If you are an orophile at heart, visiting mountain-filled regions like Abha will be a soul-satisfying experience. Rightly called “the Bride of the Mountains”, Abha never ceases to amaze you. At the same time, you listen to legendary tales, shop for souvenirs featuring traditional art, enjoy the flavors of authentic cuisine, and look at monuments laced with history. Located along the southwestern part of the Saudi Arabia Kingdom, Abha is at about 2200 m altitude among the peaks of the Sarawat Mountains. Its strategic location lets you wander through the cloud-embraced mountain tops.
The City of Fog is said to be the key destination of Saudi Arabian tourism. It is abundant in natural scenic beauty, rich cultural and social heritage, diverse places of historical importance, and a distinct agricultural environment. While still reeling in amusement and excitement, Abha will take you on time travel while visiting majestic castles and ancient buildings built with unique elements sourced locally. In addition, they are experts in the authentic Qatt Al Aseeri abstract art to express their relationship with the region hundreds of years ago.
If you are looking for a perfect getaway, visit the Abha tourist spots in Saudi Arabia to enjoy the chill breeze while walking through the misty mountains with a positive aura. We have compiled a list of Abha’s ten best tourist places to make your travel worthwhile.
List of Top 10 Things To Do In Abha
1. Explore Aseer Architecture At Al Muftaha Art Village
Al Muftaha Art Village is one of the popular Abha tourism places that showcase the finest authentic architecture of the Aseer region of Saudi Arabia. Enjoy the cultural vibes of the destination while you stroll along the streets of this art village that is 260 years old. Be ready to be amazed by the works of the local artisans and craftsmen while exploring their work and exhibiting snippets of ancient tales and history.
This cultural village has beautiful passageways with tiny openings, mud walls, and thick covering to protect against rain and sun. A colossal mosque is also decorated with impressive calligraphy graffiti in vibrant colors. Be sure to visit the tiny art galleries that house some of the enchanting worlds of regional photographers and artists.
2. Travel Back In Time While Visiting Shada Palace
This palace, built with mud walls, is one of the most visited Abha tourist spots. The Governor of Saudi Arabia constructed it in 1927 with exciting architecture. The archeological palace was built as a royal family residence and government officials. It was later converted into a museum and rooms with no windows are the key highlight of this destination.
This palace has a massive collection of antique items like traditional furniture, household utensils, ancient tools, coins, photographs, manuscripts, local handicrafts, and other items that belong to the ancient Abha people. The mud-walled forts, walls with geometric patterns, high roofs, and architecture of this palace-turned-museum are sure to amaze you.
- Timings: Shada Palace is open between 8.00 am to 6.00 pm on all days except Friday, as it is a holiday.
- Entry Fee: There is no entry ticket to visit this archeological museum.
3. Drench In The Breathtaking Views Of Lake Abha Dam
This dam measuring 300 m, is built along the Abha Lake and is a spectacular location, which offers a scenic view comprising azure water amidst lush green surroundings. The lake has dedicated areas for visitors to enjoy swimming and boating. The trees in the dam area are home to several species of exotic birds and animals, which makes it a natural oasis.
Adventure junkies can have great fun while indulging in different activities like water games and adventure activities. First, take advantage of the light and sound shows with glowing fountains, laser shows, and water screens. Then, relax at the public parks surrounding the dam and grab a tasty bite at the restaurants.
4. Enjoy The Scenic Beauty Of Green Mountain At Night
Green Mountain is one of the top places to visit in Abha at night, as it looks stunning with elegant lighting. During the nighttime, this mountain in Saudi Arabia comes alive in glory with its grass edges covered with glowing green lights earning it the name “Jabal Thera.” Spreading across a great 8161 sq. m area, this mountainous region looks beautiful while travelling in a cable car.
Locals and tourists love to indulge in nighttime activities like barbeque and campfires outdoors while gazing at the beautiful night sky of Arabia. Many coffee shops and restaurants serve delicious food and drink near Green Mountain to satisfy your hunger pangs.
- Timings: Green Mountain in Abha is open from 2 pm to 7 pm on all days of the week.
- Green Mountain Ticket Price: The entry ticket for Green Mountain is SR 20 per individual.
5. Take A Cable Car Ride And Feel Closer To The Blue Sky
A trip to Abha is only complete once you take a cable car ride. The region has a lot of cable car stations with varying vantage points to deliver a bird’s eye view of the whole city. All these cable car stations have designed the ride to enable you to enjoy the breathtaking view of the Sarawat cliffs.
The cable car ride begins from the tip of the Green Mountains to glide across at about 400 m altitude over New Abha resort. While on a cable car, take advantage of the spectacular view of the hills and Lake Sadd in Abha. Each cable car ride lasts about 30 minutes, and upon reaching the hilltop, you can access several eateries and food stalls to tame your hunger.
- Green Mountain Cable Car Ride Ticket Price: You have to pay a ticket fee of SR 70 to take a ride on a cable car.
- Timings: You can avail of a cable car from 1 pm to 6 pm.
6. Get A Spectacular View Of The Kingdom Standing On The Black Mountain
Jabal Sawda, or the Black Mountain, is one of the most favorite places to visit in Abha, as it is studded with beautiful juniper trees, has a cool climate, and is home to numerous flora and fauna species. The black rocks covering the peaks have rightly earned it the nickname, the Black Mountain. It remains the highest peak in Saudi Arabian kingdom, at an altitude of 3000 m over the Red Sea.
During summers, paragliding competitions are held annually as part of the Aseer festival, which thousands of locals and tourists enjoy. You can access this mountain by taking a cable car ride to reach this part of the Sarawat Mountains range. Plan a trip during the monsoon season to enjoy the cool weather and moisture-loaded breeze over the mountaintop. It has several challenging twisty trails and stunning paths, which has made several photographers and hikers visit its vantage point and spectacular slopes. If lucky, you can spot a few black camels with their herders and baboons strolling around.
7. Get Mesmerized At The Fragrant Khamis Rose Garden
Relax and laze around the astounding collection of beautiful rose blooms with an enticing aroma while visiting the Khamis Rose garden. Have fun looking at the rose varieties in full color amidst the green pastures during the spring. This botanical garden in the Abha region can make you feel rejuvenated with the red rose scent around you. Moreover, this tourist attraction in Abha is a perfect destination for family photo sessions and involvement in activities like hiking and education trips by agricultural experts.
- Entry Ticket: The entry ticket for the rose garden is SR 20 for an individual. There is no entry fee for kids.
- Car Parking Ticket Fee: If you wish to avail car parking facility at the rose garden, then you have to spend SR 35, which includes a can of drinking water and a rose water bottle.
- Timings: You can visit Khamis Rose garden in Abha from 7 am to 6 pm.
8. Bird Watchers Can Have Fun At Raydah Escarpment Reserve
How about watching some gorgeous birds in flight or chatting with their families in the nests while in Abha? It is one of the major tourist attractions in Abha, as it is a treat to watch the flapping wings of the beaked friends through a pair of binoculars. Lying 15 km from Abha, this natural reserve is located near Al Sooda Road and is an excellent retreat to beat the summer heat.
Studded with a picturesque backdrop and emerald green tranquil environment, this tourist spot is a perfect find to relax in nature’s lap. Bird watchers will be happy to see a lot of bird species like the Red-breasted Wheatear, Arabian endemic Yemen Thrush, White-spectacled Bulbul, Abyssinian White-eye, Yemen Warbler, Brown-necked Raven, Palestinian Sunbird, Yemen Linnet, Brown Woodland Warbler, Dusky Turtle Dove, Fan-tailed Raven, Tristram’s Grackle, Steppe Eagle, and more.
9. Explore The Untouched Wilderness At Asir National Park
Also known as Aseer National Park, this Abha tourist spot is popular for its natural ecosystem and bird and animal species in the untouched wilderness with astounding beauty. It is the first park in Saudi Arabia to cover a sprawling 1600 sq. km area and is home to more than 300 species of flora and fauna. In addition, Saudi Arabia’s highest peak, Jabal Sawda, is located on the premises of this Abha National Park.
This national park has dedicated animal spotting areas, hiking paths, trails, and camping sites. It has more than 67 camping areas with well-maintained toilets, tables with seating arrangements, parking facilities, and play areas for kids, making it an ideal destination for families. If you need more time camping at night, opt for a safari ride to visit all places in the park within a short time. Bird watching and animal spotting are popular activities for families visiting this National Park in the Aseer region.
- Entrance Fee: There is no entry fee to visit Asir National Park.
- Timings: This National Park is open round the clock on all days of the week.
10. Witness The Classy Architecture At The Rijal Alma Village
This UNESCO heritage site in Rijal Alma is one of the best places for sightseeing in Abha. If you are into offbeat adventure, this ancient village is perfect. The vertical rows of stone and mud houses with three or four tiers can make your jaw drop in amusement, as their walls can keep desert heat away while trapping in cool air at night. This historical site dates back over 1000 years ago, and it has ancient watchtowers like Qasabat Al-Owus with firing range view erected for defending against enemies. Every building in this village exhibits fine artwork in fascinating shades and patterns.
This place in Abha will amaze you with its artistic population, where women have used stones, trees, and plant extracts to beautify their living spaces in vivid colors. Several forts, like Al Sisbae, Al Diriyyah, Msamr, Maejib & Hakim, each weave a distinct history while being preserved by a different family. Know more about the history of this exciting village through the traditional jewelry pieces worth 500 kg and more than 2800 historical exhibits found at the Rijal Alma museum on the site. Before leaving this historical village in Abha, don’t forget to taste their sweet country honey with a silky texture.
Timings for Rijal Alma Village
- The timings of the Qasabat Al-Owus tower are between 7.00 am and 8.00 pm.
- The visiting hours of Rijal Alma museum are from 7.00 am to 8.00 pm.
- The Rijal Alma village is open 24 hours on all days of the week.
Lastly, Abha is famous for its stunning tourist destinations and the delightful gastronomical experience it offers. Remember to try their authentic dishes like the soul-satisfying Areeka sweet, and lamb-based Haneeth slow-cooked in a traditional Munanath pit filled with marakh leaves and charcoal.
Make sure you visit all the destinations listed in our list of top 10 tourist places to visit in Abha to feel closer to Mother Nature and capture some unforgettable moments on camera while the white clouds rub along your shoulder while standing tall on a mountaintop.