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
1. 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.
Location: 7084 Al Akheyar, Al Jazirah, Riyadh
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 the 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.
Location: Al Ameen Abdullah Al Ali Al Naeem St, Al Malaz, Riyadh
Timings: 1:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
3. Shop at Al Nakheel Mall
No trip is complete without shopping. With Riyadh being home to different malls, tourists can easily establish a shopping-spree. 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.
Location: Al-Imam Saud Ibn Abdul Aziz Branch Rd, Al Mughrizat, Riyadh
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. 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 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.
Location: Kingdom Center, King Fahad Road, Riyadh
Must Read: Kingdom Centre Tower, Riyadh – A Landmark Skyscraper Ft. Mall, Eateries, Entertainment
Adventure Activities in Riyadh
5. 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 the hikers to reach its top. This geological wonder offers dramatic views of the sprawling horizon. Visitors can see 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
6. 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 hot weather, It is advisable to go quad biking in the morning hours or late afternoon.
Things to do in Riyadh with Family
7. 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.
Location: Al Ihsa, Al Malaz, Riyadh
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.
8. 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.
Location: Al Safi Dairy Farm, Al-Kharj
Opening hours: Sun-Thu, 8am-5pm
Contact: alsafidanone.com | 050 544 5026
9. 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.
Location: 4466 Khurais Branch Road, Ar Rawdah
Opening hours: Open daily, 2pm-10pm
Contact: bounce.sa | 092 000 6744
Top Cultural Experiences in Riyadh
10. Explore the historical Diriyah’s Al Bujairy District
Though only some parts of 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.
11. Walk through the KSA’s rich heritage at the National Museum
The National Museum 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.
Location: Historical Centre, King Abdul Aziz, Al Murabba, Riyadh
Timings: Monday to Saturday: 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.; Sunday – Closed
12. Visit World Sights Park to see replicas of 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 expats. 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.
Location: 4298 Nasir Ar Rajihi, Al Mughrizat, 7164, Riyadh
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
13. 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.
14. Explore history at The Museum of Happiness
Playfulness and engagement are aggressively 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.
Location: Riyadh Front, Gate 4
Opening hours: Open Sun-Wed, 3 pm-11 pm | Thu-Sat 2 pm-midnight
Contact: 050 009 4121
The best time to visit Riyadh is 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
When was Masmak Fort established?
The construction of Masmak Fort in Riyadh commenced in 1865 and was finished in 1895.
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.
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. A visitor’s itinerary 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.
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.
