Best place to visit in Riyadh
By support@click2visas.com
3 years
As Saudi Arabia’s capital, Riyadh is a cultural center that effortlessly portrays ancient fortresses stood side-by-side with new glass skyscrapers. Riyadh is a big city with almost 1,800 square kilometers. Most of the interesting attractions are located in its modest historic center (or downtown), including the remains of the ancient city walls that once protected this ancient stop along the desert trade path. For many of these travelers, especially Americans, Riyadh, and Saudi Arabia, in general, are not a traditional destination, but the country is campaigning to change that with the recent launch of a new online visa scheme that enables quick access to the country with a single-entry visa (within a 30-day period). Now, what are the best places in Riyadh to explore and what shouldn’t you miss seeing there? Here are the historical and current highlights of the place to visit in Riyadh.
Where to go in Riyadh for tourists?
Historical places in Riyadh:
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia also outdates some of the more interesting historical attractions in the region. Since its foundation in 1901, Riyadh has been the nucleus of the Saudi Monarchy, but many ancient sites and fortresses are over 1,000 years old.
Tourist spot in Riyadh:
Al Masmak Fort:
- The iconic Masmak Fort is amongst the best place to visit in Riyadh.
- In the city of Riyadh, Masmak Fort is among the most historical places in Saudi Arabia. “Masmak” means “strong,” and local folklore says the Kingdom would collapse with it if this fortress collapses.
- In the recapture of the Riyadh city in 1902, led by Ibn Saud, this well-preserved 19th-century clay and mudbrick fortress played a crucial role, cementing its role in the restoration of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
- The fortress is now a museum that gives tourists the chance to look back on the crucial moment in the history of destination Riyadh as the capital of the Kingdom and beyond.
- Well, artifacts and the fortress’s architecture were personally enjoyed by us, including the wonderfully preserved Arabic sitting room (called a Diwan) complete with luxurious furniture and a throne.
- As they have family days, single days, female days, etc., the museum is free to attend, but check out admission in advance (as a conservative city/country, several locations divide males from females and families).
Deerah Souq:
- Al-Thumairi Souq (because it’s along Thumairi Street) and Al-Zel Souq are also known as Deerah Souq, and Deerah Souq is situated near Al Masmak Fort in the old part of town. It is famous for its gold souq and its pieces of antique souq.
- Various items ranging from carpets, gold, silver, souvenirs, western garments and props, antiques, and even furniture are sold in hundreds of small shops.
- Some English is spoken by most shop owners, so this souk is really tourist-friendly. Do not be afraid to negotiate and hop from store to shop.
- In my view, this is not only one of the most popular Riyadh tourist places, but it is also a fascinating souk we’ve visited because you could see a glimpse of history through the many antique pieces sold there. If you can only visit the souq in Riyadh, make sure it’s that favorite souk!
- On the other side, if you have time and can leave the area, you can visit Souq Al Jamal – situated 30 km north of the city center.
- This is one of the biggest camel markets in the Arabian Peninsula, so you’re sure to have a fascinating cultural experience there, particularly if you make an offer. As the area is under renovation, ask locals about the current state and location of Souk Riyadh.
Murabba Palace and the Historical Base of King Abdul Aziz:
- A fascinating tour through the history of Saudi Arabia is offered by the King Abdul Aziz Historical Center. While the center is designed in a modern version of the royal Saudi style, it surrounds the historic former royal palace of Murabba, which is well worth a visit.
- In it, you’ll find an empty courtyard building, an old set of vehicles, an old majlis, and an old water tower. You can also see a remodeled mosque based on the original royal mosque that served the palace.
- The center has been considered to be the spiritual hub of entertainment places in Riyadh. In fact, the core is not just the Murabba Palace complex; it consists of many ancient buildings throughout the city, including the Al Masmak Fortress.
Diriyah:
- Diriyah was once the residence of the Saudi dynasty and the first Saudi capital on the northwest outskirts.
- The World Heritage Site (UNESCO) was one of the largest towns on the Arabian Peninsula until it was destroyed, and during the year-long siege where the Ottoman and Saudi armies clashed, it was actually destroyed in the early 19th century.
- The town is now a tourist destination where visitors can enjoy the ancient mud architecture, numerous parks, and it’s fascinating spaces, including the famous courtyard of the Saad bin Saud Palace.
Top Modern Riyadh visiting places:
Museum of the National:
- Although the National Museum is full of historical objects and is located right next to the Palace of Murabba, it is housed in a modern building, which is why it belongs to this category. It is part of the Historical Centre of King Abdul Aziz as well.
- An extensive collection of all the things that define Saudi culture and its people is included in the museum. From fossils, old architecture and structures, Pre-Islamic trade routes, and objects from the Arab Empire, all are on view.
- For adults, the entrance fee is SAR 10, and it is free for children. There are both English and Arabic audio-visual presentations.
Deera Square:
- Deera Square is also considered Justice Square or Chop-Chop Square. Deera Square is a modern public square where executions often occur as capital punishment (usually by beheading). Saudi Arabia is the only country that involved in public executions in the form of dismemberment.
- The police and other officials clear the square after Friday prayers to make room for their executions to take place. The head is stitched to the body after the condemned are decapitated, and they are bundled up for the last rites and taken away.
- Although it might not be the safest spot to be during the execution, it’s a fun square to visit where you’ll see children running and playing with the water fountains.
Sky Bridge at Kingdom Centre:
- Would you like to see Riyadh from above? This is the place to visit in Riyadh to do it!
- The Sky Bridge is situated on the 50th floor of the Kingdom Tower, which is actually Riyadh’s third tallest skyscraper. The 65-meter-long sky bridge gives you a perfect panoramic view of the city from 300 meters above the sea.
- The Kingdom Center Mall is situated at the base of the tower, where you can find all sorts of premium brands. Day and night views are beautiful, but they’re definitely best at night because you can see city lights and other skyscrapers shine in different colors as well.
Al-Faisalia Tower:
- The Al Faisaliah Tower is another iconic tower on the Riyadh skyline. Its pointing shape towards the sky and the shiny golden ball at its peak make it unmissable, a geometric style that references the traditional Arab architecture that once ruled the region.
- With 44 levels, this is the fourth tallest tower in the area, with a 267-meter high tower over Riyadh. Much like the Kingdom Tower, you can go up to the highest view and see a mall at its center. We suggest that you pick one tower or another to visit the sky bridge/viewpoint.
Here is an amazing Saudi Arabia tourist place.
Dive in the Red Sea or Snorkel:
What are the places that you can add to your bucket list that you can’t skip in Saudi tourist place? Learn about the best places in Saudi Arabia to visit. Get your Saudi Arabia tourist visa and see the wonders of the Arabian world. All over the world, we’ve gone snorkeling and diving, and no other spot is better than the Red Sea. What makes Red Sea diving so great? The Red Sea is beautifully clear, there is an abundance of fish, and almost nobody is there. Most Saudis do not swim, so the reefs are very safe and pristine, even though the beaches can become very polluted with garbage.
Visit Mad’ian Saleh’s ancient graveyard:
Mad’ian Saleh is one of Arabia’s best-kept jewels just outside the town of Al Ulah. These ruins have been relatively unchanged for decades and have been carved by the Nabateans (the same people who produced Petra). In comparison to Petra, a few miles away to see the tombs, you can travel on Mad’ian Saleh near the majority of the tombs.
Discover Al-Old Balad’s Town:
Jeddah’s Al-Balad, with its decorated doors and elaborate windows, is exceptionally well maintained. It has an unbelievable sensation to make you feel as though you were taken back in time. To fully understand this area, a guided tour is your best option.
Go on a desert safari in the Dune Bashing:
Saudi Arabia is mostly sand, but you can even welcome it and go for a 4-14 dune bashing voyage instead of resisting it. The trip is probably part of the ATV and part of the robust adventure as you fly up and down the dune. This is perhaps Saudi Arabia’s most packed adrenaline operation.
Enter the Riyadh Janadriya Festival:
Any travel to Saudi is the highlight of the annual cultural festival activities in Riyadh, as it provides tourists an opportunity to get into Saudi culture in its entirety. During the winter, the festival takes place for two weeks and is one of the few occasions that conservative Saudi people let themselves go and dance! Encounter food, dance, and traditional crafts in the different regions of the Saudi region and read more about the falconry. This case should not be skipped (and is worth planning your visit around).
Attend a stunning Camel Race or Camel:
Yes, there are Saudi camel races (the camels are ridden by robotic monkeys) and even camel beauty shows. No, it’s not a joke, but a major tribute to their origins in the Bedouin. Only a few generations back, and you will find that the prosperity of the Saudis was largely determined by the number of camels they owned. Today, these camel gatherings draw huge crowds, and even some controversies, with most people living in towns. In 2018, when judges heard they had been given botox injections to strengthen their lips, some camels were excluded from the beauty show! Those are Saudi-specific stuff, so don’t skip the camel events!
Some important additional details you should know before you travel to Saudi Arabia.
It’s highly conservative:
- Riyadh is rather religious, unlike many other western cities in the Middle East, even compared to other places to visit in Dammam and things to do in Dammam in the Empire.
- It was not until 2018 that women were permitted to drive, but then, whether they are married to them or are immediate blood relatives, they should not mix with men.
- Be mindful that most areas have different exits, sections, and even separate buildings for males and females, or singles and families, such as restaurants, malls, parks, etc. Often choose to use the entrance that is more appropriate for you.
Hours for Prayer:
- During prayer hours, which are five times a day, all institutions suspend their activities.
- Religious police (or mutawa) are found everywhere, keeping an eye on it all.
Temperature and climate:
- What is the Riyadh temperature right now? Riyadh may get really hot, and the heat will feel you, especially when you wear many clothes. During the summer, the temperature can exceed more than 120°F (50°C).
- It has an average Fahrenheit of 70° during the winter (21 Celsius). Keep always hydrated and avoid exposure to the sun for long hours during summer, particularly at midday.
No Alcohol:
Also, in hotels, alcohol is prohibited. On the flight to Saudi Arabia, do not expect alcohol. Alcohol is not permitted to reach the country.
