7 Days in Saudi Arabia: Jeddah’s Red Sea Beaches and Riyadh’s Desert Wonders

Split your week between Jeddah’s sun-soaked Red Sea coast and Riyadh’s dramatic desert cliffs, souqs, and skyline. A balanced, mid-budget itinerary with beach time, historic quarters, and epic day trips.
A stunning view of the Clock Tower at Abraj Al Bait, Mecca against a clear blue sky.
Photo by Earth Photart on Pexels

Saudi Arabia blends Red Sea coastlines with storied oases and modern skylines. Jeddah has welcomed pilgrims and traders for centuries, its Al-Balad quarter layered with coral-stone houses and spice-scented souqs. Riyadh, once a mud-brick town on the Najd plateau, now stretches toward the sky while guarding museums, forts, and the Tuwaiq escarpment’s famous “Edge of the World.”

Across a week, you’ll swim and snorkel along Jeddah’s private beaches, wander Unesco-listed lanes, then fly east to tackle desert hikes, souqs, and sunset viewpoints. Expect seafood on the coast and slow-cooked kabsa in the capital, with Saudi coffee and dates fueling the journey.

Practical notes: modest attire is appreciated in public; swimwear is fine at private beaches and resorts. Prayer times shape the day, so some shops pause briefly. Non-Muslims may not enter Makkah and central Madinah. From October–April is best for outdoor adventures; summers are hot. Most travelers can obtain an eVisa and tap cards work widely.

Jeddah

Jeddah is your Red Sea gateway—sun, salt air, and the historic soul of the Hejaz. Stroll the Corniche at golden hour, watch King Fahd Fountain arc into the sky, and dive into seafood platters caught just offshore. In Al-Balad, mashrabiyya balconies cast patterned shade over old caravan lanes.

Top Sights & Vibes: Jeddah Waterfront Corniche, Al-Balad’s Naseef House, Obhur Creek beach clubs, King Fahd Fountain, Tayebat Museum, and sunset boat rides. The city’s specialty coffee scene is strong—perfect after a beach morning.

  • Where to eat (local favorites): Twina Seafood (grilled hamour and sayadiyah rice), Al Baik (beloved, budget-friendly broasted chicken), Al Khodariyah (traditional Saudi stews), Khayal (Turkish grills).
  • Cafés to try: Brew92 (Jeddah-born specialty roaster), Barn’s (Saudi coffee pioneer), Camel Step (Saudi roastery with light roasts).
  • Beach day passes (typical ranges): Silver Sands (~150–220 SAR), OIA Beach (~300–400 SAR), Indigo Beach (~200–300 SAR). Check current prices/entry policies; weekdays are usually quieter.

Stay in Jeddah: Mid-range and good value options, plus a splurge-once classic.

Getting to Jeddah: Book international flights to JED via Trip.com or Kiwi.com. Taxis and ride-hailing from the airport to central areas usually take 25–35 minutes.

Day 1: Arrive, Corniche Sunset, and Seafood Welcome

Afternoon: Land in Jeddah and check in. Shake off jet lag with a leisurely walk along the Jeddah Waterfront Corniche—sculptures, playgrounds, and sea breeze. Pause for photos of King Fahd Fountain, one of the world’s tallest water jets.

Evening: Early dinner at Twina Seafood—pick your fish at the counter and have it grilled with lemon and cumin. If you want a quick local classic, Al Baik’s crispy chicken and garlic sauce is budget-friendly and beloved. Night coffee at Brew92.

Day 2: Red Sea Beach Day and Old-Town Evening

Morning: Head to North Obhur for a beach club day pass. Choose Silver Sands for a relaxed vibe and decent snorkeling off the shore, or OIA Beach for a livelier scene with loungers and music. Swimwear is fine at private beaches; bring cash or card and an ID for entry.

Afternoon: Optional snorkeling/boat outing from Obhur marinas to shallow reefs—visibility is often excellent. Grab a late seafood lunch (try sayadiyah rice) before returning to town.

Evening: Wander Al-Balad at dusk when the coral-stone facades glow. Peek into restored merchant houses and browse Souq Al Alawi for incense, textiles, and spices. Dinner nearby at Al Khodariyah for lamb kabsa or grills; finish with Saudi coffee and dates.

Day 3: Guided Heritage + Desert Thrills (Optional)

Morning: Join a guided stroll of Historic Jeddah to decode the mashrabiyya balconies, caravanserai courtyards, and the story of Naseef House.

Afternoon: Explore the Tayebat Museum (Al Tayebat International City) for a curated overview of Hejazi arts and architecture. Coffee break at Barn’s or Camel Step.

Evening: Craving adrenaline? Book a dunes run and quad biking outside the city (hotel pickup available). End the night with a grill feast back in town.

Riyadh

In the capital, glass towers rise from an ancient plateau. You’ll trace history at Masmak Fort, barter for rugs and daggers in Souq Al Zal, and aim your gaze to the horizon at the Tuwaiq cliffs—the famed “Edge of the World.” Modern dining and coffee culture thrive here.

Top Sights & Vibes: National Museum, Al Murabba Palace, Masmak Fort, Souq Al Zal, Kingdom Centre Sky Bridge, Diriyah (Turaif District, UNESCO), and the Tuwaiq escarpment for sunset hikes.

  • Where to eat (don’t miss): Najd Village (family-style Saudi classics in a heritage setting), Mama Noura (shawarma icon), Suhail (modern Saudi tasting plates), Al Orjouan at The Ritz-Carlton (lavish buffet).
  • Cafés to try: Camel Step (single-origin pours), Elixir Bunn (artisanal espresso), Overdose (playful signatures).

Stay in Riyadh: Well-located choices for mid budgets plus a splurge.

Getting from Jeddah to Riyadh: Fly in the morning (JED → RUH). Flight time ~1h 40m; plan about 2.5–3 hours door-to-door with airports. One-way fares typically run ~US$60–150. Compare options on Trip.com or Kiwi.com.

Day 4: Fly to Riyadh, Old Riyadh, and Sky Bridge Views

Morning: Fly Jeddah → Riyadh. Check in, freshen up, and grab a light lunch at Mama Noura (classic chicken or beef shawarma, fresh juices).

Afternoon: Explore Masmak Fort, where the 1902 raid helped shape modern Saudi history. Walk to Souq Al Zal for rugs, oud, and antiques—practice your bargaining smile.

Evening: Head up to the Kingdom Centre Sky Bridge for blue-hour cityscapes. Dinner at Najd Village: sit on floor cushions and share jareesh, qabuli, and kabsa; it’s a delicious primer on Najdi flavors.

Day 5: Museums by Morning, Edge of the World by Sunset

Morning: Visit the National Museum and Al Murabba Palace to trace the peninsula’s story through rock art, trade routes, and unification. Coffee at Camel Step nearby.

Afternoon–Evening: Venture to the Tuwaiq escarpment for a hike and sunset on wind-carved cliffs. Most tours include 4x4 transport, snacks, and a camp dinner under star-pricked skies.

Day 6: Dunes, Souqs, and Modern Nightlife

Morning: Ride into the Red Sand Desert for quad biking and camel time on rippling dunes. It’s close enough for a half-day without eating the whole itinerary.

Afternoon: Return for lunch—consider Suhail for a refined take on Saudi staples or keep it casual with grills at Khayal. Shop for handicrafts at Deera Square’s stalls or sip an espresso at Elixir Bunn.

Evening: Experience modern Riyadh: head to Boulevard City for music, lights, and family-friendly amusements. If you fancy a feast, Al Orjouan’s buffet at The Ritz-Carlton is a crowd-pleaser, especially on weekend nights.

Day 7: Diriyah Morning and Departure

Morning: Explore Diriyah’s Al-Turaif District (UNESCO) to see the restored mud-brick palaces of the first Saudi state. Stroll Al Bujairi Terrace for breakfast with Wadi Hanifah views—bring a camera.

Afternoon: Last-minute souq stop for dates and oud, then head to RUH for your flight. Compare departures on Trip.com or Kiwi.com.

Optional Add-Ons (If You Extend)

Mid-Budget Tips

  • Transport: Domestic flights are fast and often inexpensive when booked early. Use ride-hailing in cities; consider arranging hotel pickups for desert trips.
  • Dining: Mix street staples (Al Baik, Mama Noura) with one or two splurge dinners. Coffee culture is excellent and affordable.
  • Beaches: Private clubs cost more but permit swimwear and often include loungers and showers—good value if you stay several hours.

In one week you’ll swim the Red Sea, trace spice-route alleys, and stand on desert cliffs that drop to an ancient seabed. Between Jeddah’s beach life and Riyadh’s culture and canyons, you’ll taste Saudi Arabia’s coastal and heartland personalities—distinct, welcoming, and unforgettable.

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