A day in the Capital of Saudi – Riyadh
Al- Riyadh is the capital of Saudi Arabia, the City that has been misunderstood by many people. Honestly, I don’t know why! Anyways, Al-Riyadh is not only the capital of Saudi Arabia, but also the capital of the central region of the kingdom.
Many assume that visiting Riyadh could be boring, you will have nothing to do, etc. However, it is completely the opposite, Al-Riyadh will surprise you with what it has to offer. The city with rich culture, tradition, and nature ( yah nature, even if you think it is a desert for god sake!).
Travelling in Saudi Arabia’s capital city Riyadh
From the city centre to the old town of Riyadh “diriyah”, that was declared a UNESCO World Culture Heritage. The Saudi capital will never stop surprised you, makes you enjoy with Arabian vibes and amazing food.
Top things to do in SAUDI capital Al-Riyadh
There are a plenty of places where you can spend your day in Al-Riyadh , and it’s waiting for you to explore.
A visit to Al-Masmak fortress
Al-Masmak will take you back in time, the fortress have now become an open museum to go and wander around.
Wander around Riyadh museum
Riyadh has many museums, each one of it has its own vibes. National Museum, aka King Abdulaziz Historical Centre is one of these museums you can visit in Al-Riyadh. Read about Al-Riyadh museum here.
Want to see the capital from above, Al-Mamlakah Tower (Kingdom Tower) will give you that
The upper deck of Al-Mamlakah tower will make you experience the skyline in Saudi, you can have 360-degree view of the capital.
Go to Al-Dir’aiyah, the old city in Riyadh
Al-Dir’aiyah is an actual city, as strange as it sound, but this is a fact. Al-Dir’aiyah I saw it as one of Al-Riyadh District and pretty sure my fellow citizen feel the same, located in the northwestern outskirts of the capital. If you came to Riyadh or living there and haven’t visited Al-Dir’aiyah, I’m going to tell you, you have missed a lot. It is an amazing place to visit, walk by, and enjoy the bird sing near Wadi Hanifah. Please note that the place is now <while I’m writing this> closed for construction. However, if you came to Saudi , and it was open then GO AND ENJOY!
Want to picnic in the park, go to King Abdullah Park
Grab your food and enjoy the sun if you are a big fan of “heat”. I would go there early morning when the weather is a bit cooler. If you are lucky enough and you are in Al-Riyadh during RIAYDH season, you are going to enjoy it.
Want to hike, Riyadh has the perfect place for hiker-holic
Jabal Fehreen just outside Al-Riyadh, where you can enjoy your prefect hike and the perfect scene. If you could go and do it now, then go; you know Al-Qaddiah project is going to be out there, so it will have a very different look few years later!
I have written posts about hiking and climbing, you can find places to go to in or near Riyadh.
Desert, A red SAND , why not?
Yah, even if you don’t like it, I’m going to mention it because I love the desert. You can go there to camp whenever you want, even in the summer if you think, you can survive the heat. However, I do love going for camping in the winter, my favourite season 😊
A coffee break or maybe a lunch/dinner break
Comparing Al-Riyadh to all the cities in the Kingdom, Al-Riyadh will win when it comes to restaurants and cafés. From traditional to all different world dishes, you will find what you wish for. Here I have written a post about restaurant and café in Riyadh. Go and check it out and let me know what is your favourite.
What is a capital without shopping center/malls ?
You can enjoy shopping from your favourite brand, or whatever you want. There are high end shops and traditional shops. Choose what you like and go for it.
Traditional Souq, anyone?
Al-Riyadh has many traditional markets, like Al-Thimiri and Haraj bin Qasim. You will find a lot of foreigners there so. I have written a post about traditional market in Riyadh here.
Wadi Hanifah or Wadi Namar?
Both are linked to each other, how? I will tell you, Wadi Namar runs down to Wadi Hanifah. Whatever Wadi you have chosen to visit, you will enjoy. The joy will be doubled in the winter season, when the beautiful waterfall starts to show, the cooler sunshine lies on the palm tree and the bird sings. Wow, just imagine the winter has come.
Boulevard
For entertainment and social interaction, Boulevard is the place. They are also part of Al-Riyadh season.
