Hail is a beautiful city situated on the north-western side of Saudi Arabia. It is home to some of the most popular places to visit in Hail region, and expands between Mount Salma on the south and Mount Shammer on the north. It is the capital of the Hail region, and in the past, served as the capital of the entire Arabian Desert. People traveling to Makkah also stop by and enquire for places to visit in Hail. Featuring stunning landscapes and vibrant culture, the glorious city of Hail is an exceptional tourist destination, drawing in thousands of travelers all year around.
Top tourist places in Hail, Saudi Arabia
Hail is home to many incredible attractions, including historical sites, ancient monuments, natural wonders, and architectural marvels. There is no end to the list of amazing Hail tourist spots for visitors to explore. So, here are some of the best tourist places in Hail, Saudi Arabia:
1. Al Nafud Desert
Covered in red sand, this majestic desert is a prime example of Saudi Arabia’s natural beauty and is a prominent highlight of tourist attractions in Hail, Saudi Arabia. It houses well-known rock art that holds immense historical significance. In addition, UNESCO declared the desert as a World Heritage Site. Al Nafud desert features huge sand dunes and gorgeous scenery, which makes it an incredible destination for nature lovers. Offering so many thrilling activities to indulge in, it is also a must-visit place for adventure enthusiasts.
Must Read: The Al Nafud Desert In Saudi Arabia And Its Top Tourist Attractions
2. Hail Heritage Museum
Listed amongst the most popular Hail tourist spots, Hail Heritage Museum has over 2000 heritage pieces, including antique radios, old food tins, and traditional domestic items. This private museum of Khalid Bin Hamoud Al Matrod houses more than 10 rooms, all of which are centered around a beautiful open courtyard. It has some of the rarest historical objects and unique artifacts for history buffs visiting the museum.
3. Al Rajhi Mosque
Known as one of the most iconic tourism highlights in Hail, Saudi Arabia, Al Rajhi Mosque features stunning Turkish architectural style buildings. The mosque opened its doors for the general public in 2010. It has four 80 m high minarets that flaunt its lavish and rich cream-colored interiors. Al Rajhi Mosque is fitted with one of the world’s largest chandeliers. The mosque has more than enough space to easily accommodate up to 4,000 worshippers. It offers a lovely and serene courtyard, which can accommodate an additional 3,000 devotees. One of its distinguishing features is a cascading series of 50 vermillion red domes, adding to its special appeal.
Suggested Read: 8 Extremely Beautiful And Significant Mosques In Saudi Arabia
4. Qishlah Palace
Qishlah Palace is a majestic fort-like palace built in the 1930s to serve as barracks for King Abdulaziz’s troops. It flaunts the unique architectural style of Najd, having 8.5 m high walls and eight watchtowers. The palace was formerly used for training and presenting soldiers and was later converted into a prison. It has a rich past; therefore, it is nothing less than a paradise for history lovers and architecture enthusiasts. It features two massive gates, a lovely mosque, 142 lavishly decorated rooms, and several exquisitely patterned doors. It is a two-story building with a gorgeous internal courtyard built using clay, wood, and stone.
5. Aarif Fort
Counted amongst the most prominent historical sites and top tourist places in Hail, Saudi Arabia, the famous Aarif Fort is on the top of a hill overlooking the entire city. It was constructed before the 1840s and was built from stone, mud, and clay to defend Hail against any threats. The palace expands across an area of around 440 sq m. The rectangular citadel features several watchtowers and windows that allow soldiers to keep an eye out for approaching enemies. Aarif Fort serves as an excellent place to take in panoramic views of the city. This historical fort was once the location for sighting the moon and announcing the beginning of Ramadan signaled by firing of cannon seven times.
6. Al Samraa Amusement Park
Situated in Wadi Al-Adreea Valley in the east of Hail, Al Samraa Amusement Park is one of the most sought-after Hail tourist spots. The park’s exceptionally diverse topography features majestic mountains, a network of paved roads, and a serene atmosphere. Al Samraa spreads across an area of more than 1 million sq m. It has stunning lakes, lush green gardens, and towering trees, making it a paradise for nature lovers. Moreover, it has several amazing food outlets and plenty of space to relax and enjoy picnics. The park serves as an excellent destination for tourists from all age groups and highly promotes Hail Saudi Arabia tourism. This amusement park also houses a children’s playground and has several rides to keep kids happy and occupied.
With so many amazing places to visit in Hail, this city has become a heaven for travelers worldwide. Additionally, the city offers several luxurious shopping spots and delightful eateries, making it an outstanding destination for all kinds of tourists.
Suggested Read: 5 Things To Do In Hail, The Homeland Of Hatim Al-Tai Of Arabian Nights Fame
Places To Visit In Hail FAQs
Is there an airport in Hail?
Yes, the city of Hail is served by Hail Regional Airport, which caters to several domestic and international flights.
What are some of the best things to do in Hail?
There are many fun and interesting things to do in Hail, such as camping, sand surfing and dune bashing at Al Nafud Desert, and castle hopping in the city.
Which are the best places to shop in Hail?
Those interested in street shopping can visit Hail Souq and Hail Flea Market. Hail also has several amazing shopping malls such as Garden Mall, Grand Mall, and Hail Mall.
What are the best souvenirs to buy in Hail?
The best souvenirs to buy in Hail include dates, woven mats, clay pots, old rugs, and vintage cameras.
What is the best mode of transport in Hail?
Taxis and cabs are the best way of getting around Hail.