Top things to do in Riyadh
By support@click2visas.com
3 years
Riyadh is the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s largest city and capital of Saudi Arabia. Riyadh, Saudi Arabia biggest city is perhaps not the first choice for western tourists for a major city weekend, but because Saudi Arabia has recently been opened to tourists, they will finally be able to see the sights Riyadh has to offer. In just a few decades, Riyadh became, only after Cairo and Baghdad, the world’s third-largest Arab town from an isolated town. Now a spacious city with immense growth has taken place, but thankfully some of the historic buildings have remained and became one of the world’s most important construction booms today. The historical district: Diriyah is actually a UNESCO World Heritage site and original residence of the Saudi Royal family.
While Saudi Arabia is still a very strict Islamic nation, but while walking around in Riyadh may remind you of that, and these days the country has undergone a huge change in the past three years, and strolling around Riyadh make you feel like walking around Dubai. Riyadh tourism is vastly improved. From parks and shopping malls to desert trekking and museums, there are a lot of things to do in Riyadh. The below blog explains things to do in Saudi Arabia Riyadh.
Things to do in Saudi Arabia Riyadh:
Below are some of the major key travel places to visit in Saudi Arabia Riyadh,
Maskmak fort in Riyadh:
The Fort of Maskmak is the birthplace of modern Saudi Arabia. The old fortress of 1865 is the heart of old Riyadh. Masmak Fort is a majestic citadel that brings us back to the history of Saudi Arabia. This is the fort that was swept away by the late Abdulazizbin Abdul Rahman ibn Faisal ibn Turki ibn Abdullah ibn Muhammad Al Saud, commonly known in the Arab world as Abdulaziz and in the West part of the world as Ibn Saud, in the early hours of January 14, 1902. Abdulaziz captured the fort and gained possession of Riyadh, created today’s, Saudi Arabia. Today the fort is completely restored beautifully and is one of the most important museums and landmarks of Riyadh. The museum has a lot of historical artifacts on display, including weapons, clothes, etc. Everything is shown in English and Arabic. This Fort is open from 8 AM to 12 AM and again from 16.00 PM to 21:00 PM.
Shopping in Riyadh SOUQ:
Like in most parts of Middle Eastern countries, the daily shopping is done in (souqs -bazaars), the popular souk in Riyadh is Souq al-Thumairi, also commonly known as the Antique Souq, and it is one of the major Riyadh attractions. This is the very best Riyadh tourist attractions and a place to buy handicrafts, antiques, perfume, traditional clothes, carpets, coffee pots, silver daggers, jewelry, etc. But make sure to haggle, the Souq is located immediately south of Masmak Fortress in the Al Diraiyah area.
Antique auctions:
Local Saudi people love antiques; you will commonly notice this with all the private and popular museums around the country, e-specially in south Saudi in Jizan province, wondering where they get all of their collection from, but they are from the famous Antique action here at Souq al-Thumairi. An old bunch of Coca Cola canes from the ’50s went for over 1000 USD during our visit, or a teapot for 2000 USD. This is the place the locals are spending their money for their private collections.
Saudi Kingdom Centre:
Each big city has a skyscraper with a platform for viewing these days. A sky bridge on the top of the 302.3 m/992 feet and 99 stories Kingdom Center is the most famous place view in Riyadh, which was called the Saudi landmark, and nicknamed a bottle opener. From all over Riyadh, the skyscraper is easily seen, particularly in the night when luminous. While the amazing sky bridge at the top of the Kingdom Centre is the most famous point of view over the town, it is a 360-degree view across Riyadh from the famous Al Faisaliyah Centre, which is just about 1km from the Kingdom Centre. The opening hours are 9:30 AM – 23.00 and on Fridays 16:30 PM – 23.00. The ticket costs are SAR 60 (16USD) for Adults and SAR 20 (5USD) for Kids under ten years.
Al Faisaliyah Center:
One of the fanciest restaurants in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is situated on top of the Al Faisaliyah Center. The Globe is the largest glass ball in the world, 242m in diameter, constructed from 655 glass panels and hanging just underneath the top of Al Faisaliah Tower. Underneath the glass ball, there is also a viewing platform, and you can take plenty of Riyadh images. Tickets are the same as at the Kingdom Hub, and the opening hours are the same. If you want to have a magical sunset, make sure you book a table in advance.
First Saudi Capital Diriyah:
Diriyah, which was originally an oasis on Rhine’s banks and the original residence of the Saudi royal family, was the capital of the Emirate of Diriya from 1744 to 1818, at the northwest outskirts of Riyadh, during the first Saudi dynasty. Nevertheless, Ad Diriyah’s history is millennium-long. It was once an old trade and pilgrimage route and a meeting place for people from or to Asia, Africa, or Europe. The Diriyah Ruins were included in the 2010 UNESCO World Heritage list. A large amount of money was invested by the Saudi Government to restore the old ruins and to make them ready for western visitors. There is also a new high-tech museum built which has old Riyadh photos. A new district, a new center in Al Bujairy, was also built outside the ruins. Traditionally built, the Al Bujairy Centre is dotted with modern shops, ice cream shops, and restaurants.
Riyadh Season:
The Riyadh Season is a three-month mega event to be held in Riyadh from 15 October to 15 December. It has 12 zones, more than 100 activities, and 3000 things to do and see. Something’s here for everyone. It has anything from a big procession, concerts, and worldwide restaurants. A winter wonderland where you can skate and watch a couple of the greatest stars of the WWE-American Wrestling Club, A Real Madrid Exposition, and even a League of the Legends contest or visiting the Ferrari show, where they have over 50 original Ferrari on display.
National Museum:
One of the most populist things to do in Riyadh visits the National Museum. Like every other National Museum in the world, the most famous site in Riyadh displays the history of the country in eight halls. It has old pictures of Riyadh Saudi Arabia. The numerous exhibitions take you from the beginning of the world and lead you from the Pre-Islamic area, from Prophet Mohammed to modern Saudi Arabia, throughout the history of the Arab peninsula. One of the most priceless properties of the Museum is the Hall of Hajj and the Two Holy Mosques of Mecca and Madina. Cover of Mecca’s Kaaba door. Since a non-Muslim is likely to be nearest, you can come to the two Holy places in Mecca and Medina. An extremely high-tech museum with various videos and virtual history tours. The opening hours are Sunday to Thursday from 12.00 – 20.00 and on Fridays: 16-20.00. On Saturday 8-20.00.
Edge of the World:
The most famous day trip from Riyadh is what local people call Jebel Fihrayn, better known as the Edge of the World. It looks like you look into the end of the universe, a natural marvel that has received its name from the perspective above some 300 meter high cliffs overlooking the surrounding flat under the cliffs. There isn’t much here but look carefully, and you’ll see plenty of coral fossils still visible on the field. On the way to the world’s edge, there is also a cave where you can explore thousands of bats, but it’s labeled as a “secret cave” on Google Maps. The Edge of the world I am located in what practically looks like the end of the world, only about 100km/62miles north of Riyadh, which is not far away, but it will take you about 2hours to do off the road driving, which is only possible by 4×4, and even the bigger 4×4 can quickly get stuck if the driver is not experienced. It’s a very rocky and sandy road. Please make sure to bring sufficient water; there are no shops around for miles.
Additional information to know about Riyadh and places to visit in Riyadh by various modes:
Riyadh is situated almost in the center of Saudi Arabia, and with it is the whole country with a 1.5-hour radius if you decide to fly. The city is also linked to most of the country with a vast bus network, but due to the vast size of the country, bus travel is not very visible if you are within a time limit. Also, if you plan to go north and northwest, you will often have to change buses in Medina, which non-Muslims cannot do. Below are the various Riyadh travel options:
Flights to Riyadh:
The Airport of Riyadh is also known as King Khalid International Airport, a large airport that connects almost everywhere in the world through most of the world’s major airlines and an easy way to travel to Riyadh. Domestic flights may be operated with FlyDeal and FlyNas budget airlines in two countries or with Saudi Airlines national airline (SkyTeam). The airport is located about 35km to the north of the city, and the only way to get there is by taxi (Uber and Careem).
Bus to Riyadh:
The Riyadh Central Bus Station is situated 17km/10,5miles to the south of the city center. Riyadh to Jeddah takes 12 hours by direct bus, Riyadh to Damman takes 6 hours, and Riyadh to Abha (home to Riyal Almaa), a small gingerbread village in southern Saudi Arabia, takes 15 hours with a transit.
Train to Riyadh:
Riyadh is connected with two different railway networks, the East Line to Damman with the Saudi Railways Organization and the North Line to Qassim, Hail, and Jauf (SAR). The high-speed train line between Riyadh and Jeddah is currently under development.
Getting Around Riyadh:
The first metro rail is currently under construction in Riyadh, and it will consist of six metro lines, which are covering a total length of 176 kilometers and 85 stations. A small part of the network will be opened by the end of 2019, and the complete system is expected to be opened by 2021. Riyadh suffers from some of the worst traffic jams in the world during rush hours, so the metro will be very welcome when it’s fully operational. Until then, Uber and Careem taxi are the best way to get around Riyadh.
Staying place in Riyadh:
With Riyadh being a big city, it’s important to decide to stay in the area. Al-Batha is a budget part of the city, about 5km/3miles south of Masmak Fort, while all the best restaurants in Riyadh are located around the Kingdom Center. Another best area to stay in Riyadh is the district of Olaya, which is located in the center of the city. This neighborhood is for all types of hotels and is the major shopping area with modern and traditional kind of shops lining the streets along with various other Riyadh restaurants offering international cuisine. The Faisaliah Tower and the Kingdom Center are exceptionally close, and there are many other tourist attractions nearby.
Best time to visit Riyadh:
When planning a trip to Riyadh, you will have to take the climate into account when planning and then visit. Riyadh suffers from the worst climate extremes in Saudi Arabia. Summer temperatures can reach an extreme 50°C (125F) during the months of June and July. During the winter seasons of December, January, and February, temperatures may fall below zero. And if the horrible temperature is not enough, when the wind blows, the city is often covered with a haze of sand and dust.
Money Access:
You’re never far from Riyadh’s ATM. Like the rest of Saudi Arabia, money can only be exchanged at official banks and high-end hotels.
Safety in Riyadh:
Riyadh Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is mainly safe, but there are extremely unsafe areas, as in most of the world’s major cities. Some of the biggest concerns for the Riyadh tourists should be the failure to comply with their moral codes, which is followed by severe punishments. There are risks for women traveling to Riyadh, especially if they do not abide by their codes of morality, such as wearing an abaya at all times. In addition, women should take basic precautions and clearly understand what to do in Saudi Arabia. Riyadh has one of the lowest rates of crime in the world, as the police are frequently on the streets.
