Saudi Arabia Travel Guide
Saudi Arabia opened to leisure tourism with an e-visa in 2019 and has since become one of the fastest-growing destinations in the region. Riyadh, the capital, combines modern districts with the historic At-Turaif in Diriyah, while Jeddah on the Red Sea is known for its UNESCO-listed old town of Al-Balad and its long Corniche.
- 4 destinations
- Saudi riyal
- Arabia Standard Time
Destinations in Saudi Arabia
- Riyadh travel guideRiyadh travel guide: Diriyah and At-Turaif, Masmak Fortress, Olaya and KAFD, the new Riyadh Metro, the best time to visit and where to stay.
- Jeddah travel guideJeddah travel guide: historic Al-Balad, the Corniche and King Fahd’s Fountain, Red Sea beaches at Obhur, trains to Makkah and where to stay.
- AlUla travel guideAlUla travel guide: the Nabataean tombs of Hegra, Elephant Rock and AlUla Old Town, the best months to visit, flights to ULH and where to stay.
- Madinah travel guideMadinah travel guide for pilgrims and visitors: staying near the Prophet’s Mosque, Quba Mosque and Mount Uhud, the Haramain train and airport.
About travel in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia opened to leisure tourism with an e-visa in 2019 and has since become one of the fastest-growing destinations in the region. Riyadh, the capital, combines modern districts with the historic At-Turaif in Diriyah, while Jeddah on the Red Sea is known for its UNESCO-listed old town of Al-Balad and its long Corniche.
In the north-west, AlUla is home to Hegra, the country’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site, with Nabataean tombs set among desert sandstone. Madinah is one of Islam’s two holiest cities and a major pilgrimage destination.
- Currency
- Saudi riyal (SAR)
- Language
- Arabic (official); English is common in hotels and airports
- Time zone
- Arabia Standard Time (UTC+3)
Best time to visit Saudi Arabia
October to March is the most comfortable period across most of the country, with mild days and cool desert nights. Summer is extremely hot inland; Ramadan and the Hajj season affect opening hours and hotel demand, especially in Madinah and Jeddah.
Hotels and things to do in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia travel FAQs
Can tourists visit Saudi Arabia?
Yes. Many nationalities can apply for a tourist e-visa online or receive a visa on arrival. Check the latest rules for your passport before travel.
Can non-Muslims visit Madinah?
Non-Muslims can visit the city of Madinah, but the central area around the Prophet’s Mosque is reserved for Muslims. Makkah is open to Muslims only.
More destinations in Middle East
- United Arab EmiratesUAE travel guide: Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah — where to stay, the best time to visit, getting around and things to do in each emirate.
- QatarQatar travel guide: exploring Doha, from Souq Waqif and the Museum of Islamic Art to West Bay and The Pearl, plus the best time to visit.