From amazing historical sites, to jaw-dropping natural wonders, to vibrant modern cities, there are tons of great places to check out in Saudi Arabia. You could spend some serious time here, and still only scratch the surface of what KSA has to offer. What are our top picks for the best places to see? Why, we’re so glad you asked.
About two hours away from the bustling and busy capital city of Riyadh, sits a vista that is nothing short of breath-taking. The Edge of the World is a series of cliffs that offer spectacular views of the horizon, and the stark valley below.
Getting here can be tricky, as the roads can be notoriously riddled with potholes and loose gravel. Needless to say an SUV is needed. However, several tour groups do offer day trips here, and we’d advise going that route. There’s no cell service here, so a flat tire is gonna equal a really crappy day. But, if you make the effort to get here, you’re not going to be disappointed.
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The Red Sea is a snorkeler’s and scuba enthusiast’s absolute dream. The waters are clear and the reefs and sea life are diverse and vibrant. But, for those who love to do a bit of lounging on an idyllic beach with their swimming, you really can’t do any better than Silver Sands Beach. This beach is a little less conservative than other KSA beaches. There are also plenty of water-sports to keep things lively, and a smaller island that you can actually swim to. There is a fee to visit, and reservations are a good idea.
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This ancient city definitely deserves a place on a list of great places to visit in KSA. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it has also been likened to world famous Petra. That’s because Mada’in Saleh was the second city and home to the Nabatean kingdom. The very same group that inhabited Petra. At the time, the people actually called it Hegra, and it was fabulously wealthy due to the spice trade. Today you can see what remains, and the ruins are spectacularly beautiful. There are over 130 tombs, shrines, and more, elaborately carved into rock.
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While the UAE certainly knows how to do malls, so does KSA. The Mall of Arabia has three levels and literally hundreds of stores to choose from. You can find it in Jeddah, and easily spend an entire day there. Stores run the gamut from high-end fashion to electronics, beauty retail giants to department stores. If you haven’t quite shopped ’til you dropped, Jeddah is also home to another huge mall called the Red Sea Mall. Jeddah is apparently one of the great places in KSA for mega retail.
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