Things to do in Riyadh
Riyadh is predominantly considered to be a business destination. However, the city is a fascinating blend of traditional Wahhabi culture and modern development, and as such there are plenty of interesting things to see and do in Saudi Arabia's capital.
Riyadh is home to a number of historical sites, including the Al Masmak Castle, the City of Old Diriyah, and the Al Murabba'a Historical Palace. No doubt history buffs will pay each of these a visit. Although Saudi Arabia is famous for its oppressive heat, there are opportunities for outdoor activity in Riyadh, including golf, 4x4 desert trips (also known as 'dune bashing'), and football.
These are must-sees on any trip to Riyadh, but visitors should be aware that most attractions keep hours vastly different to Western businesses; they open briefly in the morning, and then again from mid-afternoon to late evening, and are closed on Fridays or Saturdays. Women may only visit during designated 'family hours' so it is best to check ahead of visiting to avoid disappointment.
Kingdom Centre
The place to see and be seen in Riyadh is at the remarkable Kingdom Centre, the fifth tallest building in Saudi Arabia, owned by a Saudi prince and built to an unusual elliptical a…
Kingdom Centre
The place to see and be seen in Riyadh is at the remarkable Kingdom Centre, the fifth tallest building in Saudi Arabia, owned by a Saudi prince and built to an unusual elliptical award-winning design. The 99-storey colossus contains a hole that visitors can walk across on the sky-bridge on the highest floor. Besides accommodating modern offices, apartments, the Four Seasons Hotel and a fitness club, the Kingdom Centre also houses a state-of-the-art three-level shopping mall with more than 160 stores, anchored by Saks Fifth Avenue and Debenhams department stores. The centre also boasts dozens of world-class international restaurants.
Address Al-Urubah Road, between King Fahd Road and Olaya Street, in the Olaya business district
Website www.kingdomcentre.com.sa
The National Museum
Chief among the multitude of museums in Riyadh, the National Museum is truly a must. Incorporating local art, religion and culture that explore the diverse and intriguing histories…
The National Museum
Chief among the multitude of museums in Riyadh, the National Museum is truly a must. Incorporating local art, religion and culture that explore the diverse and intriguing histories of the Arabian kingdoms, the National Museum welcomes many visitors each year. Artefacts such as ancient documents, furniture, weapons and more, dating as far back as the Stone Age, are on display. Unlike most attractions in Riyadh, the museum charges a small entrance fee. Other city museums worth visiting include the King Abdulaziz Military Museum and the Museum of Antiquities and Folklore.
Address King Abdul Aziz, Historical Center
Website www.nationalmuseum.org.sa
Opens Saturday to Thursday 8am-8pm, Friday 4pm-8pm.
Admission
SAR10 adults, free for children and students.
Al Masmak Castle
The clay and mud brick fort of the Masmak Fort is an important landmark and heritage site in the centre of Riyadh. Built around 1865, the site is associated with the foundation of …
Al Masmak Castle
The clay and mud brick fort of the Masmak Fort is an important landmark and heritage site in the centre of Riyadh. Built around 1865, the site is associated with the foundation of the Saudi Arabian kingdom as the original stronghold of King Mohammed bin Abdullah bin Rasheed. The castle was the setting of the Idn Saud's legendary raid in 1902, where a spear was hurled at the main entrance with such force that the head is still intact in the main arch. Visitors can explore its impressive rooms, pillared mosque, gate, watchtowers and well.
Address 3153 Al Thumairi St, Ad Dirah, 6937
Opens Sunday to Thursday 8am-12pm, 4pm-9pm, Friday 4pm-7.30pm, Saturday 9am-12am
Al Murabba’a Historical Palace
The spectacular Murabba Palace sits just outside the original city walls. Built in the early 1900s, the palace originally functioned as the private accommodation for the king of Sa…
Al Murabba’a Historical Palace
The spectacular Murabba Palace sits just outside the original city walls. Built in the early 1900s, the palace originally functioned as the private accommodation for the king of Saudi Arabia. Serving as an institute and library devoted to preserving Arabian history, the palace has been preserved as a living example of the country's royal life in days gone by and is a favourite with history enthusiasts. On the ground floor are the guard's room and storerooms, while upstairs visitors can view the reception salons, political offices and private apartments.
Address Khazzan Street
Website www.arriyadh.com/Eng/Tourism
Opens Weekly 8am-3pm, closed on weekends.
City of old Diriyah
The ruins of the historically significant city of Diriyah, standing statuesque and silent in the desert about 12 miles (20km) northwest of Riyadh city centre, make for an interesti…
City of old Diriyah
The ruins of the historically significant city of Diriyah, standing statuesque and silent in the desert about 12 miles (20km) northwest of Riyadh city centre, make for an interesting excursion. The city, originally the stronghold of the powerful Saud family, was the site of an important Islamic reform movement around 1745, when two influential imams called for the people to return to the true faith and abandon heresy, polytheism and superstition. In its heyday, the city was the biggest in the Arab Peninsula, but was overtaken by Riyadh after being destroyed by the Turks in the early 19th century. The ruins of many of the mud-brick buildings remain for visitors to explore.
Opens Saturday to Thursday 8am-6pm, 3am-6pm on Fridays.
Admission
Free