Sand, Souks, and Savings: Backpacking Saudi Arabia

Ready for the ultimate adventure? Head to Saudi Arabia, a land steeped in ancient history, pulsating culture, and striking natural beauty. But we can almost hear you thinking: isn’t Saudi Arabia a bit of an expensive destination? Not necessarily!
You don’t have to be a wealthy backpacker to experience the best of Saudi Arabia, from exploring the ancient city of Diriyah to hiking in the stunning mountains of Abha.
We are going to take you through some of those uncharted territories in Saudi Arabia and show you exactly how you can make your travel in this enchanting country more budget-friendly.

How to get there:

From Jordan:

Take the JETT bus from Amman to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia ( approx. 5 hours, 20 JD / $28 USD)
From Tabuk, take a taxi or bus to your desired destination

From UAE:

Take the bus from Dubai or Abu Dhabi to Al Ain (approx. 2-3 hours, 50-100 AED / $14-28 USD)
From Al Ain, take a taxi or bus to the Saudi border (approx. 1 hour)
Cross the border and take a taxi or bus to your desired destination

From Oman:

Take the bus from Muscat to Buraimi (approx. 2 hours, 5 OMR / $10 USD)
From Buraimi, take a taxi or bus to the Saudi border (approx. 1 hour)
Cross the border and take a taxi or bus to your desired destination

From Bahrain:

Take the bus from Manama to the Saudi border (approx. 1 hour, 4 BHD / $10 USD)
Cross the border and take a taxi or bus to your desired destination

From Kuwait:

Take the bus from Kuwait City to the Saudi border (approx. 2 hours, 4 KWD / $10 USD)
Cross the border and take a taxi or bus to your desired destination

When to go:

Summer (June to August)

Pros:
- Longer days to explore
- Festivals and events like Eid al-Fitr and Jeddah Season
Cons:
- Extremely hot temperatures (up to 50°C/122°F)
- Humidity and sandstorms

Winter (December to February)

Pros:
- Mild temperatures (10-20°C/50-68°F)
- Ideal for outdoor activities like hiking and camping
- Festivals like Riyadh Season and Winter Festival
Cons:
- Cooler temperatures may require warmer clothing
- Some attractions may be closed for maintenance

Spring (March to May)

Pros:
- Pleasant temperatures (20-30°C/68-86°F)
- Beautiful desert blooms and greenery
- Festivals like Janadriyah Festival and Saudi International Festival
Cons:
- Sandstorms and dust storms
- Some attractions may be crowded

Autumn (September to November)

Pros:
- Comfortable temperatures (20-30°C/68-86°F)
- Ideal for outdoor activities like hiking and camping
- Festivals like Abha Festival and Taif Festival
Cons:
- Some attractions may be closed for maintenance
- Cooler temperatures may require warmer clothing

Ramadan and Hajj Season

Pros:
- Unique cultural experiences and festivals
- Spiritual significance for Muslims
Cons:
- Travel restrictions and crowd

Best Itineraries:

3-Day Itinerary:

Day 1-2: Riyadh (Diriyah, National Museum)
Day 3: Abha (Abha Palace, Al-Muftaha Village)

1-Week Itinerary:

Day 1-2: Riyadh (Diriyah, National Museum)
Day 3-4: Abha (Abha Palace, Al-Muftaha Village)
Day 5-6: Jeddah (Al-Balad, Jeddah Corniche)
Day 7: Departure from Jeddah

2-Week Itinerary:

Day 1-3: Riyadh (Diriyah, National Museum, Edge of the World)
Day 4-6: Abha (Abha Palace, Al-Muftaha Village, hiking)
Day 7-9: Jeddah (Al-Balad, Jeddah Corniche, Taif)
Day 10-14: Eastern Province (Dammam, Al-Khobar, Al-Ahsa Oasis)

1-Month Itinerary:

Week 1: Riyadh and surrounding areas
Week 2: Abha and the Asir Region
Week 3: Jeddah and the Western Region
Week 4: Eastern Province and the Gulf Coast

3-Month Itinerary:

Month 1: Explore Riyadh, Abha, and Jeddah
Month 2: Discover Eastern Province and the Gulf Coast
Month 3: Visit Madinah, Tabuk, and the Northern Borders Region

Transportation:

Public Transportation:

Buses: SAPTCO (Saudi Public Transport Company) operates an extensive network of buses connecting major cities.
Taxis: Taxis are widely available, but be prepared to negotiate prices.
Trains: The Saudi Railways Organization connects Riyadh to other major cities.
Flights: Domestic flights are available for longer distances.

Hitchhiking in Saudi Arabia:

Ease: Hitchhiking is relatively easy in Saudi Arabia, with many locals willing to pick up travelers.
Safety: Take usual precautions, but Saudi Arabia is considered a safe country for hitchhiking.
Tips:
- Stand in visible areas, like gas stations or highway entrances.
- Use a sign with your destination in Arabic.
- Be respectful and courteous to drivers.

Combining Public Transportation and Hitchhiking:

Use public transportation to reach smaller towns or cities.
Hitchhike to explore rural areas or get to harder-to-reach destinations.

Top things to do:

Riyadh:

Visit the Riyadh Zoo (10 SAR / $2.67 USD)
Explore the King Abdullah Financial District (free)
Visit the Riyadh Front (free)
Explore the Royal Park of Riyadh (free)
Visit the Riyadh City Museum (10 SAR / $2.67 USD)
Explore the Riyadh Camel Market (free)
Visit the Al Faisaliyah Center (free)
Explore the Olaya Street (free)

Abha:

Visit the Abha Museum (10 SAR / $2.67 USD)
Explore the Al-Soudah Park (free)
Visit the Abha Lake (free)
Take a traditional coffee ceremony (10 SAR / $2.67 USD)
Explore the Al-Muftaha Village (free)
Visit the Abha Market (free)
Explore the nearby Aseer National Park (free)

Jeddah:

Explore the Jeddah Corniche (free)
Visit the Jeddah Museum (10 SAR / $2.67 USD)
Take a boat tour of the Red Sea (50 SAR / $13.33 USD)
Explore the traditional souks (markets) of Jeddah (free)
Visit the Jeddah Waterfront (free)
Explore the historic Al-Balad district (free)
Visit the Jeddah Mall (free)

Eastern Province:

Visit the Dammam Corniche (free)
Explore the Al-Khobar Waterfront (free)
Take a boat tour of the Gulf Coast (50 SAR / $13.33 USD)
Visit the Al-Ahsa Oasis (10 SAR / $2.67 USD)
Explore the Uqair Beach (free)
Visit the Dammam Museum (10 SAR / $2.67 USD)
Explore the nearby Al-Qatif Oasis (free)

Madinah:

Visit the Prophet’s Mosque (free)
Explore the historic city center (free)
Take a stroll along the Hejaz Railway (free)
Visit the Madinah Museum (10 SAR / $2.67 USD)
Explore the Uhud Mountain (free)
Visit the Madinah Dates Market (free)
Explore the nearby Badr City (free)

Tabuk:

Visit the historic Tabuk Castle (10 SAR / $2.67 USD)
Explore the Tabuk Museum (10 SAR / $2.67 USD)
Take a stroll along the Red Sea coast (free)
Visit the Wadi Al-Disah (free)
Explore the Tabuk Souk (free)
Visit the Tabuk Beach (free)
Explore the nearby Tabuk Mountains (free)

Taif:

Visit the historic Taif Castle (10 SAR / $2.67 USD)
Explore the Taif Museum (10 SAR / $2.67 USD)
Take a stroll along the Taif River (free)
Visit the Al-Shafa Mountain (free)
Explore the Taif Souk (free)
Visit the Taif Rose Plantation (free)
Explore the nearby Al-Hada Mountain (free)

Food:

Saudi Arabian food is quite a discovery in terms of cuisine! Tucked away with influences from the Middle East, Mediterranean, and South Asia, each single bite will be a class to study in texture, taste, and aroma. From tender, slowly cooked meats in traditional dishes like mandi and kabsa, to the crunchy, flavorful deli inventions that are shawarma and falafel, every meal will delight your senses. And not to forget the array of fresh fruits, vegetables, and nuts; their expert combination in elaborately concocted salads and snacks. But what really makes Saudi cuisine unique is the way in which it’s shared with such hospitality-the chance to connect with locals over every meal, share stories, and enjoy the legendary Saudi welcome. Be it a foodie or an eager traveler, Saudi Arabia will just keep amazing you with its food.

Affordable Options:

Street Food: Try traditional street food like shawarma, falafel, and kebabs, available for 10-20 SAR ($2.50-$5.50 USD) per serving.
Local Restaurants: Eat at local restaurants, called “mandi” or “kabsa,” which offer traditional dishes at affordable prices (20-50 SAR / $5.33-$13.33 USD per meal).
Supermarkets: Buy snacks and ingredients at supermarkets like Al-Othaim or Carrefour, which offer affordable options for self-catering.

Local Specialties:

Kabsa: A traditional rice dish with meat, vegetables, and spices.
Mandi: A slow-cooked meat dish, often served with rice and vegetables.
Shawarma: A popular street food made from grilled meat, served in a pita bread with vegetables and tahini sauce.
Gormeh: A hearty stew made with meat, vegetables, and dried lime.

Tips and Tricks:

Eat with Locals: Join locals for meals to experience authentic Saudi hospitality and cuisine.
Try New Things: Be adventurous and try new dishes, even if they seem unfamiliar.
Avoid Touristy Areas: Eat at local restaurants and avoid touristy areas, where prices tend to be higher.
Learn Some Arabic: Show respect by learning basic Arabic phrases, like “shukraan” (thank you) and “afwan” (you’re welcome).

Culture:

Saudi Arabia, is a country steeped in a rich cultural heritage. From its vibrant cities to its vast deserts, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is a fascinating destination that offers a unique blend of history, hospitality, and Islamic values.

History and Heritage

Saudi Arabia’s cultural roots date back to the 7th century, when Islam was born in the city of Mecca. The country’s strategic location at the crossroads of Asia, Africa, and Europe has made it an important center of trade and cultural exchange for centuries. The ancient cities of Diriyah, Jeddah, and Najran are just a few examples of the many historical sites that showcase the country’s architectural and cultural achievements.

Islamic Values

Islam plays a central role in Saudi Arabian culture, and the country is home to two of the holiest cities in Islam: Mecca and Medina. The Five Pillars of Islam – the declaration of faith, prayer, charity, fasting, and pilgrimage – are the foundation of Saudi society. The call to prayer, the sound of the azan, echoes through the streets, reminding everyone of their faith and connection to Allah.

Hospitality and Generosity

Saudi hospitality is legendary, and visitors are often greeted with warm smiles, open arms, and generous offers of food and drink. The traditional Saudi greeting, “Marhaba” (hello), is often followed by an invitation to share a cup of cardamom-flavored coffee or sweet tea. In Saudi culture, hospitality is not just a virtue but a sacred duty.

Food and Drink

Saudi cuisine is a delicious blend of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean flavors, with popular dishes like kebabs, machboos (a rice dish with meat or fish), and gormeh (a hearty stew). No meal is complete without a steaming cup of coffee or tea, served with dates or other sweet treats. In Saudi Arabia, food is not just sustenance but a symbol of generosity and friendship.

Art and Architecture

Saudi Arabian art is a vibrant reflection of the country’s rich cultural heritage. From the intricate geometric patterns of Islamic art to the bold brushstrokes of contemporary Saudi painters, the country’s artistic landscape is diverse and dynamic. The stunning architecture of the Mosques, forts, and palaces showcases the country’s mastery of traditional building techniques and modern design.

Music and Dance

Music and dance are an integral part of Saudi Arabian culture, with traditional forms like the Ardha (a sword dance) and the Nashaat (a poetic recitation). Modern Saudi music is a fusion of traditional rhythms and contemporary styles, with popular artists like Mohamed Abdo and Abdul Majeed Abdullah.

Festivals and Celebrations

Saudi Arabia celebrates many festivals and events throughout the year, including:

Eid al-Fitr: A joyous celebration marking the end of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting.
Eid al-Adha: A festive occasion commemorating the willingness of the Prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his son.
Janadriyah Festival: A vibrant cultural event showcasing Saudi music, dance, and art.

Accommodations:

Riyadh

Najd Village Hostel – Traditional Saudi hospitality in a modern setting
Riyadh Hostel – Central location, vibrant atmosphere, and friendly staff
Al Faisaliah Hostel – Cozy rooms, warm welcomes, and a relaxed vibe

Jeddah

Jeddah Hostel – Beachside location, stunning views, and a lively beach bar
Red Sea Hostel – Diving and snorkeling trips, ocean views, and a chill atmosphere
Al Hamra Hostel – Historic building, comfortable rooms, and a warm Saudi welcome

Mecca

Makkah Hostel – Close proximity to the Grand Mosque, simple rooms, and a spiritual atmosphere
Jabal Omar Hostel – Modern amenities, stunning city views, and a convenient location
Al Shohada Hostel – Budget-friendly, clean rooms, and a friendly staff

Medina

Medina Hostel – Charming old town location, cozy rooms, and a peaceful ambiance
Al Noor Hostel – Bright rooms, warm hospitality, and a short walk to the Prophet’s Mosque
Dar Al Eiman Hostel – Simple, clean rooms, and a relaxed atmosphere

Abha

Abha Hostel – Scenic mountain views, comfortable rooms, and a cool climate
Al Tahrir Hostel – Friendly staff, cozy rooms, and a central location
Bala Mall Hostel – Modern amenities, shopping nearby, and a lively atmosphere

Taif

Taif Hostel – Rose gardens, scenic views, and a relaxed mountain vibe
Al Hada Hostel – Comfortable rooms, friendly staff, and a short walk to the old town
Jafariya Hostel – Simple rooms, warm welcomes, and a peaceful atmosphere

Nightlife: