Your 7-Day Saudi Arabia Itinerary: The Ultimate First-Timer's Guide (with eVisa Tips)

Forget everything you think you know about Saudi. For decades, it was one of the most closed-off countries in the world. Today, it's undergoing a transformation of historic proportions, welcoming travelers to explore its vast deserts, futuristic cities, and ancient historical sites that rival any on earth.

And the best part? It's easier than ever to visit.
A 7-day trip is the perfect amount of time to get a thrilling snapshot of this diverse kingdom. You'll experience the "Golden Triangle" of Saudi travel: the bustling capital of Riyadh, the ancient wonders of AlUla, and the coastal soul of Jeddah. This itinerary is packed but practical, designed for the first-time visitor who wants to see it all.

Unlocking the Kingdom: Your Saudi eVisa Explained

First things first: getting in. The "Saudi eVisa" system has revolutionized travel to the kingdom. It's fast, simple, and entirely online.

• Who is Eligible? Citizens from over 66 countries (including the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and all EU nations) and residents of GCC countries can apply.
• How to Apply: The Saudi Visa Online application takes about 10-15 minutes.
• What You Get: The visa is a one-year, multiple-entry visa, allowing you to stay for up to 90 days per visit.
• Cost & Insurance: The visa fee pay online automatically includes mandatory health insurance for your trip, which covers COVID-19 and other emergencies. Approval is often sent to your email within 30 minutes.

When is the Best Time to Visit Saudi?

This is a critical piece of planning. Saudi is largely a desert climate.
The best time to visit is during the winter, from October to March. The weather is fantastic—think sunny, mild days perfect for exploring. This period also coincides with Riyadh Season, a massive city-wide festival with concerts, events, and pop-up attractions (like the popular Boulevard World).
We strongly advise against visiting from June to August, especially inland.

Before You Pack: The Modern Dress Code for Tourists

This is the number one question most travelers have, especially women. The rules have relaxed significantly, and the vibe is much more welcoming than you might expect.

• For Women: You are not required to wear an abaya (the long black cloak) or a headscarf. The official rule is "modest dress." This simply means covering your shoulders and knees. A-line skirts, loose-fitting trousers (linen is your best friend), and t-shirts or blouses are perfectly fine. You will see many tourists in this attire. It's wise to carry a scarf in your bag, as you will need to cover your hair to enter mosques.
• For Men: The rule is the same. Cover your shoulders (no tank tops) and knees. T-shirts and trousers or long shorts are standard.
• The Vibe: In major cities like Riyadh and Jeddah, you will see a wide range of styles. In more rural areas, dressing more conservatively is a sign of respect.

Getting Around: Flights, Cars, and Cabs

Saudi is huge—the 12th largest country in the world. You cannot drive between these three cities in a short time (Riyadh to AlUla is a 10-hour drive alone).

For a 7-day itinerary, domestic flights are essential.

• Airlines: Saudia and Flynas (a budget carrier) run multiple daily flights connecting Riyadh (RUH), AlUla (ULH), and Jeddah (JED). Book these in advance, as they fill up.
• In-City Travel: Inside the cities, ride-hailing apps are the way to go. Uber and the local equivalent, Careem, are cheap, plentiful, and reliable.
• The Ultimate 7-Day Saudi "Golden Triangle" Itinerary
• This route gives you the perfect blend of modern KSA, ancient history, and coastal culture.

Days 1-2: Riyadh – The Dynamic Heart of the Kingdom

Your journey begins in the sprawling, dynamic capital. Riyadh is where you'll see the "new" Saudi in full swing—a city of soaring skyscrapers, high-end restaurants, and massive entertainment projects.

Day 1: Arrival & Modern Marvels

• Arrive at King Khalid International Airport (RUH), pick up a SIM card (STC or Mobily), and take a Careem to your hotel.
• For your first evening, dive into the future. Head to the Kingdom Centre Tower and take the high-speed elevator to the Sky Bridge. This curved glass walkway at the top offers breathtaking views of the entire city.
• If you're visiting during Riyadh Season (winter), skip the tower and spend your evening at Boulevard World. It's a colossal entertainment zone with massive replicas of different countries, a man-made lake, and endless food options. It’s a surreal and fun look at modern Saudi ambitions.

Day 2: History & Heritage

• Switch gears and explore "Old Riyadh." Start at the Al Masmak Fortress, a 19th-century clay-and-mudbrick fort that's a symbol of the kingdom's birth.
• From there, walk to the Souq Al Zal, one of the oldest and most traditional markets. This is the place for carpets, spices, antiques, and traditional dallah (coffee pots).
• In the afternoon, visit the most important historical site: Diriyah. This UNESCO World Heritage site, located on the city's outskirts, is the birthplace of the first Saudi state. The restored At-Turaif district is a stunning example of Najdi mud-brick architecture, beautifully lit at night with museums and cafes.

Day 3: Journey to an Ancient Land (Fly to AlUla)

Morning: Take an early domestic flight (approx. 1.5 hours) from Riyadh (RUH) to AlUla (ULH). This is where your adventure will feel truly epic.
Afternoon: Check into your hotel. AlUla offers everything from ultra-luxury desert resorts (like Banyan Tree or Habitas) to more budget-friendly options.
Evening: Ease into the magic of the oasis. Head to the AlUla Old Town, a beautifully restored, 800-year-old labyrinth of mud-brick houses. It's now a charming pedestrian-only area with artisan shops, cafes, and restaurants. It's the perfect, relaxing introduction to the area.

Day 4: AlUla – The Main Event: Hegra (UNESCO)

Morning: Today is the day you've been waiting for. Hegra (also known as Mada'in Salih) is Saudi's first UNESCO World Heritage Site. It's the sister city to Petra in Jordan, built by the same Nabatean civilization.

Critical Tip: You must book your tour in advance on the official

"Experience AlUla" website. You cannot self-drive or walk into the site.
The Experience: A guide will take you on a tour (either in a luxury bus or a vintage Land Rover) to see the 110+ monumental tombs carved directly into the desert rock formations. The most famous is the Tomb of Lihyan son of Kuza (also called Qasr al-Farid or "The Lonely Castle"), which stands in solitary splendor. It's a truly awe-inspiring, humbling experience.

Day 5: AlUla – Nature, Art, and Mirrors

Morning: Explore AlUla's natural wonders. The most iconic is Jabal AlFil (Elephant Rock). This massive geological formation looks exactly like its namesake, especially at sunrise or sunset. It's a free site with a cool, casual cafe at its base.
Afternoon: Go see Maraya. This is the world's largest mirrored building, a stunning piece of "land art" that reflects the surrounding desert canyon. It's a concert hall and event space, but you can visit the outside for unbelievable photos.
Evening: Book a stargazing tour. Far from any light pollution, the AlUla desert offers one of the clearest night skies you will ever see.

Day 6: Jeddah – The Bride of the Red Sea (Fly to Jeddah)

Morning: Take a one-hour flight from AlUla (ULH) to Jeddah (JED). The vibe here is completely different—it's a breezy, soulful, and more liberal port city.
Afternoon: Dive into the heart of the city: Al-Balad (Historic Jeddah). This is another UNESCO World Heritage site, and for many, it's the highlight of their trip. Get lost in the narrow, winding alleys, marveling at the ancient coral-stone buildings with their intricate rawashin (wooden balconies). Visit the historic Naseef House, a beautifully preserved 19th-century merchant's home.
Evening: Stroll the modern Jeddah Corniche. Watch the sunset over the Red Sea next to the Al Rahma Mosque (known as the "Floating Mosque" as it's built on stilts over the water). As dark falls, head to King Fahd's Fountain, which blasts a jet of water 312 meters (1,024 ft) into the air—one of the tallest in the world.

Day 7: Red Sea Relaxation & Departure

Morning: Enjoy your last few hours by the sea. Jeddah is all about the Red Sea. Arrange a boat trip for some snorkeling (the coral is pristine) or simply relax at one of the many beachfront cafes with a final Saudi coffee.
Afternoon: Do some last-minute souvenir shopping in Al-Balad before heading to King Abdulaziz International Airport (JED) for your flight home.

Your 7-Day Saudi Budget: A Quick Guide (Per Person)

This can vary wildly, but here’s a general estimate in USD. The biggest factors are your choice of accommodation in AlUla and the two domestic flights.

More Quick Tips for a Smooth Trip

• Language: Arabic is the official language. However, English is widely and fluently spoken in all tourist areas, hotels, and restaurants.
• Connectivity: Buying a tourist SIM card at the airport is easy and cheap. STC and Mobily have the best coverage.
• Culture: Saudi hospitality is legendary. You will be offered coffee and dates everywhere—it's polite to accept. The local weekend is Friday and Saturday, so plan for larger crowds on these days.
• Safety: Saudi has a very high safety rating for tourists, with a very low crime rate.

Final Thoughts: The Journey is Just Beginning

A 7-day trip to Saudi is a whirlwind. It's just enough time to be profoundly impressed, to have your preconceptions challenged, and to see three distinct, incredible parts of the country. You'll leave with a camera full of photos and a strong desire to return and explore more.
So, what are you waiting for? Yalla! (Let's go!)