Saudi Arabia has opened up to the world, with Riyadh as the premier destination beckoning international travellers and expats to experience the Saudi culture. From the historically rich Diriyah to the futuristic Kingdom Tower, the capital is where ancient traditions seamlessly blend with modern wonders. If you are planning to explore the heart of the kingdom, our curated list of the best things to do in Riyadh will help you craft the perfect itinerary.
An important travel tip for things to do in Riyadh is to be mindful of daily prayer times – five times a day, each lasting approximately 20 minutes – which can temporarily affect business operations at restaurants and other public establishments. Plan your Saudi Arabia itinerary accordingly to avoid disruptions.
Things to do in Riyadh: From the Edge of the World to savouring Saudi cuisine
Catch panoramic views from the Skybridge and explore the Kingdom Tower
Head to Saudi Arabia’s first supertall skyscraper, the Kingdom Tower, to stand above Riyadh and gaze over the picturesque city skyline. Located on top of the 300-metre-tall tower, the Skybridge is a 300-tonne and 65-metre-long steel structure offering 360-degree views of Riyadh.
Skybridge’s ticket counter is between the Mont Blanc and Carolina Herrea stores in the Kingdon Tower. Purchase the ticket and take the elevator to the 99th-floor entrance.
After embracing the city views, spend time shopping and dining in the Kingdom Tower, housing a massive luxury shopping mall, Four Seasons hotel, Vox cinema and many restaurants.
Timings: From 12 pm to 10:30 pm Saturday to Thursday, and 4 pm to 10:30 pm on Fridays.
Ticket price: SAR 69 for adults (approximately HKD 143), SAR 23 for kids under ten years (approximately HKD 48) and free for infants under two years.
Address: Kingdom Centre, Al Olaya, Riyadh 12214, Saudi Arabia.
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Marvel at the architecture of Masmak Fort
Go back in time as you visit the ancient Masmak Fort, built in 1865, and discover the history of Riyadh and Saudi Arabia. Made from clay and mudbrick, the fort is etched with great stories from Saudi Arabia’s past and visiting it is one of the best historical things to do in Riyadh.
Also known as the Al Masmak, it was the scene of a battle to restore Riyadh. The gate still has remnants of the great battle, including the mark of Bin Jalawi’s spearhead. The fortress houses a museum dedicated to the unification of Saudi Arabia, narrating the creation of the kingdom.
Timings: From 8 am to 9 pm Saturday to Thursday, and 4 pm to 8 pm on Fridays.
Ticket price: Entry is free; guided tours can be paid for separately.
Address: 6937 Al Thumairi St, 6937، 3153, Riyadh 12634, Saudi Arabia.
Witness the ‘chop chop’ square
Visit the infamous Deera Square of Riyadh, also known as the Justice Square and “chop chop” square to foreigners, where public executions would take place. While public executions have stopped now, this eerie square continues to remain a sensitive destination in Riyadh. It is essential to be respectful while exploring Deera Square. This is a public space that is open all day.
Address: Ad Dirah, Riyadh 12652, Saudi Arabia.
Book your stay at The Ritz-Carlton, Riyadh via Booking.com
Book your stay at The Ritz-Carlton, Riyadh via Agoda
Spend a day at Diriyah, the birthplace of Saudi Arabia
Embrace the Arabian culture at Diriyah, or Ad Diriyah, the ancient mud-brick city that is home to the UNESCO World Heritage site of At-Turaif District. Proclaimed as the birthplace of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Diriyah is the original home of the ruling royal family of House Al Saud.
Preserving the 600 years of Najdi traditions and architecture, the city is a developed tourist spot encouraging travellers to learn the kingdom’s story through At-Turaif, Bujairi Terrace and Wadi Hanifah. The destination hosts the Diriyah Season from October 4, 2024 to February, 2025. This annual themed festival celebrates the cultural heritage and is one of the best times to visit Diriyah.
Diriyah is 30 minutes from Riyadh, ideal for a quick day trip. You can drive down or hire a taxi to get here.
Timings: At-Turaif is open daily from 5 pm to 12 am, with the last entry granted at 11 pm. Bujairi Terrace is open from 9 am to 12 am Saturday to Wednesday, and 9 am to 1 am on Thursdays and Fridays.
Ticket price: Entry to At-Turaif and Bujairi Terrace costs SAR 50 (HKD 104).
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Visit the National Museum of Saudi Arabia
Another excellent thing to do in Riyadh is to visit the National Museum of Saudi Arabia. The museum covers the country’s history, from the prehistoric ages to the present day! It also narrates the story of Islam and how it spread across the world, showcasing prized possessions of the founding kind of Saudi Arabia.
Timings: From 9 am to 7 pm Monday to Saturday, and 2 pm to 10 pm on Fridays.
Ticket price: Entry is SAR 10 (approximately HKD 21).
Address: حي, 8745 King Saud Rd, 2722, King Faisal Road, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
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Experience the Edge of the World
About 100 kilometres from Riyadh is the magnificent cliff deep in the desert known as the Edge of the World. Also known as Jebel Fihrayn, this dramatic geological phenomenon is part of the Tuwaik Mountain range and drops about 1,000 feet into an ancient ocean bed. Here, you can experience the most magical sunrise and sunset.
While travellers can drive down to see the Edge of the World, the route requires off-roading through sand. The best way to enjoy this wonder is by booking one of many inclusive Edge of the World tours from Riyadh. These tours typically include pick up and drop, dinner, bat cave tour and sometimes even camel rides; you can pick the one that suits your preferences the best.
Ticket price: Tours start from USD 40 (HKD 312).
Embrace the Arabian desert through the Red Sand Dunes and Camel Trail
A visit to Saudi Arabia is incomplete without witnessing the glory of the desert. Take a page from the adventures of Sinbad, Ali Baba, and Aladdin and navigate the Arabian desert. Explore the Red Sand Dune on your own or via guided tours. The Camel Trail doesn’t require tours.
The Red Sand Dune tour includes dune-bashing, sandboarding, a campfire, and a meal. Several Camel Trails around Riyadh allow you to hike along the scenic desert where locals once travelled along camelbacks.
Ticket prices: Red Sand Dune tours start at USD 83 (HKD 647).
Book your stay at Narcissus The Royal Hotel via Booking.com
Book your stay at Narcissus The Royal Hotel via Agoda
Indulge in local delicacies at the Najd Village
Experience traditional delicacies and dining customs at Najd Village, a popular restaurant in Riyadh famous for introducing travellers to the cuisine of the Najd region. Relish Saudi cuisine through dishes like Kabsa, Mogalgal, Margoog, Jreesh, and Gursan. The earthy interiors and retro tableware offer the most authentic experience. There are three Najd Village restaurants in the city; you can visit the one closest to you!
Timings: From 11 am to 12 pm.
Watch Christiano Ronaldo play football live
The world-famous footballer is signed with the Saudi Arabian football team Al Nassr, which competes in the Saudi Arabia Pro League. Catch an Al Nassr game at one of the many stadiums in Riyadh, like the Kingdom Arena, King Fahd Stadium and more. Hopefully, you will see Christiano Ronaldo’s famous “siuuu” celebratory howl live in action!
Enjoy the best of winter during Riyadh Season
The city comes to life during the winter months, hosting several entertainment events, concerts, art installations, pop-ups, cultural experiences and live performances. The festival promises something exciting to explore each year, with a new theme inspiring the festivities. This year, the Riyadh Season is expected to begin on October 12, highlighted by the highly anticipated boxing match between Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol.
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(Feature image credit: apriltan18/Pixabay)
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The information in this article is accurate as of the date of publication.
All currency conversions were done at the time of writing.
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FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
The local custom you should know about in Riyadh is the daily prayer. The people pray five times a day, each lasting approximately 20 minutes, This temporarily affects business operations at restaurants and other public establishments.
Some unique architectural landmarks in Riyadh are Diriyah, Deera Square, Masmak Fort and the National Museum of Saudi Arabia.
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Priyaja Bakshi
Digital Writer - Growth, TravelPriyaja took her love for reading to the next level by majoring in English and minoring in Journalism ..Read More
