Top 8 Unbelivable Things to do in Riyadh

Combining elements of a contemporary megopolis with a classic Middle Eastern city, Riyadh is an interesting metropolis in Saudi Arabia. Apart from pictures of unceasing dunes, Saudi Arabia is already a contemporary, vibrant city with history and culture everybody may enjoy. Here are the top eight amazing things you have to see in Riyadh: These are the eight most amazing things you have to see in Riyadh:

1. Visiting Kingdom Centre

The towering structure of the 300-meter Kingdom Centre is the most iconic symbol of modern Riyadh topped with a shape reminding a dagger in the sky. Ride the super high-speed elevator to the 99th-floor Sky Bridge to enjoy the panoramic views of the city and the desert in the surroundings at a height of 828 meters. The Sky Bridge has glass flooring, and it will be like ‘walking’ in the air when in Riyadh!

2. Lost in history: a visit to the Masmak Fortress

Also known as the Masmak Palace or the First Saudi State, the Masmak Fortress was constructed during the mid-1860s and is acknowledged as the founding ground of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Known after the enormous clay fortifications with date palm trunks it was taken by surprise in 1902 to provide King Abdul Aziz the opportunity to proceed with the process of unification of Saudi Arabia, which was accomplished in 1932. Explore its sprawl of mud-brick buildings and courtyards to get a feel of the desert lifestyles of the 19th century.

3. Shop and dine on-trend

If one is in the mood for both the latest fashion and the latest restaurant, then it is suggested to visit the Boulevard and Granada Center complexes in Riyadh. These air-conditioned large malls which are as modern as any in the world and are home to international brands such as Zara, H&M, Cartier, and Louis Vuitton intermingled with Saudi shops and cafés are the preferred hunting grounds of fashion-conscious Saudi youth. Take a break at Najd Village in Granada Center entertain yourself with Saudi Arabian music and taste Saudi Arabian food in a modern environment.

4. Admire modern Islamic architecture

The tallest building of the kingdom, the 228-meter-high Al Rajhi Bank Tower, is another favorite Saudi Arabian skyscraper due to its inverted pyramid design inspired by geometrical figures of Arabian Islamic tradition. Be sure to also explore the neo-futuristic architecture of the King Abdullah Financial District containing a series of mosques, offices, and condos reflecting Riyadh’s new Islamic appearance.

5. Take a desert safari

Even though most people might not link desert tours with Riyadh, the close access to the vast expanses of Najd's red dunes makes for an ideal bashing and desert safari experience. Cruise over crescent-shaped dunes in Land Cruisers near Diriyah; sandboarding; camels and quads rides; experience Saudi dancing and cuisine shows; nights in Bedouin-style encampment, gazing at the star-studded Arabian sky.

6. Experience tradition at standard villages

The Riyadh city also avails exciting glimpses of traditional Saudi Arabia in recreating the traditional Najdi villages such as the Najd village at Granada Center and the Masmak village at the Masmak fortress. These villages are malls and museums where you see themes of pre-oil Saudi Arabia, mosques, shops that resemble antiques, restos that serve traditional foods, and cultural shows.

7. Saudi Arabia’s opulence at its finest is the royal palaces

Some of the palaces in Saudi Arabia that look like opulent banquets are in Riyadh and are accessible to tourists. Most of the rooms in Murabba Palace can be described as luxurious so people can get the idea of how the Saudi royal family lived over the last century and Salam Palace, with its numerous superb examples of Islamic ornamentation will not leave anyone indifferent. The sprawling 1.2 square kilometer Al Murabba Palace complex is occasionally opened to house Riyadh’s legendary Janadriyah National Festival of Saudi Arabia traditions.

8. Oasis hopping

Surprising as it may sound, Riyadh boasts of a few magnificent desert oases situated within sand hills thanks to underground water reserves. If you do not have time for a longer adventure, consider a day trip to Wadi Hanifah – a palm-fringed valley that is a part of the city, or to Dwadmi and Huraymila oases. It is even more relaxing to take a shower in incredibly clean and cool water from springs that are situated under the palm trees after getting roasted in the desert.

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