Best 10 Places to Visit in Riyadh

Riyadh offers a whole lot more than just sandy desert expanses and relentless heat. It is a city that can flip on a dime from a glitzy mall to a real-life time capsule of ancient history in a matter of minutes. You can find yourself strolling past cutting-edge skyscrapers, then meandering through a tranquil park, followed by getting lost in a bustling marketplace or even trekking out to some actual dunes. This list sets out the 10 best places to visit in Riyadh to help you plan your trip and avoid getting totally lost in the process.

At-Turaif District in Diriyah is a UNESCO World Heritage site and the original home of the Saudi royal family. As you walk through the restored mud-brick buildings and narrow streets, you can stop off at museums to learn about the history of the First Saudi State. Guided tours are a great way to get the lowdown on the area's past. Come in the evening, and the restored buildings really come alive when the lighting is turned on. There's also a bunch of seating areas and cafes in the neighborhood, plus walking paths to help you find your way around. Be aware that entry times are pretty strictly controlled, but you're allowed to take your camera with you to the outdoor areas.

Al Bujairi Heritage Park is just opposite the At-Turaif District. This place is really worth a visit, as from here you get a great view of the historic buildings across the valley. There are some lovely gardens and paved walkways if you want to sit down for a bit. They've also got a few restaurants and cafes here, and you can sit right out in the open with a view of the heritage site in front of you. Be aware, though, that on weekends you'll need a ticket to get in, and you may have to go through some security checks at the door.

Masmak Fortress in central Riyadh is a bit of a historical gem. It's a really old fort built out of clay and mud-brick. It's got a bit of a reputation; it's actually where the 1902 capture of Riyadh took place. As well as the original wooden gate, which still has a spear mark on it, inside the fort, you can see all sorts of historical stuff like old weapons and photographs. The courtyard is open to visitors, too, so you can just wander around and take in the sights. Best of all, entry is free! The site is pretty close to the traditional markets too, so you can easily combine a visit to the fort with a bit of shopping.

The National Museum of Saudi Arabia is part of the King Abdulaziz Historical Center. As you'd expect from a museum, it's got a load of exhibits covering every aspect of Saudi history: eight galleries in total. There are all sorts of exhibits: ancient tools, old manuscripts, models of old buildings, and so on. The museum is pretty well-organized, and you end up following a fairly fixed path through the galleries. They've even got audio-visual displays to help bring the history to life. Entry tickets are available at the door, and the museum is air-conditioned, too, so you can take a break if you get too hot.

The Murabba Palace in Riyadh was built by King Abdulaziz in 1937. It's a great example of traditional Najdi architecture and is definitely worth a visit if you're interested in history. As you walk around the palace, you can see all sorts of period furniture and even some personal items of the king himself. There's a big courtyard in the middle of the palace, too, which is really nice. The palace is pretty close to the National Museum, so you can easily visit both in one day.

Kingdom Centre Tower is a pretty eye-catching 302-meter skyscraper in the middle of Riyadh, and it has a sky bridge at the top, which gives you a great view of the city. To get to the top, you'll need to take a ticketed elevator ride, but it's well worth it. The building itself has a shopping mall and many offices inside, and there are some restaurants if you get hungry. In the evening, the tower is all lit up, which is quite a sight. From the top, you can even see out through glass panels. It is one of the best modern Riyadh attractions!

Boulevard Riyadh City is part of the Riyadh Season events, but it's a lot more than that. This place has entertainment zones, restaurants, and theatres. Visitors get to wander through themed areas with some seriously impressive lighting displays to boot. And if that wasn't enough, there are always live shows and performances lined up. The area's been thoughtfully laid out with comfy seating and walking paths so you can take it all in. Security and entry gates are all being monitored, and there are plenty of food outlets serving up international cuisine. And just to confuse things a bit, the whole place changes themes with the seasons.

Riyadh Park Mall is where you go to shop in Riyadh. It's got loads of international retail stores, and plenty of dining options to boot. Grab some new clothes, pick up the latest gadgets, or get some new accessories. The mall also has a cinema complex showing the latest movies. And if you're feeling a bit hungry, you can grab a bite at one of the many indoor seating areas. Parking is no problem, with heaps of levels to choose from. The mall's open every day with set hours, and you can rest assured that security will be keeping an eye on things at the entrance. And if you want to get from one end to the other, there are escalators and lifts to help you out. The whole place is nice and air-conditioned to boot.

Edge of the World is basically a cliff overlooking a massive desert plain, which is pretty breathtaking. The usual way to get there is by off-roading, but if you're feeling adventurous, you can try out the hiking trails to get to the edge of the cliffs. There are no fences or barriers to hold you back, so do bear in mind it’s a little risky. You'll need to bring your own water and snacks. There aren't any shops or places to grab a bite nearby, so you're on your own out there. But if you do make it to the top, the views at sunset are just something else.

Souq Al Zal is a traditional old Riyadh market, and it's basically a treasure trove of antiques, carpets, and handicrafts. Take a stroll down those narrow covered lanes, and you'll find all sorts of interesting things on offer. You will see shops selling oud, daggers, and traditional clothing. And of course, haggling is all part of the fun here. The market is usually open late in the evenings, being one of the best places to visit in Riyadh for free for window shopping!

In a nutshell, Riyadh tourist places offer a clear mix of historic sites, modern towers, and desert landscapes in one city.

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