Saudi Arabia is best understood by Regions. There are 5 regions which I have listed below. I also added the best route to explore most of each region noting that there isn’t any public transport that would take you to all the spots so it is best to rent a car with unlimited mileage or hire a driver.

In summary, I would recommend flying into Riyadh and fly out of Jeddah. Simply because Jeddah is the perfect city to end an intense and exhaustive trip by relaxing by the beautiful beaches in Jeddah, mingle with mixed culture locals, sip a cup of coffee in the many local specialty cafes and enjoy a beautiful sunset by the tallest fountain in the world.

• Fly into Riyadh (Central Region) then drive to the Eastern Region
• From Eastern Region,  fly into Northern Region
• From Northern Region, fly into Southern Region
• From Southern Region, fly into Western Region
• Fly out from Jeddah (Western Region)

Northern Region

Recommended city to fly in:  Tabuk

Recommended city to fly out to: Riyadh

Contact for Drivers: Salem +966 50 277 9907

Recommended Route

Central Regions (Najd)

Recommended city to fly in:  Riyadh

Recommended city to fly out (if not driving to Dammam): Abha

Recommended Route around Riyadh & Qassim

Recommended Route from Riyadh to Eastern Region

Eastern Region

Recommended to drive from Riyadh to Dammam as shown in the previous map

Recommended city to fly in:  Dammam

Recommended Route

Southern Region

Recommended city to fly in:  Abha or Jazan

Recommended city to fly out to: Jeddah

Contact for Drivers: Ali +966 50 090 0961

Recommended Route

Western Region (Hejaz)

Recommended city to fly in:  Jeddah

Recommended Route

Available Public Transport

Intercity Bus: SAPTCO

Urban City Bus: SAPTCO

Train: Saudi Railway Organization (Central & Eastern Region), Haramain High Speed Railway (Jeddah, Makkah, Madinah, and KAEC)

Feel free to drop a comment or send me an email through the contact form if you need any help!

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It is also best explored by renting your own vehicle as there isn’t any public transport that would take you around the area unless if it is within Abha City which is the capital of the Aseer Region.

The spots in Abha city can be enjoyed by walking from one location to another as per the map below.

Al Basta Historical District

It’s a small district with abandoned old mud and brick houses.

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/sBxiDtK39ogSVTFC7

Art Street

The art street has street arts and food trucks.

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/6AVSQmEXMyH2

Tuesday’s Market

Tuesday’s Market is open all week long despite the name of the market. The market has stalls from traditional handicrafts, honey, clothes, incense, and many other locally made products with a great bargain price.

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/M9mRzSLZiyTFVkpm7

Al Muftaha Art Village

A spot that cannot be missed! The village was founded by the government in 1989 to promote art. Al Muftaha village showcases the artistic culture of the Aseer Region. The beautiful mud houses are covered with local style art known as Al Qatt al Assiri as well as graffiti and other forms of art by local and regional artists.

Muftaha Art Village brings together a community of passionate photographers, handicrafts and fine artists.

It can be visited all day long but the stores open from 5 p.m. where you can purchase locally made souvenirs and handicrafts with high quality and great prices too.

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/6AVSQmEXMyH2

Al Mahatbah

This gem is a definite must-visit. The area has many ponds, streams, natural slides, and mini waterfalls. The trail is very easy and flat with minimal scrambling required in some spots. Don’t forget to bring your swimwear and jump into the natural pool!

There isn’t any visiting hours or entrance fee. It’s a public area and can be accessed by anyone and at any time.

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/6AVSQmEXMyH2

Tanoumah

Tanoumah is known for its pleasant weather for a hike, climb, and camping. There’s also a popular waterfall in the area.

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/ggCL1DG7rYc7WadU6

Tamniah Museum

The most beautiful museum I have ever visited in Aseer Region. The museum is surrounded by an abandoned and old neighborhood with mud-brick buildings. Stroll around the narrow alleyways before entering the museum.

The museum has 3 stories with many beautiful rooms that are decorated with the local art style known as Al Qatt Al Assiri which is the painting on the walls.

They also allow visitors to spend the night for a fee to experience life in the past.

Entrance Fee: 2.5 USD

Visting Hours: 8:00 a.m.  – 12:00 p.m. / 2:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Contact Number: +966 50 575 0784

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/6AVSQmEXMyH2

Habala Rope Village

Habala rope village was inhabited by the flower men who fleed from the Ottoman Empire. The village was only accessible by a rope ladder, hence the name Habala (Rope). It can now be accessed by a cable car.

However, I don’t recommend visiting the village because there is absolutely nothing to see. It’s best to enjoy the Habala mountain from the top.

Cable Car: 10 USD

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/6AVSQmEXMyH2

Mount Soudah

Jabal Sawdah is the highest peak of Saudi Arabia with an elevation of 3,000 meters above sea level. There is also a cable car to enjoy a scenic view of the highest peak in Saudi Arabia.

Don’t forget to carry a jacket or any warm clothing when visiting Soudah Mountain.

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/6AVSQmEXMyH2

Rijal Almaa

Rijal Alma is the highlight of the Aseer Region. The village is made out of natural stones, clay, wood and striking windows played an important role in trade between Yemen and the Hejaz Region.

The people of Rijal Alma were famous for their bravery in many battles including a battle against the Ottoman. The Ottomans managed to occupy some parts of the Aseer Region, but they were defeated in Rijal Alma.

Visiting Hours: 8:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. all week long

Entrance Fee: 10 SAR

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/6AVSQmEXMyH2

Turshi Museum

Turshi Museum is located close to Rijal Alma. It is owned by Mohammed Turshi who is one of the oldest tour guides in the region. Mohammed Turshi built his own mosque, majlis and turned his old school into a museum.

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/6AVSQmEXMyH2

How to get there: Fly from any city to Abha City

How to get around: It is best to go around with a car. Rent a car with unlimited mileage or contact a driver.

Driver in Aseer Region (price includes a van and fuel)

Contact Name & Number: Ali +966 58 176 8888 (80 USD/Day)

Contact Name & Number: Ahmed +966 50 090 0961 (80 USD/Day)

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Here are some sites to see while you visit Taif.

Wadi Wej

Taif is one of the cities that receives more rain than other parts of Saudi Arabia. Hence, there are several Wadi (valleys) that has streams of water running through most of the year. It’s a nice spot to see greens and water running through (yes, we appreciate seeing even a little bit of greens because it’s not easy to find in the city) It’s good for a picnic or simply a walk along the stream.

We also spotted a man fishing under the rocks!

Visit Restriction: No restrictions. It’s open to the public.

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/WyuehQU3DLP2

Wadi Dhe Ghazal

It’s another popular Wadi in Taif but I have never been there.

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/rz4FHrebVsk272mi9

Mount Qarnayt

It’s the best spot for camping, hiking, and climbing! The location is a bit tricky to reach, it’s best to ask locals to give the exact direction because Google Maps won’t take you to the final spot.

Visit Restriction: No restrictions. It’s open to the public.

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/WyuehQU3DLP2

Fruit Market

Taif is known for its fresh and local produce. Everyone who goes to Taif always come back with cartons of produce of the season.

Visit Restriction: No restrictions. It’s open to the public.

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/WyuehQU3DLP2

Al Kamal Rose Farm

Taif is known for its roses. A visit to one of the oldest rose farm owned by generations of Kamal family is a must-do.

Visit Restriction: Visiting Hours is from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/WyuehQU3DLP2

Cable Car

The cable car is best visited during the golden hours to get a picturesque view of the mountain and the winding roads against a sunset background. The price per person is quite pricey though. Its 18 USD per person.

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/WyuehQU3DLP2

Mount Dakkah

Mount Dakkah is the highest peak in Taif. Its a nice spot for a picnic and a viewpoint.

Visit Restriction: No restrictions. It’s open to the public.

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/jSYzzgBa9gXDG6qB8

Abdullah Al Sulaiman Palace

Abdullah Al Sulaiman Palace also known as Jabra palace is one of the many abandoned palaces in Taif. The palace is on the verge of breaking down due to negligence. King Saud used to stay here when he was a crown prince and the palace belonged to the late minister of Abdullah Al Sulaiman.

The details, marbles, and architecture is simply beautiful!

Visit Restriction: No restrictions. It’s open to the public.

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/oD6zpdyZwXA2

Writer’s Palace

Writer’s Palace or also known as Bait Al Katib was built in 1897. It was once home for King Faisal. The architecture style is a mix of Hejazi, Islamic and tall Roman pillars. It is one of the palaces that desperately needs restoration.

Visit Restriction: Currently closed to the public.

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/WyuehQU3DLP2

Saleeg Badiya

One cannot visit Taif without trying their traditional dish of Saleeg which is basically rice porridge with chicken. Saleeg Badiya is the best place that makes it. Also, ask for their chicken broth for a delicious and heartwarming drink to sip on or pour on your rice.

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/KrBMdpzt6BUtj6V78

Shobra Palace

The Shobra Palace was built in 1905. It was home to King Abdulaziz and later home to King Faisal.

Visit Restriction: Currently closed to the public.

Contact Number: + 966 50 371 5949

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/WyuehQU3DLP2

Kaki Palace

Kaki Palace also known as Beit Kaki was a residence of a wealthy and important merchant. It is currently closed but the gem can be admired from outside for its intricately carved windows and doors.

Visit Restriction: Currently closed to the public.

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/p7X7SNFuDxw

Mohammed Suroor Sabban Palace

Another abandoned palace is closed to the public. During my last visit in April 2019, there was an open gate where we were able to access the palace.

Visit Restriction: Currently closed to the public.

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/WyuehQU3DLP2

Souk Okaz

Souk Okaz is a very unique ancient and historical festival that is held once a year in the exact location where it started in the past. It is my favorite festival in Saudi Arabia. It is deeply rooted in the history where people used to gather to show their art, poetry and they also hold camel races.

Visit Restriction: Opens only one month per year during Souk Okaz Festival.

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/WyuehQU3DLP2

Madhoon Mosque

Visit Restriction: No restrictions. It’s open to the public.

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/WyuehQU3DLP2

Al Kou Mosque

Al Kou Mosque was built at the end of the Ottoman era and it is known for the story of a Christian boy named Addas who served grapes to the Prophet Mohammed (PBUH). It is also said that the prophet leaned against the mosque which gives the name Al Kou (The Elbow)

Visit Restriction: No restrictions. It’s open to the public.

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/WyuehQU3DLP2

Grand Mosque of Abdullah Ibn Abbas

The Grand Mosque of Abdullah Ibn Abbas is located close to the grave of Abdullah Ibn Abbas who is the paternal cousin of Prophet Mohammed (PBUH). Abdullah Ibn Abbas is

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/WyuehQU3DLP2

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