A city nestled in Saudi Arabia, Abha is home to craggy mountains and dense forests. Located at the Southern end of the Red Sea coast, this is a city that is home to the famous Aseer National Park. Over the years, many tourists have visited the city for its mild climate and fascinating natural wonders.
Today, there are so many places to visit in Abha that visitors just won't seem to get enough of exploring. One fascinating fact? Abha is also known as the bride of the mountain for its great height from the sea.
So, let's list down some of the best places where you can visit on your next vacation in the city of Abha.
Top Tourist Attractions in Abha Where Travelers Should Visit
Abha is one of the city travel cities to visit in the heart of Saudi Arabia. Here are some of the places where you can explore in the city.
1. High City
Another tourist spot where travelers can visit at any time of the year, High City is one of the most popular Abha tourist places where one can get to see the best of nature. Offering the majestic view of clouds up close, this is where you actually touch the clouds.
Set at the place of Asir National Park, the restaurants here are a major attraction and charge handsomely for their services. But if you're getting to see paradise on your vacation, well, spending time here shouldn't be a problem. Travelers can even enjoy the most amazing view of the valley from here which is set to leave you wanting for more.
Location - Abha (at the site of Asir National Park)
Time Required - A few hours
Operational Hours -
Saturday to Monday, Wednesday & Thursday - 8:00 - 00:00
Friday - 13:00 - 00:00
(Closed on Fridays)
Main Highlights - Restaurants, Cloud view, Valley view
2. Al Muftaha Village
One of the oldest places to see in Abha today, Al Muftaha Village is an old site that was rebuilt from the state of neglect and is a major attraction today. One can take a look at the traditional type of construction that has gone into the rebuilding of Al Muftaha Village.
Comprising attractions like King Fahd Cultural Center, Media Center, Archaeological Center, and even a theatre, this is a popular spot in the Middle East and a place where traditional crafts, photography, and fine arts have been fully embraced in the project. For those interested in seeing the historical marvels of Saudi Arabia, visiting Al Muftaha Village isn't a bad choice.
Location - 6F8W+567, Al Muftaha, أبها 62521, Saudi Arabia
Time Required - 2 to 4 hours
Operational Hours - Travelers are advised to confirm the operational hours from the concerned authorities at the village
Main Highlights - King Fahd Cultural Center, Media Center, Archaeological Center, theatre
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3. Green Mountain
Providing an exotic view of the city, the Green Mountain is one of the best places to visit in Abha at night. Regarded as an iconic location by all means, this is a place where travelers should visit in the evening. Over the years, the Green Mountain has attracted its majority crowd at night as travelers get to enjoy a wonderful time here.
Although reaching the mountain isn't a big hassle, one does have to take a cable car ride for around 20 minutes in order to reach here. So, visit here and enjoy the best of nightlife in Saudi Arabia with your loved ones.
Location - Abha, Saudi Arabia
Time Required - 20 minutes for cable car ride and further on
Operational Hours - 2 PM to 7 PM
Main Highlights - Nightlife Experience
4. Al-Habala Valley
Nestled about 20 minutes away from Abha, Al-Habala Valley is one of the best places to visit in Saudi Arabia and an iconic Abha tourist spot that travelers should consider visiting on their tour. The village derives its name from a unique story. In the early days, the only access to the village was via ropes and pulleys which were the only mode of transportation even for trade with the nearby areas.
Interestingly, Al-Habala means rope in Arabic and the alternative name of the valley is Hanging Village. But hang on, how do you exactly reach the village now? Well, there is a cable car connection that takes people to the valley.
There are cafés, restaurants, and even natural attractions like waterfalls in the village area that travelers can explore.
Location - 20 minutes away from Abha
Time Required - 2 to 3 hours
Operational Hours - Not Applicable
Main Highlights - cafés, restaurants, waterfalls, old structures
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5. Raydah Escarpment Reserve
Saudi Arabia is features amongst the best places to visit in December, thanks to places like Raydah Escarpment Reserve. One of the top visiting places in Abha where travelers visit for admiring the sheer beauty, Raydah Escarpment Reserve is located about 15 KM from Abha just off the Al-Sooda Road. There is a vertical west-facing slope here with a rugged rock formation that faces upwards. For those who like the cool climate, this is a perfect place to visit, thanks to its climatic conditions that are cool and damp. In fact, considering the fact that Saudi Arabia is a hot climate region, this place does offer some respite from the heat and certainly attracts a good number of travelers.
Location - 15 KM away from Abha, just off the Al-Sooda Road
Time Required - A few hours
Operational Hours - 24 hours
Main Highlights - Cool climate
6. Shamsan Ottoman Castle
Are you someone who likes to explore historical places? Well, Shamsan Ottoman Castle might well be the place for you. Another historical castle located just 10 minutes drive away from Abha city center, this is a place that will not disappoint you in any way.
Over the years, the castle has been well preserved as a fine piece of history. There is a rectangular building that is 90 meters long, 50 meters wide, and has most of its walls standing even today. The best part is that travelers can enjoy panoramic views from the castle while there is a large board at the entrance of the castle which has information about the long history of the castle.
So, what's the delay? Visit here and enjoy clicking amazing photographs with loved ones.
Location - Shamasan, 3738 - حي - 8826، Abha 62521, Saudi Arabia
Time Required - 1 to 2 hours
Operational Hours - 24 hours
Main Highlights - Panoramic views of the nearby areas, history of the castle
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7. Al Rashid Mall
Shopping is one of the best things to do in Saudi Arabia and there’s one mall in Abha that offers it all to travelers. Al Rashid Mall, one of the newly built and easily amongst the biggest malls in Abha, is a perfect spot for enjoying the best of shopping experience with your loved ones.
This is a mall that offers an amazing food court, bowling facility, cinema and so much more. There are rides available for children alongside quality brands for shoppers. Travelers can enjoy shopping, watch a movie or indulge in a fine culinary journey at the various dining choices present here. So, if shopping is on your mind, visit the Al Rashid Mall and spend a few hours enjoying it here.
Location - Firas Ibn Al Nudur St, Olaya, Al Khobar 31952, Saudi Arabia
Time Required - A few hours depending on what travelers want to do
Operational Hours -
Sunday to Thursday - 9:30 am–11 pm
Friday - 2 pm to 11 pm
Main Highlights - amazing food court, bowling facility, cinema, shopping stores
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8. Souq Al Thulatha
Another fine marketplace that offers travelers a traditional experience of shopping in Saudi Arabia, Souq Al Thulatha is widely popular for its choices in jewelry and souvenirs. The marketplace is also called Tuesday Market and is perfect for making the most of your time in Abha. Shoppers get a chance to come close to the Asir culture and understand it better. With the likes of traditional clothes, spices, honey, and so much more to add to your joy, travelers can enjoy the most amazing time here.
Location - 2995 طريق الملك خالد، المفتاح، Al Muftaha, Abha 62521, Saudi Arabia
Time Required - A few hours
Operational Hours - 6 am to 6 pm
Main Highlights - traditional clothes, spices, honey, etc.
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9. Jabal Sawda
Probably the highest point in Saudi Arabia, Jabal Sawda is an amazing tourist spot in Abha and is famous for a number of reasons. Located at an elevation of around 3000 meters above sea level, this is a spot that is easily the most visited tourist spot in Abha, and it's not difficult to understand why.
For those who wish to make the most of their adventures in Saudi Arabia, Jabal Sawda is the right place by all means. One can visit here and make the most of every moment of talking. Since the temperature in this part of Saudi Arabia is usually five degrees lower than the rest of the areas, it isn't a bad choice for travelers to enjoy their time here.
Located just 20 KM away from Abha, this is a perfect location to spend some relaxing time. Interestingly, this is the region that receives frequent rainfall which is something truly amazing for travelers.
Location - 20 KM away from Abha
Time Required - A few hours
Operational Hours - Not Applicable
Main Highlights - Weather, frequent rainfall, view from the top, etc.
10. Rijal Alma Village
There are some amazing places to see in Abha and the Rijal Alma Village is one of them. A UNESCO World Heritage Site that is easily 1000 years old, Rijal Alma Village is located about 1.5 hours drive away from Abha and is a major tourist attraction by far. As most travelers put it, your off-beat adventures in Saudi Arabia are incomplete without visiting this village.
However, it is also important to note that reaching here by car requires an experienced driver as the route is quite steep and the car should be in good condition.
Location - In Asir Region 45 KM from Abha
Time Required - A few hours
Operational Hours - Not Applicable
Entry Fee - SR 20 per head
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11. Al Raqdi Museum
Another of those places to see in Abha where historical tours are guaranteed, Al Raqdi Museum is a gem of a place that houses many heritage items. While taking a tour of the whole museum, travelers can even buy some souvenirs, handlooms, handicrafts, and much more.
So, if you're someone who likes to explore the historical gems of a place. Visit Al Raqdi Museum in Saudi Arabia for the best possible experience of history.
Location - طريق الإمام عبدالرحمن بن فيصل بن تركي، Thirah, Abha 62521, Saudi Arabia
Time Required - A few hours
Operational Hours - Travelers are advised to confirm the operational hours from the concerned authorities
Entry Fee - SR 20
Main Highlights - souvenirs, handlooms, handicrafts, and much more
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12. The Dabbab Walkway
Ever dreamed about touching the clouds? Well, visit the Dabbab Walkway, also known as the Fog Walkway, one of the most famous places to see in Abha. This is a place where many famous pictures of clouds have been taken over the years. What is fascinating is that when the weather is right, travelers can actually find themselves walking on the clouds while still being on the Fog Walkway.
Likewise, you can also treat yourself to some delicious delicacies at the restaurants present here.
Location - Alsahab Walk, Al Dabab, Abha 62522, Saudi Arabia
Time Required - At least an hour
Operational Hours - 4:30 to 9:30 pm
Main Highlights - Walking on the clouds when the weather is right
One of the most destinations located in the heart of the Middle East, Saudi Arabia has not one but multiple attractions to look forward to. From natural wonders to mountainous peaks and historical attractions, there is much to look forward to for travelers. In fact, some of the places to visit in Saudi Arabia have a rich historical past and continue to surprise travelers.
So, what do expect from a vacation in the Middle East? Well, Saudi Arabia is a nation that doesn’t have one but numerous wonders to explore. Whether you’re an adventure seeker or just someone wanting to explore the country, Saudi Arabia will make you fall in love with it.
Places to Visit in Abha - FAQs
Although there are many top locations to explore in Saudi Arabia, our top pick has to be the High City. Offering the majestic view of clouds up close, this is where you actually touch the clouds. Set at the place of Asir National Park, the restaurants here are a major attraction and charge handsomely for their services. But if you're getting to see paradise on your vacation, well, spending time here shouldn't be a problem. Travelers can even enjoy the most amazing view of the valley from here which is set to leave you wanting for more.
One can take a look at the traditional type of construction that has gone into the rebuilding of Al Muftaha Village. Comprising attractions like King Fahd Cultural Center, Media Center, Archaeological Center, and even a theatre, this is a popular spot in the Middle East and a place where traditional crafts, photography, and fine arts have been fully embraced in the project. For those interested in seeing the historical marvels of Saudi Arabia, visiting Al Muftaha Village isn't a bad choice.
Yes, regarded as an iconic location, by all means, this is a place where travelers should visit in the evening. Over the years, the Green Mountain has attracted its majority crowd at night as travelers get to enjoy a wonderful time here. Although reaching the mountain isn't a big hassle, one does have to take a cable car ride for around 20 minutes in order to reach here. So, visit here and enjoy the best of nightlife in Saudi Arabia with your loved ones.
Also known as the Fog Walkway, Dabbab Walkway is one of the most famous places to see in Abha. This is a place where many famous pictures of clouds have been taken over the years. What is fascinating is that when the weather is right, travelers can actually find themselves walking on the clouds while still being on the Fog Walkway. Likewise, you can also treat yourself to some delicious delicacies at the restaurants present here.
The village derives its name from a unique story. In the early days, the only access to the village was via ropes and pulleys which were the only mode of transportation even for trade with the nearby areas. Interestingly, Al-Habala means rope in Arabic and the alternative name of the valley is Hanging Village. However, though, reaching here now isn’t a big hassle as there is a cable car connection that takes people to the valley.
Probably the highest point in Saudi Arabia, Jabal Sawda is an amazing tourist spot in Abha and is famous for a number of reasons. Located at an elevation of around 3000 meters above sea level, this is a spot that is easily the most visited tourist spot in Abha, and it's not difficult to understand why. For those who wish to make the most of their adventures in Saudi Arabia, Jabal Sawda is the right place by all means. One can visit here and make the most of every moment as the temperature here is usually five degrees lower than the rest of the areas.
From natural wonders to mountainous peaks and historical attractions, there is much to look forward to for travelers in Saudi Arabia. Here are the top places where travelers can visit in the nation on a vacation - Kingdom Centre Tower; Al Masjid an Nabawi; Great Mosque of Mecca - Masjid al-Haram; Al-Balad; Red Sea Mall; Al Muftaha Village; Dabbab Walkway; Green Mountain; Al Raqdi Museum; Raydah Escarpment Reserve; Rijal Alma Village, etc.
Shamsan Ottoman Fort is one of the most well-preserved pieces of history in Qatar. There is a rectangular building that is 90 meters long, 50 meters wide, and has most of its walls standing even today. The best part is that travelers can enjoy panoramic views from the castle while there is a large board at the entrance of the castle which has information about the long history of the castle.
