Riyadh

Day Trips

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.

Tour the imposing walls and courtyards of Al Masmak Fortress, a key site in the founding of modern Saudi Arabia. Participate in a guided reenactment of the 1902 takeover that restored King Abdulaziz’s rule. Explore the museum within, filled with weapons, photographs, and period costumes.

Venture into Souq Al-Zal to immerse yourself in a centuries-old market atmosphere. Haggle for handwoven rugs, intricate brassware, and aromatic spices. Sip on qahwa while you observe traditional craftspeople at work.

Choose a rooftop café overlooking Al Masmak to dine on grilled meats and mezze. As the call to prayer echoes through the old city, reflect on the convergence of history and modern life. Enjoy a leisurely walk through adjacent alleys lit by lanterns.

Depart before dawn for the dramatic escarpments known as the Edge of the World. Hike along the cliff’s edge as the desert sunrise paints the limestone in warm hues. Learn about the geological formations from your expert guide.

Enjoy a packed picnic lunch on the plateau, taking in sweeping views of the vast Saudi desert. Photograph the rugged landscape and discover hidden viewpoints. Rest under a shaded rock before beginning your return journey.

Back in Riyadh, refresh at your hotel before heading to a local grillhouse for charcoal-roasted shawarma. Share stories with fellow travelers over cool laban drinks. End the evening with a relaxing stroll in a city park.

Start at the Wadi Hanifah valley, following a scenic trail along the water channels and palm groves. Spot migratory birds and local wildlife amid the green corridor run through arid terrain. Pause to photograph traditional falaj irrigation systems.

Cross to the revitalized sections of Wadi Hanifah where modern landscaping meets heritage. Visit urban parks, art installations, and cafés built into the natural slopes. Indulge in a lakeside lunch featuring grilled fish and fresh salads.

Return to the city center for a guided walking tour through the new art district. View large street murals and contemporary sculptures. Conclude with craft cocktails at an open-air rooftop bar overlooking the illuminated valley.

Visit the iconic Kingdom Tower and ascend to its Sky Bridge for panoramic views of Riyadh’s sprawling metropolis. Learn about the tower’s design and construction during a behind-the-scenes tour. Capture sunrise photos from the glass observation deck.

Explore the adjacent Kingdom Centre shopping galleries filled with luxury boutiques and local designer labels. Savor a gourmet lunch at a glass-walled café. Take a break at an upscale patisserie sampling Arabic sweets.

Watch the sunset turn the city’s skyscrapers golden before enjoying a fine-dining experience on the 99th floor. Toast with premium Saudi dates infused in champagne. Finish with a nightcap as city lights twinkle below.

Begin at Souq Al-Thumairi to discover traditional incense and perfume markets. Learn about the cultural significance of oud and attar from expert vendors. Try blending your own signature fragrance.

Join a guided food tour sampling local specialties like kabsa, mutabbaq, and saleeg. Visit family-run bakeries and spice shops, uncovering secret recipes. Chat with chefs about the fusion of flavors in modern Saudi cuisine.

Sip on Arabic coffee during a private dinner in a restored mud-brick courtyard. Enjoy live oud music as you dine on mezze and slow-cooked meats. Share cultural stories with local hosts under a canopy of lanterns.

Drive out to a desert camp for a morning of dune-bashing in 4x4 vehicles. Feel the adrenaline as you crest dramatic sand slopes. Pause atop a dune to watch the sun climb over the desert horizon.

Visit a working camel farm to learn about racing camels and endurance training. Pet the gentle animals and photograph their distinctive features. Enjoy a light lunch of date-sweetened treats and laban.

Return to the desert camp for a traditional Bedouin banquet under a starlit sky. Participate in henna painting and watch folkloric dance performances. Warm up by a bonfire while sipping aromatic herbal tea.

Head to the Misk Art Institute to explore contemporary Saudi art exhibitions. Engage with multimedia installations and meet emerging local artists. Attend a hands-on workshop creating your own piece of calligraphy.

Visit the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra) to see futuristic architecture and rotating exhibits. Watch a short film in the state-of-the-art theater. Relax in the interactive children’s innovation zone or the global library.

Have dinner at a sleek modern restaurant serving fusion cuisine. Sample dishes that blend Saudi ingredients with international techniques. Enjoy a live DJ set showcasing regional rhythms remixed with electronic beats.

Start at Riyadh Boulevard to experience seasonal attractions, pop-up markets, and family-friendly installations. Try local snacks from food trucks and browse artisanal crafts. Capture colorful street art along the pedestrian promenade.

Attend a cultural performance or sporting event at King Fahd International Stadium. Cheer for local teams in football matches or watch talent showcases on outdoor stages. Sample festival-exclusive treats as you soak up the vibrant atmosphere.

Conclude your journey with a fireworks display over Riyadh’s skyline. Savor a farewell feast at a rooftop lounge with live music and city views. Raise a final glass of mint lemonade to celebrate your immersive 10-day adventure.