Want to have some fun on a budge in Riyadh? Or, better still, for free? We have just the activities for you. Whether you’re after a cultural day out or a desert adventure, this list has it all. So leave the wallet at home, as here are the 10 best free things to do in Riyadh.
Admire Arabic art at Naila Art Gallery
Looking for free art? Enjoy the brilliance of local artists displayed in the various exhibitions in the city’s main art space. You’ll find an eclectic mix of works from emerging artists, professionals and everyone in between. The gallery’s private collection includes masterpieces that are worth the visit alone. Different workshops and talks are also hosted throughout the year. With all the gorgeous artwork on display, we’re surprised this is still one of the free things to do in Riyadh.
Open Sat-Thu 2pm-10pm; Fri closed. Takhassusi Street, Al Mathar Ash Shamali, gallerynaila.com (011 880 5352).
Browse at Riyadh Park Mall
Riyadh has plenty of sprawling malls including cool ones like Riyadh Park hitting the scene, you can easily spend the day here. It has an amazing interior, with a gorgeous patterned ceiling and a wonderful light-up fountain. As this is one of Riyadh’s biggest malls, you can easily spend a whole afternoon here taking in the atmosphere and architecture. It’s one of the fun ones when it comes to free things to do in Riyadh – provided you don’t spend a ton of money on the great stores there, of course
riyadh-park.com (011 236 4383).
Discover Riyadh’s Hidden Canyon
Want to discover more free things to do in Riyadh? This secret gem is the perfect place to get some Insta-worthy photos. If you’re lucky, it’ll be filled with water but during drier months you’ll find it empty. Either way, it’s a great spot to visit or picnic in when you want a peaceful (and free) day out.
Open 24 hours. Hidden Canyon 16382.
Explore the Raidah Digital City
Raidah Digital City is one of the most beautiful spots in Riyadh. At its core, it’s a fast-paced, business-centric landmark, however, it is a stunning destination for a stroll. With coffee shops, food trucks and restaurants at its heart, visiting Digital City is one of the best free things to do in Riyadh.
Open Sun-Thu 24 hours. Prince Turki Ibn Abdulaziz Al Awwal Rd, digitalcity.com.sa, (011 205 9911).
Have a family day at Wadi Hanifa
Wadi Hanifa is home to one of the largest man-made lakes in Saudi and is around 120 kilometres in length, making it one of the coolest free things to do in Riyadh. It is a gorgeous site for locals and tourists alike because it gives us the rare chance to view such a large body of water in the capital. Make a day out of it and take the family out for a nice picnic by the mountains and the water. And if you have a little time on your hands, you can also sneak a view of one of the largest flags in the Kingdom.
Open 24 hours. Wadi Hanifa, Al-Masani’ 4715.
Immerse yourself in Saudi history
As far as free things to do in Riyadh go, this one is top for many. Roam through the ancient fort that dates back to 1865. The unmistakable mud-brick houses, towering watchtowers and even a castle (which has been turned into a museum), photographs and antiques over a hundred years old. Tours are available in English and Arabic. This is one of the most interesting free things to do in Riyadh.
Free entry. Open daily 9am-8pm; Fri 4pm-8pm. 6937 Al Masmak Fortress Al Thumairi Street, visitsaudi.com (011 411 0091).
Marvel at the waterfall in Lake Park Namar
There are not many places in the Middle East where you can see such a beautiful waterfall. Located in the heart of the park, the waterfall is just one of the many things the area is known for, including its cycling track, jogging track and lush greenery. And seeing it doesn’t cost a riyal, making this another one of the best free things to do in Riyadh.
Open daily 24 hours. 65 Utaiqah, Riyadh 12673.
Stroll through Nahdah Park
Riyadh’s longest park is calling your name. This is one of the most diverse parks of all, it has a jungle gym for the kids, scooters for the adults, and, of course, great walking trails if you want to get into shape or even just be one with the outstanding nature.
Open daily 24 hours. Al Nahdah, Jarir.
Visit Souq Al Thumairi
The small lanes here are packed with local craftsmanship that will likely blow you away. Boutique stores sell everything from jewellery, rugs, clothing, pots and more. There aren’t many places to find handmade, authentic, Saudi souvenirs located in the heart of old Riyadh.
Open Sat-Thu 9am-noon & 4pm-9pm; Fri 4pm-9pm. Souq Al Thumairi, Al Thumairi Street.
Wow yourself at Souq Al Owais
Wondering where to start at the souks in Riyadh? This beautiful open market caters to all your needs. At first look it will seem as if this souk only stocks elegant gold and silver jewellery, but upon closer inspection, you’ll be greeted by tonnes of abaya stores, textiles, gorgeous bishts, and tiny stalls that sell just about everything from food to clothes. Wander along long hallways and endless shops to re-discover the traditional Saudi marketplace. It’s one of the best free things to do in Riyadh that offers plenty of culture and history.
Open daily 8.30am-midnight. Timings may vary. Olaya St, King Fahd.
Looking for more things to do in Riyadh? Click here for the latest news about what’s going in the city.
