The best places to visit in Saudi Arabia — from AlUla and Riyadh to Jeddah, the Asir mountains and the Red Sea. A ranked guide with tips on when to go and how long to stay.
AlUla — Ancient Nabataean tombs, dramatic sandstone canyons and a 2,000-year-old oasis — AlUla is Saudi Arabia's most spectacular heritage destination.
Riyadh — Saudi Arabia's capital blends soaring skyscrapers, the birthplace of the Saudi state at Diriyah, and the vertigo-inducing Edge of the World on its doorstep.
Jeddah — Saudi Arabia's most relaxed big city — a UNESCO-listed old town, a 30km Corniche, world-class Red Sea diving, and the traditional gateway for pilgrims.
Makkah — Islam's holiest city and the destination of the Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages. Entry to Makkah is reserved for Muslims.
Madinah — Home to the Prophet's Mosque and Islam's second holiest site. The central holy area is reserved for Muslims, but Madinah is calmer and greener than many expect.
Eastern Province — Saudi Arabia's Gulf coast: the Dammam-Khobar metro area, breezy corniches, the UNESCO-listed Al Ahsa oasis, and the road bridge to Bahrain.
Abha — High in the Asir mountains at 2,200m, Abha offers cool weather, green terraced slopes, cable cars and the colourful heritage village of Rijal Almaa.
Taif — A cool mountain retreat above Makkah, famous for its rose farms and festival, scenic Al Hada road, cable car and pleasant summer climate.
Tabuk — Saudi Arabia's northwest frontier — the palm-filled canyon of Wadi Disah, the Hisma desert, a Red Sea coastline, and the emerging megacity of NEOM.