In the middle of Saudi Arabia, you’ll find the capital city of Riyadh.
For many years, this desert city has been the financial hub of the country, with an impressive business district and towering skyscrapers.
While this city is a key financial driver, it is also full of fun activities for visitors of all ages!
Here are some of the top 10 things to do in Riyadh this year!
1) Take Advantage of Riyadh Season 2024
If you’re lucky enough to be in Riyadh during Riyadh Season, it needs to be at the top of your list of things to do!
2024 will be the fifth annual Riyadh Season, offering 12 zones with varied attractions in each.
From five-star dining, musical performances, sports events, and theater, there will literally be something for everyone.
There are 8,500 different events and activities happening, so make sure you take advantage of Riyadh Season if you’re in the city!
You’ll find a lot of the action on Boulevard Riyadh City, which is one of the most popular areas during Riyadh Seaon, buzzing with energy.
While Riyadh Season is undoubtedly an awesome time to visit, Boulevard Riyadh City and the city itself are great to visit throughout the year.
2) Visit the Historic Palaces
When you’re passing through Riyadh, you can’t help but notice the incredible Al Masmak Palace in the center of town.
This palace dates back to the 14th century and served as an important enforcement of power for then ruler, Imam Abdullah bin Faisal. Now, the palace is not only beautiful in its architecture, it also houses a museum where you can explore the history and political significance of the grounds.
And if one palace isn’t enough for you, Riyadh is also home to Al Murabba Historial Palace, which is also well-worth a visit.
The Murabba Palace was home to King Abdulaziz Al Saud, the founder of Saudi Arabia, and tells a rich history of its master and the surrounding area.
It’s an activity that’s fun for the whole family!
3) Discover the Edge of the World
Whether you’re a fan of mountain climbing, hiking, or spectacular views, the Edge of the World is a must-see natural site outside of Riyadh.
It is a 1,131-meter-high cliff, which is located approximately 100 kilometers from Riyadh in the Tuwaiq Mountain range.
The cliffs were carved over the years by erosion of the rockface, leaving the beautiful natural forms we see today. At the Edge of the World, you can explore the cliffs, taking in the desert’s beauty and the expansive views.
Please note, it is best to go with a tour group to ensure the best experience possible!
4) View the Beauty of Riyadh from the Sky Bridge
One of the best views in Riyadh can be found at the Sky Bridge in the Kingdom Center. From this panoramic viewpoint, set 300 meters above the city, you can see sweeping views in every direction.
The high glass panels allow you to see far and wide, during the day or take in the starry nights on evening visits. As a bonus, visiting the Sky Bridge also means visiting the Kingdom center, which offers world-class shopping as well!
5) Escape the City & Visit Breathtaking National Parks
There are several beautiful sites near Riyadh worth visiting, principal among them Al Kharrarah National Park. This national park lies to the west of the city and offers a peaceful escape, with expansive sand dunes, greenery, and a natural lake.
It makes a great destination for peaceful afternoons, as well as high-energy SUV tours.
However, this is not the only natural wonder nearby. Rawdat Tinhat, within the King Abdulaziz National Reserve, also holds the biggest natural meadow in Saudi Arabia.
It stretches approximately 140,000 kilometers squared, with beautiful views throughout and opportunities to relax through walking, hiking or spending time with friends.
No matter where you choose to go, Riyadh has plenty of opportunities to reconnect with natural beauty just beyond the city.
6) Spend an Afternoon at Al Faisaliah Tower
No visit to Riyadh is complete without stepping into Al Faisaliah Tower! This tower was the first skyscraper in Saudi Arabia and is full of fun activities for all.
In addition to breathtaking panoramic views, Al Faisaliah tower houses top restaurants, such as The Globe Restaurant and La Brasserie.
Once you’re done dining, you can explore the mall, children’s amusement park, and hotel, which can all be found inside!
7) Enjoy Top-Tier Shopping
If you’re looking for the perfect mix of shopping and entertainment, Riyadh Park Mall is for you!
This center has been open since 2018, offering an expansive, luxurious covered mall. It houses the most elegant shopping, from boutiques to big name brands and local goods.
If you get hungry, feast in the mutli-cultural food court, which offers tastes from around the globe. If you want a more open-aired shopping area, check out the U Walk!
It provides a combination of luxury shopping and relaxing atmosphere, with lots of integrated green space and entertainment options, such as bowling and billiards!
With these and other options, you’ll never run out of good shopping in Riyadh.
8) Explore Heet Cave’s Geological Wonder
Many years ago, when a celestial body collided with Earth, Heem Cave was born! It is a beautiful geological site, with an ancient reservoir of freshwater inside.
In fact, Heet Cave was a crucial resource in supplying the original King Abdulaziz bin Abdul Rahman Al Saud with water for his troops.
This remarkable cave has many other exciting stories tied to it. Since this natural wonder is just 30 kilometers outside of Riyadh, it makes a convenient day trip for hiking and walking!
If you wish to stay longer, you can camp near the cave and take more time to explore, perhaps even take a refreshing swim in the water!
9) Play a Round at Dirab Golf & Country Club
If you have a desire to get outside or work on your swing a little, there is no better place than Dirab Golf & Country Club, Saudi Arabia’s first golf course.
This naturally-grassed golf course is a mere 45 kilometers from the city center, but still offers a full 18 holes of play and top-notch practice facilities.
Luckily for tourists, Dirab Golf & Country Club accepts visitors from 5:30 am to 7 pm, allowing plenty of time for play.
Additionally, the club often hosts international golf events, for both professionals and amateurs, so if you’re lucky you may get to see some of the great play as well!
10) Get a Taste of the Local Cuisine
As you can probably tell by now, there is no shortage of excellent food in Riyadh.
Since Riyadh receives many visitors, you can expect the highest quality international cuisine, in five-star restaurants as well as food stalls around the city.
Of course, the local Saudi cuisine is also unparalleled.
If you’re looking for a top-tier taste of local cuisine, check out the Alsaudi Restaurant, which houses many traditional Saudi dishes with the wisdom of generations of chefs behind them.
With all this great food around, there’s no reason you should ever be hungry in Riyadh.
More Fun Activities in Riyadh in 2024
This is such a sampling of all the amazing activities and adventures that await in Riyadh in 2024!
As you have no doubt seen, there are things for everyone to do, so you can always find something that fits your interests and lifestyle.
In fact, there may be too many things to do!
If you want to make sure you get the most out of your visit, make sure you pick out your top activities before you get started!