Riyadh is more than just Saudi Arabia’s bustling capital. It is an amalgamation of medieval yet modern dynamism and a definitive cultural richness that offers a glimpse into Arabia’s past. Once you step on Saudi Arabian soil, do not shy away from marvelling at this thriving hub that is situated on the eastern bank of Wadi Hanifa, within the larger part of the an-Nafud desert. From ancient forts and historical districts to bustling souqs, UNESCO Heritage Sites, desert escapades and sky-high views, there are a number of places to visit in Riyadh City and our tours offer an excellent once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience them up close.
There is something magnetic about Riyadh. From the centuries-old forts that saw history written on their walls to the date palms, water wells and the modern-day skyscrapers touching the skies, the city does not shout for attention; it quietly draws it in. A popular destination on our Saudi Arabia tour packages, Riyadh will take you from walking the centuries-old forts to watching sunsets drape over the skyscrapers in moments.
The city is built in layers, from the golden walls of Masmak Fortress to the sleek, mirrored layers of the modern structures that unfold like pages of a book that have been glued together for too long. Whether you are a solo traveller with a knack for adventure or a cultural enthusiast who knows the historical facts better than the back of your hand, or a family on a slow vacation, there are countless things to do in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Some of the best places to visit in Riyadh offer a modern twist to the Arabian Nights. Let us see what awaits in this Land of Calling.
What are the must-visit sites in Riyadh?
- Masmak Fort
- ad-Dir’iyah
- Al Murabba Historical District
- Qusur al Muqbil
- Kingdom Centre Tower
- Tuwaiq Palace
What are the best souqs or bazaars in Riyadh?
- Souq al-Thumairi
- Souq al Zal
- The Date Souq
Are there any religious and spiritual sites one cannot miss in Riyadh?
- Al Rajhi Mosque
- Imam Turki bin Abdullah Mosque
- King Khalid Grand Mosque
Masmak Fort
The Masmak Palace is identical to what one would call a typical Arabian fort. This centuries-old mud fortress looks like a giant sandcastle and bears witness to the history of the capital city of Saudi Arabia. Among the popular tourist attractions in Riyadh, it now serves as a museum showcasing the historical artefacts, artworks and cultural heritage of the country. Though temporarily closed to visitors due to ongoing renovations, Masmak Fort still deserves a spot in your itinerary. The exterior offers a striking glimpse into the Najdi architecture, plus the surrounding souqs and cultural installations are perfect for exploration.
- Timings: Temporarily Closed
- Entry Fees: Free
- Distance from City Centre: 10 km (Approx)
ad-Dir’iyah
If you have time for only one thing to do in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, visit the old city of ad-Dir’iyah, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located on the outskirts of Riyadh. The city is the old home of Saudi Arabia’s royal family and is built in the traditional Najdi architecture, typical of this part of the Arabian Peninsula. One of the popular tourist spots in Riyadh, Dir’iyah is famous for its rich historical culture, open-air galleries, Wadi Hanifah, Zallal, At-Turaif District, and Bujairi Terrace with restaurants serving traditional Arab cuisine.
- Timings:
At-Turaif - Daily between 5 PM - 12 AM
Bujairi Terrace - Sunday to Thursday 9 AM - 12 AM; Friday to Saturday 9 AM - 1 AM
Zallal - Saturday to Thursday 10 AM - 10 PM; Friday 2 PM - 10 PM - Distance from City Centre: 20 km (Approx)
Al Murabba Historical District
Among the famous places in Riyadh, Al Murabba is a well-preserved pocket of Saudi Arabia’s heritage that speaks of a visionary king and a quest to raise a young nation. Its name is derived from a broken square-shaped well around which the Murabba Palace was built. A must-visit tourist attraction in Riyadh, this district was once the seat of King Abdulaziz and one of the first buildings to incorporate modern construction methods. Today, the district blends restored historical buildings with modern development, with open courtyards, cultural museums and the King Abdulaziz Historical Centre.
- Timings: Saturday to Thursday 9 AM to 8 PM; Friday 5 PM to 8 PM
- Entry Fees: Free
- Distance from City Centre: 8.8 km. Located along King Fahd Road near the famous Al-Washm Exit.
Qusur al Muqbil
Qusur Al Muqbil is an archaeological site tucked away near the Al-Jouf Province. The site is renowned for its traditional Arabic style mud-brick structures, abandoned defence towers, a palace and an archaic mosque. This hidden gem is a must-visit tourist spot in Riyadh, a perfect place for travellers seeking authenticity off the tourist trails.
- Timings: Open 24 hours
- Entry Fees: Free
- Distance from City Centre: 113 km
Kingdom Centre Tower
When it comes to the iconic places to visit in Riyadh, only a few stand tall as the Kingdom Centre Tower. Kingdom Centre is a 99-story skyscraper on the King Fahad Road and is a symbol of modern Riyadh. The tower offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city from the Sky Bridge, a 65-meter-long steel structure suspended on the 99th floor of the tower. The tower houses the King Abdullah Mosque, Al Mamlaka Shopping Centre, Four Seasons Hotel and a food court.
- Timings: Saturday to Thursday 9 AM - 11 PM; Friday 12:30 PM - 12 AM
- Entry Fees: SAR 69 for adults; SAR 23 for kids under 10 years
Tuwaiq Palace
Looking for some unforgettable places to visit in Riyadh? Tuwaiq Palace is a cultural facility nestled within the Diplomatic Quarter in Riyadh. Built in 1985, the palace is a fusion of modern design and traditional Najdi elements. Among the top places to go in Riyadh, the curving architecture of the Palace blankets around a living garden inside the structure and is surrounded by three Teflon-coated glass fibre tents and two ceramic tile-clad cable tents. The palace is primarily used for state events and official functions, and public access to the interior is limited.
- Timings: No fixed timings
- Entry Fee: Free. Special events may require paid tickets
- Distance from City Centre: 8 km
Souq al-Thumairi
Souq al-Thumairi is one of the best places to visit in Riyadh, where your inner child will find pure joy. The small lanes of the souq are filled with local craftsmen and boutique shops selling everything from spices to jewellery, rugs, clothing, pots, silverware and antique collectables.
- Timings: Saturday to Thursday 9 AM – 12 PM & 8 PM – 12 AM; Friday 8 PM – 12 AM.
- Entry Fee: Free
Souq al Zal
Souq al Zal is located in the heart of Riyadh and is one of the oldest and biggest antique souqs in the city. The souk is known for its antiques, rare coins, musical instruments, old record players, and countless other unique items. Shop for oud-smelling perfumes to antiques, textiles and everything in between
- Timings: Daily 3:30 PM - 10:30 PM
- Entry Fee: Free
The Date Souq
For those looking to experience the authentic taste of a variety of dates and curb their sweet cravings, there is no better place to visit in Riyadh than The Date Souq. Located near Al Dirha district and Masmak Fort, the Riyadh date souq is a sensory experience you would not want to leave anytime soon. From soft caramel-like Sukari to the chewy fibre-rich Ajwa dates from the Madinah, a wide variety of dates are sold in kilos or by the box.
- Timing: Daily from 7 AM - 11 PM
- Entry Fee: Free
Al Rajhi Mosque
It is one of the largest mosques in Riyadh, renowned for its symmetrical design that blends traditional Islamic designs with contemporary elements. The mosque has a significant community importance and is a prominent landmark in Riyadh. The mosque regularly hosts educational programs and Friday prayers attended by thousands. Prayer times are sacred, and entry may be restricted during the congregational prayer.
- Timing: Daily 1 PM - 8 PM
- Distance from City Centre: 18 km
Imam Turki bin Abdullah Mosque
Also known as the Grand Mosque of Riyadh, Imam Turki bin Abdullah Mosque is located in the ad-Dirah adjacent to the al-Hukm Palace compound in Deera Square and Souq al Zal. The mix of traditional and modern Najdi design with towering minarets offers a visual delight to those seeking to explore heritage-rich tourist attractions in Riyadh.
- Timing: Daily 9 AM - 5 PM
- Distance from City Centre: 10 km
King Khalid Grand Mosque
Located in the Al Olaya district, this mosque is one of the largest and most beautiful mosques in Riyadh. The mosque boasts a stunning architecture, calm ambience and intricate design. The entrance is lined with palm trees and offers a peaceful break from the city buzz. The mosque is open to visitors outside of prayer times and is one of the most coveted tourist spots in Riyadh; an ideal stop for reflection and photography.
- Timings: Daily 10 AM - 8 PM
- Distance from City Centre: 2.9 km
Beyond the forts and tourist places in Saudi Arabia, Riyadh offer a surprising range of outdoor activities and natural getaways for those craving open skies and raw landscapes. From the dramatic drop of the rocky cliffs at the Edge of the World to the Red Sand Dunes, perfect for dune bashing and quad biking, there is no shortage of adrenaline or awe in Riyadh.
FAQs
Q1. How many days are enough to explore Riyadh?
Whether you are here for heritage, luxury, or adventure, a 4-day to a week-long trip is sufficient to explore key highlights like the Masmak Fortress, Kingdom Centre Tower, and Old City, and participate in adventure activities.
Q2. When is the best time to visit Riyadh?
Riyadh has a desert climate with extreme heat in the summer, very little precipitation, low humidity and mild winters. Winters, from November to March, are the best time to visit Riyadh. The season offers pleasant, mild weather, making it ideal for exploring the city and engaging in outdoor activities.
Q3. What are the best tips for travelling to Riyadh?
Dress appropriately
While the country has eased some restrictions, it is advisable to opt for modest yet comfortable clothing, especially in public places, government buildings and religious sites.
Getting around Riyadh
Uber and local ride-hailing apps like Careem and SAFWA Taxi are reliable choices. However, if you have booked your tour with us, you travel worry-free. We provide pre-arranged land transfers from the Airport to your hotel, as well as convenient transportation to tourist spots in Riyadh, as per the itinerary.
Book a guided tour
Exploring a new tourist destination becomes much easier and effortless on a guided tour. Discover the best places to go in Riyadh with our Saudi Arabia group tours. Browse through our available packages or curate new memories with us with our Customized Holidays. Whatever your preference, Veena World excels in crafting memorable travel experiences.
Q4. Do I need to speak Arabic to get around in Riyadh?
Not necessarily. While Arabic is the official language, English is widely spoken in hotels, airports, restaurants, and most tourist-facing services. Signage is often bilingual. Still, learning a few Arabic greetings or phrases can go a long way in showing respect and building rapport.
Q5. What kind of food scene should I expect in Riyadh?
Riyadh’s food scene is incredibly diverse. You’ll find: -
- Traditional Saudi dishes like kabsa, margoog, and mutabbaq
- Upscale dining at international restaurants
- Casual spots and cafés serving global cuisines (Lebanese, Indian, Japanese, American)
- A growing number of rooftop and fine-dining venues
Also, don’t miss out on Arabic coffee (qahwa) and dates served in traditional hospitality settings.
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