Saudi Arabia, a country that has grown from a small settlement to one of the finest holiday destinations in the world today has numerous wonders to show the tourists and one of them is Riyadh. The country's capital city and the cultural hub of the region, there are many things to do in Riyadh that travelers can find fascinating.
Over the years, the city has been fairly traditional but there are a number of wonders that await travelers here. So, if you wish to discover the enchanting charm of Riyadh on a holiday, we have compiled a detailed guide of some of the top things that one can do in Riyadh.
Top Activities In Riyadh To Try On A Holiday
A city brimming with numerous tourist spots, here are some of the top things that one can do in the capital of Saudi Arabia.
1. Go Shopping At The Riyadh Gallery
Wondering about the best things to do in Riyadh? Well, how about shopping in the city? One of the finest things to do in Riyadh is to shop at the Riyadh Gallery. Although there are dozens of shopping malls in Riyadh that are renowned for their options, a visit to the Riyadh Gallery is still worth it. Not just perfect for shopping, the place is perfect for dining and socializing with people as well.
This is a three-storey shopping center that features a variety of international brands today.
With options like luxury goods to some of the finest high-street stores that are widely popular amongst visitors, this is a place that has it all. In fact, one of the major reasons why the Riyadh Gallery is better than most of the malls in Riyadh is because the place even has a food court with a wide selection of dining outlets much to the delight of visitors. There is, in fact, an artificial lake along with a mosque at Riyadh Gallery as well.
Location - King Fahd Rd, King Fahd, Riyadh 12262, Saudi Arabia
Famous For -
- International Shopping Brands
- Dining
- Artificial Lake
- Mosque
2. Visit The King Abdullah Malaz Park
Now here's a thing, there are many fun things to do in Riyadh but a visit to King Abdullah Malaz Park has to be one of the top priorities for visitors. Stretching over 318,000 square meters and boasting of its multiple facilities, there's a lot that visitors can do at the King Abdullah Malaz Park in Riyadh. One can either visit various caféterias or head over to the restaurant to experience the best of culinary delights at the place.
What's more? The park even has playgrounds for children while there are specially designated areas for sports and other such activities at the park.
Interestingly, this is not a place that one would want to visit during day times as temperatures in the region can be high to a great limit which makes it virtually impossible for travelers to enjoy here. Hence, travelers are advised to plan their visit during the evenings or when the weather is favorable to get a possible experience here.
A fact? Well, this is the largest park in Saudi Arabia. So, why not plan a visit to this gem of a place?
Location - Al Ameen Abdullah Al Ali Al Naeem Street, Al Malaz, Riyadh 12836, Saudi Arabia
Famous For -
- Playgrounds
- Sports facilities
- caféterias
- Restaurants
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3. Al Faisaliah Centre
Another popular spot in Riyadh that was once the tallest building in Saudi Arabia, Al Faisaliah Centre is now the fourth tallest building in the country and dining here is one of the top things to do in Riyadh today. Located in the business district of the city, visitors can come here and dine in at the 25 meters in diameter ball that sits on top of the building. Interestingly, that ball is, in fact, a restaurant and is called The Globe. Massively popular amongst travelers, the Globe restaurant in Riyadh is a perfect place to savor the best of meals while embracing 360-degree views of the city. So, what's the delay? Visit the gorgeous Al Faisaliah Centre in Riyadh and dine in at the Globe.
Location - Business district of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Famous For -
- The Globe
- 360-degree views of the city
4. Explore The National Museum In Riyadh
Popular for being the largest museum in the country, the National Museum in Riyadh is another fine place that promises a number of attractions to visitors. If you're wondering where to experience the historical past of Saudi Arabia, well, then paying a visit to the National Museum has to be one of the top things to do in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The museum, in fact, lies at the King Abdul Aziz Historical Centre which is in itself a cultural hub in the city of Riyadh.
There are a total of eight galleries at the museum that showcase the history of human civilization, antiquities, galleries, and so much more to the visitors.
Location - Historical Center، King Abdul Aziz، Al Murabba, Riyadh 12631, Saudi Arabia
Famous For -
- Eight galleries
- Antiquities
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5. Spend A Fun Day At Riyadh's Royal Zoo
Planning a fun-filled day for your children and family? Well, there are many things to do in Saudi Arabia for that and a visit to the Riyadh Royal Zoo has to be one of them. Renowned for its historical past, the zoo was first opened to the public in the 1980s. As history has it, the zoo was earlier used to keep the wild animals owned by Saudi Arabia's kings.
As for the animals, there are more than 1500 animals at the zoo while the species present add up to about 40 in number. Interestingly, alongside its many other attractions, Riyadh's Royal Zoo even features a flamingo park while there is also a designated area here for preserving a number of local birds.
Location - Al Ihsa, Al Malaz, Riyadh 12832, Saudi Arabia
Famous For -
- 40 different species
- More than 1500 animals
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6. Enjoy Desert Trekking At Jebel Fihrayn
Here's a thing, there are many top of the line -
places in the world that are renowned for their desert adventures and Riyadh is definitely one of them. The desert trek of Jebel Fihrayn is something that travelers should often do as part of the adventure activities in Riyadh today. Nestled about 90 kilometers away from the city of Riyadh, the trek here is available in multiple forms and categories.
However, the only goal at this time is to reach the top of the mountain. Only 4x4 vehicles can be driven in this desert. However, another important point is that there are no phone signals available at Jebel Fihrayn which makes it all the more vital to have the right company with you. Hence, travelers heading for a desert safari in Riyadh are advised to go there with an experienced driver only whom you can trust with the directions.
Location - Northwest of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Famous For - The desert trek is famous for its serene desert views and adventure
7. Visit The World Sights Park
Now here's a thing, there are numerous landmarks around the world that are widely popular amongst travelers but you can't explore all of them at once, right? Well, what if I say you can? That's right. One of the most interesting activities in Riyadh today is to visit the World Sights Park. One of those prominent attractions in Saudi Arabia, this is a place where replicas of all prominent landmarks around the world are available and travelers can come here and spend the best of time exploring these replicas.
Be it the iconic Eiffel Tower, the Taj Mahal in India, the Blue Mosque in Istanbul, or even the Leaning Tower of Pisa, this park has it all. In fact, one can find a number of Saudi Monuments too including the two holy mosques of the country. So, what's the delay? Plan your visit to the World Sights Park today in case you're wondering what to do in Riyadh.
Location - 7164 Nasir Ar Rajihi, Al Mughrizat, 4298، Riyadh 12482, Saudi Arabia
Famous For -
- Eiffel Tower replica
- Taj Mahal replica
- Blue Mosque replica
- Leaning Tower of Pisa replica, etc.
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8. Enjoy Quad Biking At The Red Sand Dunes
Wondering where to enjoy desert activities in Riyadh? Well, the Red Sand Dunes await you. One of the best places to visit in Riyadh as far as adventure activities are concerned, the Red Sand Dunes are located about 20 minutes drive away from central Riyadh and are large windswept dunes that are perfect to enjoy activities like quad biking, sand boarding, and so on.
In fact, the place is one of the most scenic areas in Riyadh the residents of the city often visit here during the weekends. Activities here are available at reasonable prices which attracts more and more people.
Location - 20 minutes drive away from central Riyadh
Famous For -
- Quad biking
- Sand boarding
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A city that has gained considerable prominence for being one of the most happening tourist destinations in the world, Riyadh has a certain charm about it that compels you to explore. There are multiple things to do in Riyadh today, from adventure activities to historical tours and visits to scenic parks, this is a city that continues to impress travelers from around the world. So, if you're residing in Riyadh or planning to visit this city on a holiday, make sure to check out these top activities to do here and have the best of time spending your vacation here. Book your plane ticket to Riyadh today and come witness the charm of the city.
FAQs
Although there are numerous activities to try in Riyadh on a vacation, travelers can still look to opt for a visit to the Riyadh Gallery. In Spite of the dozens of shopping malls in Riyadh that are renowned for their options, a visit to the Riyadh Gallery is still worth it. Not just perfect for shopping, the place is perfect for dining and socializing with people as well.
This is a three-storey shopping center that features a variety of international brands today. With options like luxury goods to some of the finest high-street stores that are widely popular amongst visitors, the gallery has it all. It even has a food court with a wide selection of dining outlets much to the delight of visitors.
Yes, the desert trek of Jebel Fihrayn in Riyadh is something that travelers should often do as part of the adventure activities in Riyadh today. Nestled about 90 kilometers away from the city of Riyadh, the trek here is available in multiple forms and categories.
An ideal duration in Riyadh can be about 2 days at least. However, visitors can plan to stay longer as there are numerous locations to explore here.
One of the best places to visit in Riyadh as far as adventure activities are concerned, the Red Sand Dunes are located about 20 minutes drive away from central Riyadh and are large windswept dunes that are perfect to enjoy activities like quad biking, sand boarding, and so on.
Yes, the Riyadh Royal Zoo is located in the city and features more than 1500 animals at the zoo while the species present add up to about 40 in number. The place even has a flamingo park.
There are many museums in Riyadh but the National Museum has to be the best bet for tourists. It is, in fact, the largest museum in Saudi Arabia today.
The official tourism season in Saudi Arabia is from October to March. However, as far as the best time is concerned, one can look to visit between November and February as the weather is the coolest during this time.
