The Ultimate 7‑Day Saudi Arabia Itineraries for First‑Timers

Saudi Arabia has only recently opened to independent travellers, and few destinations can match its combination of ancient heritage, raw wilderness and modern ambition. For decades the Kingdom was closed to non‑pilgrim visitors, which means many of its historic settlements, desert landscapes and vibrant cities remain relatively undiscovered. In a single week you can stand in front of Nabataean tombs carved two thousand years ago, wander through bustling souqs scented with oud and coffee, trek across red‑sand deserts and snorkel over coral reefs. This comprehensive itinerary is designed for first‑timers who want to see Saudi Arabia’s cultural heartlands and natural wonders in one trip while still leaving room for spontaneous encounters.

Pre‑trip essentials

Visas and regulations. Saudi Arabia introduced a tourist eVisa programme in 2019, making it possible for travellers from dozens of countries to apply online or obtain a visa on arrival. The tourist visa is valid for multiple entries over a year and allows stays of up to 90 days.

Make sure your passport has at least six months’ validity and keep digital copies of travel documents. Respect local customs by dressing modestly; women are not required to wear abayas but should cover shoulders and knees, while men should avoid sleeveless shirts in public. Public displays of affection are frowned upon and alcohol is prohibited. Fridays are holy days – shops open in the afternoon and prayers occur five times daily when businesses temporarily close. Always carry some cash for small purchases; credit cards are widely accepted in cities but less so in rural areas.

Climate and timing. The best months for this itinerary are October through April when temperatures are cooler and skies clear. Central and western Saudi Arabia experience pleasant days (18–30 °C) and chilly evenings in winter, whereas summers can exceed 40 °C. In the northern highlands and Asir Mountains the weather is even cooler because the city of Abha sits at 2,270 m above sea level, while Taif at roughly 1,800 m enjoys spring‑like temperatures year‑round.

The humidity is highest along the Red Sea coast. Pack layers, sun protection and a scarf to cover your head in dusty areas.

Health and culture. Tap water is generally safe in the major cities but bottled water is cheap and readily available. Pharmacies stock familiar brands, though you should bring prescription medications and a basic first‑aid kit. Saudi Arabia is one of the safest countries in the Middle East; violent crime is rare and locals are quick to offer help. However, as in any unfamiliar place you should keep valuables secure, avoid isolated areas at night and ask permission before photographing people. Saudis are proud of their hospitality, and invitations for coffee or a meal are common; accept with gratitude and remove your shoes before entering private homes. When greeting people of the opposite sex, wait for them to extend a hand. A few words of Arabic – assalamu alaykum (peace be upon you) and shukran (thank you) – go a long way.

Day 1 – Riyadh arrival

Begin your adventure in the capital, a city that juxtaposes traditional culture with glass‑and‑steel towers. After settling into your hotel, head straight to the National Museum of Saudi Arabia, housed within the King Abdulaziz Historical Centre. The collection traces the Arabian Peninsula from prehistoric fossils and rock art through the rise of Islam to modern times, with interactive displays and scale models. The museum opens daily from 09:00 to 19:00 (14:00 to 22:00 on Fridays) and admission costs around SAR 10.

A short walk away, the Masmak Fortress evokes nineteenth‑century Riyadh: thick mud‑brick walls and four watchtowers surround a courtyard where palm‑trunk doors still bear the scar from Prince Abdulaziz Al Saud’s spear during his daring 1902 raid.

The fort has free admission and houses exhibits on the unification of the Kingdom; it’s best visited in the morning when the desert sun is gentle.

For lunch, head to Deira Souq behind the fortress for kebabs, rice dishes and Arabic sweets. In the afternoon wander through the labyrinthine alleys of Souq Al Zal, a carpet and antique market where vendors sell incense burners, daggers and camel saddles.

Modern Riyadh reveals itself in the evening when locals promenade along Tahlia Street and the Boulevard Riyadh City entertainment zone. Dine at a rooftop restaurant overlooking the city’s neon skyline before returning to your hotel.

Day 2 – Diriyah and the Edge of the World

Spend your second day exploring the roots of the Saudi state. Just northwest of Riyadh is Diriyah, a mud‑brick town built along the banks of Wadi Hanifah. Within Diriyah’s At‑Turaif district, 600 years of Najdi architecture have been carefully restored: once the capital of the first Saudi state, the UNESCO‑listed site features palaces, mosques and defensive walls.

The district opens from 17:00 to midnight, while the adjacent Bujairi Terrace – a cluster of cafés and restaurants set among date palms – opens from 09:00 to midnight.

A cultural festival runs annually from October to February, when the site hosts concerts, craft workshops and falconry displays. Allow time to explore the galleries and learn about Najdi building techniques, then enjoy a leisurely lunch facing the valley.

In the late afternoon embark on an excursion to the Edge of the World (Jebel Fihrayn). This 1,131‑m‑high cliff is part of the Tuwaiq escarpment and lies about 100 km northwest of Riyadh
cuddlynest.com.

To reach it you need a 4×4 vehicle and a confident driver; the journey takes around 1.5–2 hours each way along gravel tracks and dry riverbeds. Once there you’re rewarded with endless views across the desert plain and a vertical drop of nearly 300 m.

Bring plenty of water, sturdy shoes and a jacket for the gusty summit. Guided tours cost around US$40 and often include a barbecue dinner and stargazing session.

Note that the site is best visited between October and March when temperatures are moderate.

Day 3 – Fly to AlUla

Catch a morning flight to AlUla, an oasis town in north‑west Saudi Arabia that was a key stop along the ancient Incense Route. Historians believe the area was inhabited as early as the sixth century BCE. Begin with a guided tour of Hegra (Madain Salih), the southern sibling of Petra. Carved into sandstone cliffs by the Nabataeans in the first century CE, the site has 111 tombs with ornate façades and inscriptions. Guides explain how artisans carved the monuments using simple tools and why certain tombs were reserved for elite families. After lunch continue to the Old Town of AlUla, a maze of mud‑brick houses built around a twelfth‑century fort that offered shelter to pilgrims and traders. Many of the narrow lanes have been restored with cafés and art galleries; climb the fort’s tower for sunset views over the oasis and the date palm groves.

Day 4 – Rock formations and modern art

AlUla’s landscape is studded with dramatic rock formations. Drive or cycle to Jebel Ikmah, sometimes called the “open‑air library” because of the thousands of inscriptions and petroglyphs etched into its walls. Nearby sits Elephant Rock (Jabal Al‑Fil) – a 52‑m‑tall sandstone pillar shaped by wind and water erosion over millions of years. The stone “trunk” and “body” glow deep red at dusk; bring a picnic and sit by one of the fire pits provided to watch the colours change. Later visit the Maraya Concert Hall, a mirrored cube that reflects the surrounding desert; it has been recognised by Guinness World Records as the largest mirrored building. Depending on the season, you can attend cultural performances or visit contemporary art exhibitions.

Day 5 – Medina stopover

On your way back south, stop for a day in Medina, the second holiest city in Islam. Non‑Muslims cannot enter the Prophet’s Mosque, but you can explore nearby museums and markets. The Dar Al Madinah Museum uses models and artefacts to explain the history of Medina, from the Prophet Muhammad’s migration to the development of the Ottoman railway. Wander through the dates market to sample famous Ajwa dates and pick up gifts of misbahah (prayer beads), spices and perfume. Respect local sensitivities by dressing modestly and avoiding photography around mosques; prayer times dictate when shops are open.

Day 6 – Jeddah highlights

Fly or drive two hours west to Jeddah, a port city on the Red Sea where multicultural influences have created a vibrant culinary scene. Begin in Al Balad, the historic district founded in the seventh century and listed by UNESCO in 2014.

Its coral‑stone houses are crowned with carved wooden mashrabiya balconies that were designed to catch sea breezes and provide privacy.

Visit the Nassif House, a 19th‑century merchant home turned museum, and the Al‑Jaffali Mosque, built in the fifteenth century.

Shop for textiles, spices and jewellery in narrow souqs before cooling off at a café in a renovated alleyway.

In the afternoon stroll along the Jeddah Corniche, a public waterfront promenade stretching several kilometres beside the Red Sea. Development began in the 1970s and subsequent expansions have added jogging paths, cycling lanes, playgrounds, sculptures and shaded benches.

There’s no entrance fee and visitors can relax on sandy beaches, visit the iconic Floating Mosque and watch fishermen along the pier.

End the day with grilled fish or prawns at one of the open‑air seafood restaurants overlooking the water.

Day 7 – Red Sea relaxation

Spend your final day basking in the Red Sea’s warm waters. Jeddah is the gateway to some of Saudi Arabia’s best snorkelling and diving sites.

Head north to Obhur Creek or join a boat trip to reefs off the coast where you can swim among clownfish, angelfish and sea turtles. Certified divers may opt for a day trip to the wreck of the Georgios G, a Greek ship that ran aground near Haql and is now an artificial reef.

Alternatively, take a leisurely beach day at a private resort where women can swim without headscarves and amenities include pools and cabanas. In the evening, enjoy one last Hijazi meal of grilled shrimp with spices and rice before transferring to the airport for your onward flight.

Accommodation and dining

Saudi Arabia’s hotel scene has blossomed in recent years. In Riyadh you can stay in international chains such as the Four Seasons or Ritz‑Carlton, or opt for boutique properties in the diplomatic quarter.

In AlUla, eco‑lodges and luxury tents let you sleep beneath star‑studded skies; book well in advance during peak season. For a truly local experience, spend a night at a farmstay near Rijal Almaa or an old merchant house in Jeddah.

Most hotels serve international cuisine and lavish Saudi breakfasts of flatbread, labneh, honey and coffee.

Food is an integral part of any Saudi adventure. The national dish is kabsa, a fragrant rice platter topped with slow‑cooked chicken, lamb or camel meat and perfumed with cardamom, saffron and cinnamon.

Mountain regions such as Abha specialise in haneeth – meat slow‑cooked in sand pits – and aseeda, a hearty wheat porridge eaten with fingers.

In eastern Saudi Arabia the al‑Ahsa Oasis produces sweet dates, rice and citrus fruits, while along the Red Sea you’ll find freshly grilled fish, shrimp and lobster.

Wash it all down with strong Saudi coffee and spiced tea.

Transport and logistics

Getting around Saudi Arabia is easier than ever. Domestic airlines connect major cities; flights between Riyadh, Jeddah and AlUla take less than two hours and often cost under US$150 if booked in advance. High‑speed trains operate between Riyadh and Dammam, and a new line links Medina to Mecca via King Abdullah Economic City.

Roads are well maintained; however, distances are vast and fuel stations may be sparse in remote areas. For the Edge of the World and desert excursions, hire a 4×4 with an experienced driver and inform someone of your plans.

Ride‑hailing apps like Uber and Careem operate in major cities. Foreigners can drive with an international licence; seatbelts are mandatory and fines for speeding are steep. Women are legally allowed to drive and to rent cars.

Connectivity is excellent: local SIM cards from STC, Zain or Mobily cost about US$20 and include generous data packages. Friday is a rest day so government offices and many businesses close until mid‑afternoon.

ATMs are ubiquitous and international credit cards are widely accepted, but it’s wise to carry cash for tipping and small purchases.

What can I see in a 7-day trip to Saudi Arabia?

In one week, you can explore Saudi Arabia’s cultural and natural highlights — from Riyadh’s modern skyline and historical Diriyah to AlUla’s ancient rock formations, Jeddah’s Red Sea Corniche, and the desert dunes near Taif. Our 7-day itineraries balance heritage, adventure, and relaxation for first-time visitors.

Is Saudi Arabia safe for tourists?

Yes. Saudi Arabia is one of the safest destinations in the Middle East, with low crime rates and strong security. Major cities and tourist sites are well-regulated, and visitors are welcomed with genuine hospitality. Always follow local customs and travel guidelines.

Do I need a visa for a 7-day trip to Saudi Arabia?

Most travelers can apply online for an eVisa, which allows multiple entries and stays up to 90 days. The process takes just a few minutes, making it easy to plan a short 7-day itinerary. Always check the latest visa requirements before traveling.

How should I plan my 7-day Saudi Arabia itinerary?

Start with Riyadh for history and culture, then fly to AlUla for desert wonders and ancient tombs, and finish in Jeddah for seaside charm and modern experiences. Our curated itineraries include day-by-day routes, hotel suggestions, and insider tips to make the most of your week.

The Ultimate 7‑Day Saudi Arabia Itineraries for First‑Timers

Pre‑trip essentials

Day 1 – Riyadh arrival

Day 2 – Diriyah and the Edge of the World