Saudi Arabia Tourism Guide 2025: Best Destinations, Prices, Visa & Everything You Need to Know

Saudi Arabia is experiencing an unprecedented tourism boom that has made it one of the world's top destinations! In 2025, the Kingdom welcomed over 127 million visitors, achieving the number one position globally in foreign tourist spending growth. Whether you're from within the Kingdom looking for a unique entertainment experience, or planning your first visit from abroad, this comprehensive guide takes you on a journey to discover everything you need to know about tourism in the land of Arabia.

💡 Quick Facts About Saudi Tourism 2025:
- 127 million visitors targeted
- SAR 49.4 billion tourism revenue (Q1)
- 68 countries eligible for e-visa
- 8 sites registered with UNESCO
- 475,000 new hotel rooms

Best Tourist Destinations in Saudi Arabia

The Kingdom features unique tourism diversity combining heritage and modernity, from ancient archaeological sites to massive entertainment projects. Here are the top destinations you must visit:

1. Riyadh - The Heart of the Kingdom

The capital Riyadh is not just a city, but a complete experience combining historical charm with modern rhythm. Key landmarks include:

Masmak Fort: Historic fortress dating to 1865, witness to the founding of the Saudi state
Kingdom Tower: Riyadh's icon with stunning panoramic views
National Museum: Journey through Arabian Peninsula history
Edge of the World: Breathtaking cliff views over the desert

2. Boulevard Riyadh City - Entertainment Capital

Boulevard Riyadh City is the largest entertainment destination in Riyadh Season, spanning over 900,000 square meters. It offers diverse experiences suitable for all ages:

Top Events: International concerts, theatrical shows, interactive experiences like "Poppy Playtime"
Dancing Fountain: Spectacular water, light, and music show
Restaurants & Cafes: Over 200 options from various world cuisines

💰 Boulevard Ticket Prices 2025:
- SAR 55: Sunday - Wednesday
- SAR 110: Thursday - Saturday
- Free: Children under 2 years
- Operating Hours: 4 PM - 12 Midnight

3. Historic Diriyah - Birthplace of the Saudi State

Diriyah was the first capital of the Saudi state and includes At-Turaif District, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Diriyah Season 2025-2026 offers an exceptional cultural experience:

At-Turaif District: Heritage mud-brick buildings telling 300 years of history
Bujairi Terrace: Over 20 international restaurants overlooking Wadi Hanifa
Diriyah Nights: Cultural and musical events under the stars
Sada Al-Wadi: Authentic Saudi folk art performances

💰 Diriyah Entry Prices:
- Free: Sunday - Wednesday (before 4 PM)
- SAR 100: Sunday - Wednesday (after 4 PM)
- SAR 200: Thursday - Saturday
- Ticket value redeemable at Bujairi restaurants

4. AlUla - Desert Jewel

AlUla is one of the world's most stunning tourist destinations, home to Hegra (Mada'in Saleh), Saudi Arabia's first UNESCO site:

Hegra: 131 Nabataean tombs carved into rock
Elephant Rock: Stunning natural rock formation
Old Town: Maze of heritage alleyways
Winter at Tantora: World-class cultural and music festival

5. Jeddah - Bride of the Red Sea

Saudi Arabia's second-largest city, combining history, modernity, and stunning beaches:

Historic Jeddah (Al-Balad): UNESCO World Heritage Site with Hejazi architecture
Jeddah Corniche: 30 km of waterfront promenade
King Fahd Fountain: World's tallest fountain (312 meters)
Jeddah Season: Diverse maritime and cultural events

6. Abha & Soudah - Switzerland of the East

In the Kingdom's southwest, the green Asir mountains await with their moderate climate:

Soudah Mountain: Saudi Arabia's highest peak (3,015 meters)
Cable Car: Journey above clouds and green mountains
Rijal Almaa Village: Unique stone and mud architectural heritage
Paragliding: Unforgettable adventure over Tihama

How to Reach Saudi Arabia

For Visitors from Within the Kingdom:

Domestic Flights: Extensive network connecting all major cities via Saudia, flynas, and flyadeal. Competitive prices starting from SAR 150 per one-way flight.

By Car: Excellent highway network connecting all regions. Distances: Riyadh - Jeddah (950 km), Riyadh - Abha (950 km), Riyadh - AlUla (1,100 km).

By Train: Haramain High-Speed Railway connects Makkah to Madinah via Jeddah (450 km/hour). Riyadh Metro serves the capital with 6 lines.

For Visitors from Abroad:

Major International Airports:

• King Khalid International Airport (Riyadh)
- King Abdulaziz International Airport (Jeddah)
- King Fahd International Airport (Dammam)
- Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz Airport (Madinah)

Saudi Tourist Visa 2025

Getting a tourist visa has never been easier! Citizens of 68 countries can obtain an e-visa within minutes:

Countries Eligible for E-Visa:

Europe: All EU countries, UK, Switzerland, Norway
Americas: United States, Canada
Asia: Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, China, Brunei
Oceania: Australia, New Zealand
Gulf: All GCC residents

E-Visa Features:

• Validity: One year, multiple entry
- Stay Duration: Up to 90 days
- Fee: SAR 300 + health insurance
- Processing Time: Within minutes
- Includes: Umrah performance (except Hajj)

Steps to Obtain Visa:

1. Visit visitsaudi.com
2. Enter passport details (valid for at least 6 months)
3. Upload recent photo
4. Pay fees electronically
5. Receive visa via email

💡 For GCC Residents:
All GCC residents can now obtain tourist visas without specific profession requirements, provided their residency is valid for at least 3 months.

Useful Apps for Tourists

For an optimal tourism experience, download these apps:

Visit Saudi (روح السعودية): Official Saudi Tourism Authority app - your comprehensive guide to places, events, and hotels with interactive maps

Webook: For booking event and season tickets

Riyadh Season: Dedicated app for Riyadh Season events

Diriyah Season: For ticket booking and event information

Uber / Careem: For city transportation

Almosafer / Booking: For hotel and flight bookings

Hotels & Accommodation

Diverse options available for all budgets:

Luxury Hotels (5-star):

• Four Seasons Riyadh: From SAR 2,500/night
- Ritz-Carlton Hotel: From SAR 2,800/night
- Park Hyatt Jeddah: From SAR 1,800/night

Mid-range Hotels (3-4 star):

• From SAR 400-800/night
- Multiple options in all cities

Budget Hotels:

• From SAR 150-350/night
- Serviced apartments and family resorts

What Do Tourists Say About Saudi Arabia?

Foreign tourists' testimonials show a completely different picture from what some media outlets portray:

"I found the Saudi people friendly and treating tourists like friends. This is completely opposite to what we used to hear!"
- Belgian Tourist

"The country that was strange to me became my friend after my trip. A unique experience I never expected!"
- Marie Tissot, French Tourist

What Makes the Tourism Experience Special:

• Hospitality: Arabic coffee and dates everywhere
- Warm Welcome: Smiles and help from everyone
- Safety: One of the safest countries in the world
- Cleanliness: Clean cities and modern facilities
- Diversity: Experiences you won't find anywhere else

Important Tips for Tourists

Clothing: Respect public decency, modest clothing (abaya not required for foreign women)

Best Time to Visit: October - April (moderate weather)

Currency: Saudi Riyal (1 USD ≈ 3.75 SAR)

Language: Arabic is official, English widely spoken in tourist areas

Transportation: Uber and Careem apps available, or rent a car

Communications: SIM cards available at airports (STC, Mobily, Zain)

Future Tourism Projects

The Kingdom is investing over $500 billion in mega tourism projects:

NEOM: Smart city of the future on the Red Sea
Red Sea Project: Luxury resorts on pristine islands
Qiddiya: Entertainment capital near Riyadh
Amaala: Middle East Riviera for luxury tourism

Conclusion

Saudi Arabia today is not what you imagine! It's a world-class tourist destination combining authentic heritage with stunning modernity, Arabian hospitality with international services. Whether you're seeking desert adventure, relaxation on Red Sea beaches, immersion in history and culture, or enjoying the biggest entertainment events - you'll find all this and more in the land of Arabia. Book your trip now and discover the Kingdom's magic for yourself!