Things to Do in Riyadh

Top Things to Do in Riyadh

Things to Do in Riyadh


Book these experiences for a close-up look at Riyadh.

Top Attractions in Riyadh

These rankings are informed by traveler reviews—we consider the quality, quantity, recency, consistency of reviews, and the number of page views over time.




From quick jaunts to full-day outings.




What travelers are saying

  • ShilohinBC
    Lower Mainland, BC516 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Great views of Riyadh but it was quite smoggy when I was there. The shopping area in the building is amazing and lots of places to eat. I was able to have a glimpse into the small mosque located there. Visit is worthwhile.
    Written February 24, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Simon B
    10 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    The No. 1 trip from Riyadh it said - the breathtaking cliffs also known as Jebel Fihrayn located at an altitude of 1100+ metres in the Tuwaik Mountain Range! Trying to book the trip beforehand from the UK proved challenging! Tourism is in its infancy here and whilst there are websites, responses are not always forthcoming. Finally, out of the blue I received a WhatsApp message from Omer at Shining Tours (+966 59 680 7801) to say they could take me on 5 March - he would be in touch, inshallah! The day before after hearing nothing further, I messaged him again. Yes, Fahad will pick you up at 2pm tomorrow! Lo and behold, bang on time a large black Chevrolet Tahoe SUV rolls up at the hotel doors. We hit it off immediately and set off through the usual chaotic traffic enjoying good conversation. Fahad is a great guy - friendly, informative and good company. It’s 100km to our destination. Once we are out of the city, it’s quiet and we pick up speed. After around an hour and twenty minutes, we arrive at a small service station complete with mosque. Locals chat to us. Welcome to Saudi Arabia! So friendly. We are to wait here - there is another small group coming. Snacks are provided from the shop. We will travel together. It’s off road here through the desert for thirty minutes. There is no mobile phone signal so they use walkie talkies - if either of us get a blow out, the other is there to help. The terrain is bumpy, treacherous and requires a skilled driver. A four-wheel drive is a must. We arrive safely - Fahad is an expert and knows the route like the back of his hand. We park up and walk for around 10 minutes before we arrive at the top of the cliffs - I can see immediately why it gets its name - you have an uninterrupted view of the horizon - the edge of the world! First things first, there is no health and safety here! We are talking 1000 feet sheer drops - no railings, nothing! It’s quite windy. Care is required. There are a few other groups here but it’s not busy. We scramble over the cliffs admiring the amazing views before we get to the most extreme one which looks frightening from a distance! Once up there, it’s actually not too bad and the views are breathtaking. We stay for the sunset which is magnificent before making our way back to the SUV’s. Energy drinks are handed out - it’s warm work climbing. It’s dark now. Pitch black infact. Fahad drives us safely back to the highway through the gloom and before we know it, we are back in Riyadh, lit up with thousands of neon signs, the traffic as busy as ever. We are now going for dinner - traditional Saudi food! We arrive at Najd Village, a lovely restaurant in a traditional setting. We have our own room. We sit down on the floor on carpets with cushions. The food comes - a meal fit for a king! Chicken kabsah, hamees (seasoned lamb strips with onion), matazeez (lamb and whole wheat dough cooked with tomato sauce, vegetables and meat chunks), rice, salad, samosas, bread, pepsi and water. All washed down afterwards with hot mint tea. Fantastic! We can’t eat it all so Fahad asks them to bundle what is left up - he will give it to the guys who clean his car at the car wash - they are lowly paid and struggle - they will appreciate it and his car will be gleaming! It's now after 10pm and time for home. Fahad drops me back at the hotel 20 minutes later. A great trip and a fabulous insight into the Saudi people and their culture. Shining Tours, Omer and Fahad looked after me splendidly and I can recommend them 100%.
    Written March 16, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • mwhamburger
    Seattle, WA843 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    plans to spend at least a couple of hours here and you will learn a lot. On display is a skeleton of a Platybelodon and Ichthyosaur; very interesting also the huge meteorite that was found in the Wabar crater. You will learn about the pre 14 pre Islamic Arabian kindoms on the Arabian Peninsular 5 BC - 700 AD. The overall collection is marvelous.
    The outside gardens are also worth visiting and enjoying
    Written February 1, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • ShilohinBC
    Lower Mainland, BC516 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Entry is free and one should have a local guide or do some reading about the history of the Fort and its relationship to the founding of the country before going into it. Fascinating place. A must go.
    Written February 24, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Mona A
    9 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    •Offers tours for non-Muslims to introduce Islam
    •Tour guides are friendly and fluent in English
    •Nice archictecture
    •Very clean
    Written January 16, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Marin G
    Lozenets, Bulgaria2 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Perfectly done dinner with polite and quick service.
    Professionally meeting and greeting the guests.
    The food was tasty and the choices impressive
    Written March 16, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • PeteDalton71
    Ascot, UK123 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    After work walk, we were looking for a nice walk after a day in the office. This is a good location, it was a week day so very quiet with most amenities not available. It was nice to see families enjoying what is a fantastic ‘green space’ in the city.

    The walk around is about 1 mile. Easy to pick up an Uber or taxi from near the gate.

    A great space, probably more interactive on a weekend.
    Written October 20, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Emarati_Gentle
    Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates37 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Unfortunately when we reached the mall it was under renovation and many shops are still closed. We only found two shops open.
    Written December 29, 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Yousif K
    Riyadh, Saudi Arabia69 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Excellent museum, wonderfully displayed, well worth a visit. Very informative and enjoyable. Two full floors of exhibit halls. Plenty of room, well laid out, easy to follow the floor arrows so as not to miss anything, and the restrooms we’re spotlessly clean.
    Written February 6, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • TeneSaarva
    Dubai, United Arab Emirates752 contributions
    3.0 of 5 bubbles
    We visited on our last day . Rather busy and crowded to get in. Nice little zoo , restaurants and amenities could be better though.
    Written December 20, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • ghaith
    Riyadh, Saudi Arabia1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Actually the restaurant was very elegant, delicious and welcoming. The staff were very professional and friendly. Moreover, the manager Mr. Mohammed Tharoat was very helpful and professional. We met the chef Mr. Paskal and we were delighted honored to met both of them.

    Thanks for everything, the experience should be repeated and recommended for couples, business and family. The atmosphere was amazing.

    Best wishes,
    Ghaith Al-Atawi
    Written December 2, 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • piereabounaoum
    Riyadh, Saudi Arabia43 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Wherever you go in Riyadh, Tahlia will always be a place to visit when you decide to go out for lunch/dinner/coffee or anythiing; it is in the heart of Riyadh (if not the heart)
    Written January 16, 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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