Saudi Arabia Travel Guide

The Saudi Arabian capital city has come a long way in a few short decades. If you’re planning on visiting Saudi Arabia, then use our ultimate guide to find the best things to do. Make your stay an unforgettable one with our Saudi Arabia travel guide

Delve into Riyadh's rich history, vibrant culture, and contemporary attractions with insights curated just for you. From cultural gems that showcase the city's heritage to culinary delights that tantalise your taste buds, our guide covers it all. Make your stay in Riyadh truly unforgettable by unlocking the secrets of this dynamic city. Download our Saudi Arabia travel guide, your essential companion for an enriching and immersive vacation experience.

Fun facts and things to know about Riyadh

Riyadh is a truly fascinating place. Allow us to whet your appetite with these fun facts and things to know about the city.

Riyadh was originally known as Hajr

The area now known as Riyadh was a tribal settlement known as Hajr in pre-Islamic times. The first mention of the city by its modern name was by an early Arab chronicler in 1590.

Riyadh’s population is diverse

The city has a population of approximately 7,538,200, 40% of which is comprised of expats. The two biggest groups of non-Saudis living in the capital are Indians and Pakistanis.

Riyadh saw massive growth from the 1940s onward

Before the discovery of huge oil reserves near the Persian Gulf in 1938, Saudi Arabia was a poor desert kingdom. By 1976, the country was the world’s largest oil exporter. Thanks to the economic boom, the small, isolated town that was Riyadh transformed into what is today a modern global city.

Riyadh is bigger than London

Riyadh covers a total area of 1,973 square kilometres (762 square miles). London covers a total area of 1,572 square kilometres (607 square miles).

There are several archaeological sites in Riyadh

Most of the city’s ancient architecture was lost during the city’s transformation from dusty desert town to global city. However, you’ll find several important archaeological sites in the city. They include the five gates from the old city wall, the Turaif District, four historic palaces, and Masmuk Fortress.

Travel tips when visiting Riyadh

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is a place like no other, so use the following travel tips when visiting Saudi Arabia, Riyadh to make your stay that much more pleasant.

Remember specific aspects of behaviour: Saudi Arabia still is a conservative country, so keep various aspects of behaviour in mind when visiting. Avoid displaying affection in public – even married couples shouldn’t hold hands, embrace, or kiss. Don’t wear clothing with bright colours or that has a provocative fit or design in public, as locals may interpret it negatively, even if that’s not your intention.

Shops are overcrowded on weekends: If you enjoy shopping, keep in mind that the best time to do it is during the week. Shops in Riyadh tend to be overcrowded on weekends.

You might need adaptors and connectors for your appliances: The utility supplied voltage in Saudi Arabia is 220V, so you might need adaptors and connectors for appliances you bring for your stay. Check your devices’ requirements and purchase the appropriate adaptors before travelling.

Tip serving staff in cafes and restaurants: Tipping is expected in Riyadh, so be sure to include a tip when settling your bill. You can tip between 7 and 10% of the total amount in cheap and cheerful smaller cafes and restaurants, and between 10 and 15% in upmarket establishments.

Best time to visit Riyadh

The winter months of November through March is the best time to visit Riyadh. You’ll find the coolest temperatures from December to February, when the highs range from 26.6C to 18.3C (79.9F to 64.9F).

The hottest months are June through August, when temperatures range from 42.5C to 43.6C (108.5F to 110.5F).

Top things to do during a Saudi Arabia vacation

For those passionate about city life, Riyadh offers a plethora of activities to make your Saudi Arabia vacation unforgettable. Explore the modern urban landscape with our curated selection of the best things to do in Riyadh.

See the view from Kingdom Centre’s Sky Bridge: One of Riyadh’s landmark buildings, Kingdom Centre has an unmistakeable design that can be seen from miles away. The lower floors of the centre are an upmarket shopping mall, and you’ll find the entrance to the tower tucked between the Mont Blanc and Carolina Herrera stores. After purchasing your ticket, take the high-speed lift to the 99th floor and the curved Sky Bridge, and enjoy the most spectacular views of the city and surrounding area from 300m above ground.

Go on a self-guided audio walking tour: Whether you’re interested in Riyadh’s ancient or its modern history, you’ll find a self-guided audio walking tour that hits the spot. Your audio guide will lead you to main attractions and hidden gems, allowing you to see the city from entirely new perspectives.

Get your retail therapy on: If you’re a shopaholic, you’ve come to the right place. Riyadh is packed with world-class shopping malls, where you’ll find independent brands, quirky boutiques, and some of the biggest names in fashion, jewellery, and accessories. Lose yourself in Al Nakheel Mall and Riyadh Gallery Mall where hours can disappear during a shopping spree while visiting Saudi Arabia.

Top things to in Riyadh for romantics

While the bustling capital city of Saudi Arabia, Riyadh, may not be the first destination that comes to mind for a romantic getaway, it has its fair share of enchanting activities for couples visiting Saudi Arabia. Explore the romantic side of Riyadh with these delightful experiences, creating memorable moments during your Saudi Arabia vacation. Discover the perfect blend of culture, relaxation, and intimacy in the heart of Riyadh.

Go 10-pin bowling: Spend a couple of hours enjoying an activity that has become a favourite in Riyadh and around the world. There are numerous bowling alleys dotted around the capital, mostly in malls. Some stick to the more traditional approach, while others use light projections to transform the experience. Find a bowling alley such as Strike 10 where you can also enjoy a meal and cold or hot beverages.

Watch the sun set from the Edge of the World: Take a day tour to Tuwaiq, an escarpment known as the Edge of the World, and watch the sun set from a vantage point hundreds of metres above the surrounding plain. Depending on the day tour you join, you may also be treated to a tour of Bats Cave, followed by tea and coffee at the operator’s campsite. If there’s time, you’ll also enjoy dinner in the desert or at a traditional restaurant before heading back to Riyadh.

Take a daytrip to Ushaiqer and enjoy a picnic lunch: You’ll have no trouble finding daytrips to Ushaiqer, a traditional village two hours away from Riyadh. There, your guide will introduce you to some of the most beautiful examples of Najdi architecture in one of the country’s oldest villages – Ushayger is more than 1,000 years old! After exploring the passages between traditional houses, old mosques, and grand palaces, you’ll be taken to enjoy the view from an impressive viewpoint, before setting off to enjoy an authentic Arabian picnic in the dunes or a meal at a traditional restaurant if the weather isn’t suitable for a picnic.

Cool things to do in Riyadh with the family

If you're planning a family vacation to Riyadh, rest assured that children are well catered for in the Saudi capital. Riyadh offers a variety of exciting activities perfect for families visiting Saudi Arabia. Explore our family-friendly guide to make the most of your Saudi Arabia travel experience, ensuring that both children and adults alike create lasting memories during your Riyadh getaway.

Visit the Museum of Happiness: Located at the Riyadh Front, the Museum of Happiness is a family-friendly space that’s all about positivity. You’ll find art installations, themed rooms, interactive elements, and all manner of things to put you, your partner, and your kids in the best of moods. Explore rooms filled with giant teddy bears, be amazed at oversized gumball machines, and see if you can resist the temptation to dive into pools filled with ‘marshmallows.’

Be amazed at the Museum of Illusions: The Museum of Illusions at Riyadh Park Mall offers serious Alice in Wonderland vibes. Your whole family will be amazed by exhibits, installations, and themed rooms designed to befuddle the eyes and the brain. Some of the highlights include the Infinity Tunnel, the Head on the Platter, the Beuchet Chair, the Ames, Anti-Gravity, Rotated, and Infinity rooms, and the mind-blowing Vortex Tunnel. A camera is a must!

Get creative at Café Ceramique: Café Ceramique is more than a sophisticated café that offers superb casual dining and delicious beverages. The café is also part artist studio. Let each member of the family choose a white ceramic, unleash their creativity and paint their own designs on it, and then leave it in the capable hands of the staff who will glaze and fire it. You can collect your ceramics a few days later (so don’t leave visiting the café to the last day of your Saudi Arabia vacation).

Explore Riyadh for the nature enthusiast

Embark on a journey of discovery as you explore the natural wonders surrounding Riyadh during your Saudi Arabia vacation. For nature enthusiasts visiting Saudi Arabia, Riyadh has more than a few surprises in store. Dive into our curated list of the best things to do in Riyadh for those who appreciate the beauty of the great outdoors. Enhance your Saudia Arabia travel experience with these nature-inspired adventures.

Explore Heet Cave: Also known as Ain (‘eye’) Heet, Heet Cave is a fantastic location for an excursion. The cave is 40km from Riyadh, and it’s best visited with an experienced guide. After navigating the steep entrance to the underground chambers, you’ll find a lake of crystal-clear water.

Relax at Wadi Namar Park: Descend into a valley and spend a few hours relaxing in the shade of palm trees next to a lake with an artificial waterfall at Wadi Namar Park. You can bring a picnic lunch and enjoy it in the designated area a little way off from the lake, or you can head to one of the park’s food stalls if you start feeling peckish.

Descend into the Hidden Canyon: Not far from the Riyadh city centre and close to the city of Ad-Dilam, the Hidden Canyon is a sight to behold. Formed millions of years ago, when the region was underwater, the narrow canyon has weird and wonderful rock formations. The best time to visit is after recent rains, as you can swim in the pool at the bottom of the canyon.

Top Cultural activities in Riyadh

When visiting Saudi Arabia, specifically the vibrant city of Riyadh, don't miss out on the diverse and thrilling cultural activities that await. If you have a passion for art and culture, explore our comprehensive list of the top things to do in Riyadh. Make the most of your Saudi Arabia vacation by viewing our full list of cultural attractions in Riyadh here.

Immerse yourself in history at Al Masmak Fortress: Built from clay and mud brick in 1865, the vast citadel known as Al Masmak Fortress is a cradle of modern Saudi Arabia. After living in exile in Kuwait, King Abdulaziz captured the fortress and took control of Riyadh, his ancestral home, in 1902. From there, Abdulaziz Al Saud conquered and united the different kingdoms and provinces that make up today’s Saudi nation. The restored building’s now a museum, where you can see artefacts, artwork, and more. Keep a lookout for the head of King Abdulaziz’s spear embedded in the fortress’ wooden gate.

Wend your way through a historic souq: Shopping in Riyadh’s malls is one thing but visiting a traditional and historical souq is quite another! You’ll find Souq-al-Zel next to Al Masmak Fortress. Established in 1901, the souq is famous for selling antiques, souvenirs, incense, perfume, camel leather goods, traditional artefacts, and colourful carpets.

Dine at Najd Village restaurant: Culture and food are intertwined, so experience traditional Saudi cuisine with a modern twist in a traditional setting. Head to popular restaurant Najd Village where, seated on a cushion, you can enjoy delectable dishes such as moqalqal (soft, peppery lamb) and matazzez (Saudi dumplings).

Top events in Riyadh

Riyadh, a hub of cultural richness, hosts a variety of world-class events and festivals that add flair to your Saudi Arabia vacation. Immerse yourself in the city's dynamic atmosphere with these exciting opportunities. Explore Riyadh’s diverse event calendar for an unforgettable Saudi Arabia travel experience.

Janadriyah National Festival: Usually held in February or March, the two-week-long Janadriyah National Festival is a celebration of the heritage of the various cultures on the Arabian Peninsula. You’ll find a host of cultural events during the festival, such as poetry recitals, camel races, folk art exhibitions, dancing, a book fair, and more.

Riyadh Spring Festival: Relatively new to the Saudi events calendar, the Riyadh Spring Festival takes place in April. The festival’s main focus is a celebration of the season, so expect tons of flowers and ornamental plants, as well as festival gardens and displays and workshops on garden designs, landscaping, and landscaping architecture.

Buraidah Date Festival: Beginning in August and continuing for three months, the Buraidah Date Festival celebrates the sweet fruit of the date palm. In addition to learning more about growing and processing dates, you’ll be able to sample (and buy) up to 30 different varieties of the fruit at the world’s biggest date market. You’ll also find a variety of date products, such as chocolate, dough, jam, molasses, and sugar.

Riyadh Season: A five-month-long celebration of the Saudi capital beginning in October, Riyadh Season offers approximately 100 events, concerts, and various adventures. The city is divided into 14 zones, each of which has a different focus, such as music, food, and entertainment.

How to get to Riyadh

When visiting Saudi Arabia, know what transportation you can get from Riyadh airport to any destination in the city with ease. Let’s take a look at your transportation options.

Taxi: Taxis are the most convenient way to get from the airport to the city. The journey from the airport to downtown Riyadh takes approximately 30 minutes. You’ll need to pay the approximately SAR 70 fare in advance. You’ll find numerous taxi desks at the airport terminals.

Car: If you want to hire a car for your stay in Riyadh, you can head to one of the car hire offices at the parking lot entry of each hall. Consider hiring a driver for your rental car.

Shuttle: Many hotels in the capital, ours included, offers a shuttle service to and from the airport. If you stay at Fraser Suites Riyadh, you can book a trip on our personalised limousine service at a cost of SAR 200 plus 15% VAT for a one-way trip. You can arrange the service through our reservations department.

Metro: Please note the Metro is expected to open in 2022. The Metro’s yellow line (line 4) links the airport and the King Abdullah Financial District. There are eight stops along the way, and you can transfer to line 6 at three of those stations. One of the stations also offers transfers to line 1. You’ll find the airport station at Terminal 5.

Getting around Riyadh

When it comes to getting around Riyadh during your Saudi Arabia vacation, it isn’t as easy as it is in many other capital cities around the world. Find out more below.

Car: It is highly recommended to hire a driver if you’re renting a car in Riyadh.

Bus: As most locals have cars (and, in many cases, drivers) of their own, public transport is somewhat limited. There is a bus network covering many parts of the city, but it can be difficult to use if you don’t speak Arabic.

Taxi: Taxis, which are plentiful in Riyadh, are by far the most convenient way of getting around the city. They are reasonably priced, and if you don’t negotiate a flat rate with the driver, he will use a meter to determine the fare. Most taxi drivers don’t speak much English, so it’s good to have your destination written down in Arabic before leaving the hotel.

Ride-sharing services: Ride-sharing services such as Uber are operational in the city, and many younger Saudis speak English, so they are a viable option for getting around Riyadh.