Top 10 of the Best Places to Visit in Riyadh

Riyadh is an excellent city to visit and is located in the central part of Saudi Arabia; it is the kingdom’s capital and largest city. Riyadh offers a vast array of sightseeing opportunities that include antiquities, historical sites, museums, gardens, parks, and even amusement centers. 

1. Masmak Fortress

This is one of the oldest attractions that can be seen in Riyadh – the Masmak Fortress construction which was started in 1865. This small fort of clay and mud bricks was the stronghold of a rebellious warrior Ibn Saud who used it as a base during the military operations against the Ottoman Empire's aggression that aimed at the formation of the Saudi state. Nowadays it is a museum that contains samples of Arabian ornament and the means of work of the master painters. The beauty of the place is marvelous, and strolling through the yard, one feels like being in a different epoch.

2. King AbdulAziz Saudi Arabia National Museum

Before, I go any further let me take time and visit the National Museum for a better understanding of Saudi culture and heritage. This beautiful facility began operations in the year 1999 and comprises galleries for arts, beautifully manicured gardens, and several pavilions that depict the Islamic heritage and history of the country especially in the trading business. Visit the archaeological site that boasts an assortment of the earliest Stone Age tools and implements, engraved rocks, and dedications in early Arabic calligraphy, 20,000 years old.

3. Al Dir'iyah

Al Dir’iyah is situated on the outskirts of Riyadh; this place captures the historic face of Saudi as the birthplace of the first Saudi state. Dating back to 300 years earlier, it is a city that was constructed with adobe and for more than 150 years served as the power base of the House of Saud. Take a walk through its narrow streets with newly built palaces, mosques, and a market with ones more reminiscent of traditional Najdi architecture.

4. Wadi Hanifa

Being a valley, Wadi Hanifa is an area of greenery located close to downtown Riyadh but offering a natural feeling. Some of the amenities that can be observed in Wadi include parks, eateries, fruit plantations, grazing livestock, and even horseback riding along the 80-mile-long river. Take a walk, have a meal, or go to the Riyadh Zoo which is inside the park.

5. Kingdom Centre

The Kingdom Centre is a stunning structure towering over Riyadh city in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This sleek structure standing at 992 feet has the city’s financial district as its home: it took over seven years to build and it cost the developers $2 billion. It might be useful not to miss going to the observation deck on the 99th floor where you will be able to get a panoramic view of Riyadh beneath.

6. Market Location Name: Souq Al Zal – Riyadh Bazaars

The places to shop include; For the shopaholics, the Riyadh markets offer the best and colorful shopping experiences. Firstly, Souq Al Zal, or the Antiques Market is well-known among all the others. This Flea market is found in the old city area of Deira, and it has virtually everything ranging from antiques, carpets, silver jewelry, and handicrafts. You are sure to need to bargain for the best prices in the market.

7. Riyadh Zoo

Kids and families will be fascinated by the Riyadh Zoo situated in the northern part of the city near the vast and beautiful Wadi Hanifa Valley. This is a very large and ultramodern center that sits on more than 250 acres of land and features more than 170 different species of animals including local wildlife and other species such as African penguins and Bengal tigers. Do not forget to take the time and pat the camels and donkeys found in the petting farm segment.

8. Red Sands

Just 100km outside Riyadh you are in Najd province, the heartland of the Saudi Kingdom and living desert. Its scarlet-colored dunes make it possible to have lots of desert fun including dune bashing, quad biking, camel riding at the camel farms, and even camping.

9. Sky Bridge

Around 650 ft over the ground, Sky Bridge in Kingdom Centre in Riyadh offers spectacular city views with its glass floorings. Cross this glass bridge as you ascend to the 99th-floor observatory deck, if you are game enough! Look down on the ground below and you will get the best feeling you ever had.

10. Al Nakheel Family Fun Park in the modern parks of Saudi Arabia.

Cap off your tour in this entertainment complex that guarantees endless entertainment in the middle of a palm-tree-laden landscape in Riyadh. At the water park, there is enjoyment through activities such as thrilling rides, slides, rollover tables, and a wave pool. The other side of the park presents facilities such as the revolving stage, recreational facilities, shops and kiosks, and games. It is more appropriate for both young people and adults and is ideal to enjoy time with friends and family.

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