Where do you go in Riyadh
The capital of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has so much history, art and culture that it has become a destination for those looking to discover Saudi culture at its source, and discover the events, places and wild tourist destinations of the heart of the Arabian Peninsula
In this article, we will focus on the most prominent destinations, experiences, and options that Riyadh offers to tourists interested in learning about this city and discovering its promising appeal.
History and Culture in Riyadh
Historical Diriyah
It is impossible to visit Riyadh without learning about its history, as the historical city of Diriyah is one of the most important destinations in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and one of the main pillars that tell the story of the Saudi state, and it has a large number of monuments and deep memories, and it also hosts many events and seasons that have made it a station for entertainment and spreading Saudi culture, not just a historical city.
Al-Turaif Historic District
One of the heritage areas registered on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 2010, Al-Turaif is an architectural icon that reflects the scientific and cultural development of the first Saudi state.
The buildings of this neighborhood consisted of several floors using mud and materials derived from the surrounding environment, and these buildings survived for many years due to the durability of their construction, and Al-Turaif served as the cultural center of Diriyah and the nucleus of the first Saudi state (1727-1818 AD).
Diriyah Gate website offers a virtual tour to learn about the neighborhood through virtual reality https://www.diriyah.sa/ar/at-turaif
Zlot market
In the Deira neighborhood in the center of Riyadh, about 5.4 km from the historic Murabba Palace, it is located Al-Zal Popular Market One of Riyadh’s oldest and most prestigious markets, on an area of 38,000 square meters, carrying in its memory a civilization of more than 100 years. Souq Al Zal sells all kinds of traditional Saudi products and crafts and offers an important traditional shopping experience for every visitor to Riyadh.
Square Palace
King Abdulaziz lived in Murabba Palace from 1938 with his family, where he hosted a number of kings and presidents of Arab and Islamic countries, and witnessed major events and royal decisions in the country’s history, such as the establishment of the Ministry of Defense, Saudi Radio, the Saudi Arabian Monetary Agency, the issuance of Saudi currency, regular schools, the establishment of the railway between Riyadh and Dammam, and the emergence of oil in commercial quantities, in addition to issuing some regulations such as the telegraph system, roads and buildings, retirement, labor and workers, chambers of commerce and passports.
Masmak Palace
Al Masmak Palace is an important historical witness to the heroic story of King Abdulaziz’s conquest of Riyadh, and reflects the traditional architecture of the city of Riyadh and its rich history steeped in history.
Edge of the world
A picturesque place, perched on the edge of a valley that stretches as far as the eye can see with unparalleled views at sunset and before sunrise. The journey to the edge of the world can take hours, as it’s about 90 kilometers from the capital, so be prepared.
Amariya Absolute
This tourist attraction offers a unique panoramic view and is an ideal place for picnics, camping, and hiking. It has a unique atmosphere in winter. You can rent an apartment in the Amariya neighborhood to be steps away from the place.
Events and Destinations
Riyadh season
Riyadh Season is not a place, but a full calendar of events that take place in Riyadh’s most beautiful season, the winter season, which starts at the end of October and ends in March. Many of its events are held in the openings of major venues such as City World Boulevard and others.
Riyadh World Boulevard
Boulevard World brings together the regions and countries of the world in one inspiring, rich and beautiful place with a shimmering artificial lake, showcasing the civilizations of countries and regions and giving visitors the experience of walking, strolling and trying different cuisines from around the world.
Riyadh Zoo
Riyadh Zoo houses 1300 animals from 190 species in 6 protected areas, and the zoo offers many experiences, most notably the bongo monkey house, animal interaction experiences, and tug-of-war challenges with lions.
Financial City and International Towers
Riyadh’s skyline is adorned with modern architectural landmarks that blend seamlessly with the traditional landscape, including the towers of King Abdullah Financial City and the Al Faisaliah and Al Mamlaka towers.
Malls in Riyadh
There are many malls in the city of Riyadh that bring together the most luxurious brands and offer a rich choice of shopping experiences. Riyadh’s malls include popular markets such as Taiba Market in the city center, Deira Market, Al Zal Market, and others, and if you want to buy from the most luxurious international brands, Centria Mall is one of the first choices for shopping. As for the most famous and largest shopping centers, they are as follows:
Al Nakheel Mall – in Al Mughrazat Neighborhood
Panorama Mall – in Al Mu’adhir neighborhood
Riad Gallery Mall – in King Fahd Neighborhood
Granada Mall – Shuhada Neighborhood
Hayat Mall – in King Fahd Neighborhood
Al Hamra Mall – in Al Hamra neighborhood
Riad Park – in Al Aqeeq neighborhood
Salam Mall – in Dahra Namar Neighborhood
Kingdom Center – in the Olaya neighborhood
Palace Mall – in Al Suwaidi Neighborhood
Marina Mall – King Fahd Neighborhood
Roshan Facade – Airport Road
Via Riad – Alhuda Neighborhood
Thumama
One of the most important and beautiful tourist destinations, especially in the winter season, is the dunes of Al Thumama area, which takes you to the most beautiful landscapes and the area offers many options for camping, safaris, sandboarding, horseback riding and many other activities associated with the desert experience.
Wadi Hanifa Park
In the city center, Wadi Hanifa offers a beautiful natural attraction, walking trails, and recreational activities for families and nature lovers alike, where you can enjoy the beauty of the sound of purring water, green spaces, walking paths, and recreational areas available in Wadi Hanifa.
Riyadh is a rapidly developing city that combines history with modernity, and the schedule of any tourist in it will be rich and rich in combining both sides between the walls of Diriyah to the world regions in Boulevard World and from the sands of Thumama and the rocks of Tuwaiq to the finest resorts, parks, restaurants, cafes and countless options for what you can visit in Riyadh.
Stations from GatherN:
Visit Boulevard City and learn about the areas of the world there
Enjoy camping in the sands of Al Thumama
Learning about the history of Riyadh in the Bajiri and Tarif neighborhoods
Visit Al Masmak Palace and Al Murabbaa
Visit major shopping malls such as Riad Park and Panorama Mall
Enjoy a panoramic view from the Kingdom Tower’s viewing platform
You can book the best accommodation in Riyadh and live close to all events with GatherN