Things To Do
in Riyadh
Riyadh is Saudi Arabia’s sprawling capital — a modern megacity built around a historic core of mud-brick neighborhoods and palaces. Towering skyscrapers, wide boulevards and luxury malls sit alongside souks, museums and restored heritage sites that tell the story of the kingdom’s rapid transformation. The city is the political, economic and cultural hub of the country, with a growing arts scene, international dining and expanding public spaces.
Visitors should expect strict cultural norms, hot summers, and fast-paced development with new attractions appearing frequently.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Begin your day exploring the mud-brick palaces and alleyways of At-Turaif, the original seat of the Saudi royal family. Feel the ancient stones underfoot as you learn about the birth of the Saudi state. Engage with interactive exhibits that bring the 15th century to life.
Stroll through the newly developed Bujairi Terrace, sampling date smoothies and local street food at shaded cafes. Watch artisans craft traditional goods and discover modern Saudi design at boutique shops. Enjoy panoramic views of the Wadi Hanifah valley below.
Dine on authentic Najdi cuisine at a riverside restaurant, savoring spiced lamb and fragrant rice. Witness a cultural performance under the stars with traditional music and dance. End the night with social mint tea while overlooking the illuminated historic district.
Arrive early at the National Museum to admire its state-of-the-art galleries showcasing Arabian prehistoric artifacts. Follow the chronological journey from the Arabian Peninsula’s earliest inhabitants to the modern Saudi state. Take advantage of interactive displays to deepen your understanding of local traditions.
Walk across to Murabba Palace and visit King Abdulaziz’s former residence with its ornate wooden ceilings and historical photographs. Learn about his unification campaigns and personal life through guided audio commentary. Relax in the palace gardens, noting the contrast between royal heritage and urban development.
Head to the nearby Deera Square for an evening stroll through illuminated streets. Sample savory street fare like shawarma or mutabbaq from local vendors. Enjoy a quiet moment watching the city’s shimmering skyline as it transitions into night.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| ☕Coffee at a caf e9 | $3-7 |
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $8-15 |
| 🍽️Three-course meal for two at mid-range restaurant | $40-100 |
| 🚕Taxi start (flag fall) | $1-3 |
| 🏨Hotel (3-star per night) | $50-120 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich cultural history and restored heritage sites like Diriyah
- Modern infrastructure, luxury shopping and growing entertainment scene
- Unique desert landscapes and iconic viewpoints such as Edge of the World
- High standards of service in hotels and restaurants
- Extreme summer heat limits outdoor activities for much of the year
- Strict cultural and legal norms require careful behavior and dress
- Alcohol is not available and nightlife differs from Western expectations
- Some attractions require advance planning and permits or guided visits
- "مرحبا (Marhaba)" - Hello / Welcome
- "شكراً (Shukran)" - Thank you
- "من فضلك (Min fadlak / fadlik)" - Please (to a man / to a woman)
- "كم السعر؟ (Kam al-s e3r?)" - How much is this?
- "أين الحمام؟ (Ayn al-hammam?)" - Where is the bathroom?
- "إلى اللقاء (Ila al-liqaa')" - Goodbye
Places to Visit in Riyadh
Visit one of these nice places.
A well-preserved clay and mud-brick fort in the old city — strong architectural lines and historic character, best in morning light.
Panoramic city views from the sky bridge at sunset or night when the city lights create a tapestry below.
UNESCO-listed mud-brick Palaces and restored streets provide striking heritage shots, especially during golden hour.
Dramatic desert escarpment offering sweeping vistas and dramatic cliffs — ideal for sunrise, sunsets and wide landscape compositions.
A long valley with water features, greenery and urban contrasts — good for nature and lifestyle photography within the city limits.
A modern urban boulevard with stylish facades, boutique shops and lively street scenes — best for nighttime cityscape and street photography.
Food in Riyadh
Riyadh Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A fragrant rice dish cooked with spiced lamb or chicken, often served on communal platters; available at many traditional restaurants and family-style eateries.
Must-Try!
Slow-cooked spiced meat over rice with a smoky flavor — Mandi is traditionally cooked in a pit while Mathbi is grilled on hot stones; popular in Arabian Gulf restaurants.
Crushed wheat porridge often cooked with meat or chicken and seasoned with Arabic spices — a Najdi comfort food found in traditional restaurants.
A stuffed savory pancake sold as street food or in casual outlets; fillings can be meat, egg, cheese or sweet versions.
An essential pairing in Saudi hospitality — expect dates and lightly spiced cardamom coffee served at gatherings and restaurants.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A bustling market where you can find spices, dates, coffee and small eateries serving traditional Saudi breakfasts and snacks; good for budget-friendly street eats.
Historic market selling antiques, textiles and traditional goods with adjacent vendors offering local snacks and sweets.
Scattered across the city, these offer grilled meats, shawarma, and mutabbaq; they’re especially lively in the evenings and near commercial districts.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Dress conservatively in public: for women, modest clothing that covers shoulders and knees is expected; an abaya is common but not strictly enforced for foreigners in many places. Men should avoid sleeveless tops and very short shorts. Be aware that rules can vary by venue and private spaces may require stricter attire.
Public displays of affection are frowned upon; loud or disruptive behavior can attract attention. Respect prayer times — many businesses close briefly for the five daily prayers, and some areas may be quiet during these times.
Avoid photographing government buildings, military installations or people (especially women) without permission. Always ask before taking close-up photos of locals or their property.
Show respect during the holy month of Ramadan: refrain from eating, drinking or smoking in public during daylight hours if you are in public spaces, and be mindful of reduced business hours and altered service schedules.
Safety
Tipping in Riyadh
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not always mandatory; round up bills at casual eateries, leave 10% in restaurants if no service charge is included, and give small tips to hotel staff and taxi drivers (SAR 5-20). For tour guides or exceptional service, a larger tip is welcome.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, malls and many restaurants; cash (Saudi riyal) remains useful for smaller shops, markets and taxis. Mobile payment options and contactless payments are growing, and ATMs are widely available; notify your bank before travel to avoid card blocks.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Extremely hot and dry from June to September with daytime temperatures often exceeding 40 b0C (104 b0F). Plan outdoor activities for early morning or late evening, stay hydrated, and use sun protection; most attractions are air-conditioned.
October to November brings more moderate temperatures and pleasant evenings — a good time for outdoor sightseeing and desert trips.
December to February is mild and comfortable, with daytime temperatures around 15 b0C 201C25 b0C (59 b0F 201C77 b0F) and cool nights; ideal for exploring and outdoor hikes though occasional cold snaps can occur.
March to May sees warming temperatures and occasional dust storms; wildflowers can appear in nearby deserts after rare rains. Expect more comfortable days than summer but check forecasts for wind or sand.
Riyadh at Night
Hiking in Riyadh
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Iconic escarpment offering dramatic cliffs and extensive desert views; hikes range from moderate to challenging and are best undertaken with sufficient water and a guide or 4x4 support.
Accessible valley trails for easier walks, birdwatching and local picnics; suitable for half-day outings close to the city.
Further afield in the northwest, this region offers hiking, coastal cliff walks and more varied terrain for extended trips from Riyadh by air or road.
Airports
How to reach Riyadh by plane.
Main international airport serving Riyadh, about 35 km north of the city center; taxis, ride-hailing and hotel transfers provide the most convenient connections. Domestic and international flights operate from three large terminals.
Smaller regional airport serving nearby provinces; useful for connections within Saudi Arabia but limited compared to RUH.
Saudi Arabia has an extensive domestic network (Jeddah, Dammam, Abha, etc.) with frequent flights to Riyadh, useful for multi-city itineraries.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority population with diverse regional backgrounds; Riyadh is the political and cultural center with many government employees and local families.
Large communities from South Asia, the Philippines, other Arab countries and Western nations working in construction, domestic work, healthcare, education and business sectors.
International diplomats, businesspeople and consultants who live and work in gated compounds and central districts such as the Diplomatic Quarter.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport; local clubs and the Saudi Professional League draw strong interest and large crowds for major matches.
Traditional sports with cultural importance — camel racing and horse shows occur in season and at festivals.
Off-road racing and motorsport enjoy popularity, with enthusiasts organizing desert rallies and events outside the city.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Riyadh.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are increasing but less varied than in some Western cities; look for mezzes (hummus, tabbouleh), rice dishes, salads and vegetable stews. Large malls and international restaurants often list vegetarian dishes, and Indian, Lebanese and Mediterranean restaurants are reliable choices.
More limited but possible — request no dairy or ghee and choose salads, falafel, rice and grilled vegetables. Communicate restrictions clearly; English is widely understood in restaurants.
All meat sold and served is halal by law, which simplifies dietary compliance for halal eaters. For allergies (nuts, shellfish, gluten), inform staff clearly and consider dining at international restaurants or hotels with allergy-aware service.