2024 Riyadh Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in December)

🍽️ Meat Lover look here!

#urbanwanderings Came to this place upon recommendation by the business partner, came with a few of colleagues to experience in this shop. The food presentation was amazing, they took the done cooking meat out from the oven, nice readily packed cooked the oven, took out, weighing and start cut onto cutting board then present it nicely. I also heard that they will play performance at certain period of time in a day.

Mall with beautiful Panoramic View

#urbanwanderings Yes the mall is named Panorama Mall, from the building itself, noticeably that it does not have high floor. True enough, the mall only has 2 floors - Parking and for the Mall. This mall is quite long and actually it needs quite some time to finish walking, easily spend around 1-2hours just to walk around. However, believe that the mall offers quite a number of luxury goods and some entertainment area that suitable for kids.

Chinese Food in Habibi land

#urbanwanderings I the typical Chinese guy who visited Saudi Arabia started my craving for chinese food here. Ended up came to this considerably big Chinese restaurant just about 10mins away from the hotel at Hyatt Regency Riyadh Olya. I would say the food is good and portion was quite well, sufficient to fix my craving! Strong recommend to come here if you have chinese food craving!

🛍️ Saudi Centria Mall

#urbanwanderings Centria mall is located in the city centre of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Making a walking distance estimation from my hotel in Hyatt Regency towards this mall, it was only about within 5minutes reach. Took the opportunity to wander around during some free time and explored quite a number of things surrounding this area. Some were nice environment café with full of Middle Eastern people there, some were snacks shop that sells nice liege waffle, and some are shop that sells sporting goods. Back to this mall, it is not as big as expected, can go up to 3 floors and the shops were limited too, but those are ultra luxury brands inside it.

🍽️ Food from Around the World in Saudi

#urbanwanderings Al-Mamlaka Social Dining is a food court or central of food from all around the world available here in a place. This dining place is located at 3rd floor inside the famous Kingdom Center. Although there are not many visitor wandering around the mall, but I notice many people are having their meal here in Al-Mamlaka. There are Food and Beverage such as Specialty Coffee, Western food, Japanese cuisine, arabic cuisine and even dessert too! Will definitely try out their food during my next visit.

🏢 The Symbol of Saudi Arabia King

#solotrip Welcome to Kingdom Centre Shopping Mall. This mall was literally smaller than I expected because it only has got 3 floors inside it. However, the moment I arrived at this place, look up to the sky and wala….the majestic Kingdom Centre that stood tall in the city of Riyadh. Even though nothing much here, but I would still strongly recommend visitor to drop by for some photos. As the king is planning to build one more new tower and aim to be World Tallest one than Burj Khalifa.

🧇 I am Floated

#solotrip I am overwhelm with happiness and satiation that I finally found a perfect liege waffle out of Belgium!! I was wandering around Riyadh city and came across this Floated small cafe just 200metre away from me, I immediately de-route and ran towards the cafe 🤣 I was literally shaking in my body while controlling my facial expression when I first bite on the waffle, I almost cried 🥹 it is exactly the same taste and texture where I had liege waffle back in Brussels, Belgium.

🏗️ Artistic Building In Riyadh

#travelhacks If you are enjoying all these unique artistic buildings right now, I would like to share my hack 😆 which I took all these lovely photos during my ride from airport all the way into Riyadh city. You cannot imagine how many buildings surrounding Riyadh city, I could say easily more than Malaysia. Reason being the usual building structure are either square or rectangle, nothing much.

☕️ Iced Americano in Sunn Hot Weather

#solotrip While walking around Kingdom Centre, saw the nice Starbucks Reserve inside the tower, it is just right next to the Four Season Hotel Riyadh Lounge. Love this outlet even though it is slightly smaller compared to other Starbucks Reserve outlets. But the pastel colour tone that sits in my mind for long time. Also, love the service staff as they are very pleasant and kind to let me snap photos around the outlet 😆

🍽️ Semi Fine-Dine Saudi Arabian Dinner

#weekendgetaways Glad that I had the chance to dine into this one of the highest rating dine-in restaurant in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, introduce to you - NUE by Nomad. Can you imagine they have 1,300+ reviews with rating of 4.6? That is crazy loads of highly rated reviews. This was my first time trying avocado hummus, that smooth like butter texture and extra creamy hummus unlike the conventional one. Also other items like Truffle Pizza and Truffle & Mushroom Capellini were amazing too! At least those are the vegetarian food that I can consume 😆

🤴🏻 Building of a King

#solotrip This Kingdom Centre in Saudi Arabia is the most iconic building here, this representing the King’s vision bringing Saudi Arabia to modernisation and royalty. There is a small shopping from Ground level to 3rd Level, offering shops of fashion, desserts, luxury goods and even a food court too! There is a observatory desk available for viewing, but it is only open starting 12pm onwards, this is accessible from 2nd level walking through the glassdoor.

6 Must-Visit Places in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Just returned from a trip to Saudi Arabia, finally checked off the country of wealth from my bucket list, and found that it was quite different from my stereotype. Take Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, for example. It is a modern city with a "money" power that rises in the heart of the desert. I have summarized 6 must-visit places in and around the city. If you are planning a trip, you can go directly after reading this guide! ▫️ 💚%Arabica It is said to be the largest %Arabica in the world. Most malls and restaurants in Riyadh open after 12:00 pm, but this coffee shop opens at 7:00 am. If you want to take photos with no one around, I suggest you go early. The interior of the building is pure white, which looks very stylish. It has two floors, with a U-shaped coffee bar in the atrium, a glass curtain wall of the roasting workshop, and a viewing seat upstairs, all of which are great for taking photos. ▫️ 💚Kingdom Tower It is currently the tallest building in Riyadh, and it looks like a bottle opener from a distance (friends from Shanghai should understand, haha). The shape of the building is designed to withstand the wind and sand in the desert and to resemble the way locals dress in robes. The Kingdom Tower has 99 floors in total, and the sky bridge on the top floor offers a panoramic view of Riyadh. ▫️ 💚National Museum Museum lovers should not miss it. The museum has a total of 8 exhibition halls and more than 4,000 exhibits. The garden in the courtyard and the park outside the museum are like oases in the yellow sand of Riyadh, which is refreshing. ▫️ 💚Diriyah Diriyah is the former site of the Saudi dynasty and a UNESCO-certified must-visit place in Saudi Arabia. Admission is free before 5:00 pm every day, and a 50 riyal ticket is required after 5:00 pm, but it can be used for dining in the ancient city. The most famous building in the ancient city is Turaif in the center. When the lights come on in the evening, the whole ancient city looks mysterious and beautiful. ▫️ 💚Edge of the World It is about a 2-hour drive from downtown Riyadh, and the second half of the road is a difficult dirt road, so it is not recommended to drive there by yourself. Here you can enjoy the beautiful sunset over the desert and the Gobi Desert, as well as the spectacular rock formations, which is a must-see attraction in Saudi Arabia in my mind.

Experience the Grandeur of Earth: Edge of the World Tour

Just an hour's drive from Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, in a 4WD vehicle lies the cliff commonly known as the 'Edge of the World.' From the top of the cliff, you can enjoy an endless horizon and a beautiful sunset. This is a must-do activity when visiting Riyadh. The breathtaking view created by the Earth will leave you in awe. Typically, you need to join a local tour to visit this place. Since you need to drive on rough desert roads for about 30 minutes, visiting by rental car is not recommended. I booked a tour with Tour around Saudi through GetYourGuide, which cost around 7500 yen. The tour included dinner at a desert campsite and was very satisfying. There are also several companies offering private tours, so find one that suits you. If you're lucky, you might even encounter camels along the way. As a precaution, the ride on the desert road can be quite bumpy, so if you are prone to motion sickness, it's a good idea to take some medication. Also, be sure to listen carefully to the guide's instructions regarding meeting times and other details. At the Edge of the World, you can witness the landscapes you imagined of Saudi Arabia. Be sure to join a tour when you visit Riyadh! 📍Location: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

I didn't expect to experience a desert safari in Saudi Arabia.

▪️The most surprising thing about my trip to Riyadh was the resort experience at Nofa Resorts. - ▪️🛏️【Resort Accommodation】 The entire resort area is decorated in a safari tribe style. The accommodation is in private villas, with ample private space, more like tribal tents. If you want to go to other places, The hotel staff will pick you up and drop you off in a golf cart, The main focus is on high-quality service. ▪️⛱️【Hotel Entertainment】 The resort also has an entertainment center, restaurants, and entertainment facilities including bowling, cinema, and spa. The spa also has a women-only swimming pool, which is very considerate of the local women's traditions. In addition, there are outdoor activities such as golf, kayaking, swimming pool, etc., which can be enjoyed in one-stop shop at the resort. - ▪️Of course, the best part is the resort's luxurious desert safari. The staff will drive you in, and there are hundreds of animals here that you can observe up close during the safari. - ▪️🍝【Dining】 There are no shopping malls or delivery services around the resort. But don't worry, there are several restaurants in the hotel. And, I personally tested it, all the food is modified and creative, I have to say that I'm not very used to the local food in the Middle East, But I really like the food at Nofa Resort's restaurants. - ▪️🚗【Transportation】 More than 100 kilometers from Riyadh city, there is no public transportation available. So it is recommended to rent a car, take a taxi, or ask the staff of Nofa to help you call a car. -

Saudi Exploration Tour: 5 Days 4 Nights Guide

🌟 Saudi Exploration Tour: 5 Days 4 Nights Highlights 🌟 Saudi Arabia, a country that perfectly blends ancient traditions with modern luxury, is attracting the world's attention with its unique charm. Next, we will carefully plan a five-day, four-night exploration tour for you to unveil the mystery of this land. 🗓️ Day 1: Riyadh Explore the Capital's Blend of Old and New 🌄 Morning: Visit Masmak Fortress, a historic fort that witnessed the birth of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and feel the weight of history. 🍔 Noon: Enjoy authentic Saudi cuisine at Najd Village Restaurant, such as grilled lamb with Middle Eastern rice. 🌆 Afternoon: Head to Kingdom Tower, take the high-speed elevator to the top, and enjoy a 360-degree view of Riyadh, experiencing the shock of modern Saudi Arabia. 🗓️ Day 2: Dammam Leisure Time on the Golden Coast 🌄 Morning: Drive to Dammam, with a stop at the Saudi Arabian Eastern Province Natural Reserve to enjoy the beauty of nature. 🍔 Noon: Have a seafood lunch by the sea at Al Khobar Corniche, enjoying the sea breeze and leisure. 🌆 Afternoon: Stroll along the Corniche Seaside Walkway, then explore the Dammam Market to experience the fun of traditional shopping. 🗓️ Day 3: Al-Ula A Cultural Journey Through Time 🌄 All Day: Visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of Al-Ula Old Town, tour ancient palaces, forts, and rock art sites to deeply understand Saudi Arabia's long history. In the evening, watch the Al-Ula Light Show, feeling the collision of ancient and modern technology. 🗓️ Day 4: Jeddah The Charm of a Coastal City 🌄 Morning: Head to King Fahd Fountain to admire the world's tallest fountain show. 🍔 Noon: Enjoy international cuisine at the famous Red Sea Mall in Jeddah. 🌆 Afternoon to Evening: Visit the old town of Al Balad, explore traditional buildings and markets, then end the day at Jeddah Aquarium, observing Red Sea creatures up close. 🗓️ Day 5: Return to Riyadh In-Depth Cultural Experience 🌄 Morning: Visit the National Museum to fully understand Saudi history and culture. 🍔 Noon: Have lunch at a specialty restaurant in Riyadh Park Mall. 🌆 Afternoon: Free activities, recommended to go shopping on Olaya Street or experience local coffee culture, then prepare for the return trip. 🚗 Transportation Suggestions: Using Saudi Arabia's well-developed road network for self-driving tours is a good choice, and there are convenient domestic flights between major cities. Within cities, ride-hailing apps or public transportation systems (such as Riyadh's metro) are very convenient. 🍱 Food Recommendations: 🍣 Traditional Saudi Cuisine: Try Harees (crushed wheat porridge), Kabsa (spiced rice with chicken or lamb), and Luqaimat (sweet dough snacks). 🍽️ Modern Restaurants: Riyadh's NOMAD and Jeddah's The Globe offer innovative international cuisine for a high-end dining experience. This journey is just a glimpse of the many wonders Saudi Arabia has to offer. If you have a particular interest in certain attractions or activities, or if you want more detailed travel tips, please feel free to ask, and I will do my best to provide you with assistance!

Edge of the World Riyadh

Visiting the Edge of the World in Riyadh was an unforgettable experience 🌄. The endless horizon provided a sense of freedom and fascination, making the open view from the cliff top spectacular 🌅. Walking along the cliff edge and taking photos was wonderful as nature was at its most beautiful. The serene atmosphere and gentle breeze added a sense of relaxation and meditation to the trip 🌬️. Spending time with friends there, talking, and enjoying the scenery made the experience even more special. The Edge of the World is one of the most beautiful natural destinations in Saudi Arabia, leaving visitors with unforgettable memories.

🌟 Luxe Lodgings: Riyadh's Mandarin Oriental Al Faisaliah 🌟

🛏️ Discover the epitome of elegance at the Mandarin Oriental Al Faisaliah in Riyadh! With spacious suites that surprise and delight, you'll find yourself in the lap of luxury—whether you expected a single or a suite, space is guaranteed. 🍽️ Savor the flavor of Riyadh with exceptional dining experiences. Indulge in good food at their very good restaurant, where culinary delights await to tantalize your taste buds. 🏆 Expect nothing less than excellent service and great hospitality that will make you want to book your next stay before you've even checked out. It's the kind of place that leaves a lasting impression, making every penny spent feel worth it. 📍 Nestled on King Fahad Road, this haven of comfort might throw you a quirky curveball with a room route through a restaurant, but it's a small quirk in an otherwise seamless stay. King Fahad Road, Riyadh, Riyadh Province, 11564, Saudi Arabia #Riyadh #RiyadhHotel #RiyadhTravel

For your travel accommodations, recognize Marriott Hotels

🧹Soundproofing/Cleanliness: Exceptionally clean, five stars wow 🏘️Room Type/Layout: Nicely designed house, layout is also very nice 🛌Amenities/Facilities: Bed sheets and duvet covers are very clean, changed after each use, not bad at all 💰Average Cost: 200/400 💗Other tips: There's also a free double breakfast oh🍳

🌟 Riyadh's Hidden Gem: Marriott Diplomatic Quarter ✨

🏨 Nestled in the heart of Riyadh, the Marriott Diplomatic Quarter is a sanctuary of comfort and convenience, perfect for city explorers and business travelers alike. Here are four reasons this hotel is a must-stay: 🛌 Roomy Retreats: With 418 spacious rooms and suites, you're promised a restful slumber thanks to top-notch air conditioning and cozy bedding. It's the perfect recharge spot after a day of adventures. 🍽️ Culinary Delights: Start your mornings with a caffeine kick at the coffee shop, and savor a variety of tastes at one of the three on-site restaurants. Foodies, rejoice! 🎉 Fun & Fitness: Whether you're looking to hit the slopes at the hotel's ski facility, unwind with spa treatments, or make a splash in the azure pool, there's no shortage of activities. For the sporty, take a swing at the golf course or rally at the tennis courts! 📍 Prime Location: The Marriott Riyadh Diplomatic Quarter is situated at 6781 Abdullah Alsahmi St, Riyadh, ensuring you're always just a stone's throw away from the city's vibrant heart. Dive into luxury and local culture on your next Riyadh rendezvous! 🌇 # Riyadh # RiyadhHotel # RiyadhTravel

🌟✈️ Riyadh's Hidden Gems: Boutique Hotel Bliss! 🏨✨

Hey globetrotters! 🌍 If you're plotting a course to Riyadh and looking for a sweet spot to crash, I've scoped out Vivienda Hotel Villas that'll have you living like royalty. Let's dive into what makes this place a treasure trove for travelers! 🤿💎 First off, space is no issue here; the rooms are massive, giving you plenty of elbow room to stretch out after a day of exploring. 🛏️🧳 Cleanliness? Check! You could eat off the floors, but I'd recommend using the top-notch room service instead. 🍽️✨ Speaking of amenities, they've got everything from plush robes to a Nespresso machine for your caffeine fix. ☕🤗 Now, let's talk perks outside your room. The hotel's facilities are on point with a sparkling pool to beat the heat and a gym for those who like to stay on their fitness game even on vacay. 🏊‍♂️💪 Craving some delish dishes? Their dining is divine, offering a taste of local cuisine that'll have your taste buds doing a happy dance. 🍴💃 Nestled in a prime location on Prince Turki 1 Street, you're smack dab in the middle of the action with stunning scenery to boot. 🌆🌴 So, mark Vivienda Hotel Villas at 62413, Riyadh Province on your map and get ready for an unforgettable stay! 📍🔖 #Riyadh #RiyadhHotel #RiyadhTravel

This budget hotel in Saudi Arabia is so comfortable to stay in

❤️Recommended reason: If you want to find a comfortable and convenient place to stay in Riyadh, consider the Marriott Hotel as your temporary home. By staying at the Marriott Hotel, you can easily enjoy all the fun in the city and feel the vitality of the entire city. ✔️Hotel Rooms The hotel has 418 rooms and suites, all equipped with a variety of facilities and services to ensure guests have a comfortable stay and a peaceful sleep. Some rooms in the hotel offer air conditioning and bedding supplies, providing convenience for all travelers. ✔️Hotel Dining The hotel has 3 restaurants and a coffee shop. Every morning you can wake up full of energy with a strong coffee. With the hotel's numerous dining options, you're guaranteed to easily find something delicious. ✔️Hotel Facilities The hotel's variety of entertainment activities ensure that your schedule is full during your stay. You can use the ski slope within the accommodation, enjoying skiing every day of your holiday. Salons, massages, spas, saunas, hot tubs, and sauna rooms are available to completely relax your body and mind. Dive into the azure swimming pool to start your vacation mode. The hotel is equipped with fitness facilities and also has a golf course, table tennis, squash courts, and tennis courts.

Riyadh's Edge of the World

The sense of mystery at the end of the world is not exaggerated at all. Have some afternoon tea and sit on the cliff waiting for the sunset. It's a two and a half hour drive from Riyadh. Generally, only short-bodied off-road vehicles can get in. And there's no road, no signal! The vague mountain road is pressed out by the car. Without a guide, it's easy to get lost inside. Completely undeveloped. It's really worth the trip.

Riyadh gallery mall

One of the shopping malls in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.It opens every day from 9 in the morning until 12 midnight.. it is indoor mall and even indoor parking spaces each floor,Its location near the King Fahad road, it was opened in the middle of year 2007. When visiting the kingdom this place is a must to visit because it offers variety of recreational activities ranging from shopping, food, relaxation and even different businesses.. #mall #touristsattraction #food #recreation #saudiarabia #promotion

Kingdom Tower Saudi Riyadh Kingdom Tower

High-rise buildings in Riyadh, including the Kingdom Tower in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Riyadh feels better maintained overall than Jeddah, and although it was only a one-day business trip, I felt the atmosphere of Riyadh, which I had not visited in a long time.

winter wonderland land.

extremely beautiful view form the top. Such a breathtaking view.. real place for entertainment. Local, regional and global guests have been entertained in different zones around the capital Riyadh. Since the season’s launch nine of 14 zones have been opened: Boulevard Riyadh City, Combat Field, Riyadh Season Winter Wonderland, Riyadh Front, Al-Murabaa, Riyadh Safari, The Groves, Qariat Zaman and the most recent zone Al-Salam Tree, which opened to the public #viewontop #beautifulpics #themepark #foodie #urbanexplorer #cafe #travel #travelinspiration #traveling #pakistan #beautiful #beautifulhotel #beautifulpics #beautifulview #beautifuldestinations #richculture #adventure #adventureday #adventuretrip

From King Saudi to DoubleTree Riyadh

If you traveling to such Airport at Saudi, just want to share that Terminal 5 is not really helpful compared to Terminal 1. You can't even found any restaurant nor fast food before the Security Check-Point area. However, the Station Manager was really helpful. Such a handy. Our experience at Hilton couldn't be better. Mr Haider Azam (Commercial Director) and Mr Noral Al-Jarad (Asst. Marketing Manager) did so much to make our day and event smooth as a breeze. Nevertheless we even enjoyed a variety cuisines which included Mandy Lamb, Traditional Saudi Arabian, Lebanese, Indian, Asian and other global cuisines/dishes. Ambience ? Such a wonderful. #travelinspiration#givethanks#scenicspotguide#beautifulsunsets#naturalwonders#romanticrestaurant

#merrychristmas

The winter in Hungary is so cold. On the way to the restaurant, there is a white surrounding. I took only a few photos in the cold and cold, and walked into the restaurant to avoid the cold at the fastest speed. I ordered the classic beef mushroom soup, which is super delicious! A thick layer of cream is separated on the upper layer of the soup. The beef is very fragrant, the mushrooms are smooth and tender, and there are some boiled golden beans (distiller's grains) at the bottom. The main meal is pork chops and chips, and there are refreshing cucumber slices for greasy. Originally, Tokaj was running aszu, but accidentally fell in love with saga muskoty, aromatic and elegant, it is important to have a good meal, and the wine must choose my favorite muskotaly.

Riyadh airport

You can have the best moment if you organized your time and knowing the locations of the stores before you go inside the airport

Gorgeous Christmas themed cakes!

#magicalxmastrip I can never get enough of Letto Cafe! They have the most delicious Christmassy desserts that make the holiday season even sweeter. From festive cakes to cozy seasonal treats, everything is so beautifully made and full of flavor. It’s the perfect spot to indulge in something sweet and get into the Christmas spirit. I always look forward to stopping by during the holidays!