Best tourist spots in Najd, Saudi Arabia

1. Al Nafud Desert – Ideal for desert adventures

Al Nafud, also known as Al-Nefud is a large desert in the northern Arabian Peninsula. It stretches for 290 kilometers (180 miles) and is 225 kilometers (140 miles) broad, covering 104,000 sq. km. Tourists can indulge in dune bashing, an outdoor activity where tourists ride strong electric or motorized buggies and SUVs over the wide and rugged desert. Setting up a camp at night in the expanding desert is the best way to appreciate the magical appeal of the Arabian desert. With a relaxing breeze blowing over the desert, the starlight gives a majestic glimpse of the expanse. Tourists visiting the Al Nafud region can also explore Jubbah, a World Heritage Site. The site has prehistoric engravings dating from 10,000 BCE.

Top attraction: Jubbah and desert activities

2. Tuwaiq escarpment – Edge of the World

Tuwaiq escarpment is a linear rift that lies between two Najd plateaus. The escarpment has some of the best destinations to camp and trek in the whole of Saudi Arabia. It is home to Acacia Valley which is a beautiful valley lined with Acacia trees. Further, the escarpment runs to a popular trekking site known as Edge of the World. Hundreds of tourists and trekkers climb the Edge of the World to experience a majestic view. The cliff provides exceptional sunsets with a memorable sights.

Location: 90 km northwest of Riyadh

Top attractions: Edge of The World and Acacia Valley

3. Shammar Mountain – Twin peaks of Aja and Salma

Shammar mountain in Hail is popular among the locals for the love story of Aja and Salma. Legends say that after the community’s disapproval for their love, Aja and Salma ran away. They were tragically killed which gave rise to twin peaks of Aja and Salma. Today, the mountain attracts tourists for activities like trekking and sightseeing. Tourists visiting the peaks can also explore the nearby region housing the home of Hatim Al Tai, Al Qishlah castle and traditional market.

Location: Hail, Najd

Top attraction: The peaks of Aja and Salma and traditional market near the mountain

4. Ad-Diriyah – Jewel of Saudi Arabia

Diriyah, dubbed as the “Jewel of Saudi Arabia” by many, is quickly becoming a popular tourist attraction in the Najd region Saudi Arabia. Diriyah is one of Saudi Arabia’s trademark projects offering luxury hotels and global hotel chains, along with eating, retail, and entertainment facilities. It houses the famous Maskamk Castle along with other old structures. Furthermore, Diriyah has a long historical past. It was originally an ancient commerce and religious route, as well as a meeting point for people traveling between Asia, Europe, and Africa. The Museum of Al Saud House highlights the background of the royal dynasty. The Museum of the Saudi State and Arab Peninsula, and the Misk Historic Museum are well organized academic research centers. These encourage young people to engage with the country’s heritage and history.

Location: Wadi Hanifa, Ad Diriyah

Top attractions: Museums and old structures in Diriyah

Must Read: Historical Diriyah: An Ancient City With World Heritage Sites

5. Ushaiqer Heritage Village – Culture of Bedouin tribe

With a history of more than 1500 years, Ushaiqer Heritage Village offers a clear view into the heritage of Bedouin tribe. In past, travelers to Makkah stopped at the village to take rest while embarking on the pilgrimage to the holy city. The village has numerous ancient structures telling about the historical past of Ushaiqer. Tourists can also visit Al Salem museum and explore more about the tribal culture that existed in the heritage village and nearby areas. There are several restaurants and eateries offering local cuisine of the area.

Location: 200 kilometer to the northwest of Riyadh

Top attractions: Ancient houses and museums

6. Aarif Fort – Castle on Jabal Irf

Built to ward off the enemies’ attacks, Aarif fort is a very old castle made from clay and mud in the 17th century. The fort is popular for cannon firing in the holy month of Ramadan marking the time for iftar. The castle is situated at the top of a hilltop named Jabal Irf. Tourists can climb up to capture a mesmerizing view of the nearby area. The castle further has watchtowers, old rooms, and a mosque for visitors to explore. Tourists can also visit the nearby farms and markets to get a complete tour of the area.

Location: Labdah, Hail

Top attraction: Old structures and hilltop view of surrounding area.

7. King Abdullah National Park – Perfect for family picnic

King Abdullah Park is a popular urban park and historic horse racetrack near Prince Faisal bin Fahd Stadium. The square, spanning over 31.8 hectares (almost 80 acres), was used as a horse riding field from the nation’s inception until 2002. It was restored as the Kingdom’s biggest public park in 2013. The park has a 12-meter-wide crosswalk corridor, 110-meter-long giant laser water fountain, as well as an artificial lake. Visitors come in great numbers during the Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha. The park also organizes publicly organized events namely the Saudi National Day, in which the park showcases firework displays prior to the day.

Location: Al Nafl, Buraydah

Top attraction: Laser water fountain, and crosswalk corridors.

8. Kingdom Center Tower – Highly advanced skyscraper

The Kingdom Center Tower in Riyadh is Saudi Arabia’s sixth tallest building. It is a result of a collaborative effort between a Riyadh-based design firm and an America-based architecture business. King Al Waleed bin Talal designed the center, which includes key financial structures as well as commercial malls. The complex contains fashionable furnishings and clothing retailers that cater to young people. The Kingdom Center Tower offers guests with livable space in the form of air-conditioned workplaces and flats. One may walk around the tower and visit the Islamic culture and art museums, shopping areas, eateries, and parking spaces.

Top attractions: The first four floors dedicated to shopping, with a worldwide luxury brand store specializing in clothes, jewelry, and accessories, as well as many other luxury brands

Location: King Fahd Road, Riyadh

Timings: The kingdom center tower is open to the public for free throughout the week from Monday to Sunday, 9 am to 11 pm

Must Read: Kingdom Centre Tower, Riyadh – A Landmark Skyscraper Ft. Mall, Eateries, Entertainment

9. National Museum of Saudi Arabia – Arabian antiques and arts

The National Museum in Riyadh is among the Kingdom’s largest and most exciting museums. It covers generations of Arabian antiques, archaeology items, and cultural art pieces. The National Museum has magnificent contemporary architecture housing relics from Prehistoric rock art to reproductions of ancient Jeddah architecture. It takes tourists on a delightfully interactive trip through the years of Saudi history. By a constant rotation of events, guest exhibits and programs, the visit to the National Museum remains fresh.

Location: King Saud Rd, Riyadh

Timings: Sunday: 12 pm – 2 pm, Monday to Thursday: 12 pm – 2 pm, & 4 pm – 8 pm, on Friday: 4 pm – 8 pm

The land of Nejd is a melting pot for marvelous tourist spots rich in the heritage and culture of the Islamic world. It offers places that appeal to the adventurers and casual tourists alike. Tourists should plan a trip with an experienced tour and travel company to effectively explore the region.

Najd Saudi Arabia FAQs

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Top 7 Museums in Riyadh

1. National Museum of Saudi Arabia

The National Museum of Saudi Arabia, is Saudi Arabia’s largest museum offering a plethora of old artifacts. The museum has an extensive collection of sculptures, paintings, relics, and other artifacts depicting rich Arabian culture and art. Further, the National Museum building is a marvel of modern architecture. The beautiful gardens filled with varieties of flowers add to the beauty of the place. The museum also has small models of old buildings in ancient cities like Jeddah. This big museum has as many as eight halls namely the origins of life, the pre-Islamic era, the journey of Islam, the life of Prophet Mohammad (PBUH), the emergence of the nation of Saudi Arabia, the significance of the holy city of Mecca and Medina and the grandeur of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque.

Location: King Saud Rd, Riyadh

Entry time: Monday to Thursday and on Saturday: 9 am to 7 pm; Friday: 2 pm to 10 pm

Ticket price: SR 10 per adult

2. Al Masmak Palace Museum

The Al Masmak Palace Museum, located in the heart of Riyadh city, is a 150-year-old palace that showcases the heritage of Saudi Arabia. The museum’s exhibition houses weaponry, tools, maps, artifacts, and more. The building is a historical masterpiece that used to function as a military base for a long time in the 1800s. Al Masmak Palace signifies the conquest of Riyadh. There are several documentaries, presentations, and photographs on display in the museum for visitors to explore. Tourists can purchase souvenirs from the famous Souk Al Zal Market located near Al Masmak.

Location: Al Masmak Palace Museum, Al Thumairi Street

Entry time: 8 am to 9 pm, everyday

Ticket price: Entry is free

3. Royal Saudi Air Force Museum

The Royal Saudi Air Force Museum, also known as the Saqer-Aljazirah Aviation Museum in Riyadh, is one of the most popular museums in Riyadh. It is the best place to revisit the aeronautical history of the country. The Aviation Museum Riyadh displays the power of the Saudi Arabian Air Force department. Visitors can see old airplane models, fighter jet planes, and other aircraft used by the air force. The museum offers a unique exhibition of Prince Sultan bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud’s (the first man from Saudi to go to space) personal items. Special uniforms and weapons used by the air force throughout history are also displayed in the museum.

Location: Eastern Ring Rd, King Abdullah District

Entry time: 9 am to 12 pm, 4 pm to 9 pm, everyday

Ticket price: SR 10 for adults and SR 5 for children

4. Historical Diriyah Museum

The Historical Al Diriyah Museum is an open-air museum that also is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The ruins of the historical site of Diriyah have been turned into a beautiful museum. Visitors can walk through the streets of the historic district that was once a seat of administration for the royal family of Saudi Arabia. Through age-old artifacts and tools, people get an insight into the past civilizations of the Arabian Peninsula.

Location: Diriyah Museum, Wadi Hanifah St, Ad Diriyah

Entry time: 7 pm to 12 am, every day

5. Currency Museum

One of the most intriguing museums in Riyadh, the Currency Museum or Money Museum has some of the oldest currency and coins of Saudi Arabia. The museum has different sections providing information on the coins from the pre-Islamic and Islamic eras. It is managed by the Saudi Arabian Monetary Agency (SAMA) and is open for public visits. The exhibits of the Currency Museum have valuable banknotes including the notes and coins that were used by Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.

Location: SAMA Head Office, King Saud Bin Abdulaziz Street

Entry time: Monday to Saturday: 8 am to 8 pm; and on Sundays: 8 am to 2 pm

Ticket price: SR 10

Must Read: Currency Museum Riyadh: Pre-Islamic, And Modern Currency Displays

6. The Museum of Happiness

The Museum of Happiness, Riyadh, is a modern-age museum displaying unique multi-sensory interactive models and designs. Unlike most other museums in Riyadh, visitors can freely interact with items on display. The museum has different themes throughout its ten rooms. These include a huge teddy bear room, a room dedicated to Studio Ghibli, a room with gumball machines, a room with games, and more. The place helps to relieve the stress and anxieties of life. The restaurant at the museum serves delicacies like ice cream, gumballs, marshmallows, and lemonade. There is a gift shop from where visitors can purchase souvenirs for loved ones.

Location: Front, Riyadh

Entry time: 4 pm to 12 am, everyday

Ticket price: SR 160 for adults and SR 60 for children below 12 years of age

7. Al-Faisal Museum for Arab-Islamic Art

Image Credits: https://kfcris.com

The Al-Faisal Museum for Arab-Islamic Art exhibits items held and preserved by the King Faisal Center for Research and Islamic Studies (KFCRIS). The museum is a popular tourist attraction showing the ancient history of Arab-Islamic art and its various influences. It’s exhibitions make visitors think about the past and provide insights into the history of the region. There are displays on Arab-Islamic art, manuscripts, King Faisal memorial collection, coins and currencies, fine arts, and center history.

Location: Al Faisal Museum, No. 38, Al Olaya, Riyadh

Entry time: 9 am to 9 pm, everyday

Ticket price: Entry is free

Riyadh is the administrative capital of Saudi Arabia and one of country’s commercial hub. The city is also known as the cultural capital of Saudi Arabia. Riyadh has some of the best cultural centers in Saudi Arabia, including the King Abdul Aziz Historical Centre, the National Museum of Saudi Arabia, and other historical sites and exhibitions depicting the history and culture of the country. Tourists can learn more about the Islamic art, culture, and heritage through these historical museums in Riyadh. Further, a visit to these museums widens the perspectives and engages young minds in healthy discussions.

Suggested Read: Al Murabba Palace Museum Riyadh: Ideal For A Day-Visit With Kids

Museums In Riyadh FAQs

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7 popular museums of Saudi Arabia

1. Dar Al Madinah Museum, Madinah

Privately owned by Abdul-Aziz bin Abdul-Rahman bin Ibrahim Kaki, the Dar Al Madinah museum admirably showcases the historical past of the holy city. The museum provides working and still models of the old machines, locations, and more. The museum has exhibits displaying the history of the Prophet’s mosque, Masjid An Nabawi, a model of Haram al-Sharif, with Al Aqsa and Dome of Rock models as well. Additionally, there are around 2000 exhibits in the museum preserving many ancient and historical items, photographs, and relics. One of which is the bow of Saad Ibn Abi-Waqas, a companion of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

Location: Safwan Ibn Malik Al Tamimi, Al Mabuth, Madinah

Timings: Sunday to Thursday, 11 am – 7 pm. Closed on Friday

Entry fee: SR 25

2. National Museum of Saudi Arabia, Riyadh

The National Museum of Saudi Arabia houses one of the most extensive collections on the evolution of life in the Arabian peninsula. The museum boasts four main sections among many, including the Man and Universe Hall, Pre Islamic Era Hall, Prophet’s Mission Hall, and Hall on Saudi Arabia foundation. These halls display amazing exhibits with fossils of animals, antiques of old tribes, relics from the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) era, and weapons and maps of the region.

Location: King Faisal Road, King Abdul Aziz Historical Centre, Riyadh

Timings: Saturday to Thursday, 8 am – 8 pm, Friday 4 pm – 8 pm

Entry fee: SR 10 for adults

Suggested Read: 7 Museums in Riyadh That Every Tourist Should Visit

3. Museum of Happiness, Riyadh

Inviting people of all ages, the Museum of Happiness creates a destressing environment with vibrant colors. Unlike other museums, visitors are meant to interact with the exhibits. The museum maintains a fun theme around its 1300 square meters of area. The 10 display halls have a teddy room, gumball machine, retro games, rubber duck, etc. The museum also has an on-site restaurant named the Happiness cafe. Visitors can also purchase souvenirs relating to the museum from the gift shop.

Location: Front, Riyadh

Timings: 4 pm – 12 am, every day

Entry fee: SR 160 for adults and SR 60 for children below 12 years of age.

4. Tayebat Museum, Jeddah

Tayebat Museum is an outstanding display of Hijazi architecture. The museum houses old manuscripts, items on Arabian heritage, and Arab historical recreations. It is elegantly furnished and spans 10,000 sq m, with 12 structures and approximately 300 chambers. It is also a Saudi Arabia art museum with numerous artworks from renowned artists adorning the walls of the museum. Further, it has items entailing the noteworthy history of Saudi Arabia.

Location: Rayhanat Al Jazirah, Al Faisaliyah District, Jeddah

Timings: Saturday to Thursday, 8 am – 12 pm & 5 pm – 9 pm, closed on Friday

5. Scitech Technology Center, Al Khobar

Sultan bin Abdulaziz Scientific & Technology Center (SciTech), one of Saudi Arabia’s most well-known science museums, is the best to enjoy a day exploring interactive scientific and technological displays. Visitors can experience the best of the ocean life in the depths of the sea, along with the astronomical observatory that rises high up in the sky. Further, one can understand about natural occurrences like the moon’s waning and waxing phases, as well as many other fascinating scientific processes. Tourists can attend technology exhibitions for a more insightful visit.

Location: Corniche, Alkurnaish, Al Khobar

Timings: Sunday to Thursday, 8 am – 3 pm, 4 pm to 10 pm, Friday and Saturday – From 4 pm to 10 pm

6. King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture, Dhahran

The King Abdulaziz Center for world culture, or Ithra, is well-known for its extensive collection of Arabic art. The museum is an 18-story masterpiece of a progressive design that includes exhibition halls and a reading room with a massive collection of literature. Further, the unique architecture of the museum and cultural center has made it a landmark in the region. Tourists can attend scientific workshops and discussion programs to learn more about Saudi Arabian culture. The place is ideal for youngsters since it allows them to learn while having fun.

Location: Ring Rd, Gharb Al Dhahran, Dhahran

Timings: Saturday to Thursday, 9 am – 9 pm, on Friday, 4 pm – 10 pm

7. Tabuk Castle And Museum, Tabuk

Tabuk Castle, which dates back to 35 BC, is another tourist attraction in Saudi Arabia. It is an iconic landmark that depicts the life and the times when it was built. The castle’s name is taken directly from the Holy Quran. In the category of finest museums in Saudi Arabia, the castle was named the best for its amazing design and architecture. The complex comprises two mosques, an open square, watchtowers, and a freshwater cistern. The fortress has been transformed into a museum housing a vast collection of historic papers dating back to the days of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

Location: Uthman Ibn Affan Road, Tabuk

Timings: Saturday to Thursday, 7 am – 1: 45 pm, & 4 pm – 8 pm, closed on Friday

Saudi Arabia has a diverse culture, influenced by its Islamic background, historical significance as an old trading hub, and Bedouin customs. Over the last several centuries, Saudi society has advanced dramatically, still preserving the heritage in its extensive museums. The museums of Saudi Arabia are a must-visit to learn about the historic past of the Arabian Peninsula and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Suggested Read: Saudi Arabia Tourism 2022: Top Cities, Itinerary, Do’s and Don’ts

Museums of Saudi Arabia FAQs

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