10 Best Things To Do In Riyadh For First Timers (Tips From A Resident)
If you are planning a visit to Riyadh, and wondering what are best things to do, places to visit, food to try, and how to navigate all the other tourist-y stuff, you’re in the right place!
If this is your first time traveling to Riyadh, it is easy get overwhelmed by many things. And without a solid plan you might spend your precious time getting stuck in the traffic or wandering overpriced markets.
Since I’ve spent the last year living in Riyadh with my husband, I have figured out a couple of things that might help you plan your trip well.
Where exactly is Riyadh?
Riyadh is the capital city of Saudi Arabia. It is located on a plateau known as the Najd, surrounded by the desert. Riyadh is located in the central region of Saudi Arabia.
When is the best time to visit Riyadh?
The best time to visit Riyadh is actually from November to March, when the temperature has cooled down. This is also known as the winter season when the temperatures range from 5°C to 25°C.
From May to September, the weather in Riyadh will be very hot especially during peak summer (July-August). I’d recommend avoiding traveling to Riyadh during this time as you can barely enjoy the city with extreme heat.
10 Best Things To Do In Riyadh For First-Time Traveller
1. Take a Trip to Edge of The World
If you are an adventurous traveller looking for adventurous things to do in Riyadh, you must take a trip to the Edge of the World!
It is highly recommended to book a guided tour rather than exploring it alone. The road is unpaved, tricky to navigate, and requires a 4×4 vehicle.
If you take a guided trip, it usually takes 6–7 hours and your tour guide often will also provide some activities such as camel riding or having a dinner under the stars in the middle of the desert.
Book Now: Edge of the World Tour
2. Take a Guided Tour to Red Sand Dunes (and Sandboarding!)
If you’re looking for a true Saudi Arabian desert experience, the Red Sand Dunes are a must-visit. They offer incredible activities ranging from traditional camel riding to adrenaline-pumping ATV driving and sandboarding.
Book Now: Guided Tour Red Sand Dunes
3. Visit Diriyah, the historical city
Your visit to Riyadh isn’t complete until you visit Diriyah, the ancestral home of the Saudi Royal Family.
At-Turaif is a beautifully restored UNESCO World Heritage site featuring stunning mud-brick architecture.
Right across from it is Bujairi Terrace, a premium dining destination with direct views of the historical ruins. It is absolutely beautiful and incredibly Instagram-worthy.
4. Explore Boulevard World Riyadh
If you travel to Riyadh during “Riyadh Season” (typically October to May), you have to visit Boulevard World.
This massive entertainment zone features a global village that allows you to “travel” from one country to another in just a few hours. In each zone, you get to experience the local culture, food, and architecture.
It’s also a fantastic shopping destination to grab international souvenirs. I personally have been here twice and looking to visit again while it’s still operating.
5. Enjoy the Nightlife at Boulevard City
Located right next to Boulevard World, Boulevard City is the beating heart of Riyadh’s modern nightlife.
It’s packed with cinemas, outdoor cafes, arcade centers, and the famous dancing fountains. General admission is often free, though specific attractions inside cost extra.
6. Walk around KAFD
If you are looking for free things to do in Riyadh, I’d highly recommend you to head to KAFD. KAFD stands for King Abdullah Financial District.
KAFD houses major global companies in the area, but at the same time this place is also a popular local and tourist attraction.
The KAFD area is surrounded by parks and walkways that are very stunning. Safe to say, this is one of the few pedestrian-friendly areas in Riyadh.
At night, it becomes a lively hangout spot where families stroll and enjoy the premium coffee shops located in the area.
7. Best Places to Shop in Riyadh
No trip to the Middle East is complete without some shopping. Here are the best local souks (markets) to buy abayas, jalabiyas, oud, and jewelry, and some souvenirs for you to bring home!
Shopping in Riyadh: Al Maigliah Market Center
Al Maigliah is one of the best shopping centers in Riyadh. It is also located right next to the popular Masmak Fort. You can always schedule your visit on the same day, as they are both next to each other.
The first time I visited Al Maigliah Shopping Center was with a friend, and I was amazed by how big the market is. There is a wide variety of shops selling different types of items.
Some were selling abayas, and some specialized in selling oud and perfume, while others specialized in selling door gifts, decoration items for events, and souvenirs.
Visit: Location
Because of how huge the place is, I highly recommend that you spend a couple of hours here to truly explore everything they have and enjoy your shopping time.
If you are going on the weekend, there are also events happening around the area, such as traditional Saudi performances as well as Arabic stand-up comedy.
If you’re looking to immerse yourself in the local culture and enjoy some shopping in the same trip, this place ticks all the boxes.
Shopping in Riyadh: Taiba Market
If you’re visiting Riyadh and looking for a market near your hotel area, don’t forget to visit Taiba Market, which is located in the center of Riyadh.
What I love about Taiba Market is that you can find a lot of shops selling beautiful abayas and jalabiyas.
When I visited the place during Ramadan, the price range for a jalabiya was around SAR 200 to SAR 350.
I was told that during peak seasons (Ramadan and Eid), it is normal for the prices to be a bit higher compared to during off-season.
Shopping in Riyadh: Marina Mall
You’ve probably heard how extravagant Arab weddings can be. If you’re curious about the stunning dresses worn by brides and guests in Saudi Arabia, this is the place to see them in real life.
Whenever I’m invited to an Arab wedding in Saudi Arabia, this is where I look for my guest dress.
The entire mall is dedicated to dress boutiques; they have everything from modern dresses to traditional ones.
If you’re searching for beautiful dresses in Riyadh, Marina Mall is definitely worth a visit!
8. Where to Stay in Riyadh [Affordable Hotels Below $250]
If you are looking for an affordable hotel to stay in Riyadh that doesn’t cost a fortune, and at the same near to tourist attractions and shopping centres, here are my recommendations:
Affordable hotel to stay in Riyadh: Rafa Al Nuzhah
- Rating: 8.5/10
- Location: Google Maps
- Price per night: SAR 430 (for 2 adults & 2 children)
- View on: Booking.com
Affordable hotel to stay in Riyadh: Voyage Hotel & Suites
- Rating: 8.8/10
- Location: Google Maps
- Price per night: SAR 556 (for 2 adults & 2 children)
- View on: Booking.com
Affordable hotel to stay in Riyadh: Radisson Blu Hotel, Al Sahafa
- Rating: 8.6/10
- Location: Google Maps
- Price per night: SAR 510 (for 2 adults & 2 children)
- View on: Booking.com
9. Try out Local Saudi Dishes in Riyadh
When visiting Riyadh, you must try the local Saudi dishes! Your trip wouldn’t be complete without trying out several Saudi meals and experiencing the floor-seating majlis. Here are my restaurant recommendations while you’re in Riyadh:
Najd Village
- Types of dishes: Authentic Najdi cuisine (from central Saudi Arabia)
- Seating style: Private floor-seating (majlis) adorned with traditional carpets & regular table seating.
- Price range: SAR 70 – SAR 150 per person
- Visit: Location
Freej Swaeleh
- Types of dishes: Kuwaiti-style traditional food
- Seating style: Booths seating (open and private)
- Price range: SAR 40 – SAR 80 per person
- Visit: Location
Beit Omar
- Types of dishes: Levantine cuisine.
- Seating style: Modern and family-friendly table seating.
- Price range: SAR 60 – SAR 130 per person
- Visit: Location
Aseeb Restaurant
- Types of dishes: Authentic Najdi food.
- Seating style: Table seating
- Price range: SAR 50 – SAR 150 per person
- Visit: Location
Tofareya
- Types of dishes: From all region of Saudi Arabia
- Seating style: Table seating
- Price range: SAR 50 – 150 per person
- Visit: Location
10. Catch a Sunset from the Kingdom Centre Sky Bridge
While you’re in Riyadh, you must visit the Kingdom Tower Sky Bridge as it allows you to experience panoramic view of the city.
The entry ticket to the Sky Bridge costs SAR 138 ($37) for adults and SAR 69 ($18) for kids.
How to Get Around in Riyadh
If you’re wondering how to get by in Riyadh, there are several options including Uber, taxi, and metro.
But one important thing to note is Riyadh is not a walkable city or pedestrian-friendly. It is best to plan your transport well before you came here.
You can rent a car and drive yourself but if you’re not used to the driving style in Riyadh, it’s safer to use e-hailing instead.
Must-Install Apps When Traveling to Riyadh
When you land in Riyadh, it is helpful to have these apps downloaded on your phone to better navigate the city while traveling.
- E-hailing: Uber, Bolt, Careem
- Food delivery: Hunger Station, Keeta
- Entertainment tickets (e.g. BLVD World): Webook
How To Get a SIM Card & Internet in Riyadh
How to get a SIM Card or an internet connection in Riyadh? You can easily pick up a tourist SIM card right at the airport. STC, Mobily, and Zain, are the leading providers with great 5G coverage across the city. I personally recommend using STC.
For a full guide on how to get a SIM Card for tourist in Riyadh, I wrote a separate article for that topic.
What to Wear in Riyadh For Male and Female Tourists
If you’re traveling to Saudi, you might be wondering what you can wear inside the country.
Although wearing an abaya for women is no longer required, modesty attire is still expected for both men and women.
For men, avoid wearing shorts. For women, avoid wearing low-cut tops, sleeveless shirts and dresses above the knee.
I created a full guide on what to wear in Saudi Arabia in my other articles. Feel free to check them out!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is Riyadh a safe city to travel to?
The answer is yes, it is very safe. It is widely considered one of the safest capital cities in the world for solo travelers, women, and families alike. Violent crime is incredibly rare here.
Do I need to speak Arabic to travel to Riyadh?
No, you don’t need to speak Arabic to travel to Riyadh. Although I find it helpful to know certain phrases like “hina” which means “here” and a couple of other phrases you might need when asking directions or speaking with your taxi driver.
When doing your shopping, it is helpful to know the numbers or prices in Arabic. However, I have survived doing my shopping here without speaking a single Arabic. So don’t sweat it too much.
