Top 10 Tourist Places in Riyadh

Riyadh is a city located in the central region of KSA, it is the capital and largest city of Saudi Arabia; Riyadh has an interesting history and traditions. Even though many tourists never give Riyadh a second glance and instead opt for other cities more representative of Middle Eastern countries. Be it the ancient records or eye-catching features like the markets or the architectural designs, the city is full of great locations. 

1. Masmak Fortress

This massive structure of clay and mud bricks was constructed around 1865 and was the place from where King Abdulaziz and his forces had regained the city from the Al Rashid dynasty in the year 1902. This has been turned into a museum, which reveals the historical background of the unification of Saudi Arabia under the kings and the fortress. It is a historical landmark with massive walls and it is the main attraction is the Masmak Fortress in Riyadh.

2. Saudian Museum of Natural History

This national museum was established in 1999 with a mission of exhibiting Arab and Saudi culture, history, and artworks, and the building itself is rather unique and interesting; the museum houses a wide array of artifacts such as stone tools of about 1 million years, manuscripts, and more. Prominent exhibits are the rock paintings, the coins, pottery, and the multimedia presentation of certain incidences in KSA’s history.

3. Wadi Hanifa

The Wadi Hanifa Valley is also another incredible place where you can enjoy the desert views even in the middle of the city. This is a rather small park located well within walking distance from the downtown area but it feels incredibly remote with its desert climate and palm trees. The wadi contains aesthetically beautiful tracks for hiking, horse riding, tent sites, and other areas that are favorable for communing with nature and spending quality time with friends and family.

4. Kingdom Centre

This impressive piece of architecture cannot be easily overlooked, as it is among the tallest buildings in the world reaching more than 1000 feet, and is located in Riyadh. The Kingdom Centre of today consists of a hotel and residence, offices, and an extensive four-level mall all within its 99 floors. Some of its key attractions include a 99th-floor observation terrace that is an outdoor terrace providing a bird’s eye view of the city. The doors of the center are also impressive and the entrance is very large and opens from up to down.

5. Deira Souq

If you’re looking for fresh food, fruits, vegetables, fish, and other groceries, the Central Souq in the older city of Riyadh called Deira is the best place to visit. An ultimate shopping destination for souvenirs and local products, this market embodying the spirit of the traditional Arab one is a real-time machine. Visiting different parts of Riyadh, for example, walking through narrow streets filled with small and numerous bright pavilions is worth it.

6. Murabba Palace

This significant palace complex is located in the restored historical area of Old Diriyah. Murabba Palace is again an official governmental structure which has its architectural design and style of Najdi architecture in the form of desert palaces. It is built with high mud-brick walls, rowed windows, and inner yards and it displays the history and tradition of the Najd area. Sightseeing can be done at the Salwa Palace which is found close to the hotel.

7. Riyadh Zoo

Some of the animals found in Riyadh Zoo in Malaz include over 170 species of animals such as Arabian leopards and oryx, it’s a good outdoor activity for families visiting the city. Visit large living spaces such as the large cat area with lions, tigers, and leopards, birds in the aviary, monkeys, hippos, kangaroos, and elephants in this large zoo. There is also a miniature train that offers a brief tour on the safari if you do not have time for a longer trip.

8. Musée de l’histoire et de l’archéologie à Riad

This first-class museum offers a glimpse into the Riyadh region, starting from the prehistoric era to the current generation. There are exposed Stone Age tools as well as thin accessories that early tribes used, clay tablets, coins, models of Najdi houses that represent traditional Najd architecture, and many others. Great timely use of modern and high-tech methods to present a historical outlook in this excellent museum.

9. Al Bujairi District

About the eateries and shopping facilities, the Al Bujairi area is the best place to go for those wishing to enjoy a meal at a quality restaurant, visit a posh café, or immerse themselves in the luxurious shopping experience. Designed in Saudi and Najdi architectural styles, Al Bujairi has been incorporated with beautiful mansions, decorated public squares, well-illuminated water fountains, and rows of palm trees. This affluent area also boasts of many facilities such as the top-notch Ritz Carlton and Four Season hotels.

10. Edge of the World

There is a natural wonder known as the Edge of the World that can be found just a short drive outside of Riyadh. The waterfall is a precipice and slants downward a distance of over a thousand feet to view an incredible desert gorge. These include the opportunity to look out for views, where the sandstone rocks adopt the patterns of waves extending for many miles. For a somewhat more daring but not-so-extreme experience, there are zipline rides across sections of the canyon, too. Despite such great desert sceneries so near, the edge of the world is rather an exciting one-day trip from Riyadh.

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