Saudi Arabia’s story stretches from ancient caravan routes to futuristic skylines. In one week you’ll trace Najdi mud-brick palaces in Riyadh’s Diriyah, wander coral-stone merchant houses in Jeddah’s Al‑Balad, and watch the Red Sea glow under the King Fahd Fountain. Expect bold flavors, living history, and generous hospitality.

Fun fact: Jeddah’s historic houses were built with Red Sea coral and cooled by elegant rawasheen (intricate wooden lattices). In Riyadh, the At‑Turaif District was the birthplace of the first Saudi state and is now a UNESCO site with beautifully restored palaces and museums. Between them: desert escarpments, date palms, and the aroma of cardamom coffee.

Practical notes: Many travelers qualify for a quick eVisa; dress modestly, especially when visiting heritage and religious areas. Alcohol is prohibited; excellent specialty coffee bars abound. Shops may pause at prayer times, and Ramadan brings adjusted dining hours. For flights to/from Saudi and domestic hops, compare on Trip.com or Kiwi.com. Ride‑hailing apps are widely used in cities.

Riyadh

Riyadh blends glass-and-steel ambition with earthen architecture. By day, explore At‑Turaif’s alleyways where the Saudi state began; by night, glide over the skyline at the Kingdom Centre Sky Bridge. The surrounding Najd plateau hides epic geology—most famously the Edge of the World.

Top sights include the UNESCO-listed At‑Turaif District in Diriyah, Wadi Hanifah palm-lined parks, Souq Al‑Zal for antiques and oud, and viewpoints atop Kingdom Centre and Al Faisaliah. Food-wise, this is the place to try Najdi staples like jareesh, matazeez, and kabsa.

Where to stay: Aim for Olaya (walk to towers and malls), the Diplomatic Quarter (green, serene, near Wadi Hanifah), or Diriyah/Bujairi Terrace (heritage ambiance and standout dining). Browse stays on VRBO Riyadh or compare hotels on Hotels.com Riyadh.

Getting in: Fly into RUH (King Khalid International). Typical fares from regional hubs run ~$90–$250 economy. Check options on Trip.com or Kiwi.com.

Day 1: Arrival, Bujairi Terrace & Skyline Glow

Morning: In transit.

Afternoon: Land in Riyadh and check into your hotel. Shake off the flight with a riverside-style stroll along Wadi Hanifah, then head to Diriyah’s Bujairi Terrace for your first Saudi coffee and views of At‑Turaif’s adobe silhouettes.

Evening: Dinner at Maiz (Bujairi Terrace) for elevated Saudi dishes—try saleeg (creamy rice) with roasted chicken and date syrup-drizzled desserts. Follow with the Kingdom Centre Sky Bridge for 360° night views; it’s a short elevator ride to the slender bridge spanning the tower’s crown.

Day 2: UNESCO Diriyah, Najdi Flavors & Olaya Nights

Morning: Breakfast at Camel Step Coffee Roasters (single-origin pour-overs and cardamom lattes). Explore the At‑Turaif District—the Salwa Palace, defensive towers, and immersive exhibits outline the rise of the first Saudi state.

Afternoon: Lunch at Najd Village (majlis seating, copper platters). Order jareesh (cracked wheat with laban), matazeez (hand‑pulled dough with lamb and vegetables), and kabsa. Then browse Souq Al‑Zal for handwoven rugs, oud chips, and antique daggers.

Evening: Coffee at Elixir Bunn (award‑winning brews) before dinner at Suhail (modern Saudi—smoked lamb shoulder, truffle matazeez). Cap the night with a walk along Olaya’s tree‑lined boulevards and tower-lit avenues.

Day 3: Edge of the World Adventure

Morning: Early specialty coffee at Overdose and stock up on water and snacks. Depart on a guided 4x4 trip to Jebel Fihrayn (Edge of the World)—about 90 km northwest (allow 1.5–2 hours each way, rough tracks near the site).

Afternoon: Hike along the escarpment for staggering views over an ancient seabed; watch for fossils and hawks riding thermals. Typical tour costs: ~$80–$150 per person including transport. Wear sturdy shoes; sunsets can be windy and cool.

Evening: Return to Riyadh. Casual dinner at Al Romansiah (mandi and madhbi rice platters) or late‑night shawarma at a neighborhood grill. Rest up for your coastal hop tomorrow.

Jeddah

Jeddah, the “Bride of the Red Sea,” is all sea breeze and spice markets. Coral limestone houses with elegant rawasheen define Al‑Balad, while the new waterfront unfurls bike paths, cafés, and sculptures under palm trees. Offshore, reefs teem with clownfish and anthias.

Don’t miss the UNESCO-listed Historic Jeddah (Al‑Balad), the Tayebat Museum for a deep dive into regional heritage, and evening sprays from the King Fahd Fountain. North of the city, Obhur’s marinas launch snorkeling and diving trips.

Where to stay: For heritage vibes, look into restored boutique houses in Al‑Balad; for leisure, choose the Jeddah Waterfront or Obhur north coast. Start with VRBO Jeddah or compare hotels on Hotels.com Jeddah.

Getting there from Riyadh: Morning flight RUH → JED (~1h35; fares ~$50–$150). Check times and deals on Trip.com or Kiwi.com. Aim for a departure before 10:00 to maximize your day.

Day 4: Fly to Jeddah, Al‑Balad’s Coral Palaces & Fountain Sunset

Morning: Fly to Jeddah; taxi to your hotel (30–45 minutes depending on area). Drop bags and freshen up.

Afternoon: Explore Historic Jeddah (Al‑Balad): stroll Souq Al‑Alawi’s spice and incense lanes, visit Nassif House, and admire coral‑stone façades with rawasheen. Coffee and patisserie at Bafarat (famed for saffron lattes and desserts).

Evening: Head to the Jeddah Waterfront for a promenade and watch the King Fahd Fountain fire a 300‑meter jet after dusk. Dinner at Twina Seafood (grilled hammour or sayadiyah rice) or TOKI (refined Asian classics). Nightcap stroll along the sculpture‑dotted corniche.

Day 5: Museums, Marina Mood & Hejazi Comforts

Morning: Breakfast at Brew92 (house‑roasted beans, excellent pastries). Dive into the Tayebat Museum, a labyrinth of galleries on Arabian history, costumes, and architecture—allow 2 hours.

Afternoon: Head north to Obhur. Join a half‑day boat to snorkel fringing reefs (typical $75–$120 per person incl. gear; departures late morning or early afternoon). Non‑boaters can roam the Jeddah Sculpture Museum stretch and café‑hop.

Evening: Dinner at Shababik (Lebanese—grills, fattoush, and warm bread baskets) or seaside at Al Qalzam (casual fish feasts). Try Hejazi saleeg or mutabbaq from a local stand on the ride back.

Day 6: Taif Mountain Day Trip

Morning: Early departure to Taif (1.5–2 hours by car via the scenic Al‑Hada road). Take the Al‑Hada cable car down to Al‑Kar for sweeping escarpment views. In spring (roughly March–April), visit a rose distillery to see oil extraction and pick up rose water.

Afternoon: Lunch in Taif—look for local grills on Shehar Road and order lamb kabsa with pomegranate molasses and fresh tamees bread. Stroll Al‑Rudaf Park among granite boulders and juniper trees; the cooler mountain air is a welcome contrast to the coast.

Evening: Return to Jeddah. Casual dinner at Al Baik (beloved broasted chicken, garlic sauce, and spicy fries) or a relaxed café stop at MedD Coffee for a V60 and date cake.

Day 7: Waterfront Ease & Farewell

Morning: Brunch by the sea—try Urth Caffé for hearty scrambles and green salads or a traditional Abu Zaid breakfast (foul, tamees, balila). Pick up last‑minute souvenirs—incense, dates, and hand‑painted ceramics.

Afternoon: Enjoy a final corniche walk, then transfer to JED for your flight. Compare fares and timings on Trip.com or Kiwi.com.

Insider Tips & Useful Extras

• Timing At‑Turaif: Late afternoon entries reward you with golden‑hour photos from Bujairi Terrace; ticketed sessions can sell out on weekends.
• Prayer times: Some shops pause briefly—plan coffee breaks then. Fridays start slower; schedule major sightseeing for late afternoon.
• Desert safety: For Edge of the World, go with a licensed operator, carry 2–3 liters of water per person, and avoid driving the final track in a sedan.
• Dressing right: Light, breathable fabrics; cover shoulders and knees when visiting heritage sites. A scarf is handy for sun and modesty.
• Cash vs cards: Cards are widely accepted; keep small cash for souqs and roadside snacks.

Summary: In seven days you’ll weave between Riyadh’s UNESCO origins and Jeddah’s coral‑stone traders’ houses, step onto desert cliffs, and toast Red Sea sunsets with perfect Saudi coffee. It’s a city‑to‑sea journey rich in history, flavor, and warmth—easy to follow, hard to forget.