Saudi Arabia 7 Day Itinerary

7-Day Itinerary for Traveling in Saudi Arabia

This itinerary offers a mix of historical, cultural, and modern experiences, focusing on the popular city of Riyadh. It assumes you’ll be flying into Riyadh and staying within the city.

Day 1: Arrival & Historical Exploration

  • Morning: Arrive at King Khalid International Airport (RUH). Depending on your nationality, you may need a visa beforehand. Check the latest visa requirements for tourists on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.
  • Afternoon: Relax and recover from your flight. Explore your hotel’s amenities or take a leisurely walk around the area to get acquainted with your surroundings.

Day 2: A Journey through Time at Diriyah

  • Activity: Visit Diriyah, the birthplace of Saudi Arabia, just outside Riyadh.
  • Things to know: This UNESCO World Heritage Site is the original home of the Saudi royal family and offers a glimpse into the history and culture of the Kingdom. Explore the ruins of the old city, including the Al-Turaif district with its mud-brick architecture.

Day 3: Exploring the Past - Masmak Fortress & National Museum

  • Morning: Tour the Masmak Fortress, a key historical site in Riyadh that played a role in the unification of Saudi Arabia.
  • Afternoon: Immerse yourself in the history of the region at the National Museum, which showcases the cultural heritage and archaeological treasures of Saudi Arabia.

Day 4: Modern Marvels & Desert Adventure

  • Morning: Visit the Masmak Fortress, a key historical site in Riyadh that played a role in the unification of Saudi Arabia.
  • Afternoon: Experience the thrill of desert safari with dune bashing, camel rides, and traditional Bedouin hospitality at a nearby desert camp.

Day 5: Riyadh’s Cultural Heartbeat

  • Activity: Explore the vibrant culture and history of Riyadh. Visit the National Museum for a deeper dive into the ancient traditions and heritage of the region.

  • Things to know:

    • Riyadh’s cultural scene is diverse and rich, reflecting the city’s long history as a crossroads for trade and culture.

    • Modern Riyadh: Explore the bustling commercial district of Tahliyah, marvel at the architectural wonders of the King Fahd International Stadium, or wander through the historic Souq Al-Zal market.

Day 6: Shopping & Culinary Delights

  • Morning: Enjoy a leisurely morning exploring the local markets for traditional crafts and souvenirs.

    • Suggestions: Visit the Riyadh Gallery Mall, the Kingdom Centre, or explore the traditional Souq Al-Zal for souvenirs.

  • Afternoon: Indulge in delicious Saudi Arabian cuisine! Sample some classic dishes like kabsa (a flavorful rice dish with meat and vegetables), a local favorite.

Day 6: Culinary Delights & Local Flavors

  • Activity:

Explore the culinary scene of Riyadh.

* **Suggestions:**

    * **Lunch:** Enjoy a traditional Saudi lunch at Najd Village Restaurant, experiencing the local flavors like "kabsa," a flavorful rice dish with meat and vegetables.
    * **Dinner:** Visit one of the many cafes or restaurants in the city.

Day 7: Departure Day

  • Enjoy some last-minute shopping at the local souk for traditional crafts and souvenirs.
  • Taste the traditional flavors: Explore a different cuisine option, like “kabsa” (a popular rice dish with meat and vegetables) at the Riyadh Souq.
  • Visit the National Mosque: Experience the beauty and grandeur of this architectural masterpiece.

Transportation: Within Riyadh, taxis are readily available for easy travel around the city. For transportation outside Riyadh, consider renting a car or using domestic flights, as it is often cheaper and easier to explore the region at your own pace.**

Visa Requirements:

  • Check your eligibility: Citizens of certain countries can obtain a visa on arrival, while others need to apply for a visa in advance. Use the Saudi Arabia Visa website to determine the specific requirements for your nationality.
  • Apply online: For those who need to apply beforehand, the Saudi Arabia eVisa system allows many nationalities to obtain a visa online before arriving in the country.
  • Travel within the region:

Remember that you’ll likely need to visit the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website for information on obtaining the appropriate visas and permits if you plan to explore other regions beyond Riyadh.

Other Points of Interest in Riyadh:

  • National Museum of Saudi Arabia: Explore the history of the Arabian Peninsula and the Kingdom’s rich cultural heritage.
  • Masmak Fortress: Witness the site where the Kingdom was founded, a historical landmark that played a key role in the unification of Saudi Arabia.
  • Al-Murabba Palace: This architectural gem is now a museum offering a glimpse into the traditional lifestyle of the Saudi royal family.

Things to do in other parts of the country:

Visit the National Museum of Saudi Arabia:

  • Explore the historic Diriyah: This site offers a glimpse into the past and is worth a day trip from Riyadh.
  • Visit Madain Saleh (Hegra) in Al-Ula: An ancient Nabataean city with impressive rock-cut tombs, similar to Petra but with less crowds!
  • Experience the vibrant nightlife: While alcohol is prohibited in Saudi Arabia, you can find plenty of exciting entertainment options like family-friendly restaurants, cafes, and cultural events.

Things to Consider:

  • Accommodation: Riyadh has a wide variety of hotels and accommodation options available, from luxury hotels to budget-friendly choices.
  • Dress code: As the capital city, Riyadh tends to have more conservative dress expectations compared to other cities. Dress modestly (loose-fitting clothing that covers arms and legs) and be mindful of local customs.

For a more immersive experience in Saudi culture:

  • Visit historical sites: The country is rich in ancient history and has many incredible archaeological sites, including the Mada’in Saleh (Hegra) site.
  • Explore local markets: Immerse yourself in the hustle and bustle of a traditional souq.
  • Experience local festivals: The Kingdom often hosts cultural festivals and events celebrating its heritage, art, and music.

Remember to research these further before your trip.

Additional Tips for Tourism in Riyadh:

  • Culture: Explore the history and culture of Riyadh through traditional dance performances, cultural workshops and exhibitions, or visits to historical sites like the National Museum and the Diriyah Gate.
  • Weather: The weather in Riyadh can be extremely hot during the summer months. Be sure to pack light clothing and plenty of sunscreen.

For a more relaxing experience:

  • Dress code: Dress codes are generally stricter in Riyadh.

Respect these customs by dressing conservatively and covering your arms and legs when visiting religious sites or in public.

  • National Cuisine:

Sample the local cuisine at one of the many restaurants.

Remember to be mindful of local customs during meals:

  • Dress code: Dress conservatively, covering your shoulders and knees.

  • Hands: Use only your right hand for eating.

  • Left Hand: Consider the left hand “unclean” in Saudi culture and avoid using it for eating or gestures.

For a taste of Riyadh’s vibrant nightlife:

  • Respectful Interaction: Refrain from public displays of affection, as they are frowned upon.

  • Traditional Etiquette: Remember to remove your shoes before entering a mosque or home.

  • Eating: Use your right hand for eating and avoid touching the food with your left hand.

  • Dress code:

Wear loose-fitting clothing that covers your arms and legs.

  • Left hand awareness: Be mindful of using your right hand only in Saudi Arabia.
  • Respect for Customs: Remember, alcohol is prohibited in the Kingdom, so don’t expect to see it served at restaurants or events.