48 Hours in Abha

If you’ve been to Saudi Arabia’s more major cities—Riyadh and Jeddah are quick to come to mind—and haven’t made a stop at Abha, you’ve missed one of the Kingdom’s quietest surprises.

Perched high up in the Asir Mountains, the city, with its pellucid skies and crisp air, runs cooler than most of the Kingdom, a detail that shaped its identity as a summer refuge long before domestic tourism became fashionable.

Locals casually mention afternoon fog the way others might talk about traffic. But beneath the mist, Abha exposes layers of painted heritage homes, bustling souqs, family-run restaurants, and a contemporary arts scene anchored in Al-Qatt Al-Asiri, the region’s UNESCO-listed wall painting tradition.

Friday

08:00 AM – Breakfast at Sadaf Restaurant

Kick off the day with a traditional Saudi breakfast at Sadaf, which is famed for its foul, shakshuka and strong Saudi coffee. Here you can expect freshly baked flatbread and creamy mutabbaq, plus sweet dates with thick karak tea. The place's mosaic tile seating makes for a family-friendly breakfast spot with a crowd that enjoys the hearty plates and warm hospitality. Sadaf is open 24/7 with very reasonable prices.

10:00 AM – Walk through Al-Muftaha & Tuesday Market

Wander through the heart of Abha at the Al-Muftaha Arts Village and adjacent Tuesday Market (Souq Al-Thulatha). This historic bazaar is over 200 years old and still thrives as a cultural hub. Every corner brims with over 200 stalls selling Asiri handicrafts, fragrant local honeys, silver jewelry, pottery and spices. Women in traditional dress sell embroidered textiles (bright Asiri dresses and shawls) and spice blends. The vibe is festive and authentic—stop for cardamom coffee or fresh dates as you explore the lively market district.

12:30 PM – Lunch at Mahrani Restaurant

Mahrani's vibrant Indian cuisine, casual vibe, and generous portions add up to an ideal midday refueling. The menu spans rich curries, tandoori-grilled meats and fragrant biryanis, complemented by naan and rice. Locals enjoy it for its balance of spice and comfort, and it’s a good choice if you’re looking for something familiar yet flavourful after exploring the markets. Most full meals land in the SAR 40–60 range per person, making it a mid-range fit before your afternoon stroll or gallery stop.

14:00 PM – Art Street

Abha’s famous Art Street, a colourful 200-metre pedestrian lane filled with radiant murals, exhibits, hanging art installations and cafes. This open-air art hub hosts about ten small contemporary galleries and artisan boutiques showcasing local art. Painted umbrellas float overhead and jacaranda trees add splashes of purple in season. You can browse rotating exhibits of Asir’s modern artists or pick up a handmade souvenir. By dusk the scene feels festive, with locals sipping tea at sidewalk tables amid the art.

16:00 PM – Shada Palace (Heritage House)

Step back in time at Shada Palace, Abha’s restored early-20th-century mudbrick fort. This compact heritage museum showcases traditional Asiri life. At this cultural landmark, visitors can peek into rooms with carved wooden doors, painted niches and colorful Al-Qatt Al-Asiri art panels. Ascend the palace’s tower for sweeping views over Abha and explore the stone corridors to get a vivid sense of how families lived here a century ago.

19:00 PM – Dinner at Shrimp Nation

Finish the day with a seafood feast at Shrimp Nation on King Abdul Aziz Road. In this lively, nautically-themed grill house you’ll find a variety of Gulf seafood dishes: tender shrimp, grilled fish fillets, lobster and crab legs are specialties. The menu also offers calamari baskets and hearty seafood soups. Portions are generous and seasoned with local spices. The atmosphere is casual and family-friendly (indoor and some outdoor seating). An average entrée (e.g. a seafood platter) runs around SAR 50–60, making for a memorable end to the day.

Saturday

08:00 AM – Al-Dabab Walkway (Fog Park)

Start early at the Al-Dabab Walkway in Abha High City—a wooden foggy boardwalk along the mountain ridge. This elevated trail lets you literally walk among clouds, with panoramic views over green slopes and the steep Dhul Pass below. It’s lined with picnic spots and playgrounds, blending park amenities into the mountain air. Even if the fog has lifted, the cool, fresh air and vast vistas make it worth the climb, especially at sunrise when the mountains come alive.

10:30 AM – Breakfast at Aala Bali Abha

Situated on King Abdul Aziz Road beside Abou Khayyal Park, Aala Bali anchors its reputation in Lebanese and Mediterranean cuisine with a casual, light-hearted vibe that’s becoming popular for breakfast in Abha’s centre. Reviews describe its menu as blending familiar regional breakfast elements with heartier Mediterranean dishes—think fresh flatbreads, hummus, labneh, za’atar, olive assortments and mezze-style starters accompanied by strong Arabic coffee or tea. While traditionally known more for lunch and dinner fare, locals often stop in mid-morning for a relaxed meal in its airy seating area or shaded terrace overlooking the park.

11:30 AM – Abha Dam Lake Park

Visit the scenic Abha Dam Lake (Al-Sadd Park) on the city’s west side. This large artificial lake (built under King Faisal) is now a lush attraction. Its placid blue waters reflect the surrounding Asir peaks, offering a peaceful escape. Stroll the lakeside promenade or rent a kayak in summer. The park has shaded picnic areas and a children’s playground. Keep an eye out for local wildlife—ducks and herons often swim the reeds.

1:30 PM – Lunch at Qasr Al-Mediyaf

For lunch, return to Qasr Al-Mediyaf on King Abdul Aziz Road. The rustic interior and palace-like decor set the stage for classic Saudi fare. Order their signature lamb kabsa or chicken mandi—large metal trays heaped with spiced rice and tender meat. Each plate is richly seasoned (you’ll taste cardamom, saffron and ghee) and meant for sharing. The menu also offers other kabsa and grilled dishes. Finish with a sweet Asiri dessert (like muhallabia or date pudding) and strong Saudi tea. The warm hospitality and authentic flavours here provide a satisfying finale to your Abha adventure.

15:00 PM – Fatima Museum

Tucked inside a traditional Asiri-style house near central Abha, the Fatima Museum, also known as Al Qatt Al Asiri Museum, is a small, personal space dedicated to preserving regional heritage through everyday objects, textiles, and interior design. The rooms are arranged like a lived-in home, with handwoven fabrics, painted wall panels inspired by Al-Qatt Al-Asiri, and antique kitchen tools that quietly document domestic life in the mountains. It’s intimate rather than institutional, and works best as a short, reflective stop—a place to slow down after lunch and absorb the rhythms of local history before heading back outdoors.

17:00 PM – Shamsan Castle

Climb to Shamsan Castle on Abha’s east hill—an Ottoman-era fortress overlooking the city. The restored stone walls and whitewashed towers are built from local granite and juniper wood. Inside, explore its three lookout towers and imagine the guards who once stood watch. From the top you get 360° views of Abha and its mountain valleys. There’s no entrance fee—this historical park makes a great cultural cap to the afternoon.

19:30 PM – Dinner at Saraya Palace

End your weekend in Saraya Palace, a restaurant which sits on King Abdul Aziz Road in the As Sarawat district of Abha. One of the city’s better-reviewed dining spots with a local following, the menu blends well-seasoned Middle Eastern grills, mixed platters and mezze—think juicy kebabs, tender lamb chops, hummus and fresh salads—with a few unexpected delights like gourmet burgers and creative starters that have earned positive word-of-mouth reviews from visitors and locals alike. A rooftop or terrace setting gives you an opportunity to dine comfortably as evening settles over the mountains, with many entrées landing around SAR 60–90 per person.