In the Kingdom
| Place | Why go | Before you go |
|---|---|---|
| Tayeb Ism | A narrow gorge between two sheer mountains that suddenly opens onto the Red Sea. | Near Maqna, Tabuk |
| Wadi Disah's pillars | Towering rock pillars that look like another planet, carved by water and wind. | Tabuk |
In nearby countries
| Place | Why go | Before you go |
|---|---|---|
| The magnetic point | A road where a car in neutral seems to roll uphill on its own. | Salalah hills, Oman |
| Mughsail blowholes | Sea water shooting high through holes in the rock with the waves. | West of Salalah |
| Yanar Dag (Burning Mountain) | Fire rising from the ground on a hillside, burning for a long time without going out. | Near Baku, Azerbaijan |
| Gobustan mud volcanoes | Hundreds of small volcanoes bubbling with cold mud. | South of Baku |
| Floating in the Dead Sea | Water so salty it holds you up without swimming. | Jordan |
A little further
| Place | Why go | Before you go |
|---|---|---|
| Cappadocia's fairy chimneys | Rocks shaped like capped chimneys, and whole towns carved underground. | Türkiye |
| Pamukkale's white terraces | Snow-white limestone terraces filled with warm water. | Türkiye |
| The upside-down house | A whole house turned on its head, furniture and all. | Phuket, Thailand |
| Museum of Illusions | An infinity room, an upside-down room and unbelievable photos. | İstiklal Avenue, Istanbul |
Tips before you go
- Most of these places are visited on day tours, so book with a licensed guide or operator.
- In the Dead Sea, don't put your head under and keep the water out of your eyes.
- Bring a camera or a charged phone: these places were made for photos.
Hotels in Weird places
- Hotels in Istanbul
- Hotels in Baku
- Hotels in Tabuk
- Hotels in Cappadocia
- Hotels in Phuket
- Hotels in Salalah
- Hotels in the Dead Sea
More places nearby
- Disneyland around the world
- Wax and illusion museums
- Aquariums around the world
- The world's best cable cars
Frequently asked questions
What is Salalah's magnetic point?
A mountain road where a car in neutral seems to roll uphill on its own, an optical illusion created by the landscape.
What are the weirdest places near Saudi Arabia?
Salalah's magnetic point, Azerbaijan's burning mountain and mud volcanoes, floating in the Dead Sea, and Tayeb Ism in Tabuk.
Can you sink in the Dead Sea?
Not easily, because the very salty water holds the body up, but don't put your head under.
Last updated: October 2026. The information is for guidance only; ticket prices and opening hours are set by each attraction and may change, so check them on the official website before you go.