Places to see in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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An amalgamation of the country’s culture, booming finance, manufacturing centre and more, Riyadh is surrounded by the arid an-Nafud desert. It is home to a unique and captivating terrain which is swiftly filling with twinkling city lights and much more. Besides the bustling city sights and rugged mountains, Riyadh offers its visitors a one of kind modern yet traditional experience.
Let’s discover more!
- Top attractions
- Off-beat places
- Cultural hotspots
- Shopping
- Malls
- Local flavours
- The Taste of India
- Travel tips
- Travel guidelines
Venture into the heart of Saudi Arabia
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Explore the majestic Al Masmak Palace
An archaeological museum
Discover the city’s history in this symbolic fort like structure. This palace played a significant role in the establishment of the modern Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Well-known as a historical site, the Masmak Palace has a museum inside that offers an unique insight into the city displaying artifacts, photographs and exhibits.
From the city centre: 13.5 km
Timings: Open 08:00 am to 09:00 pm except on Fridays, when the visit hours are 04:00 pm to 09:00 pm.
Time taken: 2-3 hours.
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Visit the historic Al Murabba Palace
The Founder’s Palace
Experience the beauty of traditional Arabian and Ottoman styles in this historic structure. The Al Murabba Palace is popular amongst tourists for featuring a distinctive layout and a serene central courtyard The palace is surrounded by well-maintained gardens, adding to its aesthetic appeal. Once a residence, it is now a part of the King Abdulaziz Historical Centre and showcases his life.
From the city centre: About 10 km
Timings: Open 08:00 am to 09:00 pm except on Fridays, when the visit hours are 04:00 pm to 09:00 pm.
Time taken: 2 hours.
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Experience new heights at the Kingdom Centre Tower
A prominent fountain
Enjoy the towering view of the city. A prominent skyscraper and one of Riyadh's iconic landmarks, the Kingdom Centre Tower offers panoramic views of the city from its observation deck. Along with enjoying the Skywalk experience, visitors can also indulge themselves at the in-house shopping mall and the luxury hotel.
From the city centre:
Timings: Open 08:00 am to 08:00 pm on all days except Fridays when the visit hours are 04:00 pm to 08:00 pm.
Time taken: 1 hour.
Witness art at the King Fahad Cultural Centre
Explore art, exhibits, books and more at this iconic cultural centre. The King Fahd Cultural Centre is also an architectural marvel with its unique design. It houses a large library, planetarium, a fine art gallery and ‘The Royal Suite’ among other things.
From the city centre: About 15 km
Timings: Open 08:00 am to 08:00 pm on all days except Fridays when the visit hours are 04:00 am to 08:00 pm.
Time taken: 2-3 hours
Relish in the unseen beauty of Riyadh
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Witness the fine Street Art in Riyadh
A blend of contemporary and modern
Explore the city's emerging street art scene. Some neighbourhoods in Riyadh feature vibrant murals and graffiti, adding a contemporary touch to the urban landscape. Areas like Al-Murabba and Al-Malaz are some places where street art is gradually gaining popularity.
From the city centre: 9-10 km
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Plan a picnic at Rawdat Khuraim
A captivating site of nature
Rejuvenate in a desert oasis, also known as the King’s Forest. The Rawdat Khuraim is a unique spot for a day trip. It features a beautiful lake surrounded by greenery, creating a contrast with the desert landscape making for a perfect getaway!
From the city centre: 100 km
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Go on an adventure in the Tuwaiq Escarpment
View of the rugged mountains
Plan a day trip away from the hustle and bustle of Riyadh. The Tuwaiq Escarpment offers stunning views and a peaceful atmosphere. It's a great place to plan your next hiking trip and enjoy the natural beauty of the region.
From the city centre: About 88 km
Experience history up close at Diriyah
The birthplace of the Saudi Kingdom
While the city of Diriyah is known for its historical significance as the birthplace of the Saudi Arabia, it's less crowded compared to other attractions. Wander through the narrow alleyways, visit restored mud-brick houses and explore the rich history of the first Saudi state.
From the city centre:
Sky gaze at the Jebel Fihrayn
Known as the Edge of the World
The Edge of the World is a stunning geological formation with breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Get enamoured with the aerial view of the Saudi terrain, serene desert and other arid features of the land. The cliffs provide a dramatic drop, creating a sense of standing at the edge of the world. It's a great destination for hiking and enjoying the natural beauty.
From the city centre: 98 km
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Discover the National Museum of Saudi Arabia
Learn about the Kingdom
Explore elaborate exhibits at the National Museum. Ornate with a captivating dome, the National Museum provides a comprehensive overview of Saudi Arabia's history, culture and heritage.
From the city centre: About 10 km
Timings: Open 08:00 am to 09:00 pm except on Fridays, when the visit hours are 04:00 pm to 09:00 pm.
Time taken: 1-2 hours.
Explore the King Fahad National Library
One of the largest libraries in the Country
Offering a safe haven to all readers, this architectural marvel houses an extensive collection of books, manuscripts, periodicals and more. The collected resources cover various subjects, including science, literature, history, and religion. The library has a special focus on Islamic studies and houses valuable Islamic manuscripts.
From the city centre: About 4 km
Timings: Open 08:00 am to 08:00 pm. It is closed on every Friday & Saturday of the week.
Time taken: 1 hour.
From Traditional Marketplaces to Modern Complex
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Dabble with the local sellers at Souq Al Zal
Located in the heart of Riyadh, Souq Al Zal is a traditional market where you can find a variety of goods, including textiles, clothing, accessories, spices and handmade crafts. It's a great place to have a local shopping experience and bargain for souvenirs.
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Explore trinkets at Deira Square Souq
Situated near the historic Deira Square is a souq which offers a range of traditional products like ornate jewellery, antiques and local Saudi handicrafts.
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Experience artful Jewellery at the Gold Souq
Up your jewellery game by visiting Riyadh’s dedicated Gold Souq. In this traditional shopping space, visitors can find a wide range of gold and silver jewellery. It is most popularly known for being the go-to destination for those looking to buy traditional Arabian jewellery.
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Indulge in a variety of flavours at the Date Souq
Trade for the staple food of Saudi Arabia, dates are an essential part of the Arabian culture. Riyadh is home to this specific souq that is known most for its trade of dates. Varying in sizes, ripeness, forms and shapes, the market offers an abundance of locally grown flavourful dates.
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Have a unique buying experience at the Souq Al Jamal
Witness a unique shopping experience at the Souq Al Jamal. In the city of Riyadh, there is a Camel Souq where you can experience the traditional trade of camels. A unique cattle marketwhich also represents the cultural significance of camels in the region.
Al Nakheel Mall:
Home to an extensive selection of shops, including fashion, electronics and home goods.
Panorama Mall:
Known for its modern architecture and a mix of international and local brands. It's a popular destination for shopping, dining and entertainment.
Centria Mall:
Offers a luxurious shopping experience with a range of high-end international brands.
Kingdom Centre Mall:
This iconic shopping mall is not only a retail destination but also a prominent landmark in Riyadh.
An Abundance of Arabian Delicacies
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Mutabbaq
A popular street food
Mutabbaq is a filled pastry that can contain a variety of ingredients such as spiced meat, vegetables or cheese. It's typically folded and then pan-fried or baked until crispy.
Popular place to try: Abu Zaid, Dammam Road
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Dates and Arabic Coffee
Arabic must haves
Dates and Arabic coffee are almost considered a staple in Riyadh. A sign of tradition and hospitality, Dates are often served as a sweet treat. Arabic coffee is usually flavoured with cardamom.
Popular places to try:
1. Chorisia Lounge, Al Hada
2. Cafe Bateel & Bateel, Tahlia Street
3. Java Time, King Abdul Aziz Road
Kabsa
A flavourful rice dish
Kabsa is served with meat, often lamb or chicken and a mixture of aromatic spices like cinnamon, cloves and black lime. A usual pairing with this delectable preparation is a unique tomato sauce.
Popular places to try:
1. Al-Romansiah, King Fahad Branch Road
2. Al Saddah, As Suwaidi Al Gharabi
3. Al Tazaj, Al Muruj
Harees
A powerpacked porridge
Harees is a dish made from ground wheat and meat, usually chicken or lamb. The mixture is slow-cooked to a smooth, porridge-like consistency. It's often enjoyed during the holy month of Ramadan.
Popular places to try:
1. Paradise Flavours Restaurant, Al Wizarat
2. Niagara Restaurant, Al Wizarat
Sambousek
A stuffed flavourful snack
A versatile dish, Sambousek can be baked or fried, resulting in a crispy exterior and a flavourful filling. In simpler terms, these are savoury pastries filled with ingredients such as minced meat, cheese or vegetables. They are usually enjoyed as tasty appetizers.
Popular place to try: Karam Beirut, Al Mohammadiyyah
Falafel
A Middle Eastern classic
Falafel is also a popular snack in Riyadh. These deep-fried balls or patties are made from ground chickpeas or fava beans and are typically served in flatbread with tahini sauce.
Popular places to try:
1. Alnaqaa Falafel & Hummus, Al Khaleej.
2. Green Falafel, Qurtubah.
3. Operation Falafel, Rubeen Plaza.
When you’re craving a piece of home.
- Zafran Indian Bistro, Nakheel Mall.
- Indian Hut, As Sulaimaniyah.
- Grill And Rice, Al Sina'iyah.
- Saravanaa Bhavan, Murabah Avenue Mall.
Note: These Restaurants are also known for their vegetarian options.
Essential tips for first-time travellers to Saudi Arabia.
- Attire: Loose-fitting clothes that cover your elbows and go below the ankle are recommended for all travellers.
- Currency and Customs: Familiarise yourself with Saudi Riyal; declare amounts over SAR 60,000 on arrival.
- Alcohol: It's illegal to buy, sell, import, carry and consume alcohol in Saudi Arabia.
- Language: The official language is Arabic with three variants. English is commonly spoken in parts of the city.
- Cultural Etiquette: Respect local customs, such as greetings and refrain from public displays of affection.
- Weather and Best Time to Travel: Saudi Arabia has a diverse terrain making for extremely hot summers. Travellers are recommended to visit during the months November-March.
- Holidays and Shop Closures: Saudi Arabia celebrates four public holidays each year - Founding Day, National Day, Eid Al Fitr and Eid Al Adha.
- Friday Timings: Businesses close during Friday prayers (around 10 am - 12 pm), with some shops reopening in the afternoon. Several shops may remain closed on Fridays while malls open in the afternoon on Fridays.
- Smoking: Smoking is prohibited in public spaces or any tourist-related places in Saudi Arabia.
- Tipping: It is considered polite in Saudi Arabia. While service charges are often included, tipping is appreciated; you may want to carry cash for this.
- Traffic: Saudi Arabia drives on the right-hand side of the road.
- Time Zone: Saudi Arabia operates on GMT+3
For customers traveling from India to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
- Indians require a visa to enter Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. You can submit your visa application on the official visa website - https://visa.visitsaudi.com/Registration/Verify
For details on the Passenger Rights Protection Regulations issued by the General Authority of Civil Aviation, Saudi Arabia (as amended from time to time), please click here.
This information is shared by Akasa Air as a helpful service. While we make efforts to update it regularly, we strongly advise you to check back regularly as travel conditions may change quickly. Additionally, we recommend independently verifying travel and entry requirements before your trip.
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