The Best Travel Guide to Riyadh (UPDATED 2024) | ArrivalGuides.com

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Riyadh

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Overview

Riyadh The guide was updated: 2024-09-19

Shimmering like a precious stone in the fierce desert sun, the city of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia's capital and main financial hub, is a complex mix of dualisms that will intrigue the intrepid traveller. A modern cutting-edge metropolis that boldly strides towards the future, yet a city firmly rooted in the traditions of its historical past. Known as the 'Queen of the Desert', Riyadh will captivate every suitor with its desert landscapes and lush green oases, its ancient monuments, and the renowned Arabic hospitality of its residents.

Facts

Population:	7.8 million (2024)
Currency:	1 riyal (SAR) = 100 halalas
Search Accommodation:	Hotels »
Emergency numbers:	Police: 999 Fire: 998 Ambulance: 997
Newspapers:	Saudi Gazette: www.saudigazette.com.sa Arab News: www.arabnews.com
Opening hours:	The working week is generally from Sun–Thu with some businesses open Saturday mornings. Government Offices: 7:30am–2:30pm. Banks: 9:30am–4:30pm. Private Businesses: 8am–noon and 4pm–8pm.
Tourist information:	Tourism Development Fund (TDF) 3, KAFD, Floor 11, building 305, Area, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Open Sun–Thu 9am–4:30pm, Sat & Sun closed +966 92 001 1552

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Section in Riyadh

In the beautiful old town you can discover hidden treasures of days gone by and admire traditional as well as modern architecture. Head to Al-Musmak Castle to learn more about Riyadh's history or enjoy a day of shopping in the Granada Centre. Note that women can have restricted access to certain attractions and sites.

Riyadh Kingdom Centre

Riyadh Kingdom Centre

Take a trip to the top of the Kingdom’s second tallest building and enjoy the view from the 56-metre long sky-bridge. Al-Mamlka Tower is 302 metres high and has 41 floors. It's owned by a prince in the Saudi royal family.

National Museum

National Museum

The National Museum has a display of interactive exhibits that reveal the fascinating history of the Arabian peninsula and the introduction of Islam. The museum takes you through the stories in a chronological fashion with help of movies, artefacts and maps.

Al-Musmak Castle

Al-Musmak Castle

Built around 1865, this fortress played an important role in the history of Riyadh. The recapture of the city happened here at the turn of the century. The sand coloured brick constructing with its four towers is a popular tourist attraction and provides a glimpse on the past of Saudi Arabia. The word musmak means 'strong or fortified.'

City of Old Ad-Diriyah

City of Old Ad-Diriyah

Old Ad-Diriyah is the ruins of the Saudi dynasty’s first capital which was founded in 1446. Ad-Diriyah is today an interesting place to visit in order to see the once splendid city that witnessed the reformation call and the rise of the Saudi State. It's located 20 kilometres Northwest of Riyadh, 11 km from the city centre.

Al Murabba Palace

Al Murabba Palace

This beautiful palace set in lush green gardens, provides an insight into the lifestyle of the Saudi Royal family. Get a glimpse of the reception salons, political offices and private apartments.

King Abdulaziz Mosque

King Abdulaziz Mosque

A spectacular place of worship that holds up to 2,300 people. The premises contain separate prayer halls for men and women, a school, a library and even commercial stores.

Camel Market

Camel Market

Watch the Bedouin showing off their beasts while haggling furiously over the price. Located approximately 30 km outside of Riyadh, this is the largest camel market in the region. Prepare for a pretty strong smell.

The Desert by Night

The Desert by Night

Lie back and watch the stars and constellations dancing spectacularly across the sky. Head towards the city of Dhahran for great sand dunes.

Al Faisaliya Tower

Al Faisaliya Tower

This tower is a must-see for first-time visitors to Riyadh. From above you have a great view of the city and inside you can find a number of restaurants, cafes and shopping opportunities that make your stay worthwhile.

Red Sand Dunes Adventures

Red Sand Dunes Adventures

If you are an outdoor enthusiast and want to experience the Saudi Arabian environment, a trip to the red sand dunes is your fit. You can join a guided tour, get a camel ride or simply hike there for a picnic. The view is amazing.

Saqer-Aljazirah Aviation Museum

Saqer-Aljazirah Aviation Museum

If you are an airplane enthusiast, this museum is your fit. Inside you will find one of the last Lockheed L A1011 Tristar planes and a guided tour can give you a cultural and historical background of the Royal Saudi Airforce.

King Abdullah Park

King Abdullah Park

Blooming flowerbeds, sparkling fountains and playgrounds for kids await you in the King Abdullah Park. Get away from the hustle of the city and relax in the shadow beneath a palm tree. Not only during the daytime, but also at night, this place is worth visiting as the fountains are creatively illuminated.

Granada Centre

Granada Centre

The Granada Centre is one of the best and most popular shopping malls in Riyadh. An impressive atrium leads you to the boutiques and you can easily spend hours here. Next to several high-class fashion shops you can find a big food court and a number of cafes inside. The ideal place for shopaholics.

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