Places to visit
History, modern towers, and the desert on the edge of town. These are the ones I send friends to first.
Diriyah and At-Turaif
The mud-brick old town where the first Saudi state began, restored into a walkable historic district. Next to it, Bujairi Terrace is one of the best places in the city to eat.
Masmak Fortress
A small clay fort in the middle of the old city, tied to the 1902 capture of Riyadh. Quick to see, and it sits right next to the old market.
National Museum of Saudi Arabia
The one museum to see if you only see one. It runs from ancient Arabia through the founding of the kingdom, and it is fully indoors, which matters in summer.
Edge of the World
A cliff escarpment where the desert just drops away in front of you. It is the day trip everyone remembers, and the drive out is part of it.
Kingdom Centre Sky Bridge
The bridge across the top of Kingdom Tower gives you the whole city at once. There is a big mall underneath if you want to combine it with shopping.
Wadi Hanifah
A long green valley threaded through Riyadh with water, palms, and walking paths. Locals come here in the evening to walk, cycle, and picnic.
Diplomatic Quarter
The greenest, calmest corner of the city, built for walking. Shaded paths, small cafes, and public art, without the traffic of the center.