Located in the southern part of the Red Sea coast, Abha is the capital of Asir province. Due to its great geological setting and rich history, there is an extensive range of things to do in Abha. The city is home to many museums, historical sites, national parks, cultural hubs, and traditional markets. Visitors can go bird watching, on expeditions into nature, or on adventures in Asir National Park. In addition, visitors can see stunning artworks and capture stunning views of Art Street and the Al Dhabab walkway. The Abha Dam is a beautiful location that is worth visiting.
How to reach Abha
The nearest airport to the city is Abha airport, which is 25 km away. Tourists can use taxis available at the airport to get to the city center and explore various tourist destinations.
Best time to visit Abha
Abha can be visited any time of the year, but April to November is the best time to enjoy the beautiful nature of the place. The weather is pleasant, and the temperature is moderate during these months.
Top 9 exciting things to do in Abha
1. Go on a trip to Asir National Park
The Asir National Park was established in 1981 and spanned an area of 6490 square km. The nationals park is an exceptional place to explore the untouched wilderness, and natural beauty that is spread all around. Mangroves along the shore, a limited flora of desert plants, and a variety of plant species can all be found in this area’s vibrant vegetation. It is the country’s first park with 300 bird species, 45 picnic sites and 67 campsites. The park also has hiking trails and a play area for fun activities.
Top activities: Visiting Jabal Soudah, and the historic village of Rijal Almaa
Must Read: Visit Aseer National Park To See Wilderness And Adventure Come Alive
2. Camping under the stars
Because of its lush greenery, Asir National Park is a well-known camping destination in Abha. There are a total of 67 camping sites in the park; all marked with dots on the park map for the convenience of the tourists. There are natural paths and play areas for visitors to enjoy, making it a more exciting activity to enjoy with friends and family. Camping becomes more attractive at night with stars twinkling in the sky. Each camping spot has facilities like parking, toilets and seating arrangements. Al Souda also offers excellent camping spots for adventure tourists.
3. Take a cable car ride to Jebel Soudah
Abha is well-known for its cable car rides, which offer a unique experience. While on a cable car ride, visitors can enjoy the panoramic views of Jebel Soudah, the highest mountain peak in Saudi Arabia. The ride is one of the major attractions in the region and is widely prevalent among tourists. The station is frequently packed due to the cable car’s immense popularity. The attraction guarantees outstanding value for the money.
Ticket price: SAR 750 per car
Must Read: Al Soudah: A Perfect Tourist Place In Asir, Saudi Arabia
4. Enjoy the thrill of hiking
Abha is popular for its mountains, parks, and forests, making it a perfect location for hiking. It will be a long, thrilling, and delightful adventure in the middle of mountain valleys and forests. Jebel Soudah is a popular hiking destination in Abha that is excellent for thrill seekers and outdoor enthusiasts. During the winter, the area gets chilly, covered in a thick layer of fog, and also experiences snow, making the hike more challenging.
Best location: Jebel Soudah
Total hike trail: 15.4 km
5. Go on an adventure at Waterfall Park
Waterfall park is one of the most beautiful sites to visit in Abha; it provides the ideal balance of adventure and relaxation. It includes some of the most well-known seasonal waterfalls in Tuhama Valley. The lovely atmosphere offered by this stunning location is ideal for picnics, relaxing walks, and nature photography. There is also a play area for kids and a large green field. One of the best things will be to sit near the waterfall and enjoy the peaceful ambiance.
Location: King Faisal Rd, Al Wardatain
6. Enjoy nature at the Fog Walkway
The Fog Walkway is a beautiful natural wonder located on the top of a mountain. The walkway provides a stunning view of the majestic Tihama mountains and remains calm and foggy throughout the year, which is an entirely different experience for visitors. It is a perfect place to relax and enjoy while away from the city’s hustle and bustle. When it rains in the area, the entire walkway gets covered in fog, making it a lovely place to take stunning pictures with family and friends, with the mountain as the perfect backdrop.
7. Explore the Art Street of Abha
The Art street of Abha is the ideal location for discovering fantastic artwork and creations of local artisans. This one-of-a-kind art street features jacaranda trees, fountains, paintings, collages, and graffiti that depict the rich culture of Saudi Arabia. Local artists create the paintings on display. There are over 10 art galleries on the street, each with various unique art pieces on display. Shows, exhibitions, and workshops are held regularly, where artworks of local artists are displayed.
Location: King Khalid Rd, Al Muftaha
8. Visit the historical Shada Palace
Shada Palace is one of the most beautiful traditional architectural marvels to explore in the region. It is one of the few traditional buildings left in Abha, which tells about the great past of Saudi Arabia. The stunning palace was built in 1927 and served as the residence of royals and officials. The site is now converted into a museum where tourists may see how life used to be years ago. Several local handicrafts, coins, manuscripts and household items are displayed in the palace museum.
Location: King Khalid Bin Abdul Aziz St, Town Center, Abha
Timings: Saturday to Thursday, 8 am to 6 pm
9. Visit Al Raqdi Museum
Al Raqdi Museum is a great location to see a variety of historical artifacts on display. The collection of these historical artifacts provides information about the region’s history. Drawings, old windows, a ceiling with a distinctive design, green wooden doors, and traditional decorative elements are all found in the museum’s entrance area. Apart from the antique items, the museum also has pictures of King Abdulaziz and his sons.
Location: Imam Abdul Rahman bin Faisal bin Turki Road, Thirah
Phone number: 050 575 3329
Timings: 4:30 pm to 11 pm
Ticket prices: SAR 20 for adults
Abha is one of the most beautiful and unique places to visit in Saudi Arabia. It offers the ideal blend of history, culture, art, and natural beauty. There are a variety of things to do in Abha, from historical sites to enjoy the stunning natural scenery. Those looking for adventure and thrills can go camping, hiking, or take a cable car ride.
Things To Do In Abha FAQs
What accommodation options are available in Abha?
Blue Inn, Abha Palace Hotel, Msharef Al Moden Suites and Melaf Suites are some of the best hotels for accommodation.
Where is Art Street located in Abha?
Art Street is located near King Khalid road in the Al Muftaha neighborhood.
How can one reach Asir National Park?
The best way to get to Asir National Park is to hire a taxi or rent a car as public transport is limited.
Are there amusement parks in Abha?
Fabyland Park, Sparky Park and Al Salam Park are some of the best amusement parks in Abha.
Which is the closest airport to Abha?
Abha International Airport is the closest to the city.
