Want to explore Saudi Arabia but don’t know where to start? This Saudi Arabia itinerary will take you through all the things we saw, ate, and did during our nine days in the Kingdom!

Al Murabba Palace Saudi Arabia — Things to do in Saudi Arabia

Past me thought I’d only visit Saudi Arabia for religious travel, if the opportunity presented itself. ‘Cause, what else is there to do? 

But, boy, was I wrong. 

Since opening to tourists in 2019, the Kingdom has been welcoming visitors to Her ancient historical sites, many of which have been closed off for about a decade!

Car Rental in Saudi Arabia — How to Travel in Saudi Arabia

Epic trio on an epic trip!

Stepping foot into places like Jeddah, Riyadh and AlUla was ethereal. On top of that, there are so many things to do for the adventurous thrill-seeker like diving, racing on sand dunes, and jumping from canyons!

So for those planning to explore this beautiful country for the first time, here’s our nine-day Saudi Arabia itinerary across all three cities — featuring stunning attractions and must-dos 😉

Read also: 16 Breathtaking Things to Do in Saudi Arabia for a Bucket List Adventure

Saudi Arabia Itinerary Route

Route Map — Saudi Arabia Itinerary

To avoid the hassle of layovers, flying direct from Singapore into Jeddah’s King AbdulAziz International Airport is recommended, with Scoot and Saudia both offering direct flights. This itinerary will start from Jeddah, head to AlUla, then end in Riyadh, but you can also opt to go in the opposite direction.

Day 1: Arrival in Jeddah 

Flight from Singapore to Jeddah: ~9hrs

Al Balad Street in Jeddah — Places to Go in Jeddah

Choo in Al-Balad.

Jeddah is a coastal city known for the Red Sea and the UNESCO-listed historical district, Al-Balad. The city is also home to the highest fountain in the world, King Fahad’s Fountain.

After the 40-minute drive from the airport to our accommodation, Taj Jeddah Hotel Apartment, night had already fallen. Since we wanted to head out early the following day, we quickly dumped our bags and started the trip chill with a relaxing dinner.

Dinner at Saedi Fish

Dinner at Saedi Fish Restaurant in Jeddah — What to eat in Jeddah

Jeddah’s known for its fresh seafood so we just had to have the first meal of the trip at Saedi Fish, a popular seafood restaurant located along Jeddah Corniche waterfront. Within minutes, our order of grilled parrotfish, fried rice, and a side of curry shrimp casserole was served.

With extremely reasonable prices coming to about S$28 per person, the large portions and flavourful dishes were a steal.

*Pro-tip: Pick a window seat on the second floor for a clear view of King Fahad’s Fountain

Opening hours: 12PM – 2AM
Address: 2128 Al Kurnaysh Br Rd, Al-Hamra’a, 7281, Jeddah 23212, Saudi
How to get there: 5min drive from Taj Jeddah Hotel Apartment (Route)

Day 2: Jeddah 

After an early continental breakfast at the hotel, we booked a car on a ride-hailing app (Careem) and started on a long day ahead!

Diving in the Red Sea

Red Sea Diving in Jeddah — Saudi Arabia Itinerary

The Red Sea is geographically unique as it can be accessed from Egypt as well as Jeddah, so dive sites will differ!

When diving in Jeddah, expect to see coral gardens, reefs and possibly the Chicken Shipwreck — named after the cargo of frozen chicken it carried when it sunk in 1976 🐔.

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*Pro-tip: Set aside half a day for this bucket-list dive as most dive centres are an hour away by car from the city and dive tours are minimally 5-hour-long.

Red Sea Diving in Jeddah — Saudi Arabia Itinerary

Taking a close-up picture of a clownfish. This was also the last time my GoPro was seen — I lost it soon after this.

There were reef fishes everywhere but the highlights were a Blue-Spotted Ray and a protective clownfish that kept ‘attacking’ our GoPro! Despite choppy waters, we had good visibility underwater (~10m vertical distance). We only went up to a depth of 15m and enjoyed an easy dive around the coral garden.

*Note: I strongly suggest you explore your options when planning a dive in Jeddah and enquire on availabilities early with 5-star PADI Dive Centers for the best experience.

Sunset at The Floating Mosque

Standing Outside Jeddah Floating Mosque — Things to do in Jeddah

Night falls by 5PM in December. So before heading for dinner, we caught the sunset at Al Rahmah Mosque, also known as The Floating Mosque. Built on stilts and surrounded by the sea, the mosque seems to ‘float’ on water.

It was understandably rather crowded during golden hour but we still managed to get a pretty picture! Like other visitors, we entered the mosque freely and explored the interior. But most tourists left out of respect once evening prayers commenced.

Entrance fee: Free
Opening hours: 4PM – 9PM 
Address: 6826 Corniche Rd, Jeddah 23613 Saudi Arabia (Google Maps)
How to get there: 25min drive from Taj Jeddah Hotel Apartment (Route)

Dinner at MyMakan  ماي مكان

Dinner at MyMakan in Jeddah — Where to eat in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

Gearing up for a night out in Al-Balad, we popped by MyMakan for a quick dinner. The restaurant serves authentic Malay cuisine and was recommended to us by a close personal friend of mine (and fellow Singaporean), who lives in Jeddah!

We got a glass of milo dinosaur each (SAR20) which immediately satisfied our cravings. For food, Choo had prawn kway teow goreng (SAR29) while Hendric and I tried a chef’s special, kway teow kungfu (SAR38). 

Our verdict? By the end of the meal, it felt like we teleported back to Malaysia. Choo had to check Google Maps to make sure we were in Saudi.

Opening hours: 8:30AM – 11:30PM (Mon – Thu), 7:30AM – 11:30PM (Fri – Sat), 12:30PM – 11:30PM (Sun)
Address: 4684 Raoudat Al Khaleej, Ar Rawdah, Jeddah 23432, Saudi Arabia (Google Maps)
How to get there: 30min drive from Al Rahmah Mosque (Route)

Exploring Al-Balad (UNESCO World Heritage Site)

Souks in Al Balad — Saudi Arabia Itinerary

Al-Balad Historical Site is a maze of narrow alleyways covering an area of approximately 1.5sqkm. If the walls of these 200-year-old, coral-stoned buildings could speak, they’ll tell the story of how Jeddah has developed from a fisherman’s village on the shore of the Red Sea to a major trade hub along the Silk Road. 

There are six different Souks (markets), sixteen eateries, eight historical houses, and lots of photo-worthy lanes to uncover (Herbalists Lane is one), so we spent quite a bit of time here.

The beautifully lit streets were lined with shops selling oud perfumes, spices, fabric, and knick-knacks. I caved and got myself a small bottle of oud sandalwood perfume for SAR33. 

Baeshen Museum Cafe in Al Balad — Saudi Arabia Itinerary

A personal highlight for me was discovering a charming cafe tucked inside the Baeshen Museum in Al-Balad. We ordered three cups of coffee and a moist caramel-coated traditional sponge cake for SAR65.

After learning more about the Baeshen, the poet and namesake of the museum, I bought a book of his compiled poetry for SAR30!

Nasiff House Museum in Al Balad Jeddah — Saudi Arabia Itinerary

Poring over a map of Al-Balad in front of Nasiff House Museum.

There are many entry points into Al-Balad. I suggest entering from Al-Dahab Street and walking 3 minutes down to the visitor centre in front of Nasiff House Museum. There, you can pick up a map to Al-Balad and explore away!

Opening hours: 5PM – 12AM
Address: 3022-3107 Bazan Ln, Al-Balad, Jeddah 22236, Saudi Arabia (Google Maps)
How to get there: 12min drive from MyMakan, drop off at Al-Dahab Street (Route)

Day 3: Jeddah

We made the most of our last day in Jeddah exploring other must-visits!

Fun at teamLab Borderless Jeddah

Teamlabs borderless Jeddah — fun activities to do in Jeddah

We lost track of time here in teamLab Jeddah. teamLab is known for digital projections that blend art, technology, and science. There are over 80 interactive and interconnected installations across multiple thematic zones.

My personal favourite on the first floor was the Forest of Lamps — it was like a scene straight out of the movie, Tangled!

Teamlabs borderless Jeddah — Fun activities to do in Jeddah

The Athletics Forest zone on the second floor is truly a playground. We were jumping on moving planets, rotating mushrooms, net terrains, and playing in an antigravity universe. 

Teamlabs borderless jeddah — fun activities to do in Jeddah

*Pro-tip: Don’t be afraid to explore by touching the walls and stepping on the projections on the floor — almost everything ‘responds’ to you!

Had I more time in Jeddah, I would have treated my inner child to an entire day of fun here.

Cost: SAR150/adult (~S$54)
Opening Hours: 1PM – 11PM (Sat – Wed), 3PM – 2AM (Thu – Fri), closed on Mon
Address: Hamzah Shehatah, Al-Balad, Jeddah 22235, Saudi Arabia (Google Maps)
How to get there: 7min drive from Taj Jeddah Hotel Apartment (Route)

Arts and culture at Hayy Jameel

Hayy Jameel in Jeddah — Things to Do in Jeddah

Photo credit: Hayy Jameel

On the way to the airport to catch our flight to Riyadh, we decided to make a quick stop at Hayy Jameel despite being fully aware that it only truly comes alive at night. As Jeddah’s multi-disciplinary arts complex, it’s a popular hangout spot for youth. 

Art Exhibition in Hayy Jameel in Jeddah — Things to Do in Jeddah

Photo credit: Hayy Jameel

Depending on the day, there might be musical or comedy performances, art workshops, and film screenings. Check the activity schedule on their website and Instagram pages to help you plan your visit as an RSVP is required for select shows. 

Lucky for us, anyone is welcome to enter the permanent art exhibition for free! After admiring some notable artworks by homegrown artists, we hopped into a Careem bound for King Abdulaziz International Airport only 15 minutes away.

*Pro-tip: Pop by on a weekend evening to experience peak liveliness here!

Opening hours: Varies
Address: 7481 Hael, Al-Baghdadiyah Al-Gharbiyah, Jeddah 22235, Saudi Arabia (Google Maps)
How to get there: 25min drive from Be Sanus (Route)

Jump to: Where to Stay in Jeddah

Arrival in AlUla

Flight from Jeddah to AlUla: ~1hr 30min

AlUla Desert Landscape — Saudi Arabia Itinerary

AlUla’s natural desert landscape is largely left untouched.

AlUla’s International Airport with its single baggage carousel has my heart. There weren’t any crowds and we were out the doors with keys to our rental car in 20 minutes! As Hendric expertly navigated the 25-minute journey to Rosabella Hotel, we stared in awe at the endless desert landscape whizzing by.

Day 4: AlUla

All of us were pumped to explore AlUla, one of Saudi Arabia’s most alluring destinations. Until five years ago, most of AlUla was largely hidden from the world. 

This region has seen over 200,000 years of human civilisation, so, historically rich is an understatement!

Photo-op at Maraya Concert Hall

Maraya Concert hall — Saudi Arabia Itinerary

Can you see where Maraya ends and the sky begins?

Maraya, meaning ‘mirror’ in Arabic, was completed in 2018 and serves as a concert venue in Ashar Valley. It seems that entry is only permitted if you have a ticket to an event but you can always explore the interior on a virtual tour.

This doesn’t deter tourists from making a stop just to snap an iconic picture of the mirrored wonder. It’s truly a sight to behold and worth a drive out into the Valley!

*Pro-tip: Drive past the gantry that leads to the luxury resorts to get here.

Address: Al Atheeb 43552, Saudi Arabia (Google Maps)
How to get there: 25min drive from AlUla Old Town (Route)

Lunch at Harrat by Banyan Tree

Food at Harrat Restaurant Banyan Tree — Best Restaurants in Al Ula

Harrat is Banyan Tree’s open-concept dining experience where you can enjoy Middle Eastern fusion cuisine with views of the desert.

Choo and I had the baked vegetable wrap (SAR130) while Hendric went with the squid ink pasta with wagyu beef ragout (SAR185). The food came out quickly and I was pleasantly surprised at how filling it was. 

View at Harrat Restaurant Banyan Tree — Best Restaurants in Al Ula

This was hands-down the priciest meal of the trip but there’s something incredibly relaxing about savouring it slowly while taking in the breathtaking desert view — all from the comfort of a shaded spot.

Opening hours: 7AM – 12AM, closed btwn 11AM – 12PM & 4PM – 6PM
Address: Road, Wadi Ashar Tabuk, AlUla 43563, Saudi Arabia (Google Maps)
How to get there: 4min drive from Maraya (Route)

Thrill-seeking at AlUla Adventure Hub

AlUla Giant Swing — Saudi Arabia Itinerary

Our food coma dissipated during the 20-minute drive from Ashar Valley to AlUla Adventure Hub — an all-around outdoor hub for adrenaline-pumping fun. 

I have an innate fear of heights but looking to try something new, I went against every neuron in my brain and signed up for the AlUla Giant Swing — an 85m pendulum-style swing that suspends over the canyons.

AlUla Ferrata Climb — Saudi Arabia Itinerary

After a gruelling 100m ferrata climb up the mountain face, I wanted to back out and skip the jump. But everyone’s encouragement and the instructor’s reassurance helped me take my first swing off a cliff! Huge credit goes to the skilled staff that made me feel safe every step of the way.

Despite the tears, it was an exhilarating 90-minute experience and I might just do it again!

AlUla Stairway AlUla Adventure Club — Saudi Arabia Itinerary

Immediately after the Giant Swing, the three of us climbed up the AlUla Stairway — a 45m suspended ladder. After the climb and a short walk along the cliff, we then ziplined 150m back down through the canyon. I thought I’d be more confident after the swing earlier, but my shaking hands hinted otherwise.

Although this activity only took about 40 minutes to complete, it was just as exciting as the Giant Swing!

AlUla Giant Swing
Cost: SAR250/adult (~S$90)
Activity timing: 11:30AM – 4:30PM, one slot per hour

AlUla Stairway & Zipline
Cost: SAR150/adult (~S$54)
Activity time: 7:30AM – 4:30PM, one slot per hour

Address: AlUla 43513, Saudi Arabia (Google Maps)
How to get there:
20min drive from Banyan Tree (Route)

Hang out at Elephant Rock

Elephant Rock — Saudi Arabia itinerary

On the drive back to AlUla Old Town, we swung by Elephant Rock. Unsurprisingly, it’s a 52m tall sandstone structure that resembles an elephant!

Elephant Rock — Saudi Arabia itinerary

With a comfortable seating area dimly-lit by glowing lanterns, this is a great spot to watch the sunset and chill once the sun goes down. There are a couple of food trucks in the area that serve coffee, burgers, and fries!

Opening hours: 4PM – 11:40PM (Sat – Thu), 4PM – 12:40AM (Fri)
Address: AlUla 43521, Saudi Arabia (Google Maps)
How to get there:
20min drive from AlUla Adventure Hub (Route)

Dinner at Tawlat Fayza

Dinner at Tawlat Fayza in AlUla — Best restaurants in AlUla

There’s nothing more comforting than “grandma’s” cooking after a long day!

Translated to “Fayza’s Table”, Tawlat Fayza honours the homegrown recipes of the founder’s grandmother who was born and raised in AlUla. All the dishes here have been passed down for generations and are authentically Saudi Arabian.  

Ravenous, we flooded the table with seasoned rice (SAR99), a cauliflower-pomegranate dish (SAR38), baba ghanouj (SAR32), and a side of chicken liver (SAR40).

For me, this was one of the most enjoyable meals out of the whole trip. The cauliflower was perfectly spiced and roasted while the pomegranate created a perfect balance of sweetness. The minted lemonade is another must-try — it left a refreshing taste on my tongue long after the meal!

Opening hours: 4PM – 12PM
Address: DADA7409 Al Jadidah Alula street 375, AlUla 43523 Saudi Arabia (Google Maps) 
How to get there: 10min walk from AlUla Old Town (Route)

Day 5: AlUla

Knowing we’d spend the morning out in the desert, we had snacks ready for breakfast on-the-go as most eateries only open around lunch!

Safari tour at Sharaan Nature Reserve

Oryx in Sharaan Nature Reserve — Saudi Arabia Itinerary

A pair of wild Arabian Oryx.

Sharaan Nature Reserve was established in 2018 as part of Saudi’s vision to protect up to 19,000sqkm of land for wildlife. A testament to this ambitious mission is the Arabian Oryx which went extinct in the wild in the 1970s but has now been successfully reintroduced!

We consider ourselves to be extremely lucky to have spotted the oryx during our safari tour! Another mammal we saw was the Sand Gazelle, a ‘near threatened’ species in the International Union of Conservation of Nature (IUCN) list.

Sharaan Nature Reserve Carvings— Saudi Arabia Itinerary

We also got to see petroglyphs and pictographs carved on some of the cliffs within the reserve. Some of these ancient carvings have been there since 10,000 BCE!

*Note: The best, and only way to enjoy the Safari is on a tour!

Cost: SAR288/adult (~S$103) for a 3hr tour
Tour timings: 6:50AM, 10:50 AM, 2:50PM
Meeting point: Pangaea Center (Google Maps)
How to get there: 40min drive from AlUla Old Town (route) or arrange with the tour provider for other pickup options.

Brunch at Al Rais Fish 

Lunch at Al Rais Fish in AlUla — Where to eat in AlUla

Before continuing our day, we fueled up at Al Rais Fish, one of the few eateries that was open early — a rare find in AlUla where most restaurants don’t open until after lunch!

We ordered grilled sea bass, three plates of siyadiah, and a side salad each. Choo particularly enjoyed this meal, I believe his exact words were: “very nostalgic.” The restaurant itself was homely and the rich flavour of the food took centre stage. The food being so good is already a win but the reasonable prices (~S$10/pax) made it even better!

Opening hours: 10AM – 12AM
Address: Al Sukhayrat, AlUla 43561, Saudi Arabia (Google Maps)
How to get there: 4min drive from AlUla Old Town (Route)

Day out in Hegra

Our Rawi (guide) in Hegra Mada'in Saleh — Things to do in AlUla

Rawis are storytellers who keep the Kingdom’s heritage alive.

Hegra, or Mada’in Saleh, spans roughly 13sqkm with 111 Nabataen tombs scattered around. So a guided bus tour is the best way to explore Hegra. 

A Rawi (storyteller) leads each tour, detailing the lives of the Nabateans, who conquered Hegra around 2,100 years ago.

On our trip, we learnt that the Nabatean people were a rich and advanced civilisation that had control over major trade routes, including the incense road!

Tomb 25 Hegra Mada'in Saleh — Things to do in AlUla

Admiring carvings in the only tomb we could enter — Tomb 25!

They were also expert craftsmen and exemplified that in their carvings. Inscriptions on a tomb may hint at the individual’s role in the community, wealth status, and name.

Cost: SAR95/adult (~S$34) for a 3hr tour
Tour timings: 7:30AM, 8:30AM, 9:30AM, 10:30AM, 12:30PM, 1:30PM, 2:30PM
Meeting point: Winter Park bus stop (Google Maps)

Stargazing in AlUla

With not much time to waste after Hegra, we took the free shuttle back to Winter Park for our rental car. Excited to stargaze in Gharameel, we sped down the open roads to Husaak Adventure Hub.

Following a safety briefing, we were shipped into 4x4s and began an hour-long journey into the open desert. Gharameel is a prime location to spot the Milky Way due to the absence of light pollution!

Stargazing in Gharameel AlUla — Saudi Arabia Itinerary

After a few minutes of warming up around the campfire, all the lights were put out. Then, our host spent the bulk of the night sharing fascinating stories about the constellations, weaving together astronomy and culture while we mapped out Cassiopeia, Canis Major, and gawked at the milky way. It’s fascinating to learn that over 200 stars have names of Arabic origin — Achernar, Deneb, and Fomalhaut are some of them!

Before heading back to the visitor centre, we enjoyed a free-flow buffet dinner, alfresco under a blanket of stars.

Cost: SAR397/adult (~S$142) for a 5hr tour
Tour timing: Varies depending on season
Meeting point: Husaak Adventures AlUla (Google Maps)

Day 6: AlUla

Sunrise hot air balloon ride

Firing Up a Hot Air Balloon — Things to do in AlUla

A sunrise AlUla hot air balloon ride was the perfect way to spend the last morning in this otherworldly region. Despite the ungodly call time (4AM), we were shaking with excitement while waiting for the shuttle. It’s been years since the last time we were on a hot air balloon ride!

Sunrise View While On a Hot Air Balloon — Things to do in AlUla

The balloons were fired up and in the air just in time for sunrise!

During the 50-minute ride, our knowledgeable pilot told us the history of AlUla as he skillfully flew low over the rocky landscape.

Hot Air Balloon Flying Over Al Ula — Things to do in AlUla

We kept our eyes peeled the entire time cause, it might not be obvious from 1,200m above ground, but there’s a chance we were even flying over Hegra!

Cost: SAR1,295/adult (~S$463) for a 4hr tour
Tour timing: 5AM
Meeting point: Winter Park bus stop or selected hotel pickup. Arrange with the tour provider for other pickup options.

Exploring AlUla Old Town

Al Ula Old Town with Rock in the Background — Saudi Arabia itinerary

Of course, we couldn’t leave AlUla without spending a day in AlUla Old Town. The heart of the city, this restored historical settlement dates back to the 12th century.

We spent hours exploring the narrow alleyways that led us to artisan shops selling local crafts, coffee roasters, food trucks, and restaurants serving traditional Saudi dishes. There’s even a quaint local library!

Food trucks at AlUla Old Town — What to See in AlUla

AlUla Old Town comes alive once the sun sets!

In the area surrounding the Old Town, you’ll also find convenience stores, a barber, and some locally-owned souvenir shops. Plus, there’s a variety of accommodation options ranging from boutique hotels to luxury resorts just a short drive away.

Opening hours: 9AM – 11:30PM (Sat – Thu), 12PM – 11:30PM (Fri)
Address: 375, AlUla 43562, Saudi Arabia (Google Maps)
How to get there: 7min drive from Winter Park bus stop (Route)

Quick bite at Zalata 

Zalata Restaurant at AlUla Old Town — What to Eat in AlUla

Zalata is one of the few restaurants open in AlUla Old Town during the day (most shops open at night), so we followed the crowd and grabbed a seat. Our orders took some time to arrive but the mouthwatering spicy honey halloumi (SAR41) was worth the wait!

Frankly, the food was so good that I even cleared Choo’s plate of shakshuka pie (SAR38). After slowly sipping our coffees (SAR30), we continued to stroll through the town, snapping photos at every corner.

Opening hours: 9AM – 11:30PM (Sat – Thu), 12PM – 11:30PM (Fri)
Address: 7061, AlUla 43562, Saudi Arabia (Google Maps)
How to get there: 5min walk from AlUla Old Town Visitor Center (Route)

Enriching Incense Road experience

AlUla Incense Road Experience — Saudi Arabia Itinerary

Since we had some time in AlUla before leaving, we put our names down for the AlUla Incense Road Experience, which turned out to be an enriching way to end the evening! 

Throughout the experience, actors and guides brought us across three different checkpoints scattered around the semi-dark alleyways of AlUla Old Town. They breathed life into the town, retracing the steps taken by spice traders, travellers, and locals who once used the incense path in their daily lives.

AlUla Incense Road Experience — Saudi Arabia Itinerary

Can you see how the scent is taking me back in time?

At one of the checkpoints, we familiarised ourselves with notes of different spices and even had a go at creating scents by mixing frankincense and oud (agarwood). 

Navigating the narrow passageways added a sense of adventure to the tour and I felt like I was truly a traveller living in those ancient times!

Cost: SAR120/adult (~S$43) for a 2hr tour
Activity time: 4:30PM to 9:30PM, one slot every 30mins (til 5 Apr 2025)
Meeting point: AlUla Old Town Visitor Center (Google Maps)

Jump to: Where to Stay in AlUla

Arrival in Riyadh

Flight from AlUla to Riyadh: ~1hr 40min

Riyadh City From Above — Saudi Arabia Itinerary

The traffic congestion, bright lights, and lively city atmosphere of Riyadh were a stark contrast to AlUla!

After saying goodbye to AlUla Old Town, we returned our rental car at AlUla International Airport and caught our next flight to Riyadh, a bustling metropolitan city in the heart of the desert.

Around 2 hours later, we arrived at Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport. Then, it’s a 45-minute car ride to Crowne Plaza Riyadh Palace Hotel where we checked in and recharged for the following day.

Day 7: Riyadh

You can’t visit Riyadh without hearing about Diriyah. Crowned as the birthplace of Saudi Arabia, its origins date back to the 15th Century, and it only opened to visitors in 2022! Within the compounds of Diriyah is At-Turaif, an ancient citadel and Bujairi Terrace, a high-end dining hub.

Not so fun fact: In Riyadh, we quickly learned to keep our cameras in the hotel room and depend on our phones instead! Across the three cities, Riyadh was most strict about its no-camera policies, especially in tourist hotspots and crowded areas.

Touring At-Turaif 

At Turaif — Saudi Arabia Itinerary

At-Turaif is a maze of archaeological ruins with mud-brick buildings all around. This citadel contains ruins of a mosque, a palace, and endless streets once frequented by the people who helped build modern Saudi Arabia.

After its refurbishment, there are now a couple of museums in At-Turaif: the Addiriyah Museum and The Arabian Horse Museum. Addiriyah Museum outlines the foundation and history of the first Saudi state while the Arabian Horse Museum is a tribute to the role of horses in the Kingdom’s history.

Addiriyah Museum At Turaif — Saudi Arabia Itinerary

Hendric looking at exhibits in the Addiriyah Museum.

We spent about 2 hours walking around the entire site but it would have easily taken more had we visited in the evening when more shops and restaurants in At-Turaif are open.

*Note: A Diriyah Pass grants entry into At-Turaif and Bujairi Terrace.

Cost: SAR50/adult (~S$18) (Included in Diriyah Pass)
Opening hours: 10AM – 12AM (Sat – Thu), 2PM – 12AM (Fri), last entry 11PM
Address: Wadi Hanifah, Al Turaif, Diriyah 13711, Saudi Arabia (Google Maps)
How to get there: Enter from Bujairi Terrace drop-off point (Route)

Free activities at Bujairi Terrace

Bujairi Terrace Entrance — Saudi Arabia Itinerary

Exiting At-Turaif led us back to Bujairi Terrace — a hub littered with dining establishments, cultural performances, and food stands. It’s bustling with energy once the sun sets, so it’s best to go at night!

Bujairi Terrace Carousel — Saudi Arabia Itinerary

Since we were passing the time till our dinner reservation, we did a couple of free activities that are all included in the Diriyah Pass! For instance, hopping on a carousel ride and painting mini pots at a crafts stand — which we got to bring home for free!

Activities at Bujairi Terrace Riyadh — Things to do in Riyadh

*Note: Both the carousel ride and the craft booth aren’t open during the day so arrive after 6PM!

Cost: SAR50/adult (~S$18) (Included in Diriyah Pass)
Opening hours:
9AM – 1AM (Sat – Tue), 9AM – 2AM (Wed – Fri), last entry at 1AM
Address: 7295 King Faisal Rd، 3205, Riyadh 13711, Saudi Arabia (Google Maps)
How to get there: Enter from Bujairi Terrace drop-off point or walk from At Turaif visitor centre (Route)

Dinner at Somewhere Restaurant

Dinner at Somewhere, Bujairi Terrace — Things to do in Riyadh

Choo is happiest with food!

Somewhere is one of the many luxurious restaurants in Bujairi Terrace. The dishes here range from Arabian to Mediterranean cuisine. Just like how the presentation was eye-catching, the prices were on the steeper side too!

The baklava (SAR67) was a highlight for us. It was loaded with pistachios and the ice cream had a mochi-like texture! While the guacamole hummus (SAR47) went well with the chips, the shrimp siyadiah (rice) was a tad dry.

I’d say skip the siyadiah and order two rounds of the shrimp kunafa (SAR60) instead 😉. Those deep-fried shrimp rolls were crunchy and juicy, and so good with the dip!

*Pro-tip: Reserve a table and dine in after 5PM to offset the price of the Diriyah Pass from your total bill!

Opening hours: 9AM – 11:45PM (Sun – Wed), 9AM – 12:15AM (Thu – Sat)
Address: Al Bujairi, Diriyah 13711, Saudi Arabia (Google Maps)
How to get there: 3min walk from Bujairi Terrace drop-off point (Route)

Skybridge Walk at Kingdom Center Tower

Kingdom Center Tower Riyadh — Places to See in Riyadh

See the glowing blue strip at the top of the building? That’s where the Skybridge is!

The Kingdom Center Tower Skybridge is suspended 302m in the air, offering unblocked views of Riyadh. It’s particularly enchanting during sunset and after nightfall. 

Kingdom Center Tower Skybridge Walk — Places to See in Riyadh

We had to search high and low for the entrance to the Skybridge. But, two separate elevator rides later, we got to the 99th floor and arrived at the 65m-long bridge. We spent almost half an hour here just taking in the sights!

Entrance fee: SAR69/adult (~S$25)
Opening hours: 12PM – 11PM (Sat – Thu), 4PM – 11PM (Fri)
Address: Kingdom Centre, Al Olaya, Riyadh 12214, Saudi Arabia (Google Maps)
How to get there:
Entrance to Skybridge is beside the Mont Blanc store in Kingdom Center (Route)

Day 8: Riyadh

Visiting King Khalid Grand Mosque

Man in King Khalid Grand Mosque — Things to do in Riyadh

Men’s Prayer Area.

Although not the biggest or the oldest mosque in Riyadh, King Khalid Grand Mosque is named after a prominent figure — Saudi Arabia’s fourth king! And, it’s the only mosque we found allowing non-Muslims to enter. 

King Khalid Grand Mosque — Things to do in Riyadh

Since most places aren’t open in the morning, marvelling at the exterior of various mosques in Riyadh was a peaceful activity to start the day with. Another notable mosque is Al Rajhi Grand Mosque, the largest in Riyadh!

*Pro-tip: Avoid visiting during prayer times.

Opening hours: 10AM – 8PM
Address: Umm Al Hamam Al Gharbi, Riyadh 12326, Saudi Arabia (Google Maps)
How to get there: 18min drive from Crowne Plaza Riyadh Palace Hotel (Route)

Quad biking at Al Thumama Desert

Desert view While Quad Biking — Saudi Arabia Itinerary

Contrary to our quiet morning, we injected a dose of high-speed adventure into the afternoon. After being picked up at Kingdom Center Tower by our tour operator, we headed out of the city to Al Thumama Desert!

*Pro-tip: Bring a shawl to shield you from sand blowing on your face!

Saudi Arabia Quad Biking — Saudi Arabia Itinerary

Wasting no time, we straddled a quad bike each and sped across the sand dunes. Thrill-seekers at heart, we had a great time here on the open dunes while taking in the picturesque views!

As amateurs, all of us got our bikes stuck in the sand at some point, but our guide quickly came to the rescue each time. We still can’t figure out how he effortlessly lifts the entire bike as if it’s weightless! Though the experience may be physically demanding, it’s still manageable for beginners.

Cost: SAR385/adult (~S$138) for a 4hr tour
Activity timings: 8:30AM and 2PM
Meeting point: Selected hotel pickup. Arrange with the provider for other pickup locations.

Dinner at Najd Village

Najd Village Restaurant — Things to Eat in Riyadh

Najd Village is a restaurant offering authentic Saudi Arabian cuisine. It’s named after the Najd Highlands where the current day capital of Riyadh lies.

I appreciated the traditionally-decorated interior and the floor-seating added authenticity to the dining experience!

Food at Nadj Village — What to Eat in Riyadh

We particularly enjoyed the shrimp kabsah (rice), mogalgal (lamb cubes), and vegetable samosa. For dessert, the Dukh’n (millet cake) was a crowd favourite. Personally, I’d recommend washing down the heavy meal with a hot cup of ginger and saffron tea!

Portions here are generous and served on large platters meant for sharing (~SAR80/pax) — it’s a culturally-immersive dining experience to have with friends.

Fun fact: Sharing food here is a culturally reinforced value to foster relationship ties and build communities, ensuring that no one goes hungry.

Opening hours: 6AM – 12AM (Sat – Wed), 6AM – 1:30AM (Thu – Fri)
Address: Al Olaya, Riyadh 12331, Saudi Arabia (Google Maps)
How to get there: 8min drive from Kingdom Center Tower (Route)

Day 9: Riyadh

Stroll at Al Murabba Palace

Al Murabba Palace — Saudi Arabia Itinerary

Al Murabba Palace was built in the 1930s as a residential home for the first king of Saudi Arabia — King Abdulaziz Al-Saud. The grounds used to be a government centre for state affairs and Diwan (a hub where world leaders meet).

Now, various rooms in the palace display royal artefacts, documents, and photographs!

Al Murabba Palace Grounds with a Cat — Saudi Arabia Itinerary

See if you can find this friendly cat when you visit!

Other than the occasional event, the palace grounds make for a nice walk with many photo-taking (and cat-petting) opportunities. Plus, the National Museum of Saudi Arabia is right beside it. Psst, entry to both the palace and the museum is free.

Entrance fee: Free
Opening hours: 9AM – 8PM (Sat – Thu), 9AM – 5PM (Fri)
Address: 2722 King Saud Rd, Al Murabba, Riyadh 12631, Saudi Arabia (Google Maps)
How to get there: 15min drive from Crowne Plaza Riyadh Palace (Route)

History lesson at National Museum of Saudi Arabia

National Museum of Saudi Arabia — Things to do in Riyadh

The National Museum of Saudi Arabia is part of the Al Murabba palace grounds. The two-storey museum is huge and houses over 3,000 artefacts.

The first floor focuses on the pre-Islam era by extensively detailing the history of early human civilisations and showcasing the many primitive tools made from naturally-occurring crystals.

Fun fact: There’s a huge meteorite on display here which fell in the Arabian desert back in 1740AD!

Replica of Quran in National Museum of Saudi Arabia — Things to do in Riyadh

The entire second floor of the museum is dedicated to the religious history of the country. The geek in me was thrilled by the array of calligraphy, manuscripts, and coins from the early Islamic period.

Entrance fee: Free
Opening hours: 9AM – 7PM (Sat – Thu), 2PM – 10PM (Thu – Fri)
Address: 8745 King Saud Rd, 2722, King Faisal Road, Riyadh Saudi Arabia (Google Maps)
How to get there: 4min walk across the palace grounds from Al Murabba to the Museum (Route)

Hike to Edge of the World 

Edge of the World Tour — Adventurous Things to Do in Riyadh

We ended the trip with an epic hike to the Edge of the World! It’s a long, 90km ride out from Riyadh to the rocky Tuwaiq landscape, so we had to take a 4×4 vehicle to get there.

The 20-minute hike to the dramatic cliffside was fairly easy, with a gradual incline over uneven terrain. Once there, we were rewarded with endless desert views that seemed to stretch beyond the horizon, truly making us feel like we were at the edge of the world.

Going during sunset saved us from the scorching heat and made for a stunning shot!

Sunset at the Edge of the World — Saudi Arabia itinerary

After this thrilling adventure, our guide drove us back to town. From there, we picked up our bags from the hotel lobby, and began our journey home!

There are a few tour operators on Viator that offer this experience, just be sure to check reviews beforehand ☺️.

Jump to: Where to Stay in Riyadh

Where to Stay in Saudi Arabia

From more affordable boutique hotels and serviced apartments to luxury resorts, there’s an option for every budget. Here’s where we stayed in each city, our experience there, and an alternate high-end option if you feel the urge to splurge!

Jeddah: Taj Jeddah Serviced Apartments (Day 1 – 3)

Hotel Room in Taj Jeddah Serviced Apartment Jeddah — Accommodation in Saudi Arabia

Taj Jeddah Serviced Apartments is a 4-star hotel with very accommodating and responsive service. It’s also just a 5-minute drive to AlHamra Corniche, which has unblocked views of King Fahad’s Fountain.

If you’re travelling with friends, I’d recommend booking the two-bedroom apartment here and splitting the cost!

Cost: From S$140/night (up to 4 pax)
Address: Al Ouqsour, Al-Ruwais, Jeddah 22231, Saudi Arabia (Google Maps)

Luxury accommodation in Jeddah: Shangri-La Jeddah (from S$780/night). Floor to ceiling windows of this urban oasis in Jeddah city offers views of the Red Sea from the comfort of its suites.

AlUla: Rosabella Hotel (Day 4 – 6)

Hotel room in Rosabella Hotel AlUla — Accommodation in Saudi Arabia

Rosabella Boutique Hotel is just a 5-minute drive away from AlUla Old Town which we frequented, making it really convenient for us to get around.

It’s one of the more affordable options in the area and makes for a decent stay overall. For money-savvy travellers, get the three-bedroom suit as it whittles down to only ~S$70/pax!

*Note: The reception isn’t exactly 24/7, so do text the contact number in the booking for check-in. Even if there’s no reply, someone will show up eventually and assist with the check-in process (like how it was for us)!

Cost: From S$190/night (up to 6 pax)
Address: Rosabella Hotel, AlUla 43522, Saudi Arabia (Google Maps)

Luxury accommodation in AlUla: Banyan Tree AlUla (from S$1,700/night). A luxurious and exclusive award-winning resort in AlUla’s desert landscape with an infinity pool offering views of Ashar Valley.

Riyadh: Crowne Plaza Riyadh Palace (Day 7 – 9)

Hotel room in Crowne plaza Riyadh Palace — Accommodation in Saudi Arabia

Can you see how happy I was?

Crowne Plaza Riyadh Palace was my favourite accommodation of the trip because of the high-pressure rain shower 😭. Location-wise, it was close to most of the places we visited in Riyadh including Najd Village restaurant, the Skybridge at Kingdom Center Tower, and King Khalid Grand Mosque. This helped us save a little on our Careem fare!

Cost: From S$170/night (up to 4 pax)
Address: Prince Abdulrahman Bin Abdulaziz, Ministries Area, Riyadh 12628, Saudi Arabia (Google Maps)

Luxury accommodation in Riyadh: Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh at Kingdom Center (from S$1,000/night). This urban sky-high stay is nestled in the heart of a city that never sleeps, with stunning views of Riyadh.

How to plan your first Saudi Arabia itinerary

Al Ula Old Town — How to Plan Your Saudi Arabia Itinerary

Although pre-trip planning took some time, it was worth it ’cause after nine days in this Kingdom, I can confidently say that it won’t be my last time there.

I’m still awe-struck by AlUla’s desert landscape and I’d love to spend more time diving in all the different sites across the Red Sea. Frankly, I wouldn’t mind spending a couple more evenings exploring Al-Balad either!

If you’re itching to visit but not sure where to start, I got you. Here’s what you need to plan your first Saudi Arabia itinerary 👇🏽

Pre-trip Essentials

Visa: Singaporeans must apply for an e-visa and purchase the mandatory medical insurance listed on the application (SAR395/pax or ~S$143).

SIM cards: Buy physical or e-sims upon arrival as it’s much cheaper! We stumbled upon the local provider, Zain, by chance at the airport and got the 25GB Social Media package for SAR119 (~S$43).

Transportation

Selfie on Scoot Direct Flight Between Singapore and Saudi Arabia — Saudi Arabia Itinerary

Flights: Take a direct flight from Singapore to Jeddah to save time! Direct flights are ~9 hours long whereas flights with layovers take up to 20 hours, doubling travel time! At the point of writing, Scoot and Saudia offer this option, each flying to Jeddah three to four times weekly.

Ride-hailing: Careem is one of the more popular ride-hailing apps in the country. Download and register your account while in Singapore to avoid any complications with receiving your one-time-password. On average, a 15-minute ride costs ~S$10.

Public transport: Although available in Jeddah and Riyadh, it can triple commute time. Locals still advise using ride-hailing apps for ease!

Car rental: In AlUla, we ditched the ride-hailing apps and rented a car instead. AlUla is a more isolated location so we were worried that it’d be hard to get a ride. We pre-booked a rental car online from Lumi for ~S$215 for 3 days. Lumi’s unmissable car rental desk in AlUla airport made the entire pick-up and drop-off process easy enough!

Tips

Driving in AlUla — Saudi Arabia Itinerary

Packing list: Pack lightweight clothing as temperatures average around 32°C. But if you’re visiting between December and February, bring thicker outerwear for chilly nights.

Avoid clothing with graphic images, offensive text, or revealing designs. In a nutshell, wear long pants, loose dresses, maxi skirts, and tops that cover the shoulders. Modesty is key for both men and women! It’s also handy for women to carry long-sleeved outerwear or an abaya and a shawl, especially when visiting mosques.

Other considerations: Check opening hours beforehand as almost everything across Saudi; eateries, stores, and even some attractions only open after 3PM and hours tend to differ on Fridays and Saturdays.

Save this map: For easy reference, check out this map where I’ve pinned all the places listed in this Saudi Arabia itinerary!

Which of these cities would you like to visit in this Saudi Arabia itinerary?  Let us know in the comment section below!


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Safiah F. R.
Nomadic by nature but makes every airbnb a home. Gravitates to water, believes coincidence is the universe at work and often looks at the big picture but enjoys macro photography. On many accounts a living paradox.

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