Saudi’s capital may offer some of the most lavish experiences in the world, but it’s such a diverse city that it’s also where you’ll find the Kingdom’s best low-cost things to do. There are next-to-nothing entrance fees to parks, museums and attractions, discounted events and more bargain food options than you could possibly hope to try in one trip.
Whether you call the city home or are just visiting, this is how to enjoy Riyadh on a budget.
1. Dig into the local cuisines
Swerve the fine-dining spots and you’ll find that eating out can be surprisingly easy on the wallet in Riyadh. European cuisine tends to be on the more expensive side, but the city’s incredible array of Pakistani and Indian restaurants often offer delicious food in a casual setting, and you won’t need to spend more than SAR 50 per person.
Shawarmas and falafel wraps can be found in food stalls all over the city for around SAR 20. For a taste of authentic Saudi food, meals out are a little pricier but worth it for the experience. Takya, located in the atmospheric Bujairi Terrace, is a great place to sample regional specialties – slow-cooked lamb, cheese mutabbaq, and bone marrow are all on the menu. You can eat well here for around SAR 100 a head.
2. Snap up a ladies-only bargain
Ladies can expect everything from discounted meals and half-price buffets to cut-price karaoke tickets in Riyadh, as many venues host events aimed just at the girls. Some are women-only affairs while others welcome men too (but they have to pay full price, of course). Visit Saudi’s website often lists the latest events, while many hotels offer discount dining – check at the reception where you’re staying.
3. Make a (bargain) day of it at the Saudi National Museum
A day spent at the Saudi National Museum is terrific value. Part of the King Abdulaziz Historical Centre, it showcases the heritage of the Arabian Peninsula and is free to visit. You'll have access to all eight halls, which include exhibitions, interactive displays and educational programs. Among the highlights are the Man and the Universe gallery, which is dedicated to the region’s natural history, and the Arabian Kingdoms gallery on ancient civilisations. Look out for prehistoric fossils, ancient manuscripts, and intricate Islamic art on your visit.
4. Sip on Saudi coffee for a low-cost cultural experience
Drinking Saudi coffee (gahwa) is not expensive, but it’s a very authentic everyday experience (and a world away from chugging your usual Starbucks latte). Roasted beans are brewed with cardamom and other spices to make a strong brew that’s often served from an Arabic coffee pot (dallah) into tiny cups. A superb place to try some is at Al Masaa Cafe, which serves traditional gahwa with dates on the side. A visit here is a fun as well as budget-friendly experience, as it’s one of the world’s largest cafes, seating up to 1,000 people. You’ll find it right opposite the Kingdom Centre in the Olaya district. A small pot of Saudi coffee costs SAR 45.
5. Visit Riyadh’s best-value observation deck
Everyone knows about the Kingdom Centre’s Sky Bridge and Al Faisaliah Tower’s Globe observation decks, but the Riyadh Water Tower also offers exceptional skyline views for much less money. Located inside Al Watan Park (entrance SAR 11), this stripey, mushroom-shaped tower stands 61m tall, and you can take a lift to the top for great views over Riyadh. The rest of the park is packed with games, rides and entertainment making it a great budget choice if you’re travelling with family.
6. See the city on a bus or hop on the metro
Riyadh’s public transport system is developing at a dizzying pace, with an extensive bus network launched in 2023 and the opening of the Riyadh Metro with much fanfare. Both have considerably reduced the day-to-day costs of getting around the capital compared with relying on taxis or hired cars. There are already more than 2000 Riyadh Bus stops across the city, with more soon to be added. Tickets start from just SAR 4 for a two-hour pass.
7. Book a bargain hotel room
Despite the flashy reputation of the capital, Riyadh is actually one of the best-value places to stay in Saudi Arabia, with lots of options for budget and mid-range accommodation. International hotel chains such as Holiday Inn, Ibis and Crowne Plaza offer rooms for less than SAR 500 per night, while local three-star hotels and serviced apartments can be found for around half that amount. The best deals on accommodation tend to be in June and April, with the best rates found if you book at least 10 days in advance.
8. Relax in King Abdullah Park (and enjoy the free fountain show)
Many of Riyadh’s parks are free, but the best ones have low entry fees, and offer a full day’s worth of entertainment once you’re inside. If you fancy a relaxed and cheap day outdoors, head to the central King Abdullah Park, where you can picnic by the lake, take kids to the play areas, stroll in the shady gardens and enjoy the dancing fountains. The entry fee is SAR 11.50 for adults.
9. Pick up cut-price cinema tickets
A trip to the movies is an extremely popular evening out in Saudi, and the experience can be as wallet-friendly or as extravagant as you like. Those keeping an eye on their budget will be thrilled to know that the Saudi Film Commission reduced licensing fees in a push for cinemas to become cheaper for everyone. As a result, two of the biggest cinema chains in Riyadh, Vox and Muvi, slashed their prices and standard tickets are now around SAR 35. Fancy treating yourself to a more luxurious experience? Upgrade to a VIP ticket at Vox for at-seat waiter service, gold-dusted popcorn and gold-wrapped steak frites.
10. Get a good deal on flights by booking ahead
Hoping to save a few riyals on your plane ticket? You can cut the cost of getting to and from Riyadh with a little forward planning. If you’re travelling from the United Kingdom, the cheapest option is to fly out of London Heathrow on a Monday and try to book 10 weeks in advance. January is usually the most budget-friendly month to fly in.
