Welcome to Riyadh – the busy capital of Saudi Arabia! Here, old traditions meet tall new buildings. Golden deserts mix with modern wonders. If you love exploring, history, or just seeing new cultures, Riyadh will amaze you with its special charm, famous places, and warm Arabian welcome.

Let's look at the top 10 must-visit places in Riyadh that you should add to your travel plan!

Why Visit?

Jeddah is called the "Bride of the Red Sea," and it's easy to see why! It's a city that offers different kinds of fun:

• Old History & Culture: See very old traditions in the city's heart.

• Great Coastline: Enjoy nice beaches and a lively area by the Red Sea.

• Cool New Buildings: See amazing buildings and enjoy fancy shopping.

• Tasty Food: Try delicious local and world dishes.

• Warm Welcome: People in Saudi Arabia are very friendly and make you feel at home.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to come to Riyadh is when it's cooler, from November to March.

• Winter (December-February): The weather is nice (around 23°C / 73°F). This is great for being outside. It's also a busy time, so book your trip early!

• Spring (March-May): The weather is still good, and there are fewer people.

• Don't Go in Summer (June-August): It gets very hot, often over 38°C (100°F). You can still enjoy malls and indoor places, but being outside can be hard.

How to Reach

It's very easy to get to Riyadh, especially by plane.

• By Plane: King Khalid International Airport (RUH) is Riyadh’s main airport. It has direct flights from many big cities around the world. Many airlines fly here.

• By Road: Good roads connect Riyadh to other big Saudi cities like Jeddah and Dammam.

Top Things to Do in Riyadh

1. Kingdom Centre Tower: This famous tall building stands 99 floors high! From its Sky Bridge, you get amazing views all around the city.

2. National Museum of Saudi Arabia: Go back in time at Saudi Arabia's main museum! It tells the story of the Arabian land from long, long ago until today's kingdom.

3. Al Masmak Fortress: Go back to the 1800s at this mud-brick fort. It was very important when Riyadh came together. It shows strength and how strong Saudi people are.

4. Edge of the World (Jebel Fihrayn): Feel like you're standing at the edge of the planet at this amazing cliff. It's just outside Riyadh and is a favorite for hiking and great photos.

5. Riyadh Zoo: This zoo has over 1,300 animals from more than 40 types! Riyadh Zoo is perfect for a family day out.

6. Wadi Hanifah: This is a beautiful valley with nature paths, picnic spots, and calm walking trails. It's a perfect escape if you want fresh air and green views.

7. Diriyah (At-Turaif District): Explore the place where the Saudi kingdom began. It's now a beautifully fixed-up UNESCO World Heritage Site.

8. Riyadh Season Zones (Boulevard Riyadh City): Come for concerts, food festivals, art shows, and fun rides during the famous Riyadh Season. It’s when Riyadh is most alive and festive!

9. Salam Park: This calm park has green spaces, a lake for boat rides, and many shady spots to rest. It's perfect for relaxing after a day of seeing sights!

10. Sky Bridge at Al Faisaliah Tower: Riyadh’s first tall building still looks great with its modern design and views of the city all around.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Is Riyadh safe for tourists? Yes, Riyadh is considered a very safe city for tourists.

• What should I wear? While Riyadh is modern, it’s best to dress modestly in public. Clothes that cover your shoulders and knees are good for men and women.

• What language do they speak? Arabic is the main language, but many people speak English in tourist spots, hotels, and shops.

• Can women travel alone? Yes, women can travel alone to Riyadh and generally have a safe and good time.

Recommended Activities

• Try Local Food: You must try local dishes like Mandi, Kabsa, and the famous Al Baik fried chicken!

• Explore Souks: Visit traditional markets (souks) for spices, gold, clothes, and gifts.

• Enjoy Desert Safaris: Go on an exciting trip into the desert outside the city.

Where to Shop

Riyadh has both big modern malls and old traditional markets:

• Modern Malls:

  • Kingdom Centre Mall: Inside the famous tower, offering fancy brands.

  • Riyadh Park Mall: A large, popular mall with many shops and dining choices.

  • Boulevard Riyadh City: A seasonal entertainment area with lots of shopping during Riyadh Season.

• Traditional Markets (Souks):

  • Souk Al-Zal: One of the oldest markets, great for traditional items, spices, and carpets.

  • Souk Taibah: Known for gold, jewelry, and perfumes.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Riyadh has one proud UNESCO World Heritage Site:

• At-Turaif District in Ad-Dir'iyah: This is the original home of the Saudi royal family. It's a historic area with mud-brick palaces and ruins, showing the very beginning of the Saudi state.