What to Do in Riyadh in 2024: List of Must-Try Activities

Welcome to Riyadh, the bustling capital of Saudi Arabia! This city is a hub of culture, history, and adventure, and there's no shortage of things to see and do. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, you'll find plenty of exciting activities and attractions to explore in Riyadh. This city has something for everyone, from historical landmarks to vibrant shopping districts. To help you get the most out of your trip, we've put together a guide to the main question, "What are the best things to do in Riyadh?". So, get ready to experience the best of this captivating city!

Where is Riyadh located?

Riyadh is Saudi Arabia's capital and biggest city, located in Ar Riyad Province in the Najd area. Riyadh is located in the an-Nafud desert, on the eastern edge of the Najd plateau. What is Riyadh famous for?

Riyad is the 49th most visited city in the world and the sixth most visited city in the Middle East, with over 5 million visitors visiting each year.

Indeed, the anciently developed town is located within the city walls and features antique architecture. The most significant are the al-Masmak fort and elements of the unique wall structure with its gate, which have been repaired and rebuilt.

However, the city is now a hub for a variety of activities, including financial, agricultural, cultural, technological, educational, and social ones. The infrastructure and design utilized to build the new city are entirely new.

So, what are the best things to do in Riyadh? Let’s explore it right away!

Top Best Things Travelers Should Try In Riyadh in 2024

1. Go on a tour of Turaif

Turaif is now officially available for visits to the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Tours run 75 minutes and provide insight into Saudi culture and the Kingdom's beginnings. To participate in the trip, you must purchase a Diriyah Entry Pass, which also grants admission to Bujairi Terrace. After supper, go sightseeing.

What is the opening time for Turaif?

In a week, we shall have 3 periods of time for visitors as follows:

• On Sat-Wed from 10am - midnight.
• On Thu from 10am - 1am the next day.
• On Fri from 2pm - 1am the next day.

Go on a tour of Turaif

2. Dine in a glass ball floating above the city

Riyadh is all about luxury and enjoying the better things in life, and Al Faisaliah Centre, a commercial skyscraper located in the city's corporate core, allows visitors to immerse themselves in the local way of life fully.

The structure, which was formerly the highest in Saudi Arabia (it is currently the fourth tallest), is noted for its striking design, with a large glass ball appearing poised on its pointed top. The 24-meter (79-foot) diameter ball is really a restaurant offering 360-degree views of the city. The Globe, which is entirely composed of glass panels, provides a premium fine-dining experience in Riyadh, with innovative European cuisine by chef Arumugam Rajesh.

Pro tip: Reserve a table in the early evening to see the sunset over Riyadh.

3. Discover Saudi Arabia's birthplace

Although the city's heavy traffic, glass towers, and business corridors are its most visible features today, Riyadh has a rich legacy and history that have been successfully preserved.

King Abdul Aziz ibn Saud, the founder of modern-day Saudi Arabia, invaded his ancestral stronghold, Al Masmak Fortress, in 1902. It was taken in the late nineteenth century by the chief of his opposing tribe, Mohammed ibn Abdullah ibn Rasheed. From here, he seized control of the remainder of Riyadh and unified the tribes of Arabia, creating the modern-day Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The fort served as King Abdul Aziz's castle until 1938 when it was rebuilt and remodeled before becoming a museum in 1995.

Visitors may now explore the 1865 fort while learning about the founding of the Saudi kingdom at the nearby museum. Paintings, pictures, and antiques like firearms and swords used in the conflicts that led to the creation of the Kingdom are among the exhibits.

Discover Saudi Arabia's birthplace

4. Quad bike through the city's Red Sand Dunes.

Riyadh is located in Saudi Arabia's central province, in the midst of the world's biggest contiguous sand desert, which occupies more than one-third of the nation. It plays an essential role in the city's culture and recreation.

Asas their name suggests, the Red Sand Dunes are vast windswept dunes surrounded by mountains, around a 20-minute drive from the capital Riyadh. The gorgeous location is becoming increasingly popular among locals who visit on weekends. Dune bashing is one of the city's most popular hobbies, and quad bikes can be rented for a modest charge.

Pro tip: Quad bike prices vary and may typically be reduced with a bit of bargaining.

5. Visit Riyadh Gallery for some retail therapy.

Malls are not only popular venues for shopping but also for socializing and dining. There are plenty of malls in the city, but Riyadh Gallery is one that visitors must see.

The three-story retail center is spacious and has a wide range of worldwide brands, from luxury items to high-street businesses. The mall also has a food court with various high-quality dining options, a mosque, and an artificial lake.

6. Learn more about Saudi Arabia's rich history at the country's largest museum.

The National Museum in Riyadh is Saudi Arabia's largest museum and one of the city's most popular attractions. It is located within the King Abdul Aziz Historical Centre, a cultural complex that also includes a park and a mosque. In eight significant halls, the museum depicts the history of human civilization, Islam, and Saudi Arabia, and its collection includes sculptures, antiques, and audiovisual installations.

Learn more about Saudi Arabia's rich history at the country's largest museum.

7. Visit the well-known Al Masmak Fortress.

Al Masmak Fort is a popular tourist attraction in Riyadh that will appeal to all history fans. Al Asmak Fortress is now a massive museum dedicated to the former monarchy. Its architecture will entice you to discover what the museum has to offer.

The stronghold in downtown Riyadh is composed of brick, mud, and clay. It was significant in the city's history. The name "masmak" means "strong" in Arabic language, and people used to assume that if this powerful fort fell, the kingdom of Riyadh would cease. It provides all of the information regarding Riyadh's once-vast cultural empire.

8. Explore Riyadh's royal zoo

Zoos may be contentious, but for those who appreciate them, Riyadh's is worth a visit. The zoo, which was originally established to house the wild animals held by Saudi Arabia's rulers, opened to the public in the 1980s.

The zoological park spans 22 hectares (55 acres) and is home to nearly 1,500 animals from 40 distinct species. There is also a flamingo park and an area where local endangered birds can be found. A train runs through much of the zoo, and various cafeterias are scattered around the park for those looking for a leisurely visit.

9. Take in reproductions of some of the world's most iconic locations.

Many of the world's most renowned monuments, including the Eiffel Tower, the Taj Mahal, the Blue Mosque in Istanbul, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, and many more, can be found in World Sights Park. It also features replicas of several Saudi landmarks, including the two Holy mosques. The park isn't huge and can be completed in approximately an hour. There will be a number of traditional snack carts and sellers, as is characteristic of most outdoor festivals around the country.

Pro tip: If you want to snap photographs of the small monuments, go in the middle of the day when the lighting is good.

Take in reproductions of some of the world's most iconic locations

10. At the Saudi Coffee Exhibition, take a taste

The Saudi Coffee Exhibition is now taking place, and admission is free. Yes, you heard us correctly. At the gourmet event, embrace the bean. Learn how Saudi Arabian coffee is picked, processed, and roasted, as well as the etiquette of drinking and presenting it to visitors. It's only natural to have a few cups during the day.

Don't miss: Things to do in Riyadh at night

Important things travelers need to know about Riyadh's features

1. Prayer time in Riyadh

The five prayer times are important to remember as a visitor to Riyadh and Saudi Arabia. The first early morning prayer will not affect you, but the remaining four will.

In Riyadh, most stores, cafés, and restaurants close during prayer time, which means you may have to wait outside until they reopen if you arrive after the prayer begins.

Prayer hours vary significantly throughout the year, so it's essential to research 'prayer times in Riyadh' ahead of time to ensure you know when they are. And don’t forget to make sure for this question, “What time is it in Riyadh?” if you don’t want to be a different person in this place.

Prayer time in Riyadh

When is Fajr in Riyadh?

Fajr is one of the five daily prayers performed by Muslims, and its timing varies depending on the location and the time of year. In Riyadh, Fajr is typically performed just before sunrise, which occurs at a different time each day. To determine the exact time of Fajr in Riyadh, consult a reliable source of prayer timings, such as a local mosque or an Islamic organization, or use an online prayer time calculator. Keep in mind that the timing of Fajr can also vary based on one's interpretation of Islamic jurisprudence.

In 2024, the Fajr prayer time will be 5:15 AM in the early morning.

2. Season in Riyadh

Riyadh Season is on over the winter and until the beginning of spring, and it includes Winter Wonderland, The Boulevard, and many more activities across the city.

These are events organized for Saudi residents from Riyadh and other regions of Saudi Arabia to attend, as well as to attract international tourists to the Kingdom by providing additional entertainment locations in Riyadh and exciting things to do in Riyadh.

Riyadh will host fewer activities throughout the summer because the weather is quite hot, and inhabitants prefer to stay indoors.

3. What do travelers use to stay connected with the world?

Make your trip to Saudi Arabia stress-free with the Travel SIM service from Saudi Arabia Immigration Services. The pre-loaded SIM card comes with data, voice, and SMS services, providing travelers with easy and convenient access to communication while they are in the country. No need to waste time and money on a Saudi local SIM card; just purchase a travel SIM card and enjoy a connected trip.

Get more information: Saudi Arabia sim card specifics

Riyadh has a richer history than most people realize, and its culture has been well-maintained. Prepare to be wowed by this vibrant city's stunning castles, enormous fortifications, busy bazaars, and soaring skyscrapers. Visitors can truly spend their precious stay in this modern city with the best question when they talk about this city “What are the best things to do in Riyadh?” with the information we provide above.

It’s time to experience KSA as you've dreamed. Apply for a Saudi Arabia visa now and get one step closer to your travel goal!

Saudi Arabia e-Visa will help you reach Riyadh faster than ever, thanks to the fast and convenient service at Saudi Arabia Immigration Services. Discover more things that especially attract you to Saudi Arabia here; maybe you will have a quality trip through many famous places in Saudi Arabia.