Riyadh, the capital city of Saudi Arabia, is a dynamic city. It has walkable streets, towering skyscrapers, and historic monuments waiting to be explored. When you visit Riyadh, make sure you visit these gems it has to offer.
Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport is located in the north of the city centre. Flynas, a low-cost airline, operates flights from several cities to Riyadh. The airline is headquartered in Riyadh, and you can easily book flight tickets to Riyadh online.
The best time to visit this city is between October to March. It is best to ditch the summer scorchers and explore the city when it is cooler and enveloped by a gentle breeze. You can visit the historic monuments and explore the bustling souqs on foot.
The most convenient travel option for tourists is a taxi. Riyadh is a metropolis, and you can find sedans, yellow cabs and services like Uber and Careem. Tourists should carry Saudi Riyals while travelling, as some taxis do not accept credit cards.
For a long time, driving has been the only way to get around the city. The new Riyadh Metro runs around the district and is a blooming public transport system. It has six lines and around 180 km of track, which connects the major neighbourhoods. It helps to cut down on traffic and has changed how the city moves and breathes.
Riyadh is a walkable city, you can explore the sights, sounds and smells of the city at your own pace. You just have to stay hydrated and wear comfortable shoes, and you are all set for an unforgettable adventure.
Historic monuments in Riyadh
Al Turaif
Visiting this place will make you see what Saudi Arabia looked like in ancient times. Back in the 1700s, it was the first capital of Saudi Arabia. It is built in Najdi style and mudbrick architecture with walls rising from the desert.
You must visit the Salwa and Saad bin Saud palaces. Here you can learn about religion, rule, and resilience. You can walk through old courtyards and narrow paths. It is calm and will slow you down and make you look. Today, it is an open-air museum.
Najdi architecture is not for making the buildings look good but for surviving the desert heat. Mudbrick walls were used to insulate, small windows to let the light in and not the heat and courtyards created cool air and privacy. This design came from the land itself.
Al Bujairi Terrace
This place is located right across Al Turaif. You will find spaces made for gatherings, cafes and restaurants here. The buildings have traditional Najdi forms but are modern. Tourists come here for coffee, dinner and get a view over the Wadi Hanifa. This place makes heritage seem familiar.
Masmak Fortress
This fortress holds one of the most important places in Saudi history. It was taken back in 1902 by Abdulaziz Al Saud with 63 men. This led to the beginning of uniting the country. You will find the main gate and towers when you walk through the fortress. Walking in the courtyard reminds you of the past. Now it has been converted into a big history museum.
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You can check out the awesome artefacts and interactive exhibits that bring the country’s past to life. You can learn about the role this mighty fort played in shaping the history of Arabia. There is a peaceful mosque within the fort grounds.
Popular souqs in Riyadh
Along with the air-conditioned escapes from the desert heat, you will also find the city’s hidden side, which can be explored on foot. Riyad souqs are where the adventure happens, as they overflow with treasures from all corners of the globe.
You will find these shops overflowing with handicrafted souvenirs, unique finds, hidden gems and more. The souqs offer a full sensory experience as they sell handcrafted jewellery, colourful textiles and traditional artefacts.
You can find a mix of spices, exotic perfumes and a whiff of freshly brewed Arabic coffee. Some of the markets to visit are:
Souq Al Zel
This market has been around since the 1900s and has not changed much. The name of the market is derived from the Arabic word for rug, “Zulliya”. It is a haven for rug shoppers, and you will also find old coins, incense, oud, vintage utensils, old-school pieces of vinyl and daggers.
You can get lost in the shops selling colourful carpets, where each one can transform your living space. There are old as well as polished shops here. During Ramadan, this place stays open late. The energy rises as families and visitors come to explore the shops,
Thumairi Local Market
This market offers a dazzling display of sparkling jewellery, antiques, exquisite textiles and handcrafted souvenirs. You can even chat with the locals and learn about the history behind each of the unique pieces. The highlight of the market is the antique auctions, where you may find unique pieces at a steal
Al Magliah Market
This is a one-stop market for everything and anything. It appears like a miniaturised city bursting with activity. You can find a variety of goods here, such as handmade jewellery, antique trinkets, unique art pieces, vintage clothing and more. The best part is that you can find wholesale and retail deals here.
Some of the favourite places to visit near Riyadh are Lake Prodan and Wadi Hanifah. Lake Prodan is a crystal clear desert lake located among dunes. It has a backdrop of fiery red landscapes and palm trees swaying in the breeze. It is like a scene out of a fairytale. The Wadi Hanifah oasis is located amidst greenery and flowing streams. It is perfect for relaxation and rejuvenation.
The city of Riyadh has grown by not forgetting its past. You can walk through a mudbrick fort as well as travel in a Metro. Both exist and both matter. You do not have to choose between the past and the future; the city moves with both. When you visit the city, do not forget to enjoy these adventurous outings.
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