Discover the beautiful cities in Saudi Arabia, a land of rich history and breathtaking modern marvels that mesmerize travelers.
Most people know Saudi Arabia for its enticing religious history and vibrant culture. But what many of us don’t know is that the country promises the most diverse and mesmerizing contrasts of various experiences. Imagine glorious landscapes, world-renowned archaeological sites, historical landmarks, and unmatched modern marvels. You get it all here. Therefore, you might want to have a traveler’s guide to the most beautiful cities in Saudi Arabia if you visit the incredible country soon.
No doubt, most of Saudi Arabia’s tourism consists of religious tourists. Millions of pilgrims arrive in Makkah every year for Hajj and Umrah. As a UK Muslim, you might be aware of the thousands of Muslims going for Hajj or Umrah this year, too. If you are also one of them and want to see what the country offers besides the pilgrimage sites, here is the perfect guide.
Most Beautiful Cities in Saudi Arabia
Makkah and Madinah
Let’s talk about these two cities under the same heading, as they promise the ultimate spiritual retreat to the Muslims. Makkah and Madinah are known as the two holiest cities in Islam. These are also the cities that millions of pilgrims from around the globe visit yearly. So, if you have also booked your Umrah packages for 2025 from the UK, you will soon experience the spiritual atmosphere at these incredible cities.
Undoubtedly, there is no place more serene and sacred for Muslims than these two beautiful cities. Every corner and street of Makkah and Madinah tells exciting tales about Islamic history. Visiting these cities is a spiritual and historical experience that enlightens and connects you to Islam. There is much to explore in these two cities while you are on the pilgrimage. From the pilgrimage sites and oldest mosques to some of the most prominent battlefields, exploring these cities is a true delight for every believer in Islam.
Abha
Abha, the capital of the Aseer province in Saudi Arabia, promises a different side of the country. Imagine a refreshing mountain town with lush greenery and a rich culture—this is what this glorious city is all about. Therefore, you must not miss out on Abha if you want to escape into nature after your pilgrimage. One of the most exciting things about this city is that it is known as the Switzerland of Saudi Arabia.
While exploring the city, you can have hiking adventures or relax at Aseer National Park. The city is also home to the highest peak in the country, Al-Soudah, which you must visit. Also, don’t miss out on a trip to the Habala Village, which is accessible only by rope.
Al Khobar and Dammam
These two twin coastal cities are another dream destination for beach lovers. You will surely fall in love with the stunning coastal views of these breathtaking cities. They are home to glorious beaches like Half Moon Bay, Coral Island, Dammam Corniche, and many more. So, if you are looking forward to relaxing amidst breathtaking coastal scenery after performing the pilgrimage, Al Khobar and Dammam will do the job for you perfectly.
Another great thing about these two cities is that the beaches and tourist attractions here are all family-friendly. Therefore, you can plan your family holiday in the cities and make unforgettable memories. You will also taste delicious food here, like Arabic-style seafood grills, Turkish coffee with pastries, and Gulf-style machboos.
Jeddah
Jeddah is a beautiful coastal gem in the country. This beautiful city is a true delight for anyone who wants to relax on the beaches and enjoy a laid-back atmosphere. But if you think that Jeddah is just all about beaches and a coastal vibe, you are mistaken. There is a lot more to see in this beautiful city. It is known for an emerging art and culture scene that everyone loves. Also, the city is home to fascinating historical sites like the Old Jeddah, which is tainted with the footsteps of ancient pilgrims.
You will also have the most culturally immersive experience in the city, which provides you with a deep insight into the region’s vibrant culture. The food here is impressive, too. Make sure to savor seafood platters, street foods like Mutabbaq, and fusion cuisines at the trendy restaurants.
Riyadh
The cosmopolitan hub of the country, Riyadh, takes you on a journey to explore the modern marvels of this rapidly progressing country. This city is where Saudi Arabia’s ancient roots and futuristic visions blend. Therefore, you will find many ancient landmarks that take you back in time, sky-high skyscrapers, and modern monuments that tell you about the country’s modern developments.
If you are looking forward to a city escape in Saudi Arabia, Riyadh is the perfect option. You can shop at world-class malls and have delicious food at luxury restaurants. Not only that, but you can also try out delightful street food items and explore the older towns in the city.
In Conclusion
After going through this traveler’s guide to the most beautiful cities in Saudi Arabia, you might know about the cities you want to explore. If you are going for an Umrah, Makkah and Madinah are the two cities that you must visit. But there are many others that you can explore depending on the types of experiences you are looking for.
