Popular Tourist Destinations in Saudi Arabia: From Historical Sites to Aquariums

Saudi Arabia is widely known as a sacred destination for Muslims. Most people visit the country for religious purposes—either to perform Umrah or participate in the Hajj pilgrimage.

However, just like any other country in the world, Saudi Arabia also offers a variety of tourist attractions worth visiting for leisure. While many are familiar with its vast desert landscapes, the country’s tourism scene extends far beyond that.

If you’re looking to explore a different side of Saudi Arabia, here are some must-visit attractions—from historic landmarks to family-friendly destinations!

Top Tourist Destinations in Saudi Arabia

Beyond its iconic deserts, Saudi Arabia features a variety of attractions, particularly concentrated in its two major cities: Riyadh and Jeddah.

Kingdom Centre, Riyadh

Located in the Al-Olaya district of Riyadh, Kingdom Centre (formerly Kingdom Tower) stands 302.3 meters tall. It is the third tallest building in the world with a hole-through design, after Shanghai World Financial Center (China) and 85 Sky Tower (Taiwan).

This skyscraper houses the Al-Mamlaka shopping mall, corporate offices, and the luxurious Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh. Visitors can also enjoy panoramic views of the city from its 65-meter-high sky bridge.

Al-Balad, Jeddah

Known as Jeddah’s Historic District, Al-Balad preserves the city’s rich cultural heritage. Traditional Hijazi houses with wooden windows and balconies still stand here, showcasing distinctive architectural charm.

As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it’s the perfect destination for those interested in the historical roots of Jeddah.

Red Sea Mall, Jeddah

Jeddah’s largest shopping center, Red Sea Mall, is located near the Red Sea coast. The mall features entertainment areas, a cinema, supermarkets, restaurants, an indoor fountain, and the largest greenhouse in Saudi Arabia.

National Museum, Riyadh

Operating since 1999 and part of the King Abdulaziz Historical Center, the National Museum takes visitors on a journey through thousands of years of history—from ancient empires to the unification of the Kingdom.

It includes eight exhibition halls highlighting regional history, Islamic culture, and Saudi heritage.

King Fahd’s Fountain, Jeddah

Reaching a height of 260 meters, King Fahd’s Fountain is the tallest in the world—almost rivaling the Eiffel Tower. Named after King Fahd bin Abdulaziz, the fountain is visible throughout Jeddah. At night, it’s beautifully illuminated by over 500 LED lights.

King Abdullah Park, Riyadh

Covering an area of 500,000 square meters, this urban park is known for its wide pedestrian paths, a 110-meter interactive fountain, and a large artificial lake.

It becomes especially lively during major holidays like Eid or Saudi National Day, with firework displays lighting up the night.

Riyadh Zoo, Riyadh

Founded in 1957 as a private zoo for the royal family, Riyadh Zoo opened to the public in 1987. It now hosts over 1,500 animals from 196 species.

Notable residents include the Arabian oryx, desert leopard, and Houbara bustard. Visitors can take a 20-minute train ride around the zoo for a full tour.

Fakieh Aquarium, Jeddah

Fakieh Aquarium is the only public aquarium in Saudi Arabia, home to over 200 marine species.

It offers both education and entertainment, showcasing Red Sea marine life as well as species from other oceans. Daily dolphin and sea lion shows are also a highlight.

Silver Sands Beach, Jeddah

This beautiful, unspoiled beach is ideal for family and group outings. It features turquoise waters, serene sunset views, and a peaceful atmosphere.

Activities include parasailing, snorkeling, and coral reef exploration—perfect for nature and sea lovers.


If you’re planning a trip to Saudi Arabia, make sure to stay connected throughout your journey with Global Komunika. We provide reliable and high-speed internet solutions for international travel, including coverage in Saudi Arabia.

Get your travel internet needs sorted with Global Komunika today!

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