Touted as being some of the best in all of Saudi Arabia, Yanbu's beaches welcome people from all walks of life who gather to swim, relax on the golden sand and take advantage of the phenomenal diving spots along the reef. The nearby areas also have restaurants and cafes in abundance. They can be a lovely escape from the industrial city.

2009 saw Gamcheon turn from an area of budget housing for refugees of the Korean War into a premier tourist attraction, all thanks to a collective effort by local students and artists, who transformed the neighbourhood with colourful wall painting and street art. Today Gamcheon even has a tourist office of its own: stop by on your way in to pick up a detailed map of the village's attractions; collect a stamp at each and you'll receive a small prize from the tourist office on submission. There is a small museum telling the neighbourhood's story, and a number of shops, cafes and street food stalls. When wandering the maze of Gamcheon's streets, please respect the privacy of family homes.

The Old Town is a vibrant quarter based on its own historic identity. It has a mix of building design dating to the 12th century, Victorian architecture, and contemporary design. The Old Town is clearly bordered on three sides by one of the longest surviving stretches of medieval town walls in the country.