Riyadh Marvels: 8 Best Places to Visit in Riyadh

Explore Riyadh, Saudi Arabia’s vibrant capital, and uncover a treasure trove of historic landmarks, ultramodern marvels, and world renowned tourist attractions. This city beautifully blends deep-rooted traditions with cutting-edge developments, making it an exciting destination for every traveler. Check out the post to explore the city’s best sights.

1. Diriyah

Start your trip by visiting the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Diriyah, the birthplace of the Saudi state, and the first in your list of places to visit in Riyadh. Marvel at the ancient mud-brick architecture, stroll through the picturesque alleyways, and learn about the rich history of Saudi Arabia. 

• Location: Located about 20 kms north of Riyadh.
• Operating hours:

BUJAIRI TERRACE

• • • Sunday to Wednesday: 10:00 AM to 12:00 AM (midnight)
    • Thursday to Saturday: 10:00 AM to 1:00 AM

AT-TURAIF

• • • Saturday to Thursday: 10:00 AM to 12:00 AM (midnight)
    • Friday: 2:00 PM to 12:00 AM

Please note that the operating hours are subject to change, so we recommend checking the official Diriyah website before your visit.

• Entrance fee: We recommend checking their official website for Diriyah pass charges, as its subject to change. If you wish to dine at the Bujairi Terrace, kindly book a reservation at the desired restaurant.

• The easiest way 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 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 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.

2. Masmak Fortress

A key historical location where Riyadh was recaptured. Explore the iconic Masmak Fortress, which played a significant role in the unification of Saudi Arabia.  

Step into the fortress and transport yourself back to the 19th century, as you soak in the history and admire the traditional Arabian architecture. A must-visit for history fanatics.  

• 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
• The easiest way 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 2.
  • 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.

Read more on the affordable travel options to reach Riyadh here.

3. King Abdulaziz Historical Center

A group of museums that provide historical context for Saudi Arabia. The King Abdulaziz Historical Center, located in the center of Riyadh, is a haven of knowledge and wisdom that invites guests to travel through Saudi Arabia’s rich past.   

It reveals a nation’s history, from the earliest days of civilization to its current significance, through a variety of museums. Tourists and history enthusiasts are drawn in by the architecture alone, which skillfully combines elements of the past and the current.  

• 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
• The easiest way 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 an Uber or Careem app 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. The bus fare is around SAR 2.
  • 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.

4. Kingdom Centre Tower

Standing proudly above Riyadh’s bustling cityscape, the Kingdom Centre Tower stands as a remarkable symbol of the city’s rapid urban progress, and its one of the top modern tourist attractions.

Journeying to its sky bridge on the 99th floor offers more than just a stunning view; it provides an immersive experience that beautifully merges the vast desert vistas with the energetic heartbeat of this thriving metropolis.  

• 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
• The easiest way 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: Take the bus to the King Fahad Road stop and walk to the Kingdom Centre Tower.
• 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.

5. Al Murabba Palace

Experience the regal elegance of Al Murabba Palace, a historical landmark that reflects Saudi Arabia’s rich heritage. Constructed during the reign of King Abdulaziz, it serves as a testament to significant diplomatic meetings and royal assemblies that have influenced the nation’s history.

Featuring vast courtyards, traditional mud-brick architecture, and enlightening displays, this palace provides an intriguing insight into the lives of Saudi royalty during a period of great transformation.  

• Location: Located in the Al-Murabba Quarter, the central area of Riyadh.
• Operating hours:
  • Saturday to Thursday: 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM
  • Friday: 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM
• Entrance fee (subject to change):
  • Adults: SAR 15
  • Children: SAR 10
• Tips for visiting:
  • Allow at least 1 hour to visit the palace.
  • Take a guided tour to learn more about the history of the palace.

6. Edge of the World

Located just a short distance from Riyadh, the Edge of the World provides a breathtaking experience that evokes a feeling of being on the edge of eternity, and it is one of the world famous natural places to visit in Riyadh.

This stunning natural marvel attracts both thrill-seekers and those seeking tranquility. The towering cliffs offer panoramic views of the expansive desert landscape, serving as a powerful testament to the magnificence and enduring allure of nature. It is considered among the must-visit tourist places outside of Riyadh city.

• 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
• The easiest way 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 would require a fair amount of walking and hiking.

7. Riyadh National Museum

Immerse yourself in the rich culture and heritage of Saudi Arabia at the Riyadh National Museum. The museum, a treasure trove of Saudi Arabia’s cultural, historical, and artistic heritage, serves as an invaluable source of knowledge.  

Within its premises, visitors can journey through various eras including ancient trade routes to the establishment of the modern Kingdom. Through carefully selected exhibits, engaging interactive presentations, and priceless artifacts on display, this museum stands as a living testament to the abundant history and legacy of the Kingdom.  

• Location: Located in the King Abdulaziz Historical Center, in the Al-Murabba Quarter, the central area of Riyadh.
• Operating Hours: Open from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Sunday to Thursday. It is closed on Friday and Saturday.
• Entrance Fee:
  • Adults: SAR 20
  • Children: SAR 10
• Tips for visiting:
  • Allow at least 2-3 hours to visit the museum.
  • Take a guided tour to learn more about the exhibits.

Find out the best places to stay in Riyadh here.

8. The Riyadh Zoo

Located in the vibrant city of Riyadh, the Riyadh Zoo offers visitors a unique opportunity to experience and connect with various species from around the world.  

Whether it’s observing local desert-adapted animals or marveling at exotic creatures from distant lands, this oasis within the urban landscape promises an enchanting encounter with the animal kingdom. Impeccably crafted enclosures and engaging educational sessions provide both entertainment and valuable insights for nature enthusiasts and families alike. It is considered among the must-visit tourist places in the city.

• Location: The zoo is located in the Al-Malaz district, approx 40 mins from the airport.

• Operating hours:
  • Opening time: 8:30 am. Best to spend 2-3 hours.
  • Sunday: Closed
  • Men-only hours: Monday & Wednesday: 8:30 am – 12:00 pm, 1:00 pm – 6:00 pm.
  • Women-only hours: Tuesday & Thursday: 8:30 am – 12:00 pm.
  • Family hours:
    • Wednesday & Thursday: 1:00 pm – 6:00 pm.
    • Friday: After Jummah Prayer – 6:00 pm.
    • Saturday: 9:00 am – 6:00 pm.
  • Best months to visit: November to March, due to cool weather.

• Entrance fees (subject to change):
  • Adults (12+ years): SAR 10.50.
  • Children under 12: SAR 2.5.
  • Train ride: SAR 2.

• Tips for visiting:
  • Allow at least 3-4 hours to visit the zoo.
  • Bring water and snacks as there are no facilities at the zoo.
  • Be respectful of the animals and do not feed them.

Each corner of Riyadh teems with history, beauty, and undiscovered stories – and these top 8 must-see places are only the beginning! Every journey to this vibrant city is a new adventure, waiting to unfold. With our guide in your hands, immerse in the mesmerizing charm of Riyadh and make new memories today. So why wait?

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