Things to do in Saudi Arabia
2 destinations in Saudi Arabia, when to visit each, and what a trip actually costs.
Places to visit in Saudi Arabia
- Things to do in Medina culture, city
- Things to do in Riyadh city, culture
Best time to visit Saudi Arabia
When flights to each destination are cheapest.
- Medina
- The cheapest months to fly to Medina are outside of Hajj season (Dhul Hijjah) and Ramadan, typically January-February and October-November, where round-trip fares can be 30-45% lower than peak pilgrimage periods. Flying midweek (Tuesday/Wednesday departures) also shaves another 10-15% versus weekend travel.
- Riyadh
- Flying mid-January through early March and again in October avoids both the brutal summer heat and the expensive Ramadan/Eid travel surge, with fares running 25-40% below peak; Tuesdays and Wednesdays consistently show the lowest fares on booking platforms for RUH routes.
Is Saudi Arabia expensive?
It depends on the city and how you travel. Open any destination below and set your dates, budget and home airport to get an estimated total for flights, stays and day-to-day spending, rather than a generic average.
Free things to do in Saudi Arabia
- Medina: Stroll the Prophet's Mosque Plaza The vast illuminated courtyard with its iconic retractable umbrellas is spectacular day and night and completely free to explore.
- Riyadh: Al-Bujairi Heritage Park Beautifully landscaped park beside Diriyah with free entry, great cafes, and golden-hour views of the mud-brick old city.