Top 10 Things to Do in Riyadh

This UNESCO World Heritage Site is the original home of the Saudi royal family and the birthplace of the first Saudi state, a vast mud-brick city that was destroyed by Ottoman forces in 1818 and is now being spectacularly restored. The At-Turaif district's labyrinthine alleys, towers, and palaces offer an extraordinary journey into Arabian history.

This state-of-the-art museum at the heart of the King Abdulaziz Historical Centre tells the complete story of the Arabian Peninsula through eight chronological galleries spanning prehistory to the modern era. The exhibits on the birth of Islam and the unification of the Saudi state are particularly compelling.

This massive 630,000-square-meter entertainment complex is the beating heart of Saudi Arabia's entertainment revolution, packed with restaurants, a theme park, concerts, sporting events, and a constant program of seasonal festivals. On weekends it transforms into one of the most energetic public spaces in the Middle East.

The iconic sky-bridge of Kingdom Centre Tower, connecting the two curved tops of this 302-meter skyscraper, is home to one of the best observation decks in the world with 360-degree views across Riyadh's endless urban sprawl. The tower also contains a luxury hotel, a mall, and the women-only Four Seasons floor.

This imposing 19th-century clay and mud-brick fort in the heart of old Riyadh was the site of Ibn Saud's legendary 1902 raid that led to the founding of the modern Saudi state. The fort's museum brings that pivotal moment to life with weapons, manuscripts, and dioramas.

The vast camel market outside Riyadh is one of the largest in the world, where thousands of camels are traded daily in a scene that has changed little over centuries. Wandering among the herds at dawn, watching traders negotiate and camels being loaded for transport, is one of the most authentic cultural experiences in Saudi Arabia.

The largest urban park in Riyadh features beautifully landscaped gardens, artificial lakes, a science museum, and an observatory, providing a welcome green retreat from the city's concrete expanse. The park's hilltop location offers fine views of the capital and is especially popular at sunset.

Adjacent to the Diriyah World Heritage Site, this beautifully restored heritage district features traditional Najdi architecture, artisan workshops, restaurants serving Saudi cuisine, and a program of cultural events. It offers the most accessible and atmospheric entry point into Diriyah's ancient world.

This massive annual festival transforms the entire city from October through March, with themed entertainment zones, world-class concerts, sporting events, and pop-up experiences spread across Riyadh's many venues. It has rapidly become one of the most popular entertainment events in the entire Arab world.

This UNESCO World Heritage Site is the original home of the Saudi royal family and the birthplace of the first Saudi state, a vast mud-brick city that was destroyed by Ottoman forces in 1818 and is now being spectacularly restored. The At-Turaif district's labyrinthine alleys, towers, and palaces offer an extraordinary journey into Arabian history.

This state-of-the-art museum at the heart of the King Abdulaziz Historical Centre tells the complete story of the Arabian Peninsula through eight chronological galleries spanning prehistory to the modern era. The exhibits on the birth of Islam and the unification of the Saudi state are particularly compelling.

This massive 630,000-square-meter entertainment complex is the beating heart of Saudi Arabia's entertainment revolution, packed with restaurants, a theme park, concerts, sporting events, and a constant program of seasonal festivals. On weekends it transforms into one of the most energetic public spaces in the Middle East.

The iconic sky-bridge of Kingdom Centre Tower, connecting the two curved tops of this 302-meter skyscraper, is home to one of the best observation decks in the world with 360-degree views across Riyadh's endless urban sprawl. The tower also contains a luxury hotel, a mall, and the women-only Four Seasons floor.

This imposing 19th-century clay and mud-brick fort in the heart of old Riyadh was the site of Ibn Saud's legendary 1902 raid that led to the founding of the modern Saudi state. The fort's museum brings that pivotal moment to life with weapons, manuscripts, and dioramas.

The vast camel market outside Riyadh is one of the largest in the world, where thousands of camels are traded daily in a scene that has changed little over centuries. Wandering among the herds at dawn, watching traders negotiate and camels being loaded for transport, is one of the most authentic cultural experiences in Saudi Arabia.

The largest urban park in Riyadh features beautifully landscaped gardens, artificial lakes, a science museum, and an observatory, providing a welcome green retreat from the city's concrete expanse. The park's hilltop location offers fine views of the capital and is especially popular at sunset.

Adjacent to the Diriyah World Heritage Site, this beautifully restored heritage district features traditional Najdi architecture, artisan workshops, restaurants serving Saudi cuisine, and a program of cultural events. It offers the most accessible and atmospheric entry point into Diriyah's ancient world.

This massive annual festival transforms the entire city from October through March, with themed entertainment zones, world-class concerts, sporting events, and pop-up experiences spread across Riyadh's many venues. It has rapidly become one of the most popular entertainment events in the entire Arab world.