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How to Visit Diriyah, Saudi Arabia: Tips from a Local

Are you planning to visit the Historic Diriyah City near Riyadh, Saudi Arabia? You’re at the right place.

I live in Riyadh and have explored this city’s amazing places several times. I love Diriyah because it is steeped in history.

At-Turaif district in Diriyah was the first capital of the Saudi State and home to the House of Saud. This powerful dynasty played a prime role in the creation of modern Saudi Arabia. Turaif is precisely where the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia began.

Founded in the 15th century, Diriyah’s At-Turaif is home to traditional Najdi buildings, an 18th-century palace museum, many smaller museums displaying local life and culture, and several handicraft shops selling authentic Saudi souvenirs.

Apart from the historic At-Turaif, Diriyah is also home to the happening Bujairi Terrace, which has numerous restaurants, cafes, and boutique shops and is always buzzing with activity in the evenings.

The beautiful Wadi Hanifa (wadi refers to a river valley) also cuts through Diriyah. It is a nice place to enjoy a walk and spend time in nature.

Also Read: 10 Best Places to Visit in Saudi Arabia

Planning to visit Diriyah, Saudi Arabia? Check out this ultimate Diriyah visitor's guide that has all the best things to do in Diriyah including seeing traditional Najd architecture and deep diving into Saudi Arabia culture and art. Must have on your list of best places to visit in Saudi Arabia.

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Best Things to Do in Diriyah

Explore the Turaif District: A UNESCO World Heritage Site  

At the heart of Diriyah lies At-Turaif, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the birthplace of the Saudi state.

Walking through its streets is like stepping back into the 18th century when the first Saudi capital began to take shape.

Best Things to Do in Diriyah’s Turaif Neighborhood

Traditional Najdi Architecture
Diriyah At-Turaif District

This historic area is home to traditional Najdi architecture, characterized by mudbrick buildings and intricate geometric designs.

Be sure to notice traditional Najdi triangles—a distinct element of Najdi architecture that helps with the natural lighting and ventilation of houses without compromising privacy.

Najdi houses, while brown, usually have colorful doors and windows that are meant to be attractive so guests feel welcome.

Diriyah Museums
Military gallery in Diriyah

At-Turaif is also home to several museums that provide rich insights into the growth and development of Diriyah and the Saudi Kingdom.

Some unmissable museums in Diriyah include the Diriyah History Museum, the Arabian Horse Gallery, the Traditional Architecture Gallery, and the Military Gallery. Do not miss the ruins of the Palace of Imam Abdullah bin Saud.

Stroll through the streets of Diriyah
Streets of Diriyah Old Town

The best way to experience Diriyah is by strolling through the narrow lanes of this historic city and experiencing the beauty of traditional Najd architecture. The mudbrick buildings, narrow roads, small windows, and Najdi triangles were all built to keep the houses cooler in the hot summer months of Central Saudi Arabia.

Be sure to sign up for a walking tour with a knowledgeable local guide like this one. It includes dinner and hotel pick-up.

Do not depend on the official tour offered complimentary with the Diriyah Pass. They are absolutely unreliable. The first time I visited Diriyah, the tour guides had gone away to show the place to some high-profile visitors, and we were left high and dry without a tour. I would not recommend it.

Traditional Crafts and Souvenirs
Traditional souvenirs with Najd motifs

If you want to buy something unique from Saudi Arabia, Diriyah is a great place to shop.

The souvenir shops in Diriyah have rare pieces of Sadu weaves, Al-Qatt art, and beautiful local woodwork.

I found my favorite Najdi souvenir—a miniature Najdi door—in Diriyah and totally loved it. The door is made by Herfah, a local organization that documents, preserves, and transmits Saudi handicrafts in the country and abroad.

Author against a traditional Najdi window in Diriyah
Festivals and Events

Diriyah also hosts annual events like the Diriyah Season. You can time your visit to experience vibrant cultural events and festivals in Turaif, celebrating local music, art, and food.

Enjoy the Atmosphere at Bujairi Terrace  

Restaurants at Bujairi Terrace

For a contemporary twist to your Diriyah adventure, head to the nearby Bujairi Terrace. The buildings of Bujairi Terrace are constructed in the traditional Najd style and are home to excellent restaurants, cafes, and boutique shops.

From traditional Saudi food at Maiz and Middle Eastern delights at Somewhere (one of my favorite places to eat in Riyadh) to delicious Italian cuisine at Altopiano and soulful Thai food at Long Chim, there are plenty of lovely places to eat at Bujairi Terrace.

Here, you can have dinner facing the ruins of the Turaif district. Al fresco dining options are plenty.

You can redeem the price of your Diriyah Pass at any of the cafes or restaurants at Bujairi Terrace.

Reconnect with Nature at Wadi Hanifa

Wadi Hanifa near Riyadh

If you’re craving nature, go to Wadi Hanifa, a beautiful valley that once ran through Diriyah. However, nowadays, the best part of the valley is about an hour’s drive southeast of Diriyah.

There’s a dam here over the river and ample greenery for you to relax and take a walk in. You’ll often find locals picnicking at Wadi Hanifa in the winter.

Practical Tips for Visiting Diriyah

How to Get to Diriyah from Riyadh  

Diriyah is located approximately 12 miles (20 km) northwest of Riyadh. The easiest way to reach Diriyah is by car or taxi, with the journey taking around 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic.

You can hail a ride through Uber and Jeeny if you do not have your car. These are the two most widely used ride-hailing apps in Riyadh. You can also take a green taxi that you can hail on the street. These are safe, too.

Ruins of Diriyah in Saudi Arabia

Best Time to Visit Diriyah  

Plan your trip between October and March, when the weather is cooler and ideal for exploring outdoors in Saudi Arabia.

Avoid the summer months, as temperatures can go up to 120, and the dryness gets unbearable, making it extremely uncomfortable to walk around.

Diriyah Opening Hours

The historic Turaif district in Diriyah is open from 10 am to 12 am, Saturday through Thursday. Friday, the holy day of the week, usually has shorter hours—2 pm to 12 am.

Bujairi Terrace, on the other hand, is open from 9 am to 12 am, Saturday through Tuesday, and 9 am to 1 am, Wednesday through Friday. Check the official website for updated hours.

I recommend visiting the archaeological site of At-Turaif in the afternoon and then watching the sunset over Turaif from the Bujairi Terrace. Enjoy a nice cosy dinner at Bujairi after that and head back home.

Traditional Najdi windows in Diriyah, Saudi Arabia

How to Buy Tickets for Diriyah  

Before visiting Diriyah, be sure to reserve your Diriyah ticket, known as the Diriyah Access Pass, on the official website here.

If you’re visiting between 9 am and 5 pm, you can enter Diriyah for free.

However, if you’re visiting between 5 pm and 12 am, the pass costs 50 SAR (approx. 13 USD). Remember, this 50 SAR can be redeemed against your bill in any restaurant or cafe should you decide to eat at Bujairi Terrace. Remember to make a restaurant reservation using your Diriyah Pass here.

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Planning to visit Diriyah, Saudi Arabia? Check out this ultimate Diriyah visitor's guide that has all the best things to do in Diriyah including seeing traditional Najd architecture and deep diving into Saudi Arabia culture and art. Must have on your list of best places to visit in Saudi Arabia.

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