Tourist Attractions

The magnificent Al Masmak Palace stands erect gracefully in the middle of Riyadh city as a tourist destination having silently witnessed great events in the history of KSA foundation. The palace was constructed in the hijri 14th century during the reign of Imam Abdullah bin Faisal as his residence and the center of power and money. The palace is a strong fort against enemies with its solid high walls. It has only two entrances and small openings in the walls for gun barrels at the time of battles. Today, the palace stands as a symbol of the history of regaining power and rule of the country displaying in its corridors the featureThe historical palace displays live photos of the story of the kingdom unification including the battle of regaining Riyadh represented in bin Jiluwi’s tip of spear remains on the gate of Al Masmak Fortress. Prince Fahad bin Jiluwi was among the army of King Abdul Aziz in the 1902 battle when he threw his spear meaning to aim at Ajlan bin Rashid. He missed his aim and the tip of the spear settled in the gate making a deep crack that is a witness to the heroic story of one of the main King’s servants.s of that era and its leaders after it had been turned into a museum in 1995/1416. The Arabic word Al Masmak means a strong thick building that had been once used as a depot for weapons and ammunition until it was turned into a historic milestone then a museum. The historical palace displays live photos of the story of the kingdom unification including the battle of regaining Riyadh represented in bin Jiluwi’s tip of spear remains on the gate of Al Masmak Fortress. Prince Fahad bin Jiluwi was among the army of King Abdul Aziz in the 1902 battle when he threw his spear meaning to aim at Ajlan bin Rashid. He missed his aim and the tip of the spear settled in the gate making a deep crack that is a witness to the heroic story of one of the main King’s servants. The palace is divided into six main parts: the fortress’s gate on the western side, the mosque, the majlis - or the diwaneyah as known locally- the well to the north eastern side, the towers in the four corners of the courtyard, and the residential units of the ruler and his guests that were transformed into display halls. You can wander inside the palace witnessing history through visual presentations and ancient historical remains hung on its walls.

One kilometer southwest of the Palace of Government, Addoho Neighborhood is located in the heart of the capital, Riyadh. It is the last old neighborhood to preserve its traditional Najdi architecture. The construction of Addoho goes back more than 200 years. With its strategic location within the Palace of Government area, its narrow alleys and the details of its houses that reflect the way of life of the locals at the time, Addoho Neighborhood tells the story of a desert civilization whose buildings were surrounded by walls and palm trees. The old neighborhoods in Riyadh were characterized by the style of Najdi architecture, which gained its urban identity from its geographical environment. Addoho Neighborhood is near Wadi Hanifa and agricultural palm oases abound around it. Local materials were commonly used in the construction of houses and buildings. Stones were used in the foundations of buildings and mud was used to build the walls. When visiting the Addoho Neighborhood, it can be seen that some of the neighborhood's walls are round, due to their location at pedestrian intersections. Inscriptions and decorations are the most prominent feature in the old Najdi houses, so the edges of the doors are covered with plaster and decorated with triangles, holes and geometric shapes, which expresses the spatial connection of its inhabitants with their land and civilization. In the 1950s, the neighborhood was in the center of the city of Riyadh, before the area of urbanization expanded to the north of the city. The neighborhood was called Addoho because it was crowded with people. The neighborhood was divided into private properties and public endowments, including millstone mills and wheat pestles. Wheat is one of the most important crops used in the local cuisine in Riyadh. The neighborhood was rehabilitated and restored to preserve an ancient heritage that reflects the civilizational shift of the capital, Riyadh. It was officially opened to visitors in March 2023. After restoration, the neighborhood includes a mosque, traditional residential units, a traditional restaurant, as well as various cafes and shops.

The Abstract Art Gallery connects between the artist and the audience, as it hosts local art pioneers and provides a space to display their work. Cultural and popular legacies appear on the walls of the exhibition, with their overlapping colors and artistic styles are evident in the art pieces. The exhibition scenes allow you to immerse in plastic and abstract arts, as the pleasure increases while looking at the geometric angles and color textiles of the artworks, with the participation of a group of art connoisseurs in the exhibition. You can purchase your liked artifacts to decorate the walls of your house, as each one has its moral value and artistic meaning right from the heart of the artist.

Wahba Crater is the largest and deepest volcanic crater in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, with a diameter of 3,000 meters, and surrounded by Al Luhayan, Umm Rilan, and Zabna mountains forming a scenic view that embodies the wonders of nature in Saudi Arabia. The Crater, which is about 380 meters deep, attracts geologists to explore its secrets and observe its diverse and exotic rock formations. Traditional legends are known and spread among residents of nearby villages around the Crater formation. If you are an adventurer and a hiking lover and want to reward yourself by reaching a place that amazes you by its nature after the long travel journey, pack your luggage, and prepare to go to the deepest and widest dormant volcanic crater in Saudi Arabia, Wahba Crater, which is about 250 km away from Taif. You will be astonished by the gleaming salt dome under the sun at the bottom of the circular Crater, where a water lake evaporates in the summer and turns into a sabkha while wild plants grow on its edges in the rainy season. The road to Wahba Crater is paved and accessible, no 4x4 car is required, and no need to worry about communication networks. The location includes visitor lounges and stunning views of the Crater.

You must return from your trip to Taif loaded with the fragrance of roses, whether with the pictures you took to enjoy their beauty or by buying their distinguished products. One of the most beautiful exceptional experiences that you will have is a visit to the famous factories of Taif rose products to embark on a rich and unparalleled journey of exploration. You can enjoy your favorite drink in a seating area with an amazing atmosphere, on a tour rich with fun and interesting information. You will learn about the factory’s products, and how to manufacture them step by step. Then, you can choose what you like from the unique range of Taif rose products from a store next to the factory, such as soap, rose water, and rose oil. This will be the most beautiful souvenir from the city of beauty and roses.

Enjoy Taif’s rocky terrain and its pure fresh air in Arruddaf Park. The park spans over 500m2 of land covered in nature's most vibrant colors. You can bask in the beauty of the cirrus clouds as they float over the marvelous greenery and highlands of the park. You can also enjoy the beautiful sounds of nature or the live musical shows accompanied by interactive water fountains. Start your day with a morning walk in the Arruddaf tracks where the beauty of the surrounding nature will take your breath away. You can also join other runners in running tournaments on specialized tracks or participate in adrenaline-pumping challenges with your friends on the free sports courts. The fun is doubled when you are accompanied by the most beautiful weather that lasts the whole year. The Arruddaf Park is considered a calming getaway for meditators where they can feel connected with nature as they relax on the green grass, surrounded by the peculiar rock formations and the serenity of the surrounding green leafy trees.

At the top of Al-Shafa Mountain over 2500 m. above sea level, you will enjoy the natural stunning scenery of the white fog embracing the tall Sarawat Mountain peaks with its emitting aroma of juniper trees. You can take beautiful shots of the warm sun setting down the mountains overlooking the Tohama plains, the fertile valleys, and the green fields of pomegranate, grape, and fig trees. The distance between Al-Shafa Mountains and Al-Taif is about 30 km by car through Okba Al-Mohammadia Road which connects Al-Taif to Makkah. The heritage villages and historical forts of Al-Shafa Mountains represent the traditional artistic architecture portrayed in the remains of stone doors and windows. You can travel back in time as you watch the traditional construction patterns of the castles and forts of Al-Shafa Mountains. Enjoy the stunning scenery of the rain waterfalls engraving their way through the slopes of Al-Shafa Mountains, and take beautiful shots to share with your friends and keep as a memory. Discover the fun of driving on a winding road, contemplate the splendor of rocky cliffs, inhale the breeze of valleys and the aromatic juniper trees through your four-wheel drive car windows, enjoy the adventure of climbing tall mountain peaks, document the natural scenery at the highest peak, join your friends at night for cups of tea made on fire embers, savor the golden taste of grilled corn on the cob under the moonlight at the top of Al-Sarawat Mountain, sniff the languid smoke of barbeque with your family members as you are sitting in spacious areas in the open air or order from the local and international food caravans available along the parks in the area.

It is time to discover the majestic Al-Hada Mountain, one of the most famous mountains in Saudi Arabia. Al-Hada Mountain is one of Al-Sarawat Mountains range extending in a curved line of about 87 km between the two cities of Taif and Makkah. You will certainly notice the gradual drop in temperature on your journey on Al-Hada Road.Darb Al-Jammalah The history of Al-Hada Road, with its solid rocks, dates back to a thousand years ago. It has been known traditionally as Darb Al-Jammalah, where camel caravans carrying commercial goods journeyed in the past.

In the historical area of ​​Taif, the exquisite architectural artistry of Al-Kaaki Palace combined juniper wood, granite stone, and colored glass to form and build the palace in the ancient Roman style, blended the spirit of the Hijaz community presented in the design of the palace windows and in the Hijazi decorations extending to the roof, forming an architectural masterpiece located on Al-Salama street. The Islamic Hijazi inscriptions in Al-Kaaki Palace invite you to follow the historical details within its walls, which were built in 1358 AH. Its arched doors allow you to enjoy the beauty and creativity of ancient architecture in form and design, while the ingenuity of the ancient hands in decorating the interior ceilings with attractive marble shapes.

Discover the charm of Taif's Earus Almasayif Museum, a top destination for those seeking to immerse themselves in the rich cultural and historical heritage of the region. Wander through its beautifully curated rooms to admire fascinating artifacts, traditional crafts, and ancient architectur, all within a uniquely preserved heritage setting.

Follow in the footsteps of the merchants who once journeyed on this ancient trade route, where a historic marketplace still thrives today. Browse local handicrafts, elegant antiques, and souvenirs, or just enjoy a freshly squeezed juice and a pleasant stroll.

Find T-shirts, scarves, pottery, trinkets, and other souvenirs to remind you of your visit to AlUla's Old Town and the storied cultural attractions that surround it.