3. Al-Balad

A vital trading hub since the seventh century, the labyrinthine alleyways of the Al-Balad district, Jeddah’s oldest, are flanked by pastel-painted coral-stone buildings with elaborately carved wooden balconies known as rawasheen. Nassif House, a beautifully restored mansion that once served as the residence of a prominent trading family, offers a fascinating look into the opulent lifestyle of Jeddah’s elite in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and also serves as a cultural centre.

4. Hegra

This ancient city was the southern capital of the Nabataean Kingdom, a sister to the renowned Petra in Jordan. Saudi Arabia’s first Unesco World Heritage Site, it’s a series of monumental rock-cut tombs, intricately carved into the golden sandstone cliffs over 2,000 years ago, adorned with detailed inscriptions and symbolic motifs. Plush tented retreats nearby like the Banyan Tree and Our Habitas offer the chance to stay among the region’s dramatic canyons.

5. AlUla Old Town

With its alleyways, mud-brick houses and rich cultural heritage, AlUla Old Town offers a fascinating journey through time. The town dates to the sixth century, making it one of the oldest continuously inhabited places in the Arabian Peninsula. It’s crowned by AlUla Fort, a sentinel perched on a rocky outcrop that has watched over the town for centuries. Recent restoration efforts have breathed new life into the area.