20 Best Things to Do in Riyadh

Riyadh, also known as Ar Riyadh, which means “The Gardens,” is the dynamic capital of Saudi Arabia that is situated in the center of the Arabian Peninsula on the Najd Plateau. It was once a walled oasis town but gained prominence when King Abdul Aziz recaptured the city and laid the foundation for the modern Kingdom. Today, Riyadh is well known for its historical architecture, breathtaking skyline, rich history, diverse culture, delicious food scene, and a wide range of attractions drawing visitors from all around the world.

From enjoying the expansive city views from the Kingdom Tower and exploring wildlife and endangered Saudi species at the biggest zoo in Saudi Arabia, the Riyadh Zoo, to having some retail therapy at the famous malls and souqs like Al Nakheel Mall and Souq Al Thumairi, or learning about Arabian history at the National Museum, this city has something for every preference. Below is the list of the best 20 things to do in Riyadh. Check them out and make your trip a memorable one!

Kingdom Center is one of the most recognizable structures in Riyadh, which is situated in the Al Olaya area and rises 302 meters above the city. The 99-story skyscraper was completed in 2002 and features an inverted arch topped by a 65-meter Sky Bridge that is suspended 300 meters high and provides stunning 360-degree views of the city, especially at sunset. Visitors can also visit the Kingdom Mall inside, which is home to luxury brands and dining places. Moreover, the tower is also home to a sophisticated Four Seasons Hotel, offices, residences, and the elevated King Abdullah Mosque.

The Edge of the World serves as a 1,131-meter-high cliff that is situated around 100 kilometers northwest of Riyadh and marks the end of the Tuwaik Mountain Range. Its dramatic edge offers visitors expansive views of the desert that are illuminated at sunrise and sunset. The towering rock walls of the cliff are sculpted by years of erosion, creating a rocky terrain that is ideal for trekking and taking pictures. Moreover, there are several scattered marine fossils in the area that reveal its ancient past beneath the sea and add a stunning layer to your natural escape.

The Saudi National Museum is situated in the Al Murabba neighborhood of Riyadh and provides a comprehensive look into the history and Islamic legacy of the Kingdom. The 17,000-square-meter museum was opened in 1999 and features around 3,700 objects, including jewelry, clothing, antique statues, and inscriptions. It is home to eight rooms, including “Islam and the Arabian Peninsula” and “Man and the Universe,” blending interactive technology with immersive displays. Visitors can also unwind in the garden near the King Abdul Aziz Palace and reflect on their experience.

Al Masmak Fortress is a historic mud-brick fort situated in the Ad Dirah neighborhood of Riyadh and serves as a symbol of Saudi unity. The fort was built in 1865 and was later taken by King Abdul Aziz at the Battle of Riyadh in 1902, marking the beginning of the modern Kingdom. The renovated fort now serves as a museum with a wide range of displays, photos, and relics related to that crucial raid. Visitors can explore its four watchtowers, courtyard, mosque, well, robust gate, as well as visit several neighboring traditional souks to enhance the experience.

Al Nakheel Mall is one of the best places to shop in Riyadh, which brings retail, dining, and entertainment into one place. Visitors can explore several well-known brands like Adidas, Chanel, and Boggi Milano as well as shop for a range of perfumes, accessories, and electronic devices. The lively food court of the mall is home to a variety of eateries featuring everything from traditional Saudi food to international dishes. The mall is also home to kid-friendly spaces, making it a great location to visit with families. It has a cozy interior, a convenient location, and contemporary conveniences.

Al Rajhi Mosque, also known as Sheikh Sulaiman Al Rajhi Mosque, serves as one of the biggest and most beautiful mosques in Riyadh. The mosque was opened in 2004 and funded by millionaire Sulaiman Al Rajhi and features peaceful prayer chambers, elaborate calligraphy, and Andalusian Moorish Revival architecture. Visitors who are not Muslims can take part in guided cultural tours, partake in traditional afternoon tea, and discover more about Islamic beliefs, culture, and the mosque’s architecture. It is situated on King Fahd Road, is free to enter, and is perfect for families or people who love to explore culture.

King Abdullah Park, which was formerly known as Al Malaz Square, is the biggest public park in Riyadh and covers an area of 31.8 hectares. The focal point of the park is the magnificent dancing fountain, which combines music, lighting, and water to create a captivating display. Visitors can stroll along the 12-meter-wide pedestrian corridor, relax by the man-made lake, or explore the tall trees, flowering gardens, and beautiful lawns. The park also features jogging paths, a cultural pavilion, and kid-friendly playgrounds, as well as hosting fireworks and seasonal events.

Al Faisaliyah Center is one of the most iconic landmarks of Riyadh and is crowned by its golden glass sphere. The center is 267 meters tall with 55 stories and is home to upscale retail stores, including Cartier, Gucci, Sephora, and Harvey Nichols, as well as cafes like Starbucks and Patchi. Inside the sphere, visitors can also eat at the famous Globe restaurant and enjoy the 360-degree panoramic city views from the observation deck. The complex also has a five-star hotel, galleries, meeting spaces, and family entertainment, making it one of the best places to visit in Riyadh.

Tahlia Street is the most premium avenue in Riyadh that is well known for its luxury shopping, dining, and exciting nightlife. Visitors can explore a wide range of designer boutiques and high-end electronics stores here, as well as foreign eateries like Sushi Art, Nino, and The Butcher Shop & Grill. It is also home to famous rooftop lounges such as Sky Bar and Piano Lounge, offering live music, food, and beverages to visitors. Moreover, it features wide sidewalks, stunning lighting, seasonal festivals, street performances, and a late-night shopping experience, providing a lively center of modern Riyadh life for visitors.

Riyadh Zoo is situated in the Al Malaz neighborhood of Saudi Arabia and is the largest zoo in Saudi Arabia, spanning an area of 55 acres. The zoo is home to more than 1,500 animals from about 190 species, including giraffes, red pandas, zebras, cheetahs, tigers, horses, camels, exotic birds, as well as endangered Saudi species like Houbara bustards and Arabian oryx. The zoo also offers informative displays, a 20-minute train journey, and large, lifelike enclosures to enhance the experience. Moreover, it is home to a children’s play area, interactive feeding sessions, and close-up interactions with a few chosen animals, making each visit unforgettable.

Riyadh Season Boulevard is a bustling entertainment hub in Riyadh that is open from October to March. Visit Boulevard City, home to theaters, dancing fountains, restaurants, and retail stores; BLVD World, which offers immersive zones influenced by Korea, Indonesia, and Kuwait; and ANB Arena, which hosts a wide range of concerts and events with innovative sound and staging. In addition to this, visitors can also enjoy foreign and Saudi food and walk past replicas of famous global landmarks. It is also home to BLVD Flowers, which is a 214,000-square-meter space home to millions of flowers, 3D floral art, and historic Saudi aircraft turned into breathtaking displays.

The King Khalid Grand Mosque was constructed in 1987 and is one of the most notable Islamic sites in Riyadh. It features Turkish-inspired architecture with ornate calligraphy, a central dome, and tall minarets, drawing visitors from all around the world. The large prayer hall accommodates thousands of people, while the peaceful courtyard and modern restrooms enhance the experience. The mosque also conducts educational sessions by scholars like Dr. Omar Al Johani, as well as English-language lectures and guided tours. It is situated in Umm Al Hammam Al Gharbi and offers families and tourists a rich experience.

Wadi Namar is a beautiful valley in Riyadh that features a serene lake created by Namar Dam and provides a tranquil gateway from the city. The main attraction of the wadi is the man-made Wadi Namar Waterfall, which glows at night between the cliffs and palm trees. Families can have picnics by the lake, children can feed ducks, while couples can take a walk. There are also 2,000 meters of walking and cycling pathways with seats and shaded areas. Visitors can also enjoy Saudi cuisine from the food vendors, which ideally combines leisure, enjoyment, and nature.

Wadi Hanifa is a 120-kilometer valley in Riyadh that was transformed from a historic riverbed into a lush green corridor. Visitors here can explore scenic walking and cycling paths, unwind by lakes, and have a picnic in open areas like Stone Dam and Al Ulayb Park. The wadi features a calm atmosphere, which is created by rocky terrain, native vegetation, and small waterfalls. It is also home to several cafes and restaurants serving international and Saudi cuisine and catering to a wide range of preferences. Families can do BBQ together, see ducks, or take pictures of the natural beauty of the wadi.

Al Thumairi Gate is situated in the Ad Dirah neighborhood of Riyadh and is an 18th-century fortified entryway and one of the remaining surviving sections of Riyadh’s ancient fortification. It is named after the guard Hassan Al Thumairi and features a mud-brick structure with a cylindrical watchtower. The gate was restored in 1992 and served as the primary eastern entrance to the city until its walls were demolished in the 1950s. Today, visitors can climb the tower and enjoy views of Al Thumairi Street, explore nearby souks, and appreciate the connection of the tower with Al Masmak Fortress, where King Abdul Aziz reclaimed Riyadh in 1902.

Salam Park is a 61-acre urban oasis in Riyadh and is home to a 3.3-acre man-made lake, gardens, and more than 1,250 date trees that preserve the historic orchard of the site. Visitors can paddle boats, enjoy a picnic under the shaded palm trees, or feed the ducks in the lake. The park is also home to an ecological zone that features local flora and fauna, the Hillside Zone that provides mild inclines with views of the city and lake, and the Salam Mosque that enhances the spiritual appeal. Moreover, it features a 1-kilometer walking and jogging path and a kid-friendly play area that offers imaginative and safe entertainment.

At-Turaif is situated in Diriyah, northwest of Riyadh, and serves as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as well as the original capital of the first Saudi state. This mud-brick citadel is home to several famous places like the Guest House, the Imam Mohammad bin Saud Mosque, as well as historic attractions like Salwa Palace and Saad bin Saud Palace. The district overlooks the beautiful Wadi Hanifa and displays early leadership, architecture, and culture of Saudi Arabia. Visitors can take self-led or guided tours, explore the Arabian Horse Gallery, or just take in the calm surroundings.

Murabba Palace is part of the King Abdulaziz Historical Center in Riyadh and serves as the primary house and workplace of King Abdul Aziz from 1938 to 1953. The cubic palace was constructed in typical Najdi architecture with mud-brick, palm-leaf ceilings, and ornamental beams and features nine gates, 32 rooms, and courtyards. The top floor features the King’s audience hall, offices, and guest rooms, while the bottom floor is home to utility and security spaces. The palace was renovated in 1999 and now serves as a museum that features antique clothing, crafts, archives, and the King Abdul Aziz Memorial.

Souq Al Thumairi, also known as the Clock Tower Souq, is a historic bazaar in Riyadh that is situated in the Ad Dirah area and stretches from Al Thumairi Gate to the Safat Clock Tower. The souq was rebuilt in the modern Najdi style and is well known for its gold and jewelry stores as well as its heritage stores that offer vintage silverware, carpets, clothes, and weapons. Fresh saffron, coffee beans, herbs, and spices are also available to visitors. The narrow lanes of the market display genuine Saudi workmanship, while the food carts provide Arabic coffee with dates, enhancing the experience.

Riyadh Gallery Mall is situated in the King Fahd District and serves as a 38-acre indoor shopping complex. It was established in 2007 and provides a cozy and air-conditioned area that is perfect for shopping and a break from exploring Riyadh attractions. The mall is home to hypermarkets, regular retail stores, as well as well-known stores like Lord Millano, Hollister, Semir, Rasma, Bershka, and Beverly Hills Polo Club. Coffee shops and food places are also available to visitors, making it a great place to unwind as well as explore the modern side of Riyadh.

Book your stay at Karim Hotel Riyadh today and experience comfort, convenience, and easy access to the best of Riyadh.