Know before you go
- Region
- Riyadh Province
- Best time to visit
- October to March
Riyadh is the beating heart of modern Saudi Arabia — a capital that pairs glass towers and financial districts with mud-brick forts and old souqs. Start at Masmak Fortress in the old quarter, then ride up to the Kingdom Centre Sky Bridge for sunset over the city.
The city is also the gateway to the Edge of the World, the dramatic escarpment north-west of the city that has become the Kingdom's signature day trip. Between October and March the weather is mild, the desert is at its best, and the city's festival calendar — led by Riyadh Season — is in full swing.
Plan at least three days: one for the historic centre and Diriyah, one for the desert, and one for museums, boulevards and the city's booming café and restaurant scene.
Top things to do in Riyadh
- Masmak Fortress and the old souq
- Edge of the World day trip
- Kingdom Centre Sky Bridge
- Boulevard Riyadh City
- National Museum of Saudi Arabia