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As Saudi Arabia’s capital, Riyadh is a cultural hub that boasts everything from ancient fortresses to modern glass skyscrapers.
Even though it’s an immense city of nearly 1,800 square kilometers, the majority of the most interesting things to do in Riyadh are located in its modest historic center. This includes remnants of the old city walls that once protected this ancient stop along the desert trade route.
Riyadh, and Saudi Arabia in general, are not a typical destination for most travelers, especially Americans, but the country is campaigning to change that with the recent introduction of a new online visa scheme that allows easy access to the country with a single entry visa (within a 30-day period).
So, let’s take a look at the best places to visit in Riyadh and some useful tips to bear in mind when you visit.
Top Historic Places to Visit in Riyadh
Riyadh has been at the center of the Saudi Kingdom since its establishment in 1901, but many of its archaeological sites and fortresses are over 1,000 years old. As a result, some of the most interesting historic attractions found in the city outdate the Saudi state itself.
1. Al Masmak Palace

Among the best things to do in Riyadh is visit the famous Masmak Palace, also known as Masmak Fort. It’s among the most historically important sites in the city of Riyadh. “Masmak” means “strong,” and local legend suggests that if this fortress falls, the Kingdom will fall with it.
This well-preserved 19th-century clay and mudbrick fortress played a vital role in the recapturing of the city of Riyadh in 1902 –led by Ibn Saud– cementing its role in the unification of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
The fortress is now a museum that allows visitors to look back to that key moment in history and beyond the history of Riyadh as the capital of the Kingdom.
I personally enjoyed the well-preserved artifacts and the architecture of the fortress itself – including the perfectly maintained Arabic sitting room (called a Diwan) complete with luxury furnishings and a throne.
The museum is free to visit but check out admission in advance as they have family days, singles days, female days, etc. (As a conservative city/country, many locales separate males from females and families).
Also, I highly recommend getting this Riyadh’s History and Al-Masmak self-guided walking tour. It gives you a more in-depth experience of the fortress and surrounding areas without the need for a group tour.
2. Deerah Souq

Also known as Al-Thumairi Souq (because it’s along Thumairi Street) and Al-Zel Souq, the Deerah Souq is located in the old part of the city near the Al Masmak Fort. It’s famous for its gold and antiques souq sections.
Hundreds of little shops sell a plethora of products that range from carpets, gold, silver, souvenirs, traditional clothes and props, antiques, and even furniture.
Most shop owners speak some English, so this souq is very tourist-friendly. Hop from shop to shop, and don’t be afraid to bargain.
In my opinion, this is the most interesting souq I visited in Riyadh as I felt the many antiques on sale gave me a glimpse into the history of the city.
If you can only visit one souq in Riyadh, make sure it’s this one!
On the other hand, if you have time and are willing to head out of the city, you can visit Souq Al Jamal – located 30 km north of the city center.
This is one of the largest camel markets in the Arabian Peninsula, so you’re sure to have an interesting cultural experience there, especially if you place a bid.
3. Murabba Palace and the King Abdul Aziz Historical Center

The King Abdulaziz Historical Center, named after King Abdulaziz Al Saud, offers a unique journey through Saudi Arabia’s history.
Although the center is built in a modern version of royal Saudi architecture, it surrounds the authentic former royal palace of Murabba, and visiting it is definitely one of the best things to do in Riyadh.
In it, you’ll find an abandoned courtyard house, a historical car collection, the old majlis, and an old water tower. You’ll also see a remodeled mosque, based on the original royal mosque that served the palace. The center is now considered the cultural heart of modern Riyadh.
4. Historical Diriyah

Located on the northwestern outskirts of the city, Diriyah was once the home of the Saudi Royal family and the first Saudi capital.
This UNESCO World Heritage Site was one of the largest cities on the Arabian Peninsula until it was destroyed in the early 19th century during a siege by the Ottoman army.
The city is now a tourist destination where visitors can enjoy up-close the ancient mud architecture, numerous parks, and its interesting spaces – including the Saad bin Saud Palace, which is famous for its courtyard.
You can reach Diriyah by taking a taxi to the city outskirts, or you can enjoy an in-depth half-day tour.
Top Modern Places to Visit in Riyadh
5. The National Museum

Even though the National Museum is full of historic artifacts and located just next to Al Murabba Palace, it’s housed in a modern building, which is why it’s in this category. It’s also part of the King Abdul Aziz Historical Center.
The National Museum contains an expansive collection of all things that define Saudi culture and its people. Everything from fossils to old architecture and structures, pre-Islamic trade routes, and items from the Arab Kingdoms are on display.
The entrance fee is SAR 10 for adults, and it’s free for children. There are audio-visual presentations both in English and Arabic.
6. Deera Square

Also known as Justice Square or Chop Chop Square, Deera Square is a modern public square where executions (usually by beheading) still take place as capital punishment.
Unfortunately, Saudi Arabia is the only country that still practices public executions in the form of beheadings.
After Friday prayers, police and other officials clear the square to make way for their executions to take place. After the condemned are beheaded, the head is stitched to the body and they are wrapped up for the final rites and taken away.
While the might not be the best place to be at during execution, it is a nice square to visit where you’ll see kids running and playing with the water fountains.
7. Sky Bridge at Kingdom Center

Want to see Riyadh from above? Then this is the place to do it!
The Sky Bridge is located on the 50th floor of the Kingdom Tower, which is currently the third-tallest skyscraper in Riyadh.
The 65-meter-long Sky Bridge gives you a perfect panoramic view of the city from 300 meters above the ground.
At the base of the tower is the Kingdom Center Mall, where you can find all kinds of luxury brands.
The views both day and night are stunning, but they are probably better at night when you can see the city lights and the other skyscrapers glowing in various colors.
8. Al Faisaliah Tower

The Al Faisaliah Tower is another iconic tower in the Riyadh skyline. Its pointed shape and golden shining ball make it unmissable – a geometric design that is a nod to the traditional Arabic design that once dominated the city.
With 44 floors, this is the fourth tallest tower in the city and it towers over Riyadh at 267 meters high. As with Kingdom Tower, you can go up to its viewpoint and there’s also a shopping mall at its base.
Top Natural Place to Visit in Riyadh
The Edge of the World

Ok, here’s a bonus entry that’s outside of Riyadh, but well worth visiting while there. Have you heard of the Edge of the World?
Jebel Fihrayn, also known as the Edge of the World, is one of Saudi Arabia’s most popular tourist destinations.
Its nickname comes from the uninterrupted view of the horizon overlooking the surrounding plain, atop its 300-meter-high cliffs. It’s a stunning spot and even a bit terrifying!
Those plains below the cliff were once the ocean bed. From the top of the cliffs, you’ll spot dried rivers weaving across the land and witness the beauty of a truly unspoiled desert landscape.
You may even spot camels moving along the ancient caravan route that once passed through these grounds.
While there, keep an eye out for fossils! These are historical evidence of when the eastern part of the Arabian Peninsula was a shallow tropical sea during the Jurassic period (150 million years ago).
The best way to get to the Edge of the World is by taking a day tour from Riyadh.
Some Additional, Essential Information You Should Know Before Going To Saudi Arabia
So, now you know the best places to see and the best things to do in Riyadh. Still, there are a few things you’ll need to take into consideration before you visit the city, and Saudi Arabia in general.
It’s Very Conservative
Unlike many other modern cities in the Middle East, Riyadh is very conservative – even when compared to other cities in the Kingdom like Jeddah and Dammam.
It wasn’t until 2018 that women were allowed to drive, but still, they cannot mix with men unless they are married to them or are direct blood relatives.
Be aware that some places, like restaurants, malls, parks, etc., might have separate entrances, sections, and even separate buildings for males and females or singles and families. Always try to use the entrance that applies the most to you.
Having said that, since Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud (MBS) came to power as the crown prince, the country has slowly become more progressive and slightly “westernized.”
So as time passes, you’ll see more and more places without said separate entrances and sections and more social mingling among genders.

Prayer Times
Until recently, all establishments stopped their operations during prayer times, which are five times a day. However, since MBS has ruled the country, some may now choose to stay open during these times.
Religious Police
The religious police, or “mutawa”, used to be ever-present in Riyadh, and this could be fairly intimidating for tourists – but this is no longer the case. Since 2016, they’ve been stripped of much of their power, and they’re not as much a part of daily life in the city as they used to be.
What to Wear
You should dress conservatively at all times. Men have to wear long pants and sleeved shirts/t-shirts (short sleeves are fine). Flip-flops are fine too.
Even on your flight to Saudi Arabia (especially if you’re flying Saudia), you must dress conservatively. Saudia will not allow you to board the plane if you’re wearing shorts or any non-conservative dress.
Women no longer need to wear headcover or the black abaya –the loose-fitting, full-length robes symbolic of Islamic piety– as long as their attire is “decent and respectful.” That means loose trousers or skirts and long-sleeved loose shirts. The more you cover, the better.
Climate and Temperature
Riyadh can get extremely hot, and you’ll feel the heat, especially when wearing a lot of clothing. The temperature can reach up to 120+ degrees Fahrenheit (50 Celsius) during the summer.
During winter it’s an average of 70 degrees Fahrenheit (21 Celsius). Stay hydrated at all times and avoid long hours of exposure to the sun during the summer, especially during mid-day.
No Alcohol
Alcohol is illegal, even in hotels. Don’t expect alcohol on the flight to Saudi Arabia. It is forbidden to bring alcohol into the country.

Cover photo from Flickr Creative Commons.

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