If you’ve ever dreamed of a Saudi destination filled with mountains, cool weather, cable cars, heritage villages, foggy forests, purple jacarandas, and dramatic cliff-side towns, then the Places to Visit in Abha deserve a top spot on your travel list.

This is not Riyadh. This is not Jeddah.
Abha is the relaxed mountain capital of the Asir Region, sitting at almost 2,200 meters above sea level, meaning cool breezes when the rest of the Kingdom is boiling.

I spent time exploring the city and its nearby villages, and below I’m sharing real traveler insight. I’m giving you the history, what to do, timing, ticket prices, access tips—everything a traveler needs.

Grab a coffee. Let’s explore all 23 unforgettable places in Abha.

1. High City

History

High City is not a “historic” site—it’s a modern development built to take advantage of Abha’s mountain views. It quickly became the city’s social hub, especially during summer vacations when Saudi families escape the heat of Riyadh.

What to Do

I recommend coming here to:

• Grab a mountain-view coffee
• Walk along the terraces
• Watch the sunset melt behind the hills
• Shop or people-watch
• Chill when other spots feel crowded
  

Night energy is chef’s kiss.

Best Time to Visit

Sunset → night. Trust me.

Entry Fee

Free.

Opening Hours

Open 24/7 as a public space (restaurants have their own timings).

How to Reach

In central Abha—easy by taxi or car.

Pro Tip

Bring a jacket even in summer. At night, temperatures drop fast.

Location: High City.

2. Green Mountain (Jabal Thera)

History

The mountain earned the name “Green” because the Saudi tourism authority covered it in green lighting and landscaping to create a city landmark. Over the years, restaurants and a cable car turned it into a must-visit lookout.

What to Do

• Take the cable car up/down
• Eat at a mountaintop restaurant
• Enjoy nighttime views
• Take glowing photos once it’s lit up
  

I personally liked coming twice—day and night. Totally different vibes.

Best Time

4pm onward. Sunset is magic.

Entry Fee

Viewing: Free
Cable Car: ~SAR 70–90 per person

Hours

Usually 2pm–7pm (seasonal fluctuations common)

How to Reach

Short drive from Abha center.

Pro Tip

Avoid foggy nights—you’ll see nothing but mist.

Location: Green Mountain.

3. Jacaranda Trees at Abu Kheyal Park

History

Jacarandas aren’t native to Asir—they were introduced decades ago and now bloom across Abha every spring. Abu Kheyal Park is the purple hotspot.

What to Do

• Walk through purple tree tunnels
• Take pictures (Instagram heaven)
• Enjoy picnics facing the city
  

I visited during the bloom season, and wow… it felt like a purple snow-storm.

Best Time

March–May.

Fee

Free.

Hours

Daylight hours.

How to Reach

Located between Abha city and the new roads toward Asir Park.

Pro Tip

Visit the morning light—crowds build in the afternoon.

Location: Jacaranda Trees at Abu Kheyal Park.

4. Art Street

History

This street evolved into a creative district—murals, cafés, pop-ups, galleries, jacarandas lining the road. It’s Abha’s young-crowd hangout.

What to Do

• Grab a latte
• Photograph murals
• Shop local art
• Come at night for ambience
  

Best Time

Nighttime or spring evenings.

Fee

Free.

Hours

Always open, cafés open till late.

How to Reach

Central—near parks and highways.

Tip

Order coffee, sit outside, enjoy the mountain breeze—don’t rush.

Location: Art Street.

5. Joy Venue + Fog Walkway

History

This spot became viral because of its fog-covered seating area, mountain views, and “glass table seating.”

What to Do

• Sit on a glass-platform table
• Dine overlooking clouds
• Feel the mountain mist
• Take silhouette photos
  

Best Time

4pm to night.

Fee

• Regular seating: ~SAR 35/person
• Glass table seating: ~SAR 50
  

Hours

Afternoon–late night.

How to Reach

Located above the city—Google Maps gets you there.

Tip

Cloud coverage changes hourly. Be patient.

Location: Joy Venue.

6. Shamsan Ottoman Castle

History

Shamsan Castle dates back to the Ottoman period, acting as a lookout over Abha’s valleys. You can still see stone remains.

What to Do

• Explore ruins
• Take panoramic photos
• Learn about Ottoman influence
  

Best Time

Late afternoon light.

Fee

Free.

Hours

Open during daylight.

How to Reach

A few minutes from central Abha.

Tip

Combine with Lake Viewpoint—same direction.

Location: hamsan Ottoman Castle.

7. Abha Lake Viewpoint (Abha Dam)

History

Built as a water reservoir, the lake became a chill-spot for residents.

What to Do

• Sunrise photography
• Drone shots (if allowed)
• Quiet contemplation
• Family picnics
  

Best Time

Sunrise or sunset.

Fee

Free.

Hours

Open daily.

How to Reach

South of central Abha.

Tip

Avoid midday—harsh light ruins photos.

Location: Abha Lake Viewpoint.

8. Souq al-Thulatha (Tuesday Market)

History

A historic weekly tribal trading market—textiles, honey, herbs, spices.

What to Do

• Buy Asiri honey
  
• Look for tribal daggers
  
• Try traditional incense
  
• Bargain politely
  

Best Time

Tuesday morning to early afternoon.

Fee

Free entry.

Hours

Only Tuesday (timings vary)

How to Reach

Near downtown Abha.

Tip

Bring cash—not every vendor takes cards.

Location: Souq al-Thulatha.

9. Al Rashid Mall

History

Opened as Abha’s flagship modern mall.

What to Do

• Shop
• Let kids enjoy indoor rides
• Eat indoors when weather is chilly
  

Best Time

Afternoons or evenings.

Fee

Free entry.

Hours

~10am–10pm.

How to Reach

City center—easy access.

Tip

Good rainy-day option.

Location: Al Rashid Mall.

10. Cat Castle Café

History

It got famous on social media for cat-themed décor and animal-friendly ambience.

What to Do

• Take aesthetic pics
• Try desserts
• Enjoy the cat vibes
  

Best Time

Evenings.

Fee

Free entry; order required.

Hours

Afternoon–late night.

How to Reach

Popular spots—rideshares know it.

Tip

Avoid rush hours—expect waits.

Location:Cat Castle Café.

11. Black Box

History

Started as a creative outdoor café and activity space—became Gen-Z favorite.

What to Do

• Drink coffee
• Play games
• Relax with mountain air
  

Best Time

Night.

Fee

Free entry.

Hours

Evenings.

Access

Near Abha streets—simple route.

Tip

Bring a light sweater. It gets cold.

Location: Black Box.

12. Wezzab Café

History

Designed as a viewpoint café overlooking huge valleys.

What to Do

• Have breakfast outdoors
• Do sunrise coffee
• Take pictures of the lake and clouds
  

Best Time

Morning or evening.

Fee

Free entry.

Hours

Morning–night.

How to Reach

On upper roads—driveable.

Tip

Try their Saudi breakfast trays.

Location: Wezzab Café.

13. Abha Boulevard

History

Built as a modern pedestrian zone for eating, drinking, fountains, and nightlife.

What to Do

• Eat outdoors
• Walk the fountains
• Enjoy local snacks
  

Best Time

Evenings.

Fee

Free.

Hours

All day; some shops close mid-day.

Access

Main city belt.

Tip

Weekends are crowded.

Location: Abha Boulevard.

14. Rose Garden (Khamis Mushayt)

History

Part of Asir’s floriculture—roses used for perfumes and traditional festivals.

What to Do

• Photograph roses
• Buy plants
• Relax in shaded paths
  

Best Time

Afternoon.

Fee

~SAR 35 per person.

Hours

Daylight.

Access

A short drive toward Khamis Mushayt.

Tip

Flowering depends on the season.

Location: Rose Garden.

15. Al Shahab Park (Cloud Park)

History

Built to highlight Asir’s fog phenomenon—sometimes you literally walk through clouds.

What to Do

• Walk the fog zone
• Drink tea from local stands
• Play with kids
  

Best Time

Sunset.

Fee

Free.

Hours

Daylight through evening.

Access

High roads need a car.

Tip

Bring layers—cold wind hits differently.

Location: Al Shahab Park.

16. Jabal Sawda

History

Known as Saudi Arabia’s highest mountain (~3,015m)—historically used for lookout and tribal control.

What to Do

• Hike
• Drive up to fog forests
• Camp
• Picnic with unreal weather
  

When I went, it was 15°C in June—unbelievable.

Best Time

Morning and sunset.

Fee

Free.

Hours

Daylight.

Access

40–50 minutes from Abha city.

Tip

Weather changes in seconds. Be ready!

Location: Jabal Sawda.

17. Al Soudah Cable Car

History

Built to connect Sawda to valleys—became one of Saudi’s most scenic rides.

What to Do

• Ride a cable car (DO NOT skip it!)
• Photograph valleys
• Eat nearby
• Watch baboons (careful!)
  

Best Time

4pm–sunset.

Fee

~SAR 80 per person
or ~SAR 450 private

Hours

~10am–2pm or 3pm (seasonal shifts)

Access

Drive to Sawda cable station.

Tip

Wind stops operations—so go early.

Location:Al Soudah Cable Car.

18. Paragliding

History

Abha evolved into Saudi’s adventure capital, with Sawda as the main take-off point.

What to Do

• Fly over green mountains
• Experience safe tandem rides
• Shoot GoPro footage
  

Best Time

Morning or late afternoon.

Fee

Around SAR 400 per person.

Hours

Operator-dependent.

Access

Near Sawda villages.

Tip

Book ahead—walk-ins rarely work.

Location: Paragliding.

19. Rijal Alma Village

History

Rijal Alma is a 900-year-old UNESCO-recognized village built from stone and mud bricks. It sat on an ancient Red Sea–Yemen caravan trade route—a cultural powerhouse.

Climbing its multi-story houses feels like stepping into Middle Ages Arabia.

What to Do

• Explore the museum
• Photograph stone towers
• Meet locals
• Buy handicrafts
• Learn about Asiri women’s art
  

I personally could spend half a day here.

Best Time

10am–4pm.

Fee

~SAR 20 per person.

Hours

~8am–6pm.

Access

~70–90 minutes from Abha; rural roads.

Tip

Wear shoes for stairs—not sandals.

Location: Rijal Alma Village.

20. Bees Tower Honey Refinery

History

Asir is Saudi’s honey kingdom—and Bees Tower showcases mountain honey production.

What to Do

• Taste honey
• Buy gifts
• Drink honey-infused coffee
• Enjoy balcony views
  

Best Time

Morning or afternoon.

Fee

Free entry; Honey is paid.

Hours

Business hours vary.

Access

Near Rijal Alma.

Tip

Buy Sidr honey.

Location: Bees Tower Honey Refinery.

21. Rijal Castle

History

A fortified structure part of Rijal Alma’s defense network, reflecting tribal military architecture.

What to Do

• Explore stone walls
  
• Take elevated photos
  
• Combine with village tour
  

Best Time

Daylight.

Fee

Usually free.

Hours

Daytime.

Access

Inside Rijal Alma territory.

Tip

Ask locals—they love telling stories.

Location: Rijal Castle.

22. Al Habala Hanging Village

History

One of Saudi Arabia’s most dramatic villages—built on a cliff, once accessible only by rope ladders (Habala = rope). Rumor says tribes escaped Ottoman rule here.

Now, a cable car replaces the ropes.

What to Do

• Ride cable car
  
• Wander the cliff homes
  
• Drink tea in clouds
  
• Take insane photos
  

Best Time

10am–3pm.

Fee

~SAR 70 per person.

Hours

~10am–6pm in season.

Access

~50 minutes from Abha.

Tip

If it’s too windy, the cable shuts down.

Location: Al Habala Hanging Village.

23. Hawza Village

History

Smaller than Rijal Alma—Hawza is a rustic heritage village keeping old-stone Asiri life alive.

What to Do

• Wander small alleys
• Photograph stone homes
• Talk to elders
• Slow-travel vibes
  

Best Time

Any daylight.

Fee

Free.

Hours

Always accessible.

Access

Requires a drive—ask locals for best directions.

Tip

Great stop between the bigger attractions.

Location: Hawza Village.

Final Thoughts

Abha isn’t just a place to tick off — it’s a city you feel. Cool air, mountain views, purple jacarandas, cable-car sunsets, and heritage villages that make you forget the modern world for a minute.

If you’re coming to Aseer, don’t rush it. Stay, explore, get lost, sip coffee above the clouds, and watch Abha work its magic.Because here’s the truth:
Nobody leaves Abha without wanting to return.