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Riyadh is where Arabia’s first roots can be traced and the fascinating capital city of Saudi Arabia. Explore the history, culture and cuisine in a city where medieval meets millennial. The centuries-old history can be traced within the souqs, museums and ancient quarters. The glittering high-rises and contemporary art scene is where you find the bold future envisioned as a modern metropolis. We list the top 10 exotic things to do in Riyadh as a tourist.
Top Things To Do In Riyadh
1. Get Incredible Views from the Sky Bridge At Kingdom Centre Tower
Take the high-speed lift at 180 km/hour to the Sky Bridge on the 99th floor of the Kingdom Tower for eclectic city views, especially at night. The bridge is suspended 300 meters above the city and offers spectacular Riyadh skyline views. Sip into fabulous coffee at Al Masaa Cafe across the road, the world’s biggest cafe and take in views of the Kingdom Tower from the terrace. The Kingdom Tower is the tallest building in the city with modern architectural style, a 99-story, 302.3 m (992 ft) skyscraper in Riyadh.
Timings: 12.00 pm to 11.00 pm (Saturday to Thursday); 4.00 pm to 11.00 pm (Friday); Sky Bridge timings.
Average Price: $16.79
Pro Tip: Visit during the weekday to avoid the crowds during the weekends.
2. Indulge in Fun-Filled Entertainment in Riyadh Season
Another exotic and top thing to do in Riyadh is to take in the entertainment pleasures during the Riyadh Season. Get the ultimate thrill and explore events, marvellous shows, fireworks and more. The Riyadh Season is a city-wide celebration spanning several months. It is an initiative to take Saudi Arabia into a progressive future. Spend time among over 7000 events, concerts and festivities across thematic zones. There are multiple events in store from musical concerts to sporting events.
Timings: All Day
Average Price: Season Tickets
Pro Tip: Use the Tawakkalna application to buy the ticket for the event you would like to enjoy.
3. Gaze at the Beauty of the Great Mosque of Riyadh
A famous thing to do in Riyadh is a visit to the Great Mosque of Riyadh. Witness the beautiful courtyard and the serene flat-roofed prayer hall. Rasem Badran is the well-known architect of The Great Mosque and the surrounding urban development area. Wander the open squares and sit on granite benches amid beautiful fountains with fresh water. This is a top Riyadh tourist attraction whose outer walls are made of limestone with small triangular openings in a patterned fashion.
Timings: All Day
Average Price: Based on the tour
Pro Tip: Experience the nearby urban development area, squares and commercial facilities.
4. Get Tricked at the Museum of Illusions
Visit the fun-filled world of illusions that are sensory and mind-blowing. Jump into the Vortex Tunnel, enjoy a collection of holograms and amuse yourself with tricks and games. Check out the Rotated Room, Anti Gravity Room, Vortex Tunnel and more. This is a popular thing to do in Riyadh for family leisure and entertainment. Pick a day for excursion fun which is a fun place for all ages. The tour of the museum normally takes around an hour where human imagination has no boundaries.
Timings: 10.00 am to 12.00 am (Saturday to Thursday); 1.00 pm to 12.00 am (Friday)
Average Price: $21.78 (adult); $16.34 (children between age of 5 and 15)
Pro Tip: Try the fitness centre to sharpen your intellect called the Smart Playroom.
5. Go on a Shopping Spree at Riyadh Park Mall
Head for the shopping mall that covers 132000 square m with a parking lot for 2000 cars. A popular thing to do in Riyadh is a visit to the Riyadh Park Mall. Explore the trendy two-floor mall featuring retail stores that sell luxury goods for men and women. You get shopping items for cosmetics, fashion clothes, electronics, home decor, jewellery and more. Riyadh Park is located in the heart of Saudi`s capital and is a unique shopping centre, a great place for cinema, entertainment, dining and more.
Timings: 9:00 am to 12:00 am (Saturday to Thursday); 1:00 pm to 2:00 am (Friday)
Average Price: Based on the activity
Pro Tip: Enjoy a dining experience at the Ritage Garden in the park.
6. Step Back in Time At Al Masmak Palace Museum
This is a popular thing to do in Riyadh as a tourist. Learn about the history of Riyadh and the ethnic origins of the locals. Here the traditions and cultures in the mud-brick fortress date back to 1865. It was built for Prince Abdurrahman ibn Sulaiman AlDabaan. The museum in the main entrance has a spear lodged to it that was used in the 1902 raids. Other artifacts, weapons and uniforms are worth seeing.
Timings: 8:00 am to 8:00 pm (Sunday to Thursday); 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm (Friday); 9:00 am to 8:00 pm (Saturday)
Average Price: Free
Pro Tip: Don’t forget to bring your camera as clicking photographs is allowed.
7. Immerse in History at the Saudi National Museum
A top thing to do in Riyadh is to explore the fascinating museum to learn about the history of Saudi Arabia. The museum is made up of eight halls packed with Arabian culture, history and art. Look around to see prehistoric artifacts from 8 major eras of Saudi Arabia, skeletons of ancient animals of the Arabian Peninsula, interactive displays and more. There are also interesting rock formations and an ancient human handprint.
Timings: 8:00 am to 8:00 pm (Saturday to Thursday); 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm (Friday)
Average Price: Based on the tour
Pro Tip: You can also book tickets online to avoid disappointment.
8. Visit the Iconic Murabba Palace
The beautiful Murabba Palace is the former home and the court of King Abdul Aziz. The monument captivates the historical past and is constructed outside the old city walls. The palace is where the king lived from 1938 until 1953. It is built in the traditional Najdean style with a breezy courtyard. The palace is beautiful with green gardens over several hectares. The King Abdulaziz Historical Center includes memorabilia of the king’s personal belongings, a treasure trove of historical documents and more.
Timings: 8:00 am to 10:00 pm
Average Price: Based on the tour
Pro Tip: Plan your visit during the spring or winter months, a popular thing to do in Riyadh
9. Make a visit to the Riyadh Zoo
Visiting the beautifully spread out landscape and the zoological park is a famous thing to do in Riyadh. The area of 55 acres consists of over 1500 animals in 40 species. You can take a train journey to cover the park. There are plenty of entertainment activities for kids in a natural setting for animals. The tropical brackish waters have wading birds in large numbers. There are prayer halls, restaurants, cafes and toilets across the zoo. This is the largest zoo in Saudi Arabia, a worthwhile place to visit.
Timings: 8:30 am to 12:00 pm ; 1.00 pm to sunset (weekdays)
Average Price: $3.07 (adults)
Pro Tip: The zoo closes on Saturday for maintenance and has separate days for men and women to visit.
10. Stroll amid the Wonders of King Abdullah Park
This is a beautiful city park with a 12 m walkway, sports area, and dancing fountain. It is one of the finest parks in the kingdom. The dancing fountain show is a popular attraction. The park was formerly called the Al-Malaz Square and was a former racecourse. This is the largest park in Riyadh famous for its sprawling gardens and wide stone brick paths. The mind-blowing musical fountain is colourful and a delight.
Timings: 1:00 pm to 11:00 pm
Average Price: $10
Pro Tip: The park can be entered only by families where a lady must be present. Men alone cannot enter with children.
Also Read: Why Visit Riyadh Season 2021? Learn about its Zones, Events And More
