Saudi Arabia’s story begins in the oasis towns of Najd and on the Hejazi coast, where traders crossed deserts and dhows set sail. In Riyadh, the restored district of Diriyah—birthplace of the Saudi state—offers a time‑capsule of mudbrick alleys and palaces. In Jeddah, coral-stone townhouses and wooden roshan balconies in Al‑Balad whisper of spice routes and pilgrims bound for the holy cities.

Across one week, you’ll split time between the capital’s museums and desert edges and the Red Sea’s breezy waterfront. Expect rich Saudi cuisine—from slow-cooked kabsa and jareesh to Hejazi saleeq—modern galleries, and evenings beneath the world’s tallest fountain plume. You’ll also have the option to escape up to Taif’s cool mountains and rose farms.

Practical notes: Many nationalities can apply for an eVisa; modest dress is appreciated, alcohol is illegal, and weekends are Friday–Saturday. Summers are hot; plan outdoor time early/late. Ride-hailing apps work well, and domestic flights between cities are frequent and affordable.

Riyadh

Riyadh, a city of glass towers and old forts, is where Saudi Arabia’s modern pulse meets its Najdi roots. The UNESCO-listed At‑Turaif district in Diriyah anchors the capital’s heritage, while the Kingdom Centre Sky Bridge frames the skyline. Food lovers will find everything from steaming tamees bread at sunrise to refined modern Saudi tasting menus.

• Top sights: At‑Turaif in Diriyah, Bujairi Terrace dining quarter, Masmak Fortress, Saudi National Museum, Kingdom Centre Sky Bridge.
• Signature experiences: “Edge of the World” escarpment, Wadi Hanifah sunset, Najdi cuisine in traditional courtyard houses.
• Arrival and transport: Fly into RUH (King Khalid International). Search fares on Trip.com Flights or Kiwi.com. Rideshares (Careem/Uber) are the easiest way to move around.

Where to stay: Base yourself in Olaya (central, near malls and Sky Bridge), Diplomatic Quarter (green, walkable), or Diriyah (heritage atmosphere near Bujairi). Browse stays on VRBO Riyadh or compare hotels on Hotels.com Riyadh.

Day 1: Arrival, Diriyah glow, and Najdi flavors

Afternoon: Arrive in Riyadh and check in. Shake off jet lag with a gentle walk along Wadi Hanifah’s landscaped paths near Diriyah—birdsong, palms, and mudbrick silhouettes set the tone.

Evening: Head to Bujairi Terrace, the dining precinct overlooking the illuminated At‑Turaif walls. Book a table at Maiz for modern Saudi tasting plates (think smoked jareesh, date‑molasses lamb) or Somewhere for Levantine‑Saudi fusion. Finish with Arabic coffee and cardamom‑scented dates at a terrace cafe with views of the UNESCO site.

Day 2: Old Riyadh to the Sky Bridge

Morning: Traditional breakfast: foul and tamees at a neighborhood bakery or a quick falafel-and-fresh-juice stop at Mama Noura. Explore Masmak Fortress, where the recapture of Riyadh in 1902 became a national turning point; wander Deera Souq for carpets, oud, and antiques.

Afternoon: Dive into the Saudi National Museum (engaging galleries on geology, Arabian wildlife, pre‑Islamic trade routes, and the unification of the Kingdom). Walk across to Murabba Palace to see early 20th‑century royal rooms.

Evening: Ride up to the Kingdom Centre Sky Bridge (around SAR 70) for dusk panoramas. Dinner nearby: Suhail (sleek, ingredient-driven Saudi classics) or Myazu (one of the Middle East’s standout Japanese kitchens). Nightcap coffee at Elixir Bunn or Camel Step Coffee Roasters—both local specialty stars.

Day 3: Edge of the World and Diplomatic Quarter

Morning: Join a guided 4x4 tour to the “Edge of the World” (Jebel Fihrayn), an escarpment where the plateau drops into fossil-studded plains. Depart around 7–8 a.m.; allow 1.5–2 hours each way. Expect short hikes and epic photos. Tours typically run SAR 350–550 ($90–150) per person, including snacks.

Afternoon: Return to the city and unwind in the Diplomatic Quarter’s shaded parks and artful pathways. If you prefer more heritage, head back to Diriyah and tour At‑Turaif’s museums and restored streets (tickets commonly from around SAR 100; evenings are atmospheric).

Evening: Dinner at Takya (modern Saudi—don’t miss the saleeq and smoked lamb) or casual Najd Village for a floor‑seating feast of kabsa and hashi (camel). Dessert: hot kunafa from Kunafa Al Qasr.

Jeddah

Jeddah is the Hejaz’s gateway, its historic Al‑Balad built of coral blocks and shaded by ornate wooden roshan. Today the seaside corniche, sculpture parks, and cafés sit beside one of the world’s great diving coasts. Expect sea breezes by day and the plume of King Fahd Fountain by night.

• Top sights: Al‑Balad UNESCO Historic Jeddah, Jeddah Waterfront and Art Promenade, King Fahd Fountain, Floating Mosque, Obhur Creek.
• Signature experiences: Red Sea snorkeling/boat day, seafood feasts, Taif mountain day trip and rose products.
• Getting there from Riyadh: Morning flights take ~1 h 40 min; add 30–45 min city transfers. Typical fares SAR 225–525 ($60–140). Compare on Trip.com Flights or Kiwi.com.

Where to stay: For sea views and easy promenades, choose Al Hamra/Corniche; for quick Old Town access, stay near Bab Jadid/Al‑Balad; for resort vibes, look north toward Obhur. Compare options on VRBO Jeddah or Hotels.com Jeddah.

Day 4: Fly to Jeddah, Al‑Balad at golden hour

Morning: Fly Riyadh to Jeddah (RUH–JED). Early departures maximize your day. Book on Trip.com Flights or Kiwi.com. Transfer to your hotel and drop bags.

Afternoon: Quick comfort lunch at Al Baik—Saudi’s cult fried chicken chain (order spicy fillet sandwiches and garlic sauce). Then explore Al‑Balad’s restored lanes: Nasseef House museum, coral-stone townhouses, incense-scented shops, and artisans’ courtyards.

Evening: Sunset on the Jeddah Waterfront, then watch King Fahd Fountain launch a 300‑meter jet skyward. Dinner at Twina Seafood (grilled hammour, sayadiyah rice; family-friendly) or Nafoura at Park Hyatt for Mediterranean plates with sea views.

Day 5: Red Sea day—boats, reefs, and the promenade

Morning: Head to Obhur Creek for a boat or snorkeling excursion with a reputable operator; expect 5–6 hours, equipment included, SAR 300–560 ($80–150). Calm reefs suit beginners, and visibility is often superb.

Afternoon: Return for a late seafood lunch: try Twina’s charcoal-grilled shrimp or a casual fish market cook‑and‑eat experience. Stroll the Jeddah Sculpture Museum stretch of the Corniche to spot 20th‑century artworks under the palms.

Evening: Café-hop: Medd Café & Roastery (single-origin pours) or Brew92 (signature espresso drinks and pastries). Dinner at Shababik (Lebanese—fattoush, grills, fresh juices) or Toki (refined Pan‑Asian under glowing lanterns).

Day 6: Mountain air in Taif (day trip)

Morning: Drive or hire a car with driver to Taif (about 2–2.5 hours each way via serpentine Al Hada Road—watch for baboons). Visit rose-product boutiques (rosewater, perfumes) and take the cable car for sweeping escarpment views.

Afternoon: Lunch at Al Qaria Al Turathia (traditional village setting serving mandi, saleeq, and mezze) or Ward Al Taif for local fare. Explore Taif’s old market lanes and pick up honey and spices.

Evening: Return to Jeddah. Unwind with a waterfront walk. Sweet finish: warm kunafa or pistachio maamoul from a local patisserie.

Day 7: Floating Mosque, last tastes, and departure

Morning: Visit the serene Floating Mosque (Al Rahma) on the northern Corniche when the light is soft and the sea is calm. Breakfast nearby—traditional foul and tamees at Foul Shakir Al Jazira, or a modern coffee-and-croissant set at Medd.

Afternoon: Last-minute shopping at Red Sea Mall or a breezy promenade on the Art Walk. Transfer to the airport for your onward flight; check fares on Trip.com Flights or Kiwi.com.

Dining shortlist to bookmark

• Riyadh: Maiz (modern Saudi in Diriyah), Suhail (elevated Saudi), Najd Village (traditional platters), Myazu (top-tier Japanese), Takya (creative Saudi), Elixir Bunn and Camel Step (specialty coffee), Kunafa Al Qasr (dessert).
• Jeddah: Twina Seafood (grilled catch), Nafoura (seaside Mediterranean), Shababik (Lebanese classics), Toki (Asian fine dining), Al Baik (iconic fast food), Medd Café & Roastery and Brew92 (coffee), Foul Shakir Al Jazira (old-school breakfast).

How to book and budget at a glance

• Flights: RUH⇄JED 1 h 40 m, SAR 225–525 ($60–140). Compare on Trip.com Flights or Kiwi.com.
• Edge of the World tour: SAR 350–550 pp; Boat/snorkel in Jeddah: SAR 300–560 pp; Observation deck: ~SAR 70.
• Stays: See VRBO Riyadh, Hotels.com Riyadh, VRBO Jeddah, and Hotels.com Jeddah.

In one week, you’ll trace Saudi Arabia’s arc from Najdi forts to Hejazi sea breezes, tasting your way through old souqs and stylish modern kitchens. With Riyadh’s deserts and Jeddah’s reefs, this itinerary balances culture with restorative coast time—an easy introduction you can build on during your next visit.