Riyadh, in Arabic, “The Gardens”, is the capital of Saudi Arabia and also the largest city in the Nejd region (central part of the Arabian peninsula). It is a large plateau at a height of 600 meters above sea level and has a large tourist influx: the average number of foreign visitors is 5 million a year, which makes it the fourth most visited city in the Middle East. In our article today we show you some of the places to visit in Riyadh, if you plan to travel to Saudi Arabia.
Places to visit in Riyadh
Riyadh covers an area of 1,557 square kilometers and is divided into 15 sections. It is an arid region that imports water from the Persian Gulf through 467 kilometers of aqueducts. It is located on a large plateau surrounded by desert and oasis. The climate of Riyadh, how could it be otherwise, is desert and, in summer, temperatures can exceed 45ºC. Think about it before visiting the city in the summer season! On the contrary, the winters are more pleasant, but the nights are slightly cold. At this time of year, it can rain and hail.
Before embarking on your trip, you should bear in mind that, along with the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia is one of the countries with the most rigorous dress codes in the Middle East. In Riyadh (and throughout the country), women must wear the hijab that covers their hair and neck, and cannot wear provocative clothing: no tight clothing. Neither shoulders nor knees can be shown and bikinis and swimsuits are relegated only to hotels and resorts. For men there are also rules. They must cover legs and chest and not wear gold accessories or silk shirts. Keep in mind that religious proselytism is not allowed in the country, so avoid crucifixes and other religious symbols.
Now that you know a little more about the geography, climate and codes of conduct of Saudi Arabia, take note of the places to visit in Riyadh that you cannot miss for any reason.
Riyadh old town
In the old part of the city you can visit the district of King Abdulaziz: Diriyah. It is “the pearl of Saudi Arabia”, and a very fashionable destination among tourists. And it is that Diriyah is on the way to becoming the perfect mix of luxury and history. At-Turaif, in the center of Diriyah, was founded in the 15th century and has been on UNESCO lists since 2010. Here you can see the traditional adobe houses, connected by narrow streets. Currently you can walk among the ruins of this emblematic place.
Near Diriyah you can stay at the luxurious Ritz-Carlton, Riyadh, the Crowne Plaza Riyadh or the budget Al Anoud Hotel Apartment. For meals, we recommend Dim Light, a famous restaurant frequented by tourists and locals. You can also go to The View Restaurant, with international buffet-style lunches and dinners.
Al-Masmaj Castle
In the historic center you can find the castle of Al-Masmaj or Al Masmak. Its name means “tall, strong and robust building”. It is a large adobe and clay citadel built in 1865 and currently houses a museum. In Al-Masmaj you can see photographs of the city dating from the early years of the 20th century, historical objects, works of art, documentaries, etc.
At the fortress gates you can find the spearhead of King Abdulaziz, who took the fortress in 1902. On one side of the building, on the edge of the large courtyard, is the Al Zal market. Here tourists can buy traditional handicrafts, spices, jewelry, cashmere scarves … ideal to get a souvenir from Riyadh.
National Museum of Saudi Arabia
The National Museum of Saudi Arabia is one of the places to visit in Riyadh and you cannot miss it. Here you can explore centuries of prehistory, history, art and Arab culture. It is the largest museum in the country and is housed in a modern building with flower-covered gardens. It consists of 8 rooms.
In the first of the rooms, which occupies 1,500 square meters, you can immerse yourself in the history of the earth and learn about prehistory in Saudi Arabia. You can even see meteorites! In the second room you can discover the civilizations that occupied the country during the pre-Islamic era. It is curious to highlight the inscriptions in Aramaic and Tamudeo made on stone slabs, as well as murals from an Assyrian palace.
In the “Pre-Islamic Era” room you can discover ancient cities and their life and customs. The life of the Prophet Muhammad can be found in the room “The Mission of the Prophet” and, to learn about the beginnings of Islam and the contributions of the Arabs to science and astronomy, be sure to visit the room “Islam and the Arabian Peninsula “. In the rest of the rooms you will learn everything about the modern history of the country.
Murabba Palace
Very close to the National Museum is the Murabba Palace, where King Abdulaziz established his court. The palace is a symbol of the expansion of the city and its construction was completed in 1938. It presents the Najd style, characterized by huge walls and ceilings decorated with palm tree motifs and rooms that surround a central patrium.
Inside the palace, which is 2 floors, you can find the King Abdulaziz Historic Center. Here you will find personal effects of the king, photographs and even the Roll-Royce that Winston Churchill himself gave the king in 1946.
The End of the World: one of the places to visit in Riyadh
If you have ever wondered where the end of the world is, we tell you that it is in Riyadh. It is a wonderful place that is reached through desert routes, passing through the Tuwaiq cliff. It is one of the most popular destinations in Riyadh, although it is 90 kilometers from the capital, an hour and a half by car. From here you can contemplate panoramic views that overlook an inhospitable valley.
Jebel Fihrayn or End of the World, is a must see for the intrepid, who must be equipped with hiking boots. To get to the edge of the imposing ravine you have to walk between 15 and 30 minutes. You can also camp here in the Acacia Valley. It is recommended to go in a group, with a GPS and, if possible, hire the services of a guide.
Kingdom Center
It is the tallest skyscraper in the country, at 302 meters high. The tower is built in a center that occupies a total area of 300,000 square meters and, in the highest tower is the tallest mosque in the world. The emblematic building belongs to a prince of the country’s royal family and is located in the Al-Olaya business district.
The Kingdom Tower has 99 floors and is divided into 2 parts . In the last third before the top where there is a spectacular walkway where you can contemplate stunning views of the city. The Al-Olaya district is an ideal place for shopping.
Deera Square
A place that you must visit, but in a very respectful way, is Deera Square (Plaza Deera), although foreigners call it Plaza Chop Chop. This is where executions (beheadings included) took place. If you are quite morbid, you can go over the drainboards where the blood flowed after the executions, although that yes, be very careful, because you could arouse the curiosity of the police.
