Saudi Arabia is a fascinating country with a rich history, stunning landscapes, and a vibrant culture. If you have 15 days to explore this country, here are some for you to know the “Best place to visit Saudi Arabia in 15 days.”
8 best places to visit:
- Riyadh
- Makkah
- Jeddah
- AlUla
- Taif
- Medina
- Najran
- Abha
Riyadh:
Riyadh is the capital and largest city of Saudi Arabia. It is located in the centre of the country and is the administrative, financial, and commercial hub of Saudi Arabia. The city is also a major cultural centre and is home to many historical landmarks and modern attractions.
Riyadh has a rich history dating back thousands of years. The city was originally a small oasis settlement, but it grew rapidly in the 20th century due to the discovery of oil in the region. Today, Riyadh is a modern and cosmopolitan city with a mix of traditional and contemporary architecture.
The King Abdulaziz Historical Center (which houses a museum and several historic buildings) has become a major tourist attraction in the city.
Makkah:
Makkah city is located in the western region of Saudi Arabia. Besides being the holiest city in Islam, it is also the birthplace of Prophet Muhammad and the home of the Kaaba.
The Kaaba is a cube-shaped building located in the centre of the Al-Haram Mosque. It is one of the largest mosques in the world and the gathering of more than one million pilgrims during the annual Hajj is unprecedented here.
A set of rituals performed in Hajj are derived from Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and his family.
Apart from religious significance, the city also has a rich history and cultural heritage. It is home to several historical landmarks and museums that house artefacts related to Islamic history and Ziyarats.
Being rooted in Islamic traditions and culture, the city holds a uniquely spiritual place for visitors.
Today, the Saudi government has removed all the restrictions that people used to face while booking Umrah packages.
Jeddah:
Jeddah is an important port city on the west coast of Saudi Arabia. It is the second-largest city in the country after Riyadh and is also a significant commercial and cultural centre.
Jeddah is a historical city as a commercial centre. But today there is a mix of modern skyscrapers and traditional architecture. It has numerous major tourist attractions, including Al-Balad, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Al-Balad is a maze of narrow streets and traditional buildings, dating back to the Ottoman era.
Other popular attractions here include King Fahd Fountain, Jeddah Corniche, and Jeddah Regional. It is also considered a popular destination for shopping, with numerous large malls and a wide range of traditional civic goods.
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AlUla:
Al-Ula city is located in the northwestern region of Saudi Arabia. The history of this city is ancient.
It is known for its spectacular scenery, including towering sandstone cliffs, vast desert expanses, and oases dotted with palm trees. The city is home to several historical and archaeological sites, including the ruins of the ancient city of Dedan and the Madin Salih Necropolis.
Madin Saleh is the largest preserved site of the Nabatean civilization outside of Petra in Jordan and contains over 100 well-preserved tombs carved into rock formations. The site also includes other structures, such as the tombs of al-Kharit and Jabal al-Athlib.
Here visitors can enjoy spectacular views of the city by hiking, mountain biking, or riding a hot air balloon.
Taif:
Taif is a city located in the western region of Saudi Arabia at the foot of the Sarut Mountains. The mild climate and beautiful scenery often attract visitors. The Taif region is famous for its agricultural products, especially grapes and roses. One of the attractions here is the Shubra Palace, which was the residence of the Saudi royal family in the early 20th century.
On the outskirts of the city is Al-Radaf Park, home to many species of animals, including gazelles and baboons.
Medina:
Medina city is located in the western region of Saudi Arabia and is the second-holiest city in Islam after Mecca. And in this city is the Tomb of Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him).
The origin of Islam was in 622 AD when the Prophet of Islam (PBUH) and his followers migrated from Mecca to Medina. This event was the beginning of the Islamic calendar.
The Prophet’s Mosque located here is the second-largest mosque in the world and contains the tomb of the Prophet of Islam along with the tomb of his two closest companions, Abu Bakr (RA) and Umar (RA).
Apart from its religious significance, it also gives a glimpse of a modern city. Here is the Quba, the first mosque of Islam, and the old town of Medina is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Note: Every travel agency offering an Umrah package includes Masjid Nabawi as a pilgrimage.
Najran:
Najran is located in the southern region of Saudi Arabia near the Yemeni border. One of the most notable sites in Najran is the Al-Ukhdood archaeological site, which dates back to the 4th century BC. The site contains the ruins of an ancient city built by the Lihyanite Kingdom, a pre-Islamic civilization that once ruled the region.
Najran is also known for its traditional mud-brick architecture, with intricate carvings and designs. Visitors can explore the old city of Najran and admire the unique architecture, which reflects the region’s rich cultural heritage.
Another famous place in Najran is Al-Aan palace, the former residence of the city governor. The palace is a beautiful example of traditional Arab architecture with magnificent courtyards and gardens.
Abha:
The city of Abha is located in the southwestern region of Asir in Saudi Arabia, where the beautiful scenery is an example in itself.
One of the city’s most popular attractions is Al Souda National Park, located in the Sarut Mountains. Tourists visiting here can be seen doing activities like hiking and picnicking to enjoy the natural beauty of the area.
Built-in the 1920s, Shada Palace is one of the attractions of Abha city.
These are just some of the best places to visit in Saudi Arabia, and there are many other cities, towns, and attractions to explore as well. Plan your trip carefully to make the most of your 15 days in this fascinating country.
15 days or 360 hours is a short time to explore the whole kingdom. Travellers can now stay for up to 365 days with multiple entries with a tourist visa regardless of the period. There is no specific requirement for this visa and people can easily get it from a travel agency like Labbaik Hajj Umrah.
