Discover Riyadh
Hotels, halal food, prayer spaces, things to do, and itineraries in Riyadh.
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Must-see attractions in Riyadh
From headline landmarks and heritage icons to parks, waterfronts, and major museums, discover 11 standout sights to build into your time in the city.
Riyadh is the capital city of Saudi Arabia and is the country's largest metropolis. It is the traditional homeland of the ruling Saud family. Riyadh is an increasingly modern city with many roads and modern transportation networks. At the seat of governance, there are numerous scenic monuments and an active local social environment. The King Abdul Aziz Historical Area features outdoor gardens and the 100 Palms Park underneath the famous Water Tower landmark, as well as the new National Museum and Al-Murabba Palace. The former is a stunning architectural monument, opened in 1999, which was built to celebrate the centennial of Saudi unification
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Muslim travel planner
Plan a Muslim-friendly trip in Riyadh
Halal restaurants in Riyadh
Riyadh’s food scene is part of the city experience. Choose from 16 restaurants and food districts with location notes and planning tips.
riyadhAl-Shallal
The largest and best-known Shisha/Hookah/Nargila café in Riyadh is Shallal. It is an exotic complex of indoor and outdoor venues for socializing with tea, Middle Eastern snacks, and traditional water pipes.
riyadhAl-Nakheel
Al-Nakheel, Khozama Centre 7F (next to Al-Khozama Hotel). Though widely acclaimed as the best restaurant in Saudi Arabia, Al-Nakheel’s décor is unchanged since the 1970s and is run-down rather than rustic. It offers an uninspired buffet (no a la carte menu) of the usual Arab offerings. The main clientele appear to be visitors, tour groups, and hotel guests. Dinner buffet costs SR110, not including taxes, service, or drinks.
riyadhSheraton Riyadh
Sheraton Riyadh offers a very rich buffet for breakfast, covering a wide spectrum of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern delicacies in addition to regular European food. The Italian restaurant in the ground floor of Sheraton Riyadh is particularly outstanding.
riyadhThe Globe
Located in Al Faisaliah Hotel is an expensive restaurant that offers both a delectable cuisine and a spectacular ambience. The restaurant is located in the golden globe that tops Al Faisaliah Tower and offers panoramic views of the city of Riyadh. The restaurant is open for lunch, dinner and high tea on weekends and offers a Modern European cuisine.
riyadhAssaraya
This very popular Turkish restaurant is packed during the evening hours. Meat is the name of the game here, and it comes in numerous tasty variations. SR30.
riyadhChilis
Quite good rendition of TexMex with a typical American look-and-feel. The Buffalo Wings / Tenders are recommended and are excellent with the hot sauce. SR60.
Riyadh masjids and Muslim travel
Landmark masjids and prayer-aware notes for visitors planning salah, family movement, and halal-friendly days.
Where to stay in Riyadh
Choose where to stay by trip style, from landmark luxury and family bases to central, airport, and neighborhood-led stays.
riyadhAl Faisaliah
Located in the same complex as the Faisaliah Tower (but not in the tower itself), is probably Riyadh's top hotel. Impeccably stylish, excellent service and priced to match — a coffee in the lobby will set you back SR60! Rooms are around SR1400 a night. Address: King Fahd Rd, Phone: +966-1-2732000.
riyadhFour Seasons
It doesn't get any fancier than staying in the 302-meter Al-Faisaliah Tower, and the Four Seasons provides all the standard features what you expect from the luxury hotel chain. Singles from SR1200, doubles from SR1400 per night.
riyadhHoliday Inn Al-Qasr
Holiday Inn Al-Qasr, Olaya Main Rd, +966-1-4625000. Formerly the Howard Johnson Olaya Palace, this hotel was completely renovated and reopened in 2007. The hotel exudes a modern design, decent rooms, central location, and basic gym. Internet costs SR100/day while the breakfast buffet runs at SR105. Rooms are priced at SR550 per night.
riyadhIntercontinental Hotel
This is a popular hotel for visiting businessmen. It contains large meeting facilities and good restaurants; it is also close to Olaya Road business district.
riyadhLuthan Spa and Hotel
This is the first and only women-only hotel in Saudi Arabia. Most visitors are locals coming here for the spa, but there are also twenty-five rooms for overnight visitors. It is highly recommended for women traveling alone into Saudi Arabia. SR350-979 per night.
History and today in Riyadh
Read the city today, its history, residents, culture, and character before planning your route.
Riyadh Residents
The residents are a very private people, but do not mistake their aloofness for coolness-at heart they are very warm and hospitable.
City Information
Visa Information
While planning your trip to Riyadh, make sure to fulfill all formalities and visa requirements. Your passport should be valid for at least six months and you must have all the proper documents in order to be allowed entry into Saudi Arabia.
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When to go
Visit the beautiful capital of Saudi Arabia during the months between November and February, as the climate is pleasant and mild.
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Fast Facts
-Location: Middle East: -Dialing code: +966 -Emergency numbers:; -International Operator: 901: - Emergency: 993 - Ambulance: 997 - Fire: 998 - Police: 999 - Directory Assistance:-905 -Population: 5 Million (estimation) -Languages : Arabic -Time zone: GMT +3 -Average January temperatures: 14.4 C/58 F -Average July temperatures: 36.6 C/98 F -Annual rainfall: 94.8 mm (3.73) Inches
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Exchange Rates
Currency in Saudi Arabia: Saudi riyal (SAR)
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Public Holidays
Saudi National Day; 23rd of September and All Muslim Religious Occasions
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Annual Temperature
a- January: Max: 20.2 Min: 9; b- February: Max: 23 Min: 11; c- March: Max: 27.3 Min: 15
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Riyadh Today
Riyadh is the capital city of Saudi Arabia and is the country's largest metropolis. It is the traditional homeland of the ruling Saud family. Riyadh is an increasingly modern city with many roads and modern transportation networks. At the seat of governance, there are numerous scenic monuments and an active local social environment. The King Abdul Aziz Historical Area features outdoor gardens and the 100 Palms Park underneath the famous Water Tower landmark, as well as the new National Museum and Al-Murabba Palace. The former is a stunning architectural monument, opened in 1999, which was built to celebrate the centennial of Saudi unification. Its eight galleries explore Arabian civilization from 6000 BC to the present. Its outdoor landscaped gardens are popular after sunset, when families come to enjoy the cool evening air. King Abdul Aziz held court in Al-Murabba Palace in the 1930s, when it was built. An example of more traditional Riyadh architecture, Al-Murabba Palace gives a powerful, chronological glimpse into the culture and society of Saudi Arabia.
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Shopping in Riyadh
Explore 2 shopping stops, from malls, markets, and book bazaars to fashion streets and souvenir finds.
riyadhSouq al-Thumairi
Souq al-Thumairi, Deira (next to Masmak Fortress). Also known as Antique Souq, this is Riyadh's most tourist-friendly souq. It specializes in Arabic goods ranging from cheap to expensive and authentic to fake. Goods offered include carpets, coffee pots, daggers, jewelry, and more. English is generally spoken, and haggling is obligatory.
riyadhAl Mamlaka (Kingdom Centre) Shopping Mall
This upscale three-level shopping center includes the women-only Ladies Kingdom, an entire level where women can shop in comfort and privacy. The shopping center is connected to the Hotel lobby.
Signature sights in Riyadh
A curated pick of the city's standout sights, led by the strongest editorial recommendations.
Festivals and events in Riyadh
Plan around 4 festival seasons, public events, Ramadan/Eid periods, book fairs, art cycles, and winter food activity.
riyadhJanadriyah Festival
Janadriyah Festival is one of the major cultural festivals in Riyadh and is celebrated between the12th and 26th of February. This festival highlights Saudi Arabia’s cultural richness and showcases traditional art in the region. With a host of performances and cultural and entertainment activities, this festival is a prime attraction in Riyadh.
riyadhSaudi National Day
Saudi National Day, one of the most important Public Holidays in Riyadh is celebrated on the 23 of September. It marks the unification of the country by King Abdul Azziz in 1932.
riyadhEid-ul Fitr
Held between the 8th and the 17th October, Eid-ul Fitr comes after the long-drawn fasting of the Muslim holy month, Ramadan. (Dates vary according to the Lunar Calendar)
riyadhEid-ul Adha
Eid-ul Adha, also called the Feast of the Sacrifice, is celebrated any time between the 15th and the 25th of December. (Dates vary according to the Lunar Calendar).
Riyadh tours and experiences
Heritage walks, food crawls, coastal trips, museum circuits, family days, and guided ideas for an easier day out.
riyadhBedouin Visits
Day or evening trips to visit traditional Bedouin communities can be arranged. Various tours offer meals, interactions with Bedouin hosts, and discussions about their culture and folklore, as well as expeditions into the desert to enjoy dune or camel rides. Telephone: 966 (1) 220-4500 Extension 1050
riyadhDesert Diamond Hunt
A family outing into the desert where you will be guided to discover precious stones like topaz, amethyst, and citrine. Tours include transportation, meal and professional guides. Telephone: 966 (1) 220-4500 Extension 1050
riyadhEquestrian Club
Horse races at this full-fledged course attract many enthusiastic spectators. Betting is not allowed.
riyadhIce Skating
The only ice skating arena in Riyadh. Facilities also include tennis courts, a bowling alley, an observation hall and a restaurant. Address: Old Airport Road Telephone: 966 (1) 454-3901
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Riyadh travel guide sections
Focused sections for articles, directories, maps, and trip planning.
