Have you ever considered visiting Saudi Arabia? Once almost impossible to get in, the country is now one of the world’s fastest-rising tourist destinations. Here’s an itinerary to visit Saudi Arabia in 4 days, focusing on two of its major cities!
Saudi Arabia is quickly becoming one of the most interesting places to go in the world. The Kingdom is opening its doors to an increasing number of tourists each year, thanks to relaxed visa rules and a major investment in tourism.
The country is also connected to Europe and Asia by low-cost airlines, generally flying to either Jeddah or Riyadh – the two largest cities in the country, each with a different vibe. Jeddah is a laid-back, ancient city on the Red Sea, whereas Riyadh is a fast-paced, wealthy desert city.
Here is the perfect four-day plan to see the finest of Saudi Arabia’s royal cities. You can fly into Riyadh and out of Jeddah, or the opposite, up to you.
Days 1 and 2: The Red Sea Charm of Jeddah
For centuries, the coastal city of Jeddah has been the first stop for pilgrims going to Mecca, making it a culturally diverse and friendly. The saying here is “Jeddah Ghair” which means “Jeddah is different”, in reference to its welcoming and cosmopolitan vibe. You’ll immediately understand what it means.
Day 1 – Historic Jeddah
Start your Saudi experience with Al Balad, Jeddah’s old center and a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Here are a few activities to fill your first day in Jeddah – don’t forget to take it easy, especially if the heat is intense, and stop for a tea or coffee. You’ll find some beautiful coffee shops housed in historic buildings.
- Wander the lanes: Get lost in the twisting lanes of Al Balad, dotted with huge, centuries-old buildings made of coral from the Red Sea. The beautiful wooden Roshan balconies (windows with latticework) are a photographer’s delight.
- Nasseef House: Don’t miss this wonderfully restored home from the 1800s. It used to be the temporary home of King Abdulaziz, one of the men who shaped modern Saudi Arabia. From the roof, you can see amazing views of the ancient city.
- Souq Al Alawi: The old market comes to life as the sun goes down. Follow the smell of frankincense and rich Arabian spices, trade for exquisite fabrics, and try some fresh dates.
Tip for travelers: Al Balad is best seen in the late afternoon and early evening, when the heat of the day breaks and the coral architecture is bathed in a warm, wonderful light.
Day 2 – Beachfront Jeddah
Jeddah is famous for being a coastal city, so we recommend spending your second day seeing Jeddah’s famed beachfront and walking along the Corniche.
- The Jeddah Corniche: Take a walk or ride a bike around the nicely rebuilt Corniche to start your day. It runs for over 30 kilometers along the Red Sea and has beautiful gardens, stunning sculptures by artists like Joan Miró and Henry Moore, and many bars and restaurants. It’s also especially pleasant at sunset, when the heat of the day has subsided.
- The Al Rahma Mosque: Sometimes called the “Floating Mosque”, Al Rahma Mosque is a beautiful example of Islamic architecture that is erected on pillars above the sea. It seems like it’s floating above the sea when the tide is high.
- King Fahd’s Fountain: See the highest water fountain in the world to end your second day in Jeddah. It is a beautiful sight to see, and it’s ideal to enjoy the show before or after eating fresh seafood at a local seaside restaurant. The water shoots hundreds of meters into the night sky, and it is lit up by huge spotlights.
How to travel from Jeddah to Riyadh
After enjoying the chilled beach vibe in Jeddah, it’s time to head to the busy capital city in the middle of the country.
The two cities are almost 1000 km from one another, and driving or travelling would take 10 hours at a minimum, so if you are planning to spend just 4 or 5 days in Saudi Arabia, you’d lose at least one. If you want to make the most of your limited time, the best thing to do is take a short flight from Jeddah to Riyadh.
This short and very regular domestic flight takes just under two hours to go from the calm Red Sea coast to the busy desert city, making sure you can enjoy your time in Saudi and visit the two cities without rushing.
Days 3 and 4: The Heart of Riyadh
Riyadh, which means “The Gardens”, has grown from a modest, walled desert hamlet into a huge, contemporary 21st-century city. Not only it it the Kingdom’s capital, it’s also an important hub for culture and economics.
Day 3 – Historic Riyadh
Before you admire Riyadh’s futuristic architecture on the last day of your tour, we recommend spending a day learning about the history of Saudi Arabia – here are some ideas.
- Al Masmak Fortress: Start your day in Al Masmak Fortress, a stronghold made of clay and mud bricks from the 19th century. In 1902, King Abdulaziz staged a daring attack on this castle, a key event that led to the founding of the present Saudi kingdom. The museum within gives a great historical background and has some interesting exhibits to admire.
- Souq Al Zal: Riyadh’s oldest market is just a short walk from Masmak. It’s a great location to buy traditional Arabian items like finely woven carpets, dallah (brass coffee pots), and the traditional bisht (men’s cloaks). The lively antique auctions that take place following Friday prayers are a cultural event. It’s also a great place to buy spices, dried fruit and other souvenirs to take back home.
- The National Museum of Saudi Arabia: Spend the rest of the day visiting the huge King Abdulaziz Historical Center. The National Museum takes you on a deep, well-planned trip through Arabian history, from ancient times to the advent of Islam and up to the present day.
Day 4: Futuristic Riyadh
Your last day is all about seeing how ambitious and contemporary Saudi Arabia is.
- Diriyah (At-Turaif): Start your trip at Diriyah, the original residence of the Saudi royal family on the outskirts of Riyadh. The freshly renovated At-Turaif area, which is also a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a great place to see the traditional Najdi mud-brick architecture, a style that flourished between the 13th and 18th century. The Bujairi Terrace perfectly combines the past with fine restaurants and high-end cafés.
- Kingdom Center Tower: Travel back into the city centre to see Riyadh’s most renowned tower, fashioned like a huge bottle opener. Take the fast elevator to the top, where the Sky Bridge is. The views of the huge desert metropolis below, particularly around sunset, are the best.
- Boulevard Riyadh City: Spend your last night at this huge entertainment complex with plenty of neon lights. With dancing fountains, international cuisine, theaters, and a fun, family-friendly atmosphere, it wonderfully captures the young, forward-looking attitude of Vision 2030, a government initiative to reduce the country’s dependence on oil and turn it into a hub for sport, technology and tourism.
This 4-day Saudi Arabia itinerary lets you visit the country’s two biggest cities in only four days, ideal for a long weekend. From the coral lanes and saline breezes of Jeddah to the medieval forts and tall glass skylines of Riyadh, you will leave the Kingdom with a sense of a country that is profoundly connected to its history while moving quickly toward the future – and no doubt you’ll want to return to explore more.