Our city is packed full of wonderful things to do, from historical and cultural attractions to arts and music venues, and all things sports, health and wellbeing (yes, gorgeous spas included). Not sure where to start? Our 2025 bucket list to the best of Riyadh has you covered.
There’s also plenty for children and families, heaps of entertainment centres and major theme parks too. Sometimes, there’s so much choice it can be hard to know where to start. So we’ve made a shortlist for you.
Whether you’re new to Riyadh, have lived in the city for years or are just visiting, these are the top 25 activities you simply must try in 2025.
Your 2025 bucket list: best things to do in Riyadh in 2025
Al Masmak Fortress
Why go: For a snapshot of Riyadh’s history
Let’s start with a cultural activity, shall we? One of the most famous places in Riyadh is Al Masmak Fortress, a 19th century heritage site that celebrates a significant moment in the Kingdom’s founding history.
Look closely and you’ll see the tip of a spear still nestled deep in one of the doors, marking the regaining of Riyadh back in 1902. You’ll also come across many displays along the corridors.
Free. Open Sun-Thu 8am-9pm, Fri 4pm-8pm, Sat 9am-8pm. Al Thumairi Street, Ad Dira (011 411 0091).
Beast House
Why go: To support Riyadh’s music scene
The first-ever club of its kind, Beast House in JAX District is a space for up-and-coming artists and music enthusiasts to mingle with fellow creatives.
Created by MDLBEAST, the people behind mega music festival Soundstorm, it’s the place to be for anyone looking to network in the music biz.
While it is members-only, look out for special ticketed events and gigs throughout the year. Check out sister venue Attaché as well, a restaurant, club and lounge in Al Safarat.
When building up your 2025 bucket list, make sure you don’t give this vibrant district a miss.
Thu-Fri 9pm-3am, Beast House, JAX District, Diriyah, mdlbeast.com / attache.sa.
Boulevard City
Why go: For the mega global gaming centres
One of the must-visit zones in Riyadh Season, and one of the few that you can enter without a ticket, Boulevard City has an attraction for everyone. Quite possibly the most talked-about new venues are the Harry Potter Adventure, the Warner Bros. retail location and Pokémon Go experience.
There’s also lots of great value things to do, like Bluey Dream Land and Detective Conan for families, PUBG Mobile and the WWE Experience.
Top 2025 bucket list tip: check it all out from above via the famous cable car ride that transports guests from Boulevard City to Boulevard World.
Boulevard City, Hittin, webook.com.
Doos Karting
Why go: To have fun racing your friends
Whether you’re a keen go-karter or have never been on the track, everyone needs to try Doos Karting at least once.
The indoor electric karting track is about 350 metres long featuring ramps and hairpin turns which you must navigate as you race other drivers to the finish. There’s also arcade games and a lounge with drinks and snacks.
Adding in a need for speed in your 2025 bucket list is always a good idea.
From SAR140. Open daily 6pm-2am. Hittin, dooskarting.com (92 000 8311).
Edge of the World
Why go: To summit a natural phenomenon
This natural attraction is as dramatic as it sounds. A famous hiking spot, the cliff peak at the end of the Tuwaiq Mountains is an epic spot seemingly resistant to erosion.
Brave hikers will walk along the rim for the thrill of the adventure and magnificent views across the mountains and desert scape below.
You’ll have heard of it, seen photos of it, but have you dared tackle it? While many take picnics and even camp here, it’s not recommended for novice hikers or those visiting alone, so check out guided tours via companies such as Riyadh Trips.
Free. Northwest of Riyadh, riyadhtrips.com / visitsaudi.com.
Harry Potter: A Riyadh Season Adventure
Why go: To experience the wizarding world
Quite possibly the most exciting new addition to Riyadh Season ever. Harry Potter: A Riyadh Season Adventure is a theme park that enables fans to experience their favourite locations from the Harry Potter films.
Witches, wizards and muggles are invited to enter the Great Hall, complete with a Sorting Hat experience, play Quidditch and dine in The Three Broomsticks Food Hall.
There’s also exclusive merchandise in The Wizarding World of Shops. Make this your number one 2025 activity, because it closes on Monday January 27.
From SAR60. Until Jan 27. 4pm-midnight. Boulevard City, Hittin, webook.com.
Horseback Desert Safari at Nofa
Why go: To get up close to stunning wildlife
If you’re a Riyadh resident, chances are you’ve explored the Nofa Wildlife Park via its safari drive, which brings you up close to incredible animals like giraffe, zebra, wildebeest, lions, tiger and cheetah, all roaming freely.
What you might not realise is that there are also numerous leisure activities you can try via the neighbouring Nofa Riyadh hotel.
Our top pick is the horse riding desert safari organised by the Nofa Equestrian Resort, which takes you through the majestic sand dunes for an experience that is somehow both exhilarating and calming at the same time.
From SAR200. Exit 857, New Mecca Highway, nofaresorts.com (059 325 5918).
House of Hype
Why go: Because seeing is believing
A massive immersive entertainment park with a heavy dose of virtual reality, House of Hype is inspired by video games, fashion, music and social media trends.
There are 50 different attractions and games in total, with visitors able to virtually interact across a range of futuristically-designed rooms.
Once in, you’ll have a blast creating, playing and discovering, winning competitions and prizes in the process, and even using a specially made in-world currency.
From SAR99. Open daily 5pm-2am. Boulevard City, Hittin, webook.com.
Kedhab Spa
Why go: To be utterly pampered of course
Making time for some rest, relaxation and complete pampering needs to be on your 2025 list of things to do. Riyadh is full of fantastic spas but for a full range of services in tranquil surroundings, visit Kedhab Spa. Try a massage or facial.
Open Mon-Sat 1pm-10pm. An Narjis, @kedhab.spa (050 899 2650).
King Fahd Cultural Centre
Why go: For the planetarium and upcoming shows
Recently refurbished, the King Fahd Cultural Centre is a multi-purpose arts centre that is proving to be a key hub for Saudi’s culture sector. Home to a library, museum and a theatre, last year it staged the first-ever Saudi opera, Zarqa Al Yamama.
A striking architectural phenomenon, the centre remains rooted in tradition and honours the aesthetic features of Najdi design. What is perhaps lesser known is that it also features the King Fahd Cultural Centre’s Planetarium, one to leave big and little kids in awe.
Marvel at the simulation of the twinkling night skies in the specially designed hall or if you visit at night, look into the actual night sky with the telescopes.
Sat-Thur 9am-7pm, King Fahad Cultural Centre, Ar Rafiah, dc.moc.gov.sa.
King Fahd National Library
Why go: To enjoy more than 1,000 books
While your primary reason for visiting King Fahd National Library is likely to peruse the hundreds of shelves of original books, manuscripts and letters, which you can check out and delve into in the quiet reading areas, there is also a beautiful library garden and park to enjoy.
The building itself is stunning too, so you’ll want to click a few shots while you are there (just to show everyone how cultured you are).
Open Sun-Thu 8am-1pm. Al Olaya, kfnl.gov.sa (011 418 6111).
Music House
Why go: To learn a new skill
Aspiring musicians and performers will find themselves at home at Music House – House of Performing Arts. With three branches in Riyadh, this specialist centre offers lessons in a multitude of musical instruments, including guitar, drums, piano, saxophone and violin.
There are also singing and vocal courses, so why not make 2025 the year you learn a new skill? Bring the family.
Open daily 12pm-10.30pm musichouse.sa, Music House Malqa (055 359 2538), Music House Nuzha (050 096 1227), Music House Olaya (053 269 8340).
National Museum of Saudi
Why go: For a dose of family-friendly history
Also known as King Abdul Aziz Historical Centre, this is a top spot to visit if you’re in the market for learning, discovery and activities for the family. The National Museum of Saudi is a Riyadh landmark with plenty to experience, even if you’ve been before.
There are four exhibition halls, with exhibits ranging from prehistoric animals to relics from ancient Arab civilisations. One hall is dedicated to Islamic history, while another tracks the birth of Saudi Arabia as a nation.
It will take you at least a couple of hours to explore the halls and there is stunning outdoor space to enjoy as well, so wear comfy shoes to this one.
SAR10. Open Mon-Wed 9am-7pm, Thu 9am-10pm, Fri 2pm-10pm, Sat 9am-7pm. King Saud Rd, Historical Centre, @saudimuseum.
Red Sand Dunes
Why go: To see the very best of Riyadh’s desert
A drive out to the Red Sand Dunes is a classic activity. And if you’ve not been yet, make this year the time to remedy that. If you’re in a group with a couple of 4x4s, you can head out there together and enjoy an afternoon climbing up the dunes and watching the sunset from the peaks.
Or if you prefer an organised tour and don’t mind an early morning activity, start with a 5am pick-up and head into the Red Sand Dunes for four hours of desert safari by quad bike, followed by lunch at Najd Village, a popular traditional Saudi restaurant, and a camel ride.
From SAR900 (minimum two people). Red Sand Dunes, Al Muzahmiya, saudiarabiatours.net.
Salam Park
Why go: For a great value family day out
Enjoy green spaces, play areas, a boating lake and jogging track at this historic park
built on the site of a date palm orchard that belonged to Prince Abdullah bin Abdul Rahman.
The 3.3-hectare artificial lake is the main attraction – try zorbing if you’re feeling adventurous or take a picnic and enjoy the waterside vibes, then stroll round the one-kilometre track.
SAR5.25 for park entry, watersports priced, separately Open daily 3pm-midnight. Salam Street, Al Salam.
Saudi Music Hub
Why go: To see new talent perform
At Saudi Music Hub, it’s never too late to learn an instrument. In fact, the school believes firmly that learning to play music is not just a skill in itself, but something that can help increase creativity, cognitive ability, confidence and teamwork.
Book lessons in everything from singing to Arabic keyboard or head along to one of the concert venues to watch performances from those with more talent that you.
Al Olaya, musichubs.moc.gov.sa (800 500 0060).
Skybridge
Why go: For epic city views at a major tourist attraction
It may be a Riyadh icon, but have you actually been to Kingdom Center? Did you know you can go right up to the top of it? Sat on top of the 300-metre-tall tower, Skybridge is a viewing deck that enables you to enjoy spectacular views across the entire city.
You’ll take two elevators in order to reach the platform, which spans 65 metres across the top of the building. Time your visit for sunset and thank us later.
SAR69 (adults), SAR10 (kids), Free (kids aged two and under). Open daily 4pm-10.30pm. Kingdom Centre, Al Olaya, kingdomcentre.com (011 211 2222).
Souq Al Zal
Why go: When you’re in the market for a carpet and other traditional handicrafts
Incense, antiques, textiles, traditional clothing and more – take your pick. Located in the Diriyah neighbourhood, Souq Al Zal is the oldest and biggest antique marketplace in Riyadh.
The place is especially famous for its gorgeous handwoven brightly coloured carpets from all over the world. Souq Al Zal translates to ‘carpet market’, in case you didn’t know.
The Diriyah souk is also simply a space to soak up the rich cultural history of this area that dates back to 1901.
Open daily 3.30pm-10.30pm. Shaikh Muhammad Ibn Ibrahim St., Diriyah.
The Art of Qi
Why go: For all things wellness and healing
If self-care is a priority this year, then The Art of Qi is where you can immerse yourself in a variety of holistic wellness activities and therapies. Combine red light therapy or sound therapy with massage, yoga and breathwork.
There are also dance classes, Pilates and even art exhibitions. Choose private or group classes to suit and keep your eyes on the workshop schedule too.
Open Mon-Thu 9am-10pm, Fri 3pm-8.30pm, Sat 9am-10pm, Sun 9am-9pm. Al Olaya, theartofqisa.com (053 369 6767).
Turaif
Why go: For the rich history… and the food
Combine old and new with a visit to Turaif, the UNESCO World Heritage site in Diriyah. Considered to be the birthplace of the modern Saudi state, when it was founded back in 1727, the area is home to Najdi-style mudbrick palaces, mosques and former defensive towers.
When it comes to the new, there are curated galleries and an immersive theatre called Nuzul which showcase live performances. Plus, overlooking the site is top tier dining destination Bujairi Terrace, a collection of globally renowned restaurants including Brunch & Cake, Long Chim, Sarabeth’s and TATEL along with local faves like Maiz and Takya.
You’ll want to spend the day in Diriyah and stay for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Trust us.
Free until 4pm (Sun-Wed), From SAR100. Open Sun-Wed 10am-midnight, Thu 10am-1am, Fri-Sat 7am-1am. Turaif, Diriyah, tickets.diriyah.sa.
Via Riyadh Cinema
Why go: For a super-plush movie night out
Described as the ‘most luxurious cinema in the world’, The Renaissance Cinema from VOX at Via Riyadh puts all other movie theatres to shame. It has seven different private screening rooms each with a different theme: Avant Garde, Oasis, Orient Express, Secret Garden, Tuwaiq and Wall Street.
Pick from vintage-style family seating in the Orient Express theatre to a majlis-style set-up at the Tuwaiq Hall. There’s even a ball pit in Oasis. We told you this is way beyond a basic move night out.
So grab a group of mates and settle in while enjoying restaurant-quality food as you watch. Film buffs need to experience this at least once.
Various prices. Via Riyadh, Al Hada, viariyadh.com.
Wifi Bowling
Why go: For a dose of nostalgia
Despite all the swanky new attractions in the city, sometimes the old-school entertainment and activities we enjoyed as children remain the best.
So, show the kids how it’s done with a good old game of bowling. At cool neon venue Wifi Bowling, there are six lanes for you to play while dance music gets you pumped up for the game.
Open daily 3pm-1am. Ar Rayyan, wifibowling.com (053 242 5111).
Wonder Garden
Why go: For a day of beauty and whimsy
Back for its second year, Wonder Garden is basically every little (and not so little) child’s dream come true. Known for its beautiful Flamingo Lake, which includes a garden-themed amusement park and a giant whimsical gate leading to flamingos, butterflies and enchanted trees, it’s simply stunning.
There’s plenty to amuse all the family, with 65 rides, two arcade halls, 35 restaurants, 15 stores and 60 roaming acts and stage shows. Don’t miss the mesmerising Bubble Garden, terrifying escape rooms and the Butterfly House, home to more than 1000 butterflies.
SAR25 (weekdays), SAR50 (weekends). Open daily 4pm-midnight. Al Qirawan, riyadhseason.com.
Valley Padel
Why go: For views of Wafi Hanifah
If you’ve not yet tried what is becoming the city’s most popular sport, then why not combine your first padel attempt with some of the city’s most popular views?
Valley Padel is surrounded by the stunning rock formations of Wadi Hanifah. It’s a great place to play no matter your level, but even if it turns out not to be the sport for you, at least you’ll get some good selfies.
From SAR330. Open daily 4pm-5am. Wadi Hanifah, @valleypadel.
404 Not Found
Why go: To hang out with the cool kids
If you’re into gaming but like to be sociable too, head to 404 Not Found for classic arcade games, bowling, billiards and board games, as well as good music and food. Compete for the highest score or just chill out and soak up the fun vibes.
You’ll definitely find a few favourite games here.
Open daily 5.30am-1pm, As Sawalimah, Al Muruj @wefound404.
