Roaming the streets of Riyadh? Well you’re in luck, because the Saudi capital is a vibrant city with a treasure trove of things to do, whether you’re a local or a newbie.
There are many famous places in Riyadh that are just waiting to be explored. Where to start? Thankfully, we’ve done all the hard work for you.
Whether you’re a history buff on the search for a new museum to explore, an art enthusiast that adores art galleries or just someone who wants to explore the city they’re living in or visiting (Riyadh is a great tourist destination), here are all the places to visit in Riyadh.
Let’s go.
All the brilliant famous places in Riyadh
Al Masmak Fortress
Dating back to the 19th century, this ancient fortress is one of the most famous places in Riyadh for being a heritage site that showcases Saudi’s history through its clay and mudbrick architecture, also reminiscing the reign of Imam Abdullah bin Faisal as his centre of power.
It showcases a historical moment in the Kingdom’s founding history with a spear in one of the gates still nestled in deep, marking the regaining of Riyadh back in 1902. You’ll also come across many records and displays along the corridors.
Free. Open Sun-Thur 8am-9pm, Fri 4pm-8pm, Sat 9am-8pm. Al Thumairi Street, Ad Dira (011 411 0091).
Boulevard City
One of the most famous places to visit in Riyadh, Boulevard City, previously named Boulevard Riyadh City, opened back in October 2019 with the launch of Riyadh Season 2019.
It later became a permanent zone in the city due to its massive popularity. Boulevard City stands at almost 900,000 square metres, housing its own subzones with amazing restaurants and cafés, cinemas and entertainment venues like House of Hype, the WWE Experience and more.
There’s so much to explore there. The zone also hosts massive concerts and sports events every now and then.
Open daily 4pm-2am. Boulevard City, Hittin, webook.com.
Bujairi Terrace
If what you’re after is a stellar foodie destination in Riyadh, then Bujairi Terrace is the answer. One of the most famous places in Riyadh, Bujairi Terrace is situated in Diriyah, an ancient town in the Saudi capital, and is home to over 20 globally renowned restaurants like Flamingo Room, Tatel, Maiz and more.
No matter what you’re craving, be it Saudi cuisines, cakes or coffee, you’ll find it all here, and all with a stellar view, too. Don’t forget to book your tickets though.
From SAR50. Open Sat-Wed 10am-midnight, Thu 10am-1am, Fri 2pm-2am. Diriyah, bujairi.sa.
JAX District
If you’re looking for one of the best places to visit in Riyadh for all things art, then JAX District is definitely the place for you. Located in Diriyah, the artsy area is home to over 100 warehouses housing everything from art exhibitions and visual installations to performances and music filled nights.
The district was formerly founded in 1975 as an industrial area with factories and warehouses, later being reinvented in 2021 to become what it is today. Members-only club Beast House, a club dedicated to supporting and promoting local Saudi talents, is located here, as well as other big venues.
Open 24/7. JAX District, Al Jadidah, Diriyah, diriyah.sa / @jaxdistrict.
Kingdom Centre Skybridge
Kingdom Centre’s Skybridge is one of the top Riyadh tourist places, offering brilliant views of the bustling city. Kingdome Centre, also known as Kingdom Tower, is one of the tallest skyscrapers in Saudi and is home to a wide selection of the finest local and international brands.
At its very top lies Skybridge a 65-metre walkway on the 99th floor. The structure weighs about 300 tonnes and is made of steel, taking the form of an enclosed corridor with windows on both sides.
The bridge offers views of the stunning Riyadh sky from a height of 300 metres.
SAR23 (kids), SAR69 (adults). Open Sat-Thu noon-10.30pm, Fri 4pm-10.30pm. Al Olaya, kingdomcentre.com.sa.
King Abdullah Park
We cannot talk about places to visit in Riyadh without mentioning the King Abdullah Park. The park is dotted with loads of greenery, an artificial lake and immaculately kept flower displays that offer a change of scenery from your usual cityscapes, perfect for when you just want to be one with nature.
There is also a massive 110-metre laser fountain that displays captivating performances at regular intervals. The park often hosts events and exhibitions, too, so maybe you’ll be lucky and catch a great show.
It’s also a perfect spot for an impromptu picnic. You heard it here first.
SAR10. Open daily 4.30pm-12.30am. Al Ameen Abdullah Al Ali Al Naeem Street, Al Malaz.
Murabba Palace
Built just two-kilometres away from old Riyadh, this palace is a two-storey building constructed in Najdi styles. It records the rich history of the city.
Once you tour this historical museum, you’ll come across the founder of Saudi Arabia, King Abdulaziz Al Saud’s recorded speeches, as well as personal items and tributes he received from other countries.
You’ll also get to see legendary Rolls-Royce cars that were presented to him by Winston Churchill. Definitely one of the top famous places in Riyadh you need to visit.
SAR15 (adults) SAR10 (children). Open daily 8am-10pm. Al Murabba, visitsaudi.com (011 401 1999).
Naila Art Gallery
Named after its artist-founder, Naila Alfayez, this Riyadh space has been at the forefront of the city’s art scene since 2012, becoming one of the best places to visit in Riyadh.
The art space brings together local and international artists and art scenes through a wide variety of activities, workshops, discussions and more. Cool exhibitions also take place at the gallery, focusing on modern and contemporary art.
Free. Open Sat-Thu 2pm-10pm, Closed Fri. Takhassusi Street, Al Mathar Ash Shamali, gallerynaila.com (011 880 5352).
National Museum of Saudi
Marked as Saudi’s largest museum, this complex offers a plethora of old artefacts. As you walk down the marked pathway, you’ll come across the full history of Saudi and the Arabian Peninsula it inhabits.
The museum is split into many halls, each fully depicting an entire section of history. From pre-historic times and giant meteorites that once fell on the lands of Saudi, to the life of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and information about Makkah and Madinah.
You’ll also find about the different tools used throughout the ages, as well as the founding of the Kingdom. It’s definitely one of the top Riyadh tourist places to visit.
Free. Open Mon-Wed 9am-7pm, Thu 9am-10pm, Fri 2pm-10pm, Sat 9am-7pm. Closed Sun. King Saud Road District.
Riyadh Zoo
An outdoor activity filled with majestic animals? Sign us up. Riyadh zoo is one of the most famous places in Riyadh housing 33 main animal enclosures with animals like bears, kangaroos, wolves, tigers, lions and many birds of prey. In total, the zoo has 196 species to look out for and over 2,000 animals in total.
This is also one of the best places to visit in Riyadh if you’re interested to learn more about wildlife or you’re out with your kiddos.
SAR10 (adults), SAR5.25 (children), free for ages five and below. Open Mon-Sat 8.30am-4.20pm, Closed Sun. Al Malaz, @riyadh_zoo (011 477 9523).
ROSHN Front
ROSHN Front, previously known as Riyadh Front, is a spot frequented by many in Riyadh and marked as one of the top places to visit in Riyadh if you’re looking to dine, walk and shop.
The complex boasts both outdoor and indoor walkways dotted with many famous restaurants, coffee shops and dessert spots like Somewhere, Awani, Blanca Pizzeria and Nine Soft Serve.
The spot is also home to shops for clothes, perfumes, accessories and more. So other than getting your steps in, you’ll definitely shop until you drop, as well as eat your fill.
Open Sun-Wed 8am-midnight, Thu-Sat 6am-3am. Near King Khalid International Airport, roshnfront.sa / @roshnfrontksa.
Salwa Palace
Salwa Palace is a historical landmark marked as one of the most famous places in Riyadh located in Turaif.
The palace showcases a crucial time in the history of the Kingdom as it takes you back in time to the establishment of the first Saudi state, where Imam Abdul Aziz ibn Muhammad ibn Saud built the monument to be the home of the state and the headquarters for the Al Saud princes and imams.
The space holds centuries-old architecture and houses a museum with all the artefacts you’ll love to check out.
Open Sat-Thu 10am-midnight, Fri 2pm-midnight. Turaif, Diriyah, diriyah.sa.
Saqer Al Jazirah Royal Airforce Museum
If you’re a fan of planes, then this museum will definitely satisfy your aircraft curiosity. The Saqer al-Jazirah Aviation Museum is an exhibition that showcases everything there is to know about the Royal Air Force of Saudi, from aircrafts and helicopters to the history behind their uniforms, skills, machines and more.
The museum also holds many aviation shows, so you’ll definitely fly away in wonder at this one. The museum is open mornings and afternoons, so you can go whenever you want. It is also one of the top Riyadh tourist places to visit.
Open daily 8am-11am; 4pm-9pm. King Abdullah District.
Saudi Museum of Contemporary Art
In every city around the world, art is essential to showcase culture. Well, in the capital, contemporary art reigns supreme and this is how the Saudi Arabian Museum of Contemporary Art (SAMoCA) was created.
The museum is the largest collecting institute in the world and delivers some very interesting shows featuring modern art. Located in JAX District, there you can explore various subjects and pieces of art by some of the most talented artists.
The best part? It’s all completely free. Definitely one of the best places to visit in Riyadh.
Free. Mon-Thu 10am-10pm, Fri-Sat 4pm-10pm. Closed Sun. JAX District, Diriyah, @samocamoc.
Souq Al Zal Traditional Market
With a history dating back to 1901, Souq Al Zal is one of the oldest markets in the capital and one of the best places to visit in Riyadh if you’re looking for local shopping.
There, you’ll find traditional items like handmade camel leather slippers, local clothes and stellar antiques like traditional Saudi coffee, classic rugs and more. Souq Al Zal actually means “carpet market”, paying tribute to its handwoven, durable and lavisiously decorated carpets.
Open daily 8am-10pm. Shaikh Muhammad Ibn Ibrahim Street, Diriyah.
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Thumairi Souq
One of the most frequented Riyadh tourist places, Souq Al Thumairi is an ancient souk packed with local craftsmanship stores that sell everything from jewellery, rugs, clothing, pots and even silverware.
Many street food sellers are there, too, with fresh herbs, spices and coffee. It’s also a perfect spot to visit for some souvenir shopping.
Open Sat-Thu 9am-noon, 8pm-midnight; Fri 8pm-midnight. Al Thumairi Street.
Turaif
Final on our famous places in Riyadh list is Turaif, located in the historic area of Diriyah. The area became a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2010 and is home to many Riyadh tourist places like Bujairi Terrace, the famous dining destination, and Salwa Palace.
The area is part of the larger Diriyah Gate complex and showcases the history of the Saudi way of life, as well as ancient Najdi architecture. The style in the area is typically of two storey houses with a central courtyard.
There’s also a labyrinth of old mud houses and alleyways. Once you reach the top you’ll be able to see modern Riyadh, too.
Diriyah, diriyah.sa.
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