The best things to do in Riyadh are the ones that flaunt the city’s natural beauty and cultural legacy. The capital city is located in the midst of the An Nafud desert. It is replete with natural beauty, including green spaces, beautiful gardens, and parks. As a tourist destination, never ceases to inspire with its beauty, heritage, and culture. There are so many architectural marvels, grand shopping malls, museums, historical forts, and interesting things to do in Riyadh, that even a week will seem less to explore the city.
Dotted with different attractions, the city of Riyadh has something for everyone. Here is a list of popular activities in Riyadh that make visiting the city a memorable experience. In this blog, we look at:
- The best things to do in Riyadh
- Popular adventure activities in Riyadh
- Top family activities in Riyadh
- The best cultural experiences in Riyadh
The best things to do in Riyadh
Riyadh houses numerous exciting attractions and interesting places that one should visit. From beautiful parks to magnificent architecture, the city has a lot to offer tourists. It preserves the culture and heritage of the country while providing various activities such as trekking, sightseeing, and more. Here are some of the best things to do in Riyadh.
1. Visit the Kingdom Tower and Skybridge
Among the top skyscrapers, Kingdom Tower Center in Riyadh is the world’s third largest building. It has a skybridge that connects the two edges of the tower and offers beautiful views of the city. The tower has luxury hotels, offices, shopping hubs, and apartments. Tourists visiting the Kingdom center get the option to enjoy the view from 99 floors of the Kingdom center or take part in fun activities offered at numerous arcades. They get the option to shop at popular brands or experience delicious Arabian and international cuisine at famous cafes and restaurants.
Top stores and eateries: The center houses world-renowned brands such as Louis Vuitton, Avanti, Gucci, Burberry, Dior, Tiffany And Co. and more. There are also eateries from chains like Burger King, KFC, Subway, Baskins Robbins, and standalone cafes like So Souffle, and Chouse Café.
Kingdom Tower location: Kingdom Center, King Fahad Road, Riyadh
Must Read: Kingdom Centre Tower, Riyadh – A Landmark Skyscraper Ft. Mall, Eateries, Entertainment
2. Enjoy an evening at King Abdullah Park
Riyadh’s King Abdullah Park, earlier known as Al-Malaz Square, is a wonderful tourist destination and attracts visitors from every age group. Sprawling across an area of 79 acres, King Abdullah Park is known to be the largest urban park in Riyadh. It is well-known for its pedestrian corridor, 110-meter long huge laser fountains, eating joints, playgrounds for kids and an artificial lake. The park also organizes certain events like Saudi National Day. The main highlight of this park is the dancing water fountain, which is one of the main things to do in Riyadh at night.
King Abdullah Park location: Al Ameen Abdullah Al Ali Al Naeem St, Al Malaz, Riyadh
King Abdullah Park timings: 1:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
3. Shop at Al Nakheel Mall
No trip is complete without shopping. With numerous malls in Riyadh, Al Nakheel Mall is known to be the biggest mall in the city. It is a one-stop-shop to purchase various products such as apparel, footwear, perfumes, toys, sunglasses, jewelry, books, stationery, furniture, glassware, home accessories and many more. Shopping or visiting Al Nakheel Mall is a popular activity to do in Riyadh. It is one of the top things to do in Riyadh.
Al Nakheel Mall location: Al-Imam Saud Ibn Abdul Aziz Branch Rd, Al Mughrizat, Riyadh
Al Nakheel Mall timings: Thursday and Friday: 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m. Saturday to Wednesday: 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m
4. Pray at the Al Rajhi Grand Mosque
Known to be the largest and one of the most beautiful mosques in the city, Al Rajhi Grand Mosque is a must-visit on a trip to the city. Enjoying a wonderful location in the capital city, this mosque is truly an architectural marvel. It is an important Islamic institution in Saudi Arabia. Al Rajhi Grand Mosque hosts large community gatherings and different social events such as Eid.
Must Read: Kingdom Centre Tower, Riyadh – A Landmark Skyscraper Ft. Mall, Eateries, Entertainment
Al Rajhi Grand Mosque location: 7084 Al Akheyar, Al Jazirah, Riyadh
5. King Khalid Mosque
King Khalid Grand Mosque rises above the Riyadh City skyline as a symbol of the nation’s might. The Mosque, once the scene of one of Saudi Arabia’s largest and most terrifying terror attacks, is now best known for its architectural design. Half of the mosque’s charm and allure comes from its brilliantly white facade, which gleams against the midday sun. The intricate stained glass windows in it exhibit the splendor of conventional Islamic architecture.
Timing: Open 24 hours
Entry: Free
Adventure Activities in Riyadh
The city’s challenging landscape makes it a perfect destination for adventure activities. Tourists can indulge in various adrenaline-pumping activities. They can go trekking on the Edge of the World or set up a camp in the Arabian desert. Some of the top adventure activities offered in Riyadh are as follows:
6. Hike to the Edge of the World
Jebel Fihrayn, more commonly known as Edge of the World, deserves a place in the itinerary of every traveler visiting the city. A perfect place for hiking in Riyadh, the visit to this place will evoke a sea of emotions. Also, one of the best spots for planning outdoor activities in Riyadh, Jebel Fihrayn, offers a range of trails for hikers to reach its top. This geological wonder offers dramatic views of the sprawling horizon. Visitors can see the captivating blue sky melting into the barren land.
Must Read: Edge Of The World, Saudi Arabia: A Gorgeous Site For Hiking, Camping, And Sunrise-Views
7. Go Quad biking on Red Sand Dunes
Quad biking in Red Sand Dunes of the Hidden Valley area is another adventurous outdoor activity in Riyadh, worth adding to the Riyadh travel itinerary. As the name suggests, these Red Sand Dunes are huge windswept dunes located in the midst of mountains. Here, travelers can rent quad bikes for a nominal amount. Due to the hot weather, It is advisable to go quad biking in the morning hours or late afternoon.
Things to do in Riyadh with Family
Riyadh offers numerous family places and activities to tourists and locals alike. Tourists can visit the famous Riyadh Zoo or have fun at the Bounce amusement park. Here are some of the top family activities to enjoy in Riyadh:
8. Go for a family outing to Riyadh Zoo
Sprawling over an area of 55 acres, Riyadh Zoo attracts millions of visitors annually. Known to be one of the largest zoos in Saudi Arabia, Riyadh Zoo houses more than 196 species of animals coupled with 20,000 different types of flora. The zoo also offers a train ride to the visitors through which visitors can take a tour of the entire premises. Riyadh zoo also features snacks kiosks, prayer halls, outdoor plaza, Romanian theatre, gifts shop, 5D cinema and a conservation center. Opened for public in 1987, the zoo is a perfect place for visiting with family.
Riyadh Zoo location: Al Ihsa, Al Malaz, Riyadh
Riyadh Zoo timings:
Men
- Monday: 8:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., 1:00 p.m.- 6:00 p.m.
- Wednesday: 8:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Women
- Tuesday: 8:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., 1:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
- Thursday: 8:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Families
- Wednesday, Thursday: 1:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
- Friday: After Jummah Prayer – 6:00 p.m.
- Saturday: 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
9. Farm day at Al Safi Farm
A trip to Al Safi Farm gives one’s family the chance to experience rural living, from viewing cows being milked and plants being packaged to learning about agricultural techniques and the history of the farm itself.
Al Safi Farm location: Al Safi Dairy Farm, Al-Kharj
Al Safi Farm timing: Sunday to Thursday, 8am-5pm
Contact: alsafidanone.com | 050 544 5026
10. Fun time at Bounce Rawdah
At Bounce, it’s all about getting moving and embracing those freestyle motions, as the name implies. This is amongst the best fun activities to do with your family. The facility has a vast network of connected trampolines, cushioned climbing walls, launch pads, and an adventure course.
Bounce Rawdah location: 4466 Khurais Branch Road, Ar Rawdah
Bounce Rawdah opening hours: Open daily, 2 pm-10 pm
Contact: bounce.sa | 092 000 6744
11. Visit Royal Saudi Air Force Museum
The Royal Saudi Air Force Museum is a well-known historical landmark in the area that houses a collection of artifacts from the country’s aeronautical past. It covers the history of the Air Force from its founding in the 1920s to the present day and is one of Riyadh’s biggest museums. The museum has both an indoor exhibition hall and an outdoor park. Airline fighters, helicopters, military insignia, and a variety of fighter plane models are among the on-view exhibits.
Royal Saudi Air Force Museum Location: Eastern Ring Rd, King Abdullah Dt., مخرج 10، Riyadh 12451, Saudi Arabia
Royal Saudi Air Force Museum Timing – 9 am to 12 pm.
12. Get amazed at the Museum of Illusions
The Museum promises to astound both kids and adults with its array of fascinating optical illusions and multi-sensory exhibits. These illusions are made to tickle and perplex, from Vortex tunnels that make you feel like a hamster on a wheel to holograms that make pixels come to life. This is amongst the top things to do in Riyadh.
Museum of Illusions Timing: 10 am to 12 am
Museum of Illusions Ticket Price: 21.97 USD per adult
Top Cultural Experiences in Riyadh
The city of Riyadh is located in one of the famous countries known for its rich culture and exquisite heritage. From the taste of the delectable Arabic cuisine to beautiful art pieces, Riyadh has a rich story that is great for creating memories for a lifetime. Here are some of the activities to enjoy top cultural experiences in Riyadh:
13. Explore the historical Diriyah’s Al Bujairy District
Though only some parts of Historical Diriyah are open to visitors, exploring the district still is among the top things to do in Riyadh with family. It is a part of Saudi Arabia’s most ambitious developments in the cultural and heritage sector. The district comprises twisting streets coupled with mud huts including Diriyah Museum, which have undergone a huge transformation and have now become heritage sites. Visitors can relish delicious dishes in various cafes and restaurants located in the region.
14. Walk through the KSA’s rich heritage at the National Museum
The National Museum of Saudi Arabia is one of the best places to comprehensively know about Saudi Arabia’s rich heritage. National Museum is the biggest museum in the country that showcases the Arabian prehistory, history, art and culture of different eras. The museum has eight halls in total and organizes diverse exhibitions, activities, and programs to keep visitors entertained.
National Museum location: Historical Centre, King Abdul Aziz, Al Murabba, Riyadh
National Museum timings: Monday to Saturday: 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.; Sunday – Closed
15. Visit World Sights Park to see replicas of the world’s famous landmarks
World Sights Park, or the Landmark park of Riyadh, is a significant tourist attraction in the city. Visiting this park is among the most memorable things to do in Riyadh for ex-pats. The park houses small replicas of landmarks in the world such as the Taj Mahal, Al-Masjid al-Haram, the Eiffel Tower, the Prophet’s Mosque, and many more. The recommended duration for navigating this park is between 1 to 1.5 hours. Visitors can also find a number of snack carts and vendors to satiate their hunger while roaming around the park.
World Sights Park location: 4298 Nasir Ar Rajihi, Al Mughrizat, 7164, Riyadh
World Sights Park timings:
- Wednesday to Sunday (families and women) – 4:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m.
- Tuesday (only men) – 4:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m.
- Monday – closed
Entry Fee: SR 10 for adults
16. Try the amazing Arabian cuisine
Riyadh surely satisfies every food lover by offering a diverse array of delectable cuisines, like Middle Eastern, Turkish, Lebanese, Asian, American and Italian. Some of the must-visit restaurants in the city are The Globe, Elements, Spazio, The Najd Village, Fairuz Garden, Mirage Restaurant, and Lusin.
17. Explore history at The Museum of Happiness
Playfulness and engagement are promoted in the Museum of Happiness. There is a lot to excite and entertain visitors, including art installations, themed chambers with enormous teddy bears, marshmallow-filled pools, enormous gumball machines, and more. It is a setting where children’s imaginations may soar in the greatest way imaginable.
The Museum of Happiness location: Riyadh Front, Gate 4
The Museum of Happiness timings: Open Sunday to Wednesday, 3 pm-11 pm; Thursday to Saturday, 2 pm-midnight
Contact: 050 009 4121
The best time to visit Riyadh is the period between November and March. During this time, the weather is quite cool and pleasant for outings and excursions. It is also suitable for adventure activities in Riyadh. King Khalid International Airport serves the city and connects it with multiple cities, both regional and international. Even within the city, cabs are easily available and are a preferred way of exploring top tourist places in Riyadh. Tourists visiting the city gets many options of things to do in Riyadh and take back worth remembering memories to their homes.
Things To Do In Riyadh FAQs
What is Riyadh famous for?
A visitor should at least spend two to three days exploring Riyadh. It is not only the largest city in Saudi Arabia but also houses some of the most popular tourist attractions in the country. The itinerary of the visitor also depends on the time he/she has with him. Places like the Al Masmak Palace Museum, the Edge of the World, King Abdullah Park, the Riyadh Zoo, etc. need a good amount of time for proper exploration.
Is Riyadh worth visiting?
Riyadh has a rich cultural heritage, modern architecture, and a thriving business district. Whether you are interested in exploring the historical sites, shopping, or experiencing the local cuisine, there is something for everyone in Riyadh and it is definitely worth visiting.
How do I spend a day in Riyadh?
A day in Riyadh can be spent exploring its modern and historical landmarks. Start the day with a visit to the Masmak Fortress. After that, head to the Kingdom Centre, one of the tallest buildings in city, which offers panoramic views of the city and has a range of shopping and dining options
Which are the top five shopping malls in Riyadh?
The top five malls in Riyadh are Al Nakheel Mall, Kingdom Centre Mall, Panorama Mall, Sahara Mall and Granada Mall.
Are there any 5-star hotels in the city?
Yes, the city has a number of luxurious 5-star hotels, which offer a lavish and comfortable stay. Some of these are Vivienda Hotel Villas Granada, Fairmont Riyadh, Crowne Plaza Riyadh - RDC Hotel & Convention, Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh, and Narcissus Riyadh Hotel & Spa.
When is the Riyadh International Book Fair organized?
Riyadh International Book Fair is organized annually in the city between mid-March and April. Known to be one of the largest book fairs in the Middle East and North Africa regions, this event attracts many visitors from across the globe.
Are there any archaeological sites in the city?
Riyadh is home to some of the most amazing archaeological sites, like Masmak Fort, Farasan Island, Turaif District, Murabba Palace, Atiqah Palace, and Al Shamsiah Palace. Exploring these historical places is one of the best outdoor activities in Riyadh.
What is the height of Kingdom Center?
Kingdom Center is around 992 feet high.
Where is Al Nakheel Mall located?
Al Nakheel Mall is located in Al Mughrizat on Al-Imam Saud Ibn Abdul Aziz Branch Rd in the capital city, Riyadh
When was Masmak Fort established?
The construction of Masmak Fort in Riyadh commenced in 1865 and was finished in 1895.
Where is Al Nakheel Mall located?
Riyadh, the capital city of Saudi Arabia, is famous for its blend of modern and historical backgrounds. Riyadh has the biggest and oldest zoo in the country, the Riyadh Zoo. It is also home to the historical Al Masmak Fortress. Visitors can experience one of Saudi Arabia’s oldest tallest buildings, the Kingdom Centre Tower. Riyadh is also famous for its sand dunes, national parks, art, and historical museums, and much more.
