No matter whether you’re travelling with family, friends or as a couple, a visit to Riyadh is undoubtedly going to be a whirlwind of dizzying sights and cultural experiences. This fascinating city draws visitors due to its historic museums and contemporary galleries as much as the glamorous restaurants and action-packed nightlife, and there’s always a special event, concert or performance coming up on the calendar. And the spectacle of Riyadh Season is a whole other level of fabulous!
Just don’t forget to take a moment now and again to sit with a traditional Saudi coffee and some dates, and absorb everything this head-spinning capital has to offer. These are some of our favourite things to do in Riyadh.
1. Go deep into the past in Diriyah
Diriyah, on the outskirts of the city, is considered the birthplace of Saudi Arabia and was the first Saudi state founded by the Al Saud dynasty. It’s a fascinating place to get a glimpse into the Kingdom’s history – the Al Turaif district ruins are a UNESCO Heritage Site, and here you can explore castles and buildings built from mud and palm trunks. Take your time at the onsite museums and cultural sites that showcase the region’s past, before going for a slap-up Saudi meal (try Maiz or Takya) in one of the Bujairi Terrace’s upscale restaurants.
2. Admire the dancing fountains in King Abdullah Park
The nightly fountain show at King Abdullah Park is one of Riyadh’s best-loved experiences. Wait until after dark to see these dancing fountains shoot water up to 80m into the air, as the jets are illuminated in changing colours and the display set to music. It’s completely free to watch (the entrance fee to the park is SAR 11.50 for adults) and there’s often a vibrant atmosphere in the park until late, especially at weekends and on public holidays. During the day, it’s a perennially popular place for sports, picnics and gentle strolls along the wide, leafy pathways.
3. Shop until you drop at Deera Souq
It’s not all about the glitzy malls and designer boutiques in Riyadh – a shopping jaunt to Deera Souq (also known as Al Thumairi Souq) is a brilliant cultural experience, as well as a chance to splash some cash. Traditional stalls sell locally made rugs and artisan fabrics, handicrafts and antiques, clothing, silverware and gold jewellery. Go for the atmosphere as well as the goods.
4. Explore the local art scene
Get a completely fresh perspective on Arab culture through a visit to Naila Art Gallery, one of the most influential art spaces in the capital. The gallery showcases contemporary works from across the region, including paintings, sculptures, installations and immersive 3D exhibitions, with a mix of established and up-and-coming artists given space here. Admission is free, and there are numerous events and workshops hosted here year-round.
5. Visit Al Masmak Palace Museum
Al Masmak Palace Museum is worth a visit for the building alone – steeped in history, this fortress dates back to circa 1865, is a former military base, and is the site of the 1902 Battle of Riyadh. It’s now largely given over to showcasing weaponry, tools, maps, and artefacts through a series of exhibitions.
6. See the capital from above at the Sky Bridge
The Kingdom Centre is probably Riyadh’s most iconic landmark, illuminated at night, and at 300-odd metres high, towering over the rest of the city. Head right to the top for the Sky Bridge viewing platform, a corridor of floor-to-ceiling windows looking out over the capital. The best times to go are early evening to catch the sunset, and after dark to see the lights of the city twinkling below – a particularly romantic moment if you’re travelling as a couple.
7. Learn about Saudi culture at the National Museum
Visit the expansive National Museum of Saudi Arabia for a deeply educational experience about the history, religion and culture of the region. There are eight halls – Man and the Universe, Arab Kingdoms, Pre-Islamic Era, the Prophet's Mission, Islam and the Arabian Peninsula, the First Saudi State and Second Saudi State, Unification of the Kingdom Hall, and the Hajj and Two Holy Mosques – which cover religion, historic figures and major events, as well as natural history. The Red Sands dunescape on the outskirts of Riyadh inspired the building’s architecture.
8. Hit Boulevard City for the capital’s best nightlife
Boulevard City is the place to be in Riyadh after dark. This trendy nightlife zone is packed with fashionable stores and restaurants and includes a buzzing replica of New York Times Square complete with musical fountains and giant LED screens. This is one of the key hotspots for the entertainment festival Riyadh Season, and there are sports events and concerts galore hosted here. Despite the hours (Boulevard City is open until 3am) this is an exciting place to take kids, and remains safe and family-friendly until the wee hours.
9. Bash some dunes in Red Sands
A trip to Red Sands is the one activity you can’t miss if you’ve always wanted to see the Saudi desert and have been dreaming of camels, deep red sunsets and windswept dunes. This area is a 45-minute drive outside of Riyadh, and there are a whole host of touristy activities to enjoy here from dune bashing to sandboarding. A popular city escape for expats and locals, It’s fine to drive yourself or book with a tour operator that arranges traditional barbecues, camel riding, quad bikes and overnight camping for a full desert experience.
10. Drink Saudi coffee in one of the world’s biggest cafes
Seating up to 1,000 people, the Olaya district’s Al Masaa Cafe used to be the world’s biggest cafe, and it’s still a top Riyadh experience. Overlooking the iconic Kingdom Centre, it serves traditional gahwa (brewed Saudi coffee spiced with cardamom) with dates on the side. A perfect spot for people-watching, enjoying the views and taking a pause from the capital’s busy pace.
