10 Best Places to Visit in Riyadh

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Planning to visit one of the most vibrant cities in the world? Riyadh, the capital of Saudi, is where the country’s past and future meet, making for a perfect cultural union.

Riyadh, which loosely translates to “garden” or “meadow” in English, is a desert plateau that merges the best of both worlds. A modern metropolis, rooted in traditions, there are a number of places to visit in Riyadh that shouldn’t be missed at any cost. Let us share a few with you today.

10 Spectacular Places to Visit in Riyadh

From art and fine dining to adventure and thrill, Riyadh ticks all the boxes of a versatile vacation. The city offers a perfect blend of neo and mediaeval experiences. During your holiday, you can expect to see a healthy mix of old and new Riyadh tourist places.

If you are a fan of art, then Riyadh will woo you with its alluring arcades and glorious galleries. Whether it is forts and palaces or geological wonders and marvels, Riyadh has everything to please you.

Here are 10 best places to visit in Riyadh:

1. Al Masmak Fortress: Go on a trip down history lane

First up on our list of best tourist places in Riyadh is the Al Masmak Fortress, a citadel that holds all the secrets and stories of how Saudi came into being.

Made of clay as well as mudbrick, this fortress is a rather unique palace that is often associated with the birth of Saudi. This is because in 1902, it was the seizing of this very fortress by Abdul-Aziz Al Saud that led to the formation of the country. You can quite imagine then how many tales this citadel holds in its heart, making it one of the best places to visit in Riyadh for free.

2. Murabba Palace: Visit the Founder King’s opulent abode

When time-travelling in Riyadh, Murabba Palace is another stop that you cannot miss. Once upon a time the abode of the King, this palace today has archives that history buffs can spend hours exploring.

Covered in acres of greens, the garden of this palace is exquisite. If you are visiting Riyadh in winters, then spending an afternoon gazing at the verdant lawn of this palace should definitely feature in your itinerary. A day spent chasing history in this palace, is a day spent well.

3. The Globe Restaurant: Taste world-class cuisines

The cuisines of Saudi are world famous, and Riyadh showcases the best of what this culinary destination has to offer.

While there is a plethora of restaurants and eateries that you should try during your visit, we would definitely recommend Al Faisalaih Centre’s The Globe Restaurant, as it is one of the fanciest Riyadh places to visit.

Within a towering edifice shooting straight for the stars, this centre has a ball-like structure on top where some of the most astounding and amazing dishes are served. This signature restaurant will take you on a gastronomic tour like one you’ve never experienced before.

4. Red Sand Dunes: Go dune bashing

For those who are going to Riyadh to experience the thrill of dune bashing, please add the Red Sand Dunes to your list of best tourist places in Riyadh.

Imagine sitting on a quad bike bashing dunes left and right, isn’t the thought itself giving you an adrenaline-high? Surrounded by rugged mountains while the ruddy dunes are illuminated by the setting sun, the Red Sand Dunes make for the perfect stage for you to live the most thrilling moment of your life.

5. National Museum: Witness history and art come together

When visiting a new country, it is almost obligatory that you visit the national museum. The same is true for Saudi. The National Museum in Riyadh has eight halls, a variety of exhibitions, and an interactive tour through time.

From how life originated to the story behind the formation of Saudi as we know it today, the National Museum is your ticket to the past. The Museum is not only a must-see for history aficionados, but also architecture lovers. Trust us when we say that this is an experience you should not miss out on.

6. Kingdom Centre: Feel on top of the world

Did you ever want to climb atop a tower of 99 storeys and view the world from that point? You can fulfil that wish in Riyadh by visiting Kingdom Centre, one of the best tourist places in Riyadh.

The fifth tallest tower in Saudi, Kingdom Centre hosts the Four Seasons Hotel, the Al-Mamlaka shopping precinct and a sky bridge. Yes, you read that right. Visiting the Kingdom Centre would mean walking across a 65-metre sky bridge. Isn’t that exciting? Book your ticket to Riyadh today to walk across this sky bridge and see the other Riyadh places to visit.

7. Al Turaif District: Admire an ancient architecture style

Declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, the Al Turaif District is one of the most important places to visit in Riyadh.

A perfect way to explore the Najdi architecture, a visit to this district gives you a vivid glimpse into how people here lived in the 15^th century. When in this district, do visit the Salwa Palace and the Al-Turaif Bath House for an experience like no other.

8. Wadi Hanifa: Experience an oasis in the middle of a desert

It would be wrong to conclude this list of best places to visit in Riyadh without mentioning Wadi Hanifa.

A valley that beguiles you to leave your worries behind, Wadi Hanifa will steal a piece of your heart with its beauty. With its oasis, Wadi Hanifa offers visitors the necessary respite from the onslaught of the sun. So, if you are holidaying in Riyadh with your family and are looking for a picnic spot, Wadi Hanifa is where you need to be.

9. Souq Al Zal: Shop like there is no tomorrow

When talking about the best places to visit in Riyadh, one cannot leave out Souq Al Zal, a neighbourhood like no other in the world.

In case you are wondering what Souq Al Zal is, then etymology might come in handy. While Souq means market, Zal is carpets. Yes, you guessed it right, Souq Al Zal is a traditional Saudi market that is home to one of the best rugs and carpets that you will ever lay your eyes on.

Apart from rugs and carpets, you can also shop Arabian Oud (perfume), antiques, and accessories here for your home.

10. Nofa Wildlife Park: An animal safari to remember

The Nofa Wildlife Park in Riyadh gives you a taste of the Sahara Desert without traveling that far.

This wildlife park is home to more than 700 animals. From cheetahs and giraffes to wildebeest and pygmy hippos, you will find an assortment of wild animals when planning to go on an animal safari in Riyadh. The Grévy’s Zebra is definitely the showstopper.

You can very well fathom how exciting and rich your animal safari experience will be.

Today, we covered 10 of the most unforgettable places that you must experience in Riyadh.

If this list of places to visit in Riyadh has inspired you to grab a seat on the next flight to Saudi, then we hope you have a fantastic holiday there, click loads of pictures and tag us. Happy vacationing!