City Overview & History
See all (10)Riyadh Residents
The residents are a very private people, but do not mistake their aloofness for coolness-at…
Riyadh History
An inconsequential oasis town of under 10,000 people only a century ago, Riyadh (more specifically,…
Riyadh Today
Riyadh is the capital city of Saudi Arabia and is the country’s largest metropolis. It…
Places to Visit
See all (12)The National Museum and Riyadh Zoo
The National Museum and Riyadh Zoo are safe bets for enjoyable places to take children…
Al Faisaliyah Center
This commercial skyscraper is the second tallest building in Saudi Arabia (after the Kingdom Center)…
Al-Shallal
The largest and best-known Shisha/Hookah/Nargila café in Riyadh is Shallal. It is an exotic complex…
Al-Thumairi Gate
This is an impressive restoration of one of the nine city gates that led into…
Health & Safety
Health and Safety
Riyadh is among the most conservative cities in Saudi Arabia. The mutaween (religious police) are…
Hotels
See all (12)Al Jazeera Hotel
A value for money hotel on Main Street, this hotel offers singles and doubles from…
White Palace ‘Al-Qasr Al-Abiyad’
This is a thoroughly decent hotel in the Al-Dubat district with a sense of history…
Sheraton Hotel
This is an older structure, but it has been well-maintained and is located three kilometers…
Radisson SAS Riyadh
This is a very comfortable modern hotel with a European touch. It contains a nice…
Shopping
Souq al-Thumairi
Souq al-Thumairi, Deira (next to Masmak Fortress). Also known as Antique Souq, this is Riyadh’s…
Souq al-Thumairi
Souq al-Thumairi, Deira (next to Masmak Fortress). Also known as Antique Souq, this is Riyadh’s…
Al Mamlaka (Kingdom Centre) Shopping Mall
This upscale three-level shopping center includes the women-only Ladies Kingdom, an entire level where women…
Restaurants
See all (15)Ya Mal Asham
This restaurant is set up similar to a cafeteria with a grab-a-tray and-point-service mentality, but…
Mama Noura Juice Center
This immensely popular chain does excellent thick, fresh juice cocktails, but the main draw here…
Al-Malaz Restaurant
A South Indian restaurant with a loyal clientele thanks to its tasty food, low prices,…
Steak House
This is a basic chain steak house with an unexciting array of steaks and other…
Festivals
Eid-ul Adha
Eid-ul Adha, also called the Feast of the Sacrifice, is celebrated any time between the…
Eid-ul Fitr
Held between the 8th and the 17th October, Eid-ul Fitr comes after the long-drawn fasting…
Saudi National Day
Saudi National Day, one of the most important Public Holidays in Riyadh is celebrated on…
Janadriyah Festival
Janadriyah Festival is one of the major cultural festivals in Riyadh and is celebrated between…
Organized Tours
Ice Skating
The only ice skating arena in Riyadh. Facilities also include tennis courts, a bowling alley,…
Equestrian Club
Horse races at this full-fledged course attract many enthusiastic spectators. Betting is not allowed.
Desert Diamond Hunt
A family outing into the desert where you will be guided to discover precious stones…
Bedouin Visits
Day or evening trips to visit traditional Bedouin communities can be arranged. Various tours offer…
Transportation - Getting Around
Car for hire
The most attractive option for visitors is to rent a car, ideally with an experienced…