The Saudi Arabian capital of Riyadh has heaps of brilliant things to do. Whether you’re looking to soak up some history, see the most famous landmarks the city has to offer, or spend some quality time with your family at one of the famous attractions. From fortresses to zoos, art galleries, museums and more, here are the best attractions in Riyadh that you need to get on your radar.
Al Masmak Fortress
Built in 1865 by the then Emir of Riyadh, ‘Abdurrahman ibn Sulaiman, this clay and mud-brick fort was the scene of one of the most important battles in the history of Saudi Arabia, the Battle of Riyadh. And to this day the sheer sense of history remains strong at Al Masmak Fortress, which is a definite must-see attraction in Riyadh for both residents and visitors alike. This fabulous fort was the epicentre of King Abdul Aziz Al Saud’s quest to conquer and then unite the various kingdoms that surrounded his hometown of Riyadh, leading to the birth of the great nation of Saudi Arabia itself. Converted into a museum in 1995, it houses a dizzying array of artefacts charting the Saudi Arabia’s history, as well as works of art and audiovisual presentations that really help you understand its foundations. And after stepping back in time, you can grab a souvenir of your time in Saudi at one of the stalls in the Souq Al Zal next door.
Al Imam Turki Ibn Abdullah Ibn Muhammad, Ad Dirah, Riyadh.
Al Murabba Palace
The former home of Saudi Arabia’s founding father King Abdul Aziz Al Saud, Al Murabba Palace is arguably most notable for the many firsts it was party to. Its construction from 1936 to 1945 marked the first major expansion of Riyadh outside the original city walls. It also marked the first time automobiles had been used as a method of transportation in Saudi Arabia, and once completed it was the first building in the kingdom to use electricity and have toilets with a proper, modern drainage system. Also, the concrete road linking it to the heart of Riyadh was the first of its kind to be built. And when the great king became too frail to climb the stairs of his palace alone (we know the feeling), he had Saudi Arabia’s first lift installed, which still stands to this day. Now a museum, Al Murabba Palace serves as an homage to King Abdul Aziz and contains many of his own effects, including the Rolls-Royce he was given by Winston Churchill in 1945. The palace really is a treasure trove of historical artefacts, while outside you can have a lovely stroll amongst its verdant gardens. You too can live like a king for the day.
Open daily 8am-10pm. Al Murabba, Riyadh.
Al Rajhi Grand Mosque
Riyadh isn’t exactly short of impressive mosques, but for us, this one really stands out as one of the most beautiful we have ever come across. Built using money donated by the eminent Al Rajhi family (hence its name), it really is an architectural marvel that houses both an 18,000-capacity men’s prayer room and smaller, but no less striking 2,500-capacity one for the women. Al Rajhi Grand Mosque is the largest in Riyadh and is truly an architectural marvel. Granted, entry is only for those of the Muslim faith, but no visit to the Saudi Arabian capital would be complete without snapping a picture or two of this marvellous mosque. Especially so at night, when thanks to smart lighting, it is an illuminated picture of wonder. Even outside Al Rajhi Grand Mosque is a hive of activity with street vendors selling dates and other fruit and veg. That’s worth the visit alone.
7084 Al Akheyar, Al Jazirah, Riyadh.
Naila Art Gallery
The art scene in Riyadh is growing apace and the Naila Art Gallery is the beating heart of the city’s creative community. This impressive space in Al Mathar Ash Shamali is home to a vast array of artists not only from Saudi Arabia but the wider Arab world and indeed much further afield. It has a creative calendar chock-full of diverse exhibitions from global talents using various media that go beyond the humble paintbrush and canvas. Nail Art Gallery’s private collection is among the finest anywhere in Saudi Arabia and the team behind it are tireless in their pursuit of ways to expand it with modern pieces and those that have stood the test of time. The gallery does, first and foremost, champion local talent as its list of resident artists will attest. One of the most intriguing of this cohort must be Dutchwoman Caroline Havers, who moved to Riyadh in 2012, and whose work explores how even the most mundane of elements in the world can in themselves be a thing of beauty. One of the best attraction in Riyadh for all you art aficionados out there.
Building 247, Al Takhassosi Street, Al Mathar Ash Shamali, Riyadh, gallerynaila.com/ (011 880 5352).
Riyadh Zoo
Riyadh Zoo certainly has most bases covered when it comes to fauna, with more than 1,500 animals from 190 species calling this vast space home. The site measures a whopping 161,000m sq meaning you most definitely have to wear your comfiest shoes. However, you can always take Riyadh Zoo’s train that gives you a tour of huge swathes of the complex in a mere 20 minutes or so while also giving your feet a rest and your little ones another exciting way to view all the various beasts. Essentially the zoo is divided into three main sections: mammals, birds and reptiles. The hippos, tigers and giraffes are our personal favourites but there are a whole lot more species to see while here, as well as some 20,000 trees and flowers should flora be your thing too. No trip to Riyadh Zoo would be complete without a visit to the Conservation Centre where you can discover how the team here are doing their bit to safeguard the future of the animals.
Al Ihsa, Al Malaz, Riyadh, www.zoo.com.sa (0234 567 8900).
The National Museum of Saudi Arabia
Yes, you might have guessed, we are big fans of museums (and not just one those rare rainy days). But The National Museum of Saudi Arabia is not only our great nation’s biggest (you’ll have to make return trips to see it all), it’s also arguably its most entertaining. The building itself is pretty impressive, the modernist architecture a real stand-out when it comes to structures in Riyadh. And inside you’ll find the full gamut of artefacts both cultural and historical, as well as some Neolithic rock art (an absolute must) and replicas of homes from a bygone era. Divided into eight great halls, The National Museum of Saudi Arabia takes you on an interactive journey from the dawn of mankind right up to the present day and gives you an incredible insight into how the kingdom evolved over the years to the awe-inspiring country it is now. There are also two halls for the regularly rotated short-term exhibitions that perfectly compliment the permanent attractions. Our top tip is to come on a weekday afternoon when there’ll be fewer crowds and more time to peruse the enthralling exhibits.
King Abdul Aziz Historical Center, Al Murraba, Riyadh nationalmuseum.org.sa (402 9500).
The Sky Bridge at Kingdom Centre
To view Riyadh from a completely different angle (if owning a helicopter isn’t within your budget) then head up to the 99th floor of the Kingdom Centre. After taking the super-speedy lift you’ll be given access to the capital’s most amazing urban panorama. From a height of 300m, Riyadh certainly looks a lot different. Thanks to the floor-to-ceiling glass windows you can see the whole of the city’s amazing skyline and the metropolis’ very limits, which will make you realise just how vast this place is. On the way up make sure you stop off at the King Abdullah Mosque (the world’s highest, no less) on the 77th floor. And even if you should suffer badly from vertigo, the Kingdom Centre has a multitude of high-end boutiques plus a Vox Cinema – both perfect to while away an afternoon in as your more intrepid guests taking in the unparalleled vistas that are even more stunning at night-time.
Al Olaya, Riyadh, kingdomcentre.com.sa (11 211 2222).
