Riyadh walking tour & city guide

History

Diriyah, on the city's edge, was the original home of the Saudi royal family. Its At-Turaif district, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has restored mud-brick palaces. Masmak Fort, in the old center, is a symbol of the founding of the kingdom.

Modern Riyadh

The Kingdom Centre has a skybridge with views over the city. Boulevard City hosts the Riyadh Season festival. The Edge of the World, a dramatic cliff in the desert, is a popular trip.

A day in Riyadh

Start at Masmak Fortress, the mud-brick fort whose capture in 1902 by Ibn Saud marked the beginning of modern Saudi Arabia, then visit the National Museum, which tells the story of the Arabian Peninsula. In the afternoon, explore Diriyah, the first Saudi capital on the edge of the city, where the restored mud-brick At-Turaif district is a UNESCO site.

In the evening, go up the Kingdom Centre's Sky Bridge for a view over the city lights, then walk along Boulevard City or browse the traditional Souq Al Zal for perfumes, carpets and antiques.

Good to know

Riyadh is very hot in summer, so plan visits between November and March. The new Riyadh Metro links many parts of the city, but taxis and ride-hailing apps are still the easiest way around.

Visitors should dress modestly, though abayas are no longer required for foreign women. Riyadh Season, in winter, brings concerts, festivals and events across the city. Edge of the World, a dramatic escarpment, is a popular day trip.