Football fans, assemble. The Saudi capital is full of footie fans, and there’s nothing better than cheering together at the top places to watch local and international football in Riyadh, especially with Cristiano Ronaldo’s debut season playing for Al Nassr. (Go, team, go.)
Home to three main stadiums, Riyadh houses a large following of locals who support international football teams, be in Manchester United, Bayern Munich or Liverpool, we’ve got them all. While many spots air local matches, there are numerous place to watch international football in Riyadh as well. From the most popular cafés to sport cinemas, here’s are the best places to watch international football in Riyadh.
Al Hilal Café
Sports fans, it’s time to put on your teams jerseys and head to Hittin. Al Hilal Café is a great place to kick it with your fellow soccer boys or gals with the many seating areas to catch the game at. Named after the famous local soccer team, enjoy indoor and outdoor seating with ample screens and multiple menu options to tuck into during half-time. When it comes to places to watch international football in Riyadh, Al Hilal Café is a good option with its cosy seating and hot coffee to keep you alert for all parts of the match.
Open daily. Hittin. instagram.com/alhilalcafeblvd.
Al Masaa Café
Among the most popular places to watch international football in Riyadh, Al Masaa Café is a local favourite. There’s nothing more satisfying that watching your favourite club play on wide screen TV’s with a side of coffee and salted nuts. Holding up to 1,050 people, the café is a hit spot throughout the week and even more popular during Premier League and UEFA Champions League seasons. That’s when the large space truly comes to life. Serving a variety of light snacks, you can also tuck into a signature burger with a side of fries, finishing off those football nerves with a side of dessert.
Open 24-hours. King Abdullah Road, Al Mohammadiyah, Riyadh, almasaacafe.com (01 456 1291).
Al Nassr Café
Another spot named after a famous local team, Al Nassr Café is up there on the places to watch international football in Riyadh. You’ll be greeted by interiors mirroring the colours of the popular club, flat screen TV’s and menu items like steak and fries, salmon with oven baked potato’s and burrata salad. You could also enjoy beverage options and desserts like brownies and tiramisu. Win or lose, at least there will be sweets.
Open daily, 4pm-2am. Hittin, instagram.com/alnassr_cafe.
De Ze7en
After places to watch international football in Riyadh? Look no further. The industrially chic interiors of De Ze7en will have you in for a treat. A popular spot located in the city’s Al Nakheel district, the café serves a selection of coffee and cakes that can be enjoyed in the indoor or outdoor seating areas. Need a little privacy to let out your football rage, book one of the available booths fully equipped with a flat-screen TV and support your favourite footie team.
Open 24-hours. Prince Turki Bin Abdul Aziz Street, Al Nakheel, Riyadh,
de-ze7en.business.site (055 720 6943).
Fans Up Café
Located in Al Waha district, Fans Up Café is a great place to watch international football in Riyadh. Home to the first-ever sports cinema in the Kingdom, the café is well-known for showcasing live footie action from around the world while also support local leagues including the Saudi Professional League. The games are watched on a projector screen with comfy seating. Grab yourself a cool refreshment or dive into burgers, club sandwiches, wraps and more.
Open Sat-Thu 6am-1am, Fri noon-2am. Rafha St, Al Wahah, Riyadh (050 906 7784).
Strike Bowling Alley
A family-friendly bowling alley located at the luxurious Ritz Carlton Hotel opposite the Diplomatic Quarter. While the space is dedicated to bowling and a bit of billiards, it also offers a wide screen TV and couch-like seating to lay back and watch international football in Riyadh. The menu options are an added bonus with light snacks including popcorn, nachos, and nuts or main dishes like burgers and fries. After you’re down catching your favourite players on the big screen, you can head for dinner at the nearby restaurants in the hotel. Or, forget about that final score over a game of bowling.
Open daily, 4pm-midnight. The Ritz Carlton Hotel, Al Hada, Riyadh, instagram.com/ritzcarltonruh.
Tutti Café
One of the cafés to open in the Kingdom, Tutti Café has always been a popular spot, specifically for the Tutti Mocha with marshmallows. Another reason for this café’s popularity is the fact that it’s always been a top option when watching international football in Riyadh. The Al Takhassousi eatery oozes nostalgic vibes for many, Tutti Café is the place to be to relive past experiences of older times in the city. Head here to watch your top players and favourite footie teams.
Open daily, Sat-Thu 6am-1.30am, Fri noon-1.30am. Al Takhassousi, Al Olaya, instagram.com/tutticafee.
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