15 Epic Things To Do In Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Are you looking for the best things to do in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia? You’re in the right place.

Here’s an epic bucket list of the best attractions in Riyadh by a local.

I live in Riyadh and have explored all the amazing things that this beautiful city offers. Yet, my bucket list of things to do in Riyadh only keeps growing.

Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, has recently opened up to international tourists. Since the place has been under wraps for a long time, there’s lots to see and do in Riyadh that’s not obvious.

Whether you’re visiting Riyadh for the first time or have been here before, I am sure this Riyadh must-see list will allow you to see some more of this beautiful city, both bucket list items and hidden gems.

---

Please note: This post may contain affiliate links which means I may earn a commission if you make a purchase by clicking a link on this post. This will be at no additional cost to you. Affiliate links help me keep this website up and running. Thank you for your support!

---

What can you expect to see in Riyadh?

The region in and around Riyadh has a long history, dating back to the prehistoric era. However, the name Riyadh first appeared in the writings of an Arab explorer only in the late 16th century.

Lots happened after that, including the building of a walled town, the construction of forts, and the overthrowing of dynasties. Keep an eye out for our guide on interesting facts about Riyadh for a quick refresher on the city’s history.

Long story short – there are lots of cultural and historical things to do in Riyadh.

If you’re not much of a history buff, don’t worry. Riyadh has interesting natural attractions too. Plus, there are lots of modern architecture and futuristic attractions—think tall skyscrapers and avant-garde metro stations.

Explore Old Riyadh Attractions

One of the most authentic ways to experience the city is by taking a walking tour through its historic center.

With its traditional Najdi architecture, vibrant souks, and winding alleyways, Old Riyadh feels like a step back in time.

Riyadh’s Old Souks

Souk Al Zal is one of the oldest, offering everything from antique carpets and traditional daggers to fragrant oud and spices. If you’re looking for a chic abaya, you’ll find that here too.

Nearby, Souk Al Thumairi is the perfect place to find unique Saudi souvenirs, including Bedouin jewelry and handcrafted goods. This place is also home to the famous Riyadh gold souk, where you can get some fantastic deals on gold prices.

Don’t miss Al Maigliah Market, just 10 minutes from Souk Al Zal, which is one of Riyadh’s hidden gems. Al Magliah is known for its amazing perfume and oud collection – you can even create your own scents here!

Although I have wandered the labyrinthine lanes of Riyadh’s souks several times with and without guides, my favorite way to explore them is with Fatimah AbuSrair, a local tour guide who runs a tip-based tour of the old town every alternate Friday. You can connect with her via LinkedIn here and book the tour.

Al Masmak Fortress

The majestic Al Masmak Fortress dominates the heart of Old Riyadh.

This 19th-century clay and mud-brick citadel is a symbol of Saudi Arabia’s unification and a stunning example of traditional Najdi architecture.

Once you step inside, you’ll find a beautifully preserved interior that includes several courtyards, a well, and rooms now displaying historical photographs and artifacts.

Masmak Fortress was closed for a very long time for renovations, but is now open to the public for free.

National Museum of Saudi Arabia

If this is your first trip to Saudi Arabia, a visit to the National Museum is a must.

This state-of-the-art museum takes you on a chronological journey through the Arabian Peninsula’s history, from prehistoric times to the modern era.

The galleries are filled with over 3500 exhibits, including rock carvings, ancient inscriptions, and interactive displays that bring the country’s story to life.

Be sure to notice the architecture of the museum – a sweeping, curved limestone façade that reminds you of the rugged walls of a canyon in the Arabian Desert.

Murabba Palace

Located near the National Museum, Murabba Palace was once the home of King Abdulaziz Al Saud, the founder of modern Saudi Arabia. The palace now serves as a museum.

Although not as expansive as some of the European palaces I have been to, the Murabba Palace is definitely one of the prettiest and a true Najdi architectural icon. It was built of mud-bricks and palm fronds to survive the harsh desert climate.

Today, it is home to a sprawling courtyard and 32 opulently furnished staterooms, which are filled with artifacts offering a glimpse into the life, culture, and politics of Saudi Arabia.

King Abdulaziz Public Library

Do not miss the King Abdulaziz Public Library, which was built to collect and preserve books, documents, and photographs that tell the story of Saudi Arabia’s history.

Inside, you’ll find the King Abdulaziz Memorial Hall, which displays many personal items that once belonged to the king, such as his clothes, furniture, weapons, and photographs.

One of the highlights is a collection of his vintage cars, including a Rolls-Royce Phantom III that was gifted to him by Winston Churchill in 1946.

Experience Riyadh’s Culture and History

Old City of Diriyah

Just outside Riyadh lies the UNESCO World Heritage site of Diriyah, the home of the Al Saud royal family. Diriyah was the first capital of the Saudi state and an absolute must-visit for anyone interested in Saudi history.

The At-Turaif district, with its restored mud-brick houses in traditional Najdi style architecture, is a breathtaking sight. Be sure to check out the Diriyah History Museum, the Arabian Horse Gallery, and the Military Gallery.

Right across the street from the At-Turaif District is the Bujairi Terrace area, which has some of the most iconic Riyadh restaurants. A couple of my favorites are Somewhere and Takya.

★ Read Next: How to visit Diriyah, Saudi Arabia?

Dine with a Local

One of the best things I have done in my last two years in Riyadh is dining with a local called Fatimah Oliyan at her home.

I found the lovely Fatimah Oliyan through the online platform, HiHome, which offers immersive tours and experiences. Their “dining with locals” experiences are amazing and give you rich insights into Saudi homes, local lives, and their culture.

This isn’t just about enjoying delicious, authentic Saudi cuisine; it’s about sharing stories, learning about daily life, and experiencing the warm hospitality that the region is famous for.

I wrote about my experience for the leading UAE daily, The National, and the story got quite popular. You can read all about it on The National’s website here.

I booked my experience through the Get Your Guide (one of my favorite tour aggregators in the region) website here. But you can also directly book through the HiHome website. I love GYG because of its simple user interface and easy-to-access features. Plus, I have all my tours at the same place.

Ushaiqer Heritage Village

Head to Ushaiqer Heritage Village on a day trip from Riyadh and learn more about the region’s traditional Najdi architecture.

Wander through the historic town and see the traditional mud-brick houses, shaded courtyards, and old mosques of Ushaiqer.

Visit the Heritage Museum to catch a glimpse of life and culture in Central Saudi Arabia.

★ Pro Tip: Book your Full-Day Ushaiqer Tour with Lunch here.

See Modern Riyadh

Beyond its rich history, Riyadh is a fast-growing metropolis with a futuristic skyline and a dynamic modern culture.

Kingdom Tower

The iconic Kingdom Centre, with its distinctive bottle-opener shape, dominates the Riyadh skyline.

Head up to the 99th-floor Sky Bridge for unparalleled panoramic views of the city. It’s especially magical at sunset as the city lights begin to twinkle below and the vast desert stretches behind them.

Riyadh Food Scene

Riyadh’s culinary landscape is diverse and exciting. From fine-dining restaurants run by celebrity chefs to humble street food stalls serving up delicious shawarma and falafel, there’s something to satisfy every palate.

Be sure to try traditional dishes like Mandi/Kabsa (spiced rice with meat) and Jareesh (crushed wheat with yogurt and spices). One of the best places to try traditional Saudi fare is Najd Village.

But Riyadh has one of the most happening food scenes in the Middle East, which means there are hundreds of restaurants to cater to every taste. Whether you want Lebanese, Moroccan, Italian, Japanese, Indian, or Chinese food, there are excellent restaurants to pick from.

★ Pro Tip: Read our Riyadh Restaurant Guide for all the details.

Riyadh Cafe Culture

The Middle East has a long history of coffee, and Saudis take their coffee seriously.

In Saudi Arabia, it is common to welcome guests with a small cup (finjan) of Arabic coffee called gahwa and dates.

Riyadh’s coffee scene is absolutely lit. The city is filled with chic, specialty coffee shops, where you’ll find everything from traditional gahwa to expertly crafted flat whites and pour-overs.

Additionally, these cafes are bustling social hubs, perfect for people-watching or relaxing after a day of sightseeing.

Riyadh Season

If you’re visiting between October and March, you might be lucky to catch one of the many events of the Riyadh Season.

This city-wide festival is a massive celebration featuring concerts by international artists, sporting events, theatrical performances, and countless pop-up restaurants and attractions.

The highlights are the Boulevard World (stores and stalls representing countries from around the world), Boulevard City (offering dining, shopping, and theaters), and Kingdom Arena (hosting world championships and concerts).

Venture into the Arabian Desert

Riyadh is located in the middle of the Arabian Desert. The surrounding landscape offers dramatic desert scenery and unforgettable adventures just a short drive from the city.

You can drive to these places, but it is best to take a guided tour to avoid getting lost in the vast open desert.

Edge of the World

Located a couple of hours away from Riyadh, “Edge of the World” is one of the most spectacular natural landmarks in Saudi Arabia.

These dramatic cliffs rise abruptly from the desert floor, offering breathtaking views that stretch to the horizon. It feels like you’re standing at the edge of the planet.

You need a 4×4 vehicle to get there, so booking this guided tour is the best and safest way to experience this natural wonder.

Quad Biking in the Red Sand Dunes

Red Sand Dunes is literally an area with red-colored dunes. And this is the best place in Riyadh for adventure activities, including quad-biking, sandboarding, and dune-bashing.

Click here to book your Red Sand Dune Quad Biking Tour.

Stargazing in the Desert

Escape the city lights for an evening and experience the magic of the desert sky.

Several tour operators offer stargazing excursions where you can marvel at the brilliant constellations while sipping on traditional tea around a campfire. Here’s a highly-rated stargazing private tour by Riyadh Trips.

Loved this Epic Riyadh Bucket List? Pin it for later!