and it’s ideal for places like Riyadh, Jeddah, AlUla, and the big outdoor sights without melting. This is peak season, so book hotels early around Christmas, New Year, and school holidays.
Shoulder season (October and April) is a solid sweet spot. It’s still warm, but more manageable than full summer, and you’ll often find slightly better prices and fewer crowds.
Summer (May to September) is hot, especially inland. If you visit then, plan around early mornings and evenings, lean into indoor attractions and air con, and consider the cooler highlands (like around Abha) for a more comfortable break.
What To Expect
Capital: Riyadh
Language: Arabic is the official language. In big cities and tourist hotspots, English is common in hotels, airports, museums, and many restaurants, so you’ll usually get by fine. Outside the main centres, English can drop off, so having a translation app helps. A couple of easy wins: “Marhaba” (hello), “Shukran” (thank you), “Na’am” (yes), “La” (no), “Kam?” (how much?). You’ll often see English on road signs and in major attractions.
Currency: The Saudi Riyal (SAR). Handy ballpark maths: 100 SAR ≈ £20–£22 / €23–€26 / $26–$28, and 1,000 SAR ≈ £200–£220 / €230–€260 / $260–$280 (rates wobble, so a quick currency app check before you go saves guesswork).
Cash Machines & ATMs: ATMs are easy to find in cities, malls, and airports. Cards and contactless are widely accepted in shops, cafés, and restaurants, especially in Riyadh and Jeddah. Cash is still useful for small purchases, tips, and more local spots, so keep a bit on you, ideally smaller notes.
Plugs: Types G are common (same as the UK). Standard voltage 230 V, frequency 50 Hz. If you’re coming from the UK, you’re sorted. If not, pack a UK-style adapter.
Safety: Saudi Arabia is generally safe for travellers, and major cities feel well-policed and organised. Standard city smarts still apply: keep an eye on your stuff in busy places and use reputable taxis or ride-hailing apps. The bigger “gotchas” are usually practical, heat, long distances, and making sure you follow local etiquette and site rules.
Never ever: Don’t underestimate the heat and sun, especially from late spring to early autumn. Plan outdoor stuff for mornings and evenings, drink water constantly, and do not assume a “short walk” will feel short 😅 Also, be respectful with dress and behaviour in more traditional areas and at religious sites.
Travel Guides
City Guides
Itineraries + Map
Best Places to Visit & Things to Do
Best Time to Visit (City Specific)
Saudi Arabia Travel Tips and Advice
Everything Else
Search for your Accommodation
Find the Cheapest Flights
Book tours and purchase tickets
Top 5 Things to See and Do in Saudi Arabia
1. Wandering AlUla’s Ancient Landscapes (and feeling like you’ve landed on Mars)
AlUla is Saudi Arabia’s big “how is this real?” destination. Think sandstone cliffs, desert valleys, and historic tombs carved into rock that make you stop mid-step and just stare. The landscapes are properly cinematic, especially at sunrise and sunset when everything turns golden. It’s peaceful, dramatic, and one of those places that makes your camera roll go feral 📸🪨
2. Exploring Riyadh’s Modern Side and Old-School Roots
Riyadh is slick, fast, and full of surprises once you dig in. You can do modern skyline views and big museums, then pivot to traditional souqs and historic areas where the pace feels totally different. It’s a city that’s changing quickly, but the culture is still very present, especially in the food, cafés, and evening life. Go at night when it cools down and the city actually feels like it’s properly awake 🌃☕
3. Getting Lost in Historic Jeddah (Al Balad) by Lantern Light
Jeddah’s old town, Al Balad, is the kind of place you wander with zero plan and end up happy about it. There are coral-stone buildings, carved wooden balconies, little shops, and alleyways that smell like spice and coffee. It feels atmospheric in a way modern cities can’t fake, especially in the evening when the streets are cooler and the lights kick in. It’s history, culture, and people-watching in one easy stroll 🏘️✨
4. Red Sea Beach Time and Snorkelling That Actually Delivers
Saudi’s Red Sea coast is a bit of a quiet flex. Clear water, colourful reefs, and beach days that feel properly relaxing without the huge party vibe. If you’re into snorkelling or diving, this is where you’ll get that “wait, why is the water THIS clear?” moment. Even if you just want a lazy seaside reset, the coast is a strong choice 🌊🐠
5. Escaping to the Highlands Around Abha for Cooler Air
If you want a break from desert heat, head up into the southwest highlands. Around Abha, the air is cooler, the scenery turns greener, and you get mountain roads and viewpoints that feel like a different country. It’s great for nature, slower travel, and a change of pace from the big-city shine. Pack a light layer, evenings can surprise you up here 🏔️🌿
Saudi Arabia Travel Costs
Accommodation
- Hostel Dorms – 80–180 SAR / £16–£38 / $21–$48 / €19–€43
- Hostel Private Rooms – 180–350 SAR / £38–£75 / $48–$93 / €43–€83
- Budget Hotels – 220–450 SAR / £46–£96 / $59–$120 / €52–€107
- Apartment Stays (Private Room) – 180–400 SAR / £38–£85 / $48–$107 / €43–€95
- Apartment Stays (Whole Place) – 300–700 SAR / £64–£150 / $80–$187 / €71–€167
- Desert Camps / Glamping – 350–1,200 SAR / £75–£255 / $93–$320 / €83–€285
Transportation
- Local Metro/Bus (per ride) – 4–10 SAR / £1–£2 / $1–$3 / €1–€2
- Intercity Bus – 40–140 SAR / £8–£30 / $11–$37 / €10–€33
- Domestic Flight (one way, varies a lot) – 200–700 SAR / £43–£150 / $53–$187 / €48–€167
- Taxi / Ride-hailing (short ride) – 15–40 SAR / £3–£9 / $4–$11 / €4–€10
- Car Rental (per day) – 120–250 SAR / £26–£54 / $32–$67 / €29–€60
Food
- Budget Meal – 15–30 SAR / £3–£6 / $4–$8 / €4–€7
- Mid-Range Restaurant Meal – 45–120 SAR / £10–£26 / $12–$32 / €11–€29
- Coffee – 12–25 SAR / £3–£5 / $3–$7 / €3–€6
- Soft drink / juice – 4–10 SAR / £1–£2 / $1–$3 / €1–€2
Activities
- Museum / heritage site entry – 0–60 SAR / £0–£13 / $0–$16 / €0–€14
- Guided Tours – 180–600 SAR / £38–£130 / $48–$160 / €43–€143
- Desert / AlUla-style day experiences – 250–900 SAR / £54–£195 / $67–$240 / €60–€215
- Day Trips (transport + activities) – 250–1,000 SAR / £54–£215 / $67–$270 / €60–€240
Saudi Arabia Suggested Budgets
Backpacker – €50–€90 per day (≈ £43–£78 / $55–$99 / SAR 200–SAR 360)
Saudi Arabia can be done on a budget, but you’ll be playing it smart. Think hostel dorms or simple budget hotels in Riyadh or Jeddah, using metros and ride-hailing instead of constant taxis, and eating at casual local spots rather than fancy hotel restaurants. Your biggest cost swing is big-ticket destinations like AlUla and guided desert experiences, so mix those “wow” days with free wins like souq wandering, waterfront walks, and museum time in the cities. Basically: culture, coffee, and sunsets without your bank account needing a lie down 😅☕
Midrange – €100–€180 per day (≈ £86–£155 / $110–$198 / SAR 400–SAR 720)
This is the comfy sweet spot. You can stay in good hotels, take ride-hailing when it’s too hot to be heroic, and mix casual eats with a few proper restaurant meals. You’ll have room for paid attractions, museums, and a couple of organised experiences, plus easier intercity travel without constantly doing the mental maths. It’s the budget where Saudi feels smoother, calmer, and less “logistics brain” day to day.
Upscale – €250+ per day (≈ £215+ / $275+ / SAR 1,000+)
Now you’re in high-end hotels, private transfers, guided experiences, and the kind of trip where you say “yes” to the premium option without checking your banking app first. Think boutique stays in places like AlUla, curated heritage tours, nicer dining, and upgrades that remove hassle and add comfort. Saudi at this level feels polished and effortless, with more flexibility, better locations, and fewer compromises.
Saudi Arabia Money-Saving Tips
Bring a reusable water bottle – In Saudi Arabia, tap water isn’t always the best shout for drinking, so use your bottle but refill with filtered water at hotels, cafés, gyms, or from big bottled water you buy once and top up from. In the heat you’ll fly through water without noticing 💧
Use public transport smartly – In Riyadh, the metro can be a real budget hero where it’s available, and in Jeddah you’ll likely lean more on ride-hailing. Either way, mix public transport with short rides instead of taking taxis for every single hop.
Travel off-peak – Midweek is often calmer and sometimes cheaper. Winter is peak season for outdoor exploring, so prices can jump around holidays and major events. If you want value, aim for November, early December, or late January into February.
Stay in budget digs – Simple hotels and apartments can be great value, especially if you book early. Staying slightly outside the most central areas often saves money, and you can still get around easily with ride-hailing.
Eat local, not “hotel-menu” – Casual Saudi restaurants, grill spots, and neighbourhood cafés are usually cheaper and far tastier than hotel dining. If it’s packed at lunch, you’ve found a good place.
Shop supermarkets for snacks and breakfast – Supermarkets are brilliant for water, fruit, yoghurt, and easy breakfast bits so you’re not paying café prices every morning. Also handy for stocking up before road trips or desert days.
Do self-guided exploring – Souqs, historic districts, waterfront promenades, and city viewpoints are perfect for wandering without paying for a tour. Build your own “walk, snack, repeat” day and your budget will thank you.
Hunt discounts and off-peak tickets – Big attractions and experiences sometimes have online deals or cheaper time slots. A quick check before booking can save a surprising amount, especially in premium destinations.
Prioritise free outdoors – Desert sunsets, coastal walks, and mountain viewpoints can be some of the best parts of the trip and cost nothing. Just plan around the sun and bring more water than you think you need.
Skip overpriced “experiences” when DIY works – You don’t always need the pricey package. Plenty of great moments are free or cheap: sunset viewpoints, historic wandering, and relaxed café hopping. Save your paid splurges for the one or two things you really care about 😅
Book AlUla and popular tours early – If AlUla is on your list, lock in accommodation and experiences early. Good-value options can get snapped up fast in peak season.
Use cards almost everywhere, keep a little cash – Cards and contactless are widely accepted, but small cash is handy for tips and the occasional smaller spot. Keep a physical card too, because phone batteries love choosing violence mid-day.
Aim for shoulder season – October and April are often the sweet spot for fewer crowds and better deals, with weather that’s still very doable if you plan outdoor stuff for mornings and evenings.
How to Get Around in Saudi Arabia
Getting Around Saudi Arabia: The Basics
Saudi Arabia is big, but travel is fairly straightforward once you get your head around the distances. Cities are modern and organised, highways are excellent, and domestic flights can save loads of time if you’re bouncing between places like Riyadh, Jeddah, and the northwest. The main wildcard is heat, plus the fact that some of the best spots are spread out, so planning and a bit of flexibility go a long way.
Walking
Walking works best in specific areas, like historic districts, souqs, waterfront promenades, and newer pedestrian zones. In big modern parts of cities, places can be more “drive between points” than stroll-friendly. In warmer months, walking midday can feel brutal, so aim for early mornings and evenings and keep water on you at all times.
Public Transportation
Public transport is improving quickly, but it’s still a mixed bag depending on the city.
Tickets: Usually bought via machines, apps, or contactless options where available.
Metro: Riyadh’s metro is the big headline for getting around without traffic.
Buses: موجود in major cities, but routes can be less intuitive for visitors, so many travellers mix buses with ride-hailing.
Airport Transfers
Main gateways include Riyadh (RUH), Jeddah (JED), Dammam (DMM), Medina (MED), and AlUla (ULH).
City connections: Airports are well set up with clear signage and good road access.
Ride-hailing: Often the easiest option, especially with luggage or late arrivals.
Private transfers: Useful for groups, families, or when you want the smoothest start.
Domestic Flights
Because the country is huge, flying can be the most time-efficient move.
Great for: Riyadh to Jeddah, Riyadh to AlUla area connections, and longer hops across the country.
Book ahead: Prices can swing, so locking in early helps in peak winter travel months.
Intercity Travel
Most intercity travel is by road.
Buses: Budget-friendly and useful for some routes between major cities.
Car + driver or self-drive: Often the easiest for multi-stop routes, especially if you’re heading to desert or heritage areas.
Time reality: Distances can look fine on a map, then surprise you, so plan with buffer time.
Taxis and Ride-Hailing
Ride-hailing is a big part of how most travellers get around.
Best for: City hopping, late evenings, and getting to places that are awkward by public transport.
Tip: Keep your destination pinned on your map and share it clearly, especially in areas with similar place names.
Car Rental
A car is a strong choice for freedom, especially outside the main city centres.
Drive on the right.
Highways: Generally excellent and well-maintained.
Speed limits: Enforced, so keep it sensible.
Heat factor: Make sure your car has solid air con and always carry water.
Cycling
Cycling exists, but it’s more niche, mostly due to heat and road layouts. Some cities and coastal areas have dedicated paths and tracks, but it’s best in cooler months and for confident cyclists.
Apps to Use
Google Maps is helpful for planning routes. Ride-hailing apps make city movement much easier. Download offline maps if you’re going into remote areas, and save key addresses in Arabic as well as English if you can.
Money & Tickets
Cards and contactless work in most places, especially in cities, malls, and restaurants. Cash is mainly useful for small tips and occasional smaller vendors. Keep a physical card as backup in case your phone dies at the worst possible time.
Tips for Smooth Travel
Plan outdoor sightseeing for mornings and evenings, especially from May to September.
Build buffer time into travel days, distances are bigger than they look.
Book AlUla stays and popular experiences early in peak season.
Keep water and sun protection with you, the climate does not do “gentle.”
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