Exploring Riyadh is always a good option, but choosing the best places is tough. Today, we will highlight the top 10 things to do in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Riyadh has shown tremendous progress in just a few decades for a capital city that has grown from being a small tribal settlement to one of the wealthiest and busiest cities in the Middle East.
It offers a blend of modern bliss, such as a stunning skyline and breathtaking architecture, to traditional nuances, like ornate mosques and local cuisine.
Whether you are a local, Expat, or tourist, get ready to indulge in the exciting journey of exploring Riyadh. Here’s our pick of the top 10 activities to do in Riyadh you cannot afford to miss if you are in Riyadh.
List Of Top 10 Things To Do In Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- 1. Dine in a glass ball suspended in the air
- 2. Trek to Jebel Fihrayn
- 3. Shop at Riyadh Gallery
- 4. Attend the Janadriyah National Festival
- 5. Visit Masmak Fortress
- 6. Bash the dunes in the Riyadh desert
- 7. Taste the local cuisine at Najd Village
- 8. Explore Saudi heritage at the National Museum
- 9. Take a stroll at King Abdullah Malaz Park
- 10. Walk into Noor Riyadh
- Bonus for Book Worms: Pick up books from Jarir Bookstore
1. Dine in a glass ball suspended in the air
A little extravaganza, the glass ball cafe on top of the As Faisaliah Centre Centre is almost suspended in the air overlooking the city skyline.
The center is now the 4th tallest building in Saudi Arabia, while the glass ball restaurant called The Globe is 24 meters in diameter and made entirely of glass panels. Taste the city’s feel at this place.
Pro tip: Book your tables a day in advance.
2. Trek to Jebel Fihrayn
You cannot miss a desert trek in a desert place. Known to the rest of the world as Edge of the World, Jebel Fihrayn runs along the Tuwaiq Escarpment about 90 kilometers (56 miles) from Riyadh.
Hikers can choose from several trails depending on their stamina, but most viewpoints offer a stunning orangish landscape.
Pro tip: Avoid visiting at night or during summer. The best time is a bright winter day.
3. Shop at Riyadh Gallery
Even when you are not the shopping/touristy type, Riyadh Gallery is quite an experience.
Apart from hosting several international brands, this shopping mall offers a food court with national and continental cuisine, a mosque, and an artificial lake. This is a must in our list of top things to do in Riyadh.
4. Attend the Janadriyah National Festival
The annual festival is usually held in winter, but the 2020 festival was postponed to the first quarter of 2021.
But this festival offers poetry competitions, traditional dances, and an epic camel race with around 2,000 participants and their camels.
Read: The Festivals and Celebrations
5. Visit Masmak Fortress
Like a Middle Eastern movie’s beautiful location, Masmak Fortress is a stunning sight. Built in 1865, the fortress is the site