Top places to visit Riyadh in 2023
Masmak Fortress, Edge of the World, Murabba Palace, Riyadh Zoo, King Abdullah Park, Royal Saudi Air Force Museum, Wadi Hanifa Riyadh, King Khalid Great Mosque, and numerous other attractions are included.
You can have a once-in-a-lifetime experience of admiring dazzling examples of architectural marvels, charming natural beauty, and amazing views of the expansive desert at the thrilling sites to visit in Riyadh. The Al Thumama Desert is renowned for presenting stunning views of nature as well as adventure sports like quad biking, whereas the Masmak Fortress is famed for its unusual and mystical Heet caverns. The greatest way to appreciate Riyadh’s beauty is to gaze upon the exotic animals at the zoo and the lavish works of art at World Sights Park.
Nonetheless, here is some general information about the top places to visit in Riyadh:
1. Al Masmak Fortress
Al Masmak Fortress is a historic fort in the heart of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Here’s some information about its features, entry fees, address, and how to reach it:
Features
- Al Masmak Fortress was built in the 19th century and played a significant role in the unification of Saudi Arabia.
- The fortress is made of clay and mud-brick, and it has four towers and thick walls that were designed to withstand attacks.
- Today, the fortress has been restored and turned into a museum that showcases the history and culture of the region.
Entry Fees and Timings
- Entry to the museum is free for all visitors.
- The museum is open every day except for Fridays, from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM and from 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM.
Address
The address of Al Masmak Fortress is Qasr Al-Ma’mar, King Faisal Rd, Riyadh 12625, Saudi Arabia.
How to Reach
- The fortress is located in the city center of Riyadh and is easily accessible by car, taxi, or public transportation.
- If you’re taking public transportation, you can take the metro to Al Batha Station and then take a short taxi ride to the fortress.
- If you’re driving, there is parking available near the fortress. However, parking can be limited, especially during peak hours.
2. Kingdom Centre
Kingdom Centre: is a famous skyscraper in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Here’s some information about its features, address, entry fees, and timings:
Features
- Kingdom Centre is one of the tallest buildings in Saudi Arabia, standing at a height of 302 meters.
- The building has 99 floors and features a luxury hotel, offices, apartments, a shopping mall, restaurants, and an observation deck.
- The observation deck, which is located on the 99th floor, offers stunning panoramic views of Riyadh and the surrounding areas.
Address
The address of Kingdom Centre is Olaya Street, Al Olaya, Riyadh 12214, Saudi Arabia.
Entry Fees and Timings
- Entry to the observation deck is not free and there is a fee for visitors.
- The observation deck is open from Saturday to Wednesday from 10:00 AM to 11:00 PM, and on Thursdays and Fridays from 10:00 AM to 12:00 midnight.
- Please note that the entry fees and timings may be subject to change, so it’s best to check the official website or call ahead to confirm before visiting.
- In addition to the observation deck, Kingdom Centre also has a large shopping mall that is open from 10:00 AM to 11:00 PM daily, and a number of restaurants and cafes that offer a range of international cuisine. There is also a cinema located within the mall.
3. Al Murabba Palace
Al Murabba Palace is a historic palace located in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Here’s some information about its features, address, entry fees, and timings:
Features
- Al Murabba Palace was built in the early 20th century and served as the royal residence of King Abdulaziz.
- The palace features a central courtyard, several buildings, and a large garden that is surrounded by a high wall.
- Today, the palace has been restored and turned into a museum that showcases the history and culture of Saudi Arabia.
Address
The address of Al Murabba Palace is Al Murabba, King Abdul Aziz Road, Riyadh 12633, Saudi Arabia.
Entry Fees and Timings
- Entry to the museum is free for all visitors.
- The museum is open every day except for Tuesdays, from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM and from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
- Please note that the entry fees and timings may be subject to change, so it’s best to check the official website or call ahead to confirm before visiting.
- In addition to the museum, visitors can also enjoy a walk through the palace’s garden, which is known for its beautiful landscaping and traditional Saudi architecture. The garden is open to visitors during the museum’s opening hours. There is also a gift shop located within the museum where visitors can purchase souvenirs and traditional Saudi handicrafts.
4. Diriyah
Diriyah is a UNESCO World Heritage site located in the outskirts of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Here’s some information about its features, address, entry fees, and timings:
Features
- Diriyah is a historic city that was the birthplace of the first Saudi state and played a significant role in the unification of Saudi Arabia.
- The city features traditional Saudi architecture, including mud-brick buildings and narrow alleyways.
- Today, the city has been restored and turned into a museum that showcases the history and culture of the region.
Address
The address of Diriyah is Diriyah, Riyadh 14511, Saudi Arabia.
Entry Fees and Timings
- Entry to the museum is not free and there is a fee for visitors.
- The museum is open every day from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
- Please note that the entry fees and timings may be subject to change, so it’s best to check the official website or call ahead to confirm before visiting.
- In addition to the museum, visitors can also explore the city’s many historical sites, including the old palace, mosques, and traditional houses. There are also several restaurants and cafes located within the city where visitors can try traditional Saudi cuisine. To reach Diriyah, visitors can take a taxi or private car from Riyadh, which is about a 20-minute drive away.
5. Riyadh Zoo
Riyadh Zoo is a popular attraction in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Here’s some information about its features, address, entry fees, and timings:
Features
- Riyadh Zoo is home to over 1,500 animals from around the world, including lions, tigers, elephants, and giraffes.
- The zoo features a large park with walking paths, picnic areas, and playgrounds for children.
- There are also several restaurants and cafes located within the park.
Address
The address of Riyadh Zoo is King Abdul Aziz Road, Al Malaz, Riyadh 12831, Saudi Arabia.
Entry Fees and Timings
- Entry to Riyadh Zoo is not free and there is a fee for visitors.
- The zoo is open every day except for Tuesdays, from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
- Please note that the entry fees and timings may be subject to change, so it’s best to check the official website or call ahead to confirm before visiting.
- In addition to the animal exhibits, visitors can also enjoy various activities such as the zoo train, pony rides, and a petting zoo. There is also a souvenir shop located within the zoo where visitors can purchase gifts and souvenirs. To reach Riyadh Zoo, visitors can take a taxi or private car from central Riyadh, which is about a 10-minute drive away.
6. King Fahd International Stadium
King Fahd International Stadium is a multi-purpose stadium located in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Here’s some information about its features, address, entry fees, and timings:
Features
- King Fahd International Stadium is one of the largest stadiums in the world, with a seating capacity of over 68,000 spectators.
- The stadium is used for a variety of events, including football matches, concerts, and cultural events.
- The stadium features state-of-the-art facilities, including a retractable roof and a large LED screen.
Address
The address of King Fahd International Stadium is King Fahd Road, Riyadh 11526, Saudi Arabia.
Entry Fees and Timings
- Entry fees and timings vary depending on the event being held at the stadium.
- It’s best to check the official website or contact the stadium directly for information on upcoming events and ticket prices.
- Please note that the entry fees and timings may be subject to change, so it’s best to check the official website or call ahead to confirm before visiting.
- In addition to attending events, visitors can also take a tour of the stadium to learn about its history and architecture. The stadium tour includes access to the locker rooms, press room, and other behind-the-scenes areas of the stadium. Tours must be booked in advance and are subject to availability. To reach King Fahd International Stadium, visitors can take a taxi or private car from central Riyadh, which is about a 20-minute drive away.
7. Riyadh National Museum
The Riyadh National Museum is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Here’s some information about its features, entry fees, address, and how to reach:
Features
- The Riyadh National Museum features a vast collection of artifacts and exhibits that showcase the history and culture of Saudi Arabia, including displays on pre-Islamic Arabia, Islamic history, and the unification of Saudi Arabia.
- The museum features a range of exhibits, including archaeological finds, Islamic manuscripts, traditional costumes, and jewelry.
- The museum also houses a large library that contains over 8,000 books on Arab and Islamic history and culture.
Entry Fees
- The entry fee to the Riyadh National Museum is 25 Saudi Riyals for adults and 10 Saudi Riyals for children.
- Entry to the museum is free for visitors on Wednesdays.
Address
The address of Riyadh National Museum is King Abdul Aziz Historical Center, King Abdul Aziz Road, Riyadh 12631, Saudi Arabia.
Timings
- The museum is open from Saturday to Thursday from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
- On Fridays, the museum is open from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
- Please note that the timings and entry fees may be subject to change, so it’s always best to check the official website or call ahead to confirm before visiting.
How to Reach
- The museum is located in the heart of Riyadh and can be easily accessed by taxi or public transportation.
- Visitors can take a bus or metro to the King Abdul Aziz Historical Center station and then walk to the museum.
- It is also possible to drive to the museum and park in the onsite parking lot.
