Are you seeking a short holiday from your daily routine, a digital detox, or perhaps, a dash of culture-rich exploration that your entire family will love? Gear up, for we’ve got you covered! We have curated a perfect 3-day travel plan to help you make the most of your visit to this vibrant and culturally rich city.

This thriving metropolis effortlessly blends the charm of the past, present, and future. Rolling dunes, glittering skyscrapers, ancient fortresses, bustling malls – Riyadh is a delightful city waiting to be discovered.

Day 1: Discovering Riyadh’s Historic Charm

On day one of the travel plan for your Riyadh adventure, immerse yourself in the city’s historic charm by exploring its fascinating heritage sites. The Day 1 plan is designed with proximity of locations in mind, meaning less travel time and more fun!

Morning: Masmak Fortress

Start your day by visiting Masmak Fortress, a symbol of Saudi Arabia’s unyielding spirit and resistance. As you step inside this iconic landmark, be prepared to be transported back in time and gain a deeper understanding of Riyadh’s rich history. This tactile and visually rich experience appeals to both kids and adults alike.

• Location: Located in the old city of Riyadh
• Operating hours:
  • Monday to Wednesday: 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM, 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM
  • Thursday: 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM, 4:00 PM to 9:30 PM
  • Friday: 4:00 PM to 7:30 AM
  • Saturday: 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM, 4:00 PM to 7:30 PM
  • Sunday: 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM, 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM
• Entrance fee: Free
• How to get there:
  • By car: Take King Abdulaziz Road or King Fahd Road to get there. The drive should take about 15 minutes, depending on traffic.
  • By taxi: You can hail a taxi on the street or call a taxi company. The taxi fare to Masmak Fortress will be around SAR 20.
  • By bus: There are several bus lines that go to the old city of Riyadh. The bus fare is around SAR 4.
  • By walking: If you are staying in the old city of Riyadh, you can walk to Masmak Fortress. It is about a 15-minute walk from the King Abdulaziz Historical Centre.

Afternoon: King Abdulaziz Historical Center

After visiting the Masmak Fortress, make your way to the captivating King Abdulaziz Historical Center. This center offers a glimpse into the life and legacy of Saudi Arabia’s founder, King Abdulaziz Al Saud. Learn about his vision and the birth of modern Saudi Arabia through the interactive exhibits and informative displays.

• Location: Located in the Al-Murabba Quarter, the central area of Riyadh
• Operating hours:
  • Sunday to Thursday: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
  • Friday: 2:00 PM to 9:00 PM
  • Saturday: Closed
  • Public holidays: Closed
• Entrance fee: Free
• How to get there:
  • By car: Take King Abdulaziz Road or King Faisal Road to get there. The drive should take about 15 minutes, depending on traffic.
  • By taxi: You can book a ride on Uber or Careem to commute around the city. The taxi fare to the center will be around SAR 20 (subject to change).
  • By bus: There are several bus lines that go to the Al-Murabba Quarter. You can arrive at the King Faisal 107/ King Faisal 207/ Nasseriya 304/ Nasseriya 404 bus stations. You can check out Riyadh Bus’s official website for exact timings and fares.
  • By walk: If you are staying in the Al-Murabba Quarter, you can walk to the center. It is about a 10-min walk from the King Abdulaziz Historical Park.

Evening: Souq Al Zel

Step back in time for an exciting evening at Souq Al Zel, Riyadh’s oldest market. Here, you’ll experience shopping as it was in old Arabic markets. Wander through aisles brimming with gleaming gold, beautiful textiles, and intricate handicrafts.

And the fun part for kids? They get to try authentic Saudi snacks! It’s not just a market – it’s an enchanting gateway to Saudi Arabia’s past.

• Location: It’s a 12 min drive from the main city center: Shaikh Muhammad Ibn Ibrahim Street, Ad Dirah, Riyadh
• Operating hours:
  • Open daily 3:30 pm – 10:30 pm
  • Stores are closed during prayer times
• Entrance fee: Free
• How to get there:
  • By car: Take King Abdulaziz Road or King Faisal Road to get there. The drive should take about 15 minutes, depending on traffic.
  • By taxi: You can book a ride on Uber or Careem to commute around the city. The taxi fare to the center will be around SAR 20 (subject to change).
  • By bus: You can reach Souq Al Zel by arriving at the Madina Munwarah 420 bus station. Check their exact timings and price fares at the Riyadh Bus official website.
• Tip for visiting: If time persists, make sure to visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Diriyah, the birthplace of the Saudi state. It’s the perfect place for history buffs to explore the ancient mud-brick architecture, stroll through the picturesque alleyways, and learn about the rich history of Saudi Arabia. Or you can schedule this visit to Day 3 while relaxing at Al-Bujairi Heritage Park.

Day 2: Exploring Riyadh’s Modern Marvels

Kick off Day 2 either by having a hearty breakfast at your hotel or treating yourself to a traditional Saudi meal at the renowned Almajlis Alkhaleeji Restaurant. Feeling energized, you’ll be ready to explore the city’s modern marvels that showcase its progress, development, and glistening skyscrapers.

Morning: Kingdom Centre Tower

Start your day at the Kingdom Centre Tower, an architectural masterpiece that offers panoramic views of the city from its sky bridge on the 99th floor. It provides an immersive experience that beautifully merges the vast desert vistas with the energetic heartbeat of Riyadh.

• Location: Located in the heart of Riyadh, on King Fahad Road
• Operating hours:
  • Saturday to Thursday: 12:00 PM to 11:00 PM
  • Friday: 4 PM to 10:30 PM
• Entrance Fee:
  • Adults: SAR 69
  • Children (under 10 yrs): SAR 23
  • Infants (under 2 yrs): Free
• How to get there:
  • By car: Take King Fahad Road and exit at the Kingdom Centre Tower exit.
  • By taxi: Hail a taxi and tell the driver to take you to the Kingdom Centre Tower.
  • By bus: Reach the tower by arriving at the Olaya 113 bus station. Check for fares at the Riyadh Bus official website.
• Tips for visiting:
  • The entrance to the tower is located on the ground floor of the shopping mall. The sky bridge is located on the 99th floor and can be accessed by taking the elevator to the top of the tower.
  • The tower is closed on public holidays.

Check out the top restaurants in Riyadh for delicious dining options.

Afternoon: Riyadh Gallery Mall

After your trip to the Kingdom Center, head to the vibrant and bustling Riyadh Gallery Mall, where you can shop for local goods, indulge in delicious cuisine and experience the energy of modern Riyadh.

• Location: 10 min drive from the Kingdom Center Tower
• Operating hours:
  • Saturday to Thursday: 9:00 AM to 12:00 AM
  • Friday: 12:30 PM to 12:00 AM
• Entrance fee: Free
• How to get there:
  • By car: Take King Fahd Branch Road to get there. The drive should take about 15 minutes, depending on traffic.
  • By taxi: You can book a ride on Uber or Careem to commute around the city.
  • By bus: There are several bus lines that go to the Al-Murabba Quarter. You can arrive at the Olaya 106 or Olaya 206 bus stations. You can check out Riyadh Bus’s official website for exact timings and fares.

Evening: Al Faisaliah Tower

The tower’s iconic design is an architectural marvel making it a must-see on any traveler’s itinerary. Its golden globe observation deck, located at the top of the tower, offers 360-degree views of the city—a sightseeing opportunity second to none.

Shopping enthusiasts will appreciate the high-end boutiques and stores that offer a wide range of goods, from fashion to home decor. Foodies can indulge in a variety of dining experiences, from upscale restaurants to casual cafes in the center.

The Naila Art Gallery located inside the tower provides cultural enthusiasts with an opportunity to explore contemporary art from local and international artists.

• Location: It’s a 9 min drive from Riyadh Gallery Mall
• Operating hours:
  • Open daily 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM
  • Stores are closed during prayer times
• Entrance fee: SAR 63 (Subject to change)
• How to get there:
  • By car: Take Olaya St. to get there.
  • By taxi: You can book a ride on Uber or Careem to commute around the city.
  • By bus: You can reach the tower by arriving at the Olaya 217 bus station. Check the exact timings and price fares at the Riyadh Bus official website.

Day 3: Relaxation and Nature Escape

On your final day in Riyadh, take some time to relax and rejuvenate amidst nature’s beauty. Escape the bustling city and head to the Edge of the World to catch the sunrise.

Morning and Afternoon: Edge of the World

Begin the day with an early morning trip to the Edge of the World, a breathtaking natural landscape located about 90 km north of Riyadh. Here, sheer cliffs provide expansive views of endless plains that seem to stretch into infinity, offering the illusion of standing on the brink of the world. Remember to bring a hat, water, and sunscreen for this expedition as the hot desert climate can be intense.

• Location: Located about 100 km from Riyadh in the Tuwaiq escarpment, which is a long, steep cliff that runs through the Arabian Peninsula
• Operating hours: Open all day, but it is best to visit during the morning or evening when it is cooler
• Entrance fee: Free
• How to get there:
  • The best way to get to the Edge of the World is by car. You can take King Salman Road or King Abdulaziz Road to get there. The drive should take about 1.5 hours, depending on traffic.
• Tips for visiting:
  • Bring water and snacks as there are no facilities at the site.
  • Be aware of the weather conditions as it can get very hot and windy at the Edge of the World.
  • Wear comfortable shoes as it will require a fair amount of walking and hiking.

Evening: Al-Bujairi Heritage Park

Following your daytime adventure at the Edge of the World, spend the rest of the evening at Al-Bujairi Heritage Park in historic Diriyah. This tranquil park serves as a cool retreat with restored mud-brick buildings that echo Saudi Arabia’s past.

Stroll through the lush, landscaped gardens—a welcome contrast to the morning’s desert vista. As day gives way to night, unwind at one of the traditional cafes located in the park. Sample local cuisine and sip on Saudi’s traditional “Kahwa” coffee.

This mix of adrenalizing adventure and serene leisure makes for a perfect conclusion to your Riyadh 3-day itinerary.

• Location: 20 min drive from the city center
• Operating hours: Open daily from 10 AM to 11 PM
• Entrance fee: Al Bujairi Heritage Park in the heart of historic Diriyah. We recommend checking their official website for Diriyah pass charges, as it’s subject to change.
• How to get there:
  • By car: Take King Salman Road or King Abdulaziz Road to get there. The drive should take about 15-20 min from downtown Riyadh. Parking costs about SAR 30/3hrs & SAR 10 for every additional hour. Drop-off is encouraged. Valet parking is available for a cost of SAR 100.
  • By taxi: There are taxis available all over Riyadh. You can hail a taxi on the street or call a taxi company. The taxi fare to Diriyah will be around SAR 50.
  • By bus: There are several bus lines that go to Diriyah. The bus fare is around SAR 2 and takes about 1 hour.
  • By group tour: There are several tour companies that offer tours to Diriyah. This is a great option if you want to learn more about the history and culture of the area. It takes 2-3 hours and costs a minimum of SAR 100.
• Tips for visiting:
  • Book your tickets online. Tickets are required to enter Diriyah and can be booked online at the Diriyah website.
  • The site is closed on public holidays.
  • Visitors are required to dress modestly and cover their shoulders and knees.
  • Smoking is prohibited on the entire site.
  • Pets are not allowed on the site.

Saudi Visa Information

For international visitors planning a trip to Riyadh, obtaining a visa is an essential step. Fortunately, Saudi Arabia recently launched a new tourist visa system that allows tourists from around 50 countries to visit. It’s simple and convenient to apply online.

You can find detailed information about the visa process, including eligibility, requirements, and application steps in our comprehensive guide about obtaining a Saudi visa.

Traveler tips and information

1. Modest clothing: Honor the local traditions and the sanctity of the landmarks by dressing modestly.
2. Safety: Although Saudi Arabia is generally friendly for travelers, it’s always a good practice to be alert, especially in crowded zones.
3. Getting Around:
   • Taxi & Ride-Share: You can ride with Uber or Careem in most of the bigger cities.
   • Public buses: Cities such as Riyadh and Jeddah have SAPTCO buses, and Riyadh is fast-tracking its metro network.
   • Rent-a-Car: If you’re fine with driving and possess an international license, car rental might just provide the freedom you need.
4. Language: English is extensively spoken in touristy areas. However, learning a few basic Arabic phrases could be a trip-enhancer!
5. Respecting local traditions: Saudi Arabia is deeply rooted in its traditions. Be respectful during prayer times and refrain from showing public displays of affection.
6. Hydration: The weather is usually hot and dry, especially in desert areas. Always have a handy water bottle with you.
7. SIM cards: It’s always better to use local prepaid SIM cards such as STC, Mobily, and Zain for a better network, especially when traveling to remote locations. You can purchase them at the airport.
8. Cash in hand: Saudi Arabia’s currency is the Saudi Riyal (SAR). It’s advisable to carry some local cash, especially if you’re planning to shop in local markets (souks) or dine in smaller eateries.

Riyadh, with its unique mix of history, culture, and adventure, is more than a travel destination. It’s an experience, a sensation, a tale waiting for its next narrator.

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