Saudi Arabia

The second largest city of Saudi Arabia, Jeddah is packed with cultural and historic pleasures that portray much of the country, but also boasts countless attractions that make it the most extremely modern city of Saudi Arabia. Established in the seventh century AD as the gateway to Mecca for Muslims travelling to it, arriving via sea from mostly Africa, Jeddah is Saudi Arabias second largest city and relative to its size, is the most progressive destination in Saudi Arabia.

The Heritage village Rijal Almaa is what is best known as the Abha place, one of the best places in Saudi Arabia for tourism. For a bit of a shopping experience, Deerah Souq is one of the best Saudi tourist places that you could go. Al-Madina Souq, one of Saudi Arabias tourism attractions, is spread over thirteen kilometres, where you can find bustling shops and commercial trading centres that highlight crafts and artisanal products.

While Al-Jubail souqs and local markets are a main drawcard for tourists, they can still indulge in high-class shopping in Saudi Arabias best Al-Jubail Mall. The best places to visit in Saudi Arabia are Makkah, Medina, Madain Salih, Yanbu, Tabuk, Jeddah, and Riyadh.

Riyadh – the entrance to Saudi Arabia

As the capital, Riyadh has the most flight connections from Europe, Asia, and a lot of places all over the world, so it makes sense that Riyadh is the first place you should visit in Saudi Arabia. From Riyadhs wacky shopping malls and high-rises, the mountains in Abha, to industrial visits in Al-Jubail, to the mosques of Medina, everything about this city of Saudi Arabia is unique and well worth experiencing. Unlike many other modern cities of the Middle East, Riyadh is extremely conservative -- even when compared with the rest of the cities of Saudi Arabia such as Jeddah and Dammam.

Located in the northwest suburbs of Riyadh, the city of Diriyah was once home to the House of Saud, the first capital city of Saudi Arabia. This Unesco world heritage site was one of the largest cities in the Arabian Peninsula before being destroyed, and was effectively destroyed, during the early 19th century, during the years-long siege, which saw Ottoman and Saudi forces collide. MadaIn Saleh witnessed a lot of tribal fighting during its times prior to King Abdul Aziz unifying Arabia, which makes it one of the only UNESCO World Heritage sites in this list. MadaIn Saleh is one of the best places to visit when you are in Saudi Arabia.

Jeddah – the old city

Jeddah remains unique amongst the rest of the Saudi cities, setting trends with museums, art galleries, open-air gymnasiums, and now the longest Formula One street circuit, which snakes down a gorgeous coast. A bustling port city along the Red Sea, Jeddah has long been a portal to pilgrims traveling to Makkah, but the city has never stopped reinventing itself. It is sure to be an excellent starting point for any road trip around the city of Riyadh as soon as the kingdom opens to tourists, offering visitors figurative as well as literal perspectives of the crowded, 5.2-million-strong national capital, which is also the site of the kingdom’s primary airport.

In Old Jeddah, there is a cemetery known for being the site of the first female funeral, EVE The site of the first female funeral, EVE The first female. Today, located in one of the oldest cemeteries of Al-Balad neighborhood, old Jeddah, the first womans grave is without doubt a top ten spot one should check out if they want to get an idea about Saudi Arabia.

While Madaiin Saleh is enjoyed by many Saudis, it keeps a low profile amongst foreigners, meaning that you should be able to enjoy your travels here in relative peace. If you have time and are prepared to travel outside Riyadh, you may want to check out Souq al-Jamal -- located 30km north of the city centre.

In Old City - Do not forget to visit Masmak Fort, where the famous battle for Riyadh took place; National Museum; Deera Place, which holds public executions; and the Imam Turki Bin Abdullah Mosque, one of Saudi Arabias largest mosques. The famed Masmak Fort is among the most historic sites of Riyadh City.

The desert

One of the beautiful places in Saudi Arabia, the al-Qarah mountain offers an interesting adventurous experience for visitors, one must certainly consider visiting it during their holiday. The Edge of the World is Saudi Arabias equivalent to meditating on luscious golden desert sands. The landscape is as varied and multilayered as the centuries-old trade culture of Saudi Arabia, as experienced through the souks of the glittering modern cities, and the homes in the desert of the prophets and poets, princes, and pilgrims.

Todays changes throughout Saudi Arabia are being anchors to efforts to reclaim its authentic past, which visitors can witness firsthand in a place sure to compete with ancient cities such as Jordans Petra and Turkeys Ephesus in years to come.