Riyadh was built on a rose field; hence, it was named "The Garden" in Arabic. For years, most of its visitors have been travelling for business purposes. Currently, it’s a prosperous city with high-rise skyscrapers and is home to the finest hotels, fanciest restaurants, and largest shopping malls.
Hence, you’ll be astonished by all the tourist attractions in Riyadh. It caters to all travel purposes whether entertainment, adventure, wellness, or business.
Best Places to Visit in Riyadh
One of the best things to do in Riyadh is learn about its history and culture. Riyadh sightseeing is a miss-do experience for all travellers alike. Top landmarks include:
Al Masmak Fortress, The Fort of Glory
Dating back to the 19th century, Al Masmak fortress played a pivotal role in the country's unification. Visitors would enjoy the old vibes reflected in the presented artifacts and the fortress architecture. Also, the Arabic sitting room, aka Diwan, embraces fancy decorations and a historical throne.
Location: 6937 Al Thumairi St, 6937، 3153, Riyadh 12634, Saudi Arabia
Opening Hours: Everyday 8 AM-9 PM, except Friday 4 -8 pm & Saturday 9 AM-8 PM
National Museum of Saudi Arabia, The Kingdom's Treasure Chest
Known as a state-of-the-art museum, the National Museum includes galleries showcasing reminiscent rock carvings from different times in Arabian history. Besides, there are interactive models and 180-degree screens that add an entertaining layer to the exhibits.
Location: حي, 8745 King Saud Rd, 2722, King Faisal Road, Riyadh Saudi Arabia
Opening Hours: Everyday 9 AM–7 PM, except Friday 2–10 PM, Saturday 9 AM–7 PM & Sunday Closed
Edge of the World, The Tuwaiq Escarpment
For adventurous and outgoing tourists, campsites in Riyadh are a perfect option. Edge of the World guarantees a flawless experience through camel and bike rides.
Marvel the Modern Tourist Attractions in Riyadh Riyadh Boulevard, The City's Pulse
Situated in the Hittin district, Riyadh Boulevard is a premier destination for entertainment and dining, offering an abundance of choices. Delight in a culinary adventure and savour a diverse selection of cuisines, from the exquisite Japanese Kyo Ku Sen to the delightful Lebanese Zaatar w Zeit, boasting exceptional flavour profiles. Beyond its appeal to food enthusiasts, it also serves as an excellent shopping destination, with a variety of brands.
Location: QJ27+69، 5186 Prince Turki Ibn Abdulaziz Al Awwal Rd, Hittin، حي 7584, Riyadh 13513, Saudi Arabia
Opening Hours: Everyday 6 AM - 2 AM
King Abdullah Financial District, The Financial Oasis
King Abdullah Financial District holds significant historical significance and serves as the city's primary centre for both business and entertainment. It was designed to function as a prominent financial hub while also providing ample opportunities for leisure and recreation. Within the district, you can find a variety of attractions, including museums, markets, and parks, all housed within a collection of 13 distinct buildings.
Top Nature & Recreation Spots
King Abdullah Park, The Family Haven
King Abdullah Park offers a vast area of open spaces adorned with lush greenery, providing a picturesque setting and beautifully maintained pedestrian paths, making it a perfect destination for relaxation and leisure. In addition to its numerous restaurants, cafés, and a mosque, this park also features a dedicated children's playground. Location: Al Ameen Abdullah Al Ali Al Naeem St, Al Malaz, Riyadh 12836, Saudi Arabia
Opening Hours: Everyday 1 PM–12 AM & Sunday Closed
Al Salam Park, The Garden of Peace
Al Salam Park is a well-liked destination for tourists due to its lush scenery and an abundance of leisure options. The highlight of the park is a man-made lake offering boating opportunities. Other attractions such as an elegant fountain with synchronized displays, jogging paths, expansive green areas, and playgrounds for children contribute to the park's appeal as a fantastic location to visit. Location: 7808 سلام، 2369, Riyadh 12651, Saudi Arabia
Opening Hours: Everyday 4 PM–12 AM & Sunday Closed
Riyadh Zoo, A Journey Through Animal Kingdom
Riyadh Zoo is one of the best places to visit in Riyadh for families. Riyadh Zoo, founded in 1987, is home to 1,300 animals from 190 species. It has 6 sub-zones, each with its own special experiences. Visit the House of Pongo, play tug of war with the white lion, and have fun with animals. Lots of exciting things to do that will amaze you!
Location: Al-Malaz, Riyadh 12832, Saudi Arabia
Opening Hours: Everyday 8:30 AM - 6:00 PM except Fri 1:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Unmissable Fancy & Authentic Restaurants
The culinary scene in Riyadh offers a delightful array of dining experiences, with a plethora of exceptional fine dining establishments and authentic restaurants to choose from. Here are some noteworthy options; The Globe, La Brasserie, and Mazu, set the stage for unforgettable gastronomic adventures. There are many great options to choose from if you want Italian, Asian, or Turkish food.
For those seeking authentic flavours, Riyadh's Middle Eastern restaurants such as Al Majlis Al Khaleeji Restaurant, Najd Village, and Al Orjouan offer flavoursome dishes that reflect the rich culinary heritage of the region.
Side note: The Saudi Food Show 2024 in Riyadh is a premier event in the food and beverage industry, featuring international exhibitors, industry leaders, and renowned chefs. It serves as a hub for emerging trends, networking, and blocks, building on the success of its inaugural 2023 edition. This event will greatly impact the local and global food and beverage industry with its unique displays and game-changing conversations.
Shopping & Artisanal Crafts
Al Nakheel Mall: It hosts a wide range of local and international retail outlets. The mall offers a diverse culinary experience, featuring Italian, Mexican, Chinese, and German cuisines. Additionally, it boasts a sprawling 20,000-square-foot indoor park, providing ample entertainment for children.
Deerah Souq: Also known as Deerah Gold Souq, it’s a bustling market in the old city near the Al Masmak Fort. It features narrow streets lined with countless shops offering carpets, gold jewellery, souvenirs, antiques, traditional clothing, and more. Each alleyway is dedicated to specific goods, making browsing and bargaining a breeze.
Olaya Street: This upscale shopping district is home to luxury brands, designer boutiques, and high-end department stores.
Tips to get the best out of your shopping experience
Embrace the souqs: Riyadh's souqs are a must-visit for any shopper who wants to experience the authentic side of the city. These traditional markets have many narrow paths with shops selling various items like spices, fabrics, jewellery, and crafts.
Bargain like a pro: Bargaining is expected in the souks, so don't be afraid to negotiate with the sellers. Start with a price that is much lower than what you're willing to pay and gradually work your way up.
Be patient and persistent: Shopping in Riyadh can be a slow and leisurely process. Take your time to browse the shops and chat with the vendors.
What to buy in Riyadh?
Riyadh is home to some unique and unexpected finds. Here are a few suggestions:
Traditional handicrafts: Riyadh is known for its traditional handicrafts, such as pottery, weaving, and embroidery. You can find these items in the souks and at some of the city's craft markets.
Arabic perfumes: A popular souvenir from Riyadh! There are many different types of Arabic perfumes to choose from, ranging from light and floral to heavy and musky.
Spices: Riyadh's souks are a great place to find spices from all over the world.
Dates: They are a popular treat in Saudi Arabia. Riyadh has several shops that sell dates in a variety of flavours and packaging.
Celebrate Riyadh's Festivals and Events
Take a look at some of the most entertaining events happening in Riyadh in 2024. Hopefully, you’ll be able to attend one of them during your trip to Riyadh
Event | Duration | Location |
Boulevard World | 2 Nov 2023 - 22 Mar 2024 | RRHB2408، 2408 الحوي، 7069،, حي حطين،, Riyadh 13516, Saudi Arabia |
Super Fly | 02 Nov 2023 - 29 Apr 2024 | RRHB2408، 2408 الحوي، 7069،, حي حطين،, Riyadh 13516, Saudi Arabia |
Echoing the Land Exhibition | 15 Oct 2023 - 7 Mar 2024 | MM7R+G3Q, King Saud Rd, An Namudhajiyah, Riyadh 12731, Saudi Arabia |
The Farm | 15 Nov 2023 - 15 Jan 2024 | RRMA7999، 7999 رقم 139، 3507, Al Qirawan, Riyadh 13526, Saudi Arabia |
How to Get Around Riyadh?
Riyadh is a sprawling city with a well-developed transportation system. Here are a few tips for getting around efficiently:
Use the Riyadh Metro: The Riyadh Metro is a clean, modern, and efficient way to get around the city. The metro has six lines that connect most of the city's major attractions and business districts.
Take the bus: Riyadh has an extensive bus network that serves all parts of the city. Buses are a more affordable option than the metro, but they can be slower and more crowded.
Use ride-hailing apps: Uber and Careem are widely available in Riyadh. This is a convenient option for getting around, especially if you are not familiar with the city.
Taxi: Taxis are also widely available in Riyadh. They are generally more expensive than buses or ride-hailing apps, but they can be a good option if you are in a hurry.
Best Times to Visit Riyadh
The best time to visit Riyadh is during the spring (March-May) or fall (September-November) when the weather is mild and sunny. The summer months (June-August) can be very hot, and the winter months (December-February) can be cold.
Here are some specific recommendations for the best times to visit, considering the weather and local holidays:
Spring (March-May): The weather is pleasant and sunny, and there are festivals and events taking place during this time.
Fall (September-November): The weather is still mild but with less crowd. This is a good time to visit if you want to avoid the heat and crowds.
Ramadan: This is a special time to be in Riyadh, as you can experience the traditional customs and celebrations of Ramadan.
Eid al-Fitr & Eid al-Adha: There are many festivals and events taking place during this time.
Riyadh promises an exciting and diverse travel experience for visitors. With a blend of modern attractions, a thriving culinary scene, vibrant festivals, and historical places in Riyadh, It offers something to everyone.
As you get around the best places to visit in Riyadh, ensure to secure your accommodation and flight tickets.
Plan your trip now!
As the eagerly anticipated Ramadan season approaches, the most common questions that arise are: When does Ramadan start? and When is Eid Al Fitr holidays?
A Ramadan calendar with accurate Suhoor and Iftar timings would greatly assist those observing fasts throughout the month of Ramadan.
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