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Riyadh

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At a glance

Region
Riyadh Province
Population
7 million
Best time to go
November to March
Main airport
King Khalid International (RUH)
Coordinates
24.71°N, 46.68°E

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Overview

Riyadh is a city of highways and towers rising from the Najd desert, transformed from a mud-brick oasis town into a sprawling modern capital in a few decades. It is changing fast, with new museums, entertainment districts and a brand-new Metro.

Look beyond the traffic and you'll find the roots of the Saudi state at Diriyah, old fortresses and markets in the centre, and spectacular desert escarpments within a couple of hours' drive.

Things to see

  • Diriyah and At-Turaif
    Photo: xiquinhosilva, CC BY 2.0

    Diriyah and At-Turaif

    The UNESCO-listed mud-brick ruins of the first Saudi capital, restored on the edge of a palm-filled wadi.

    Tickets and tours
  • Masmak Fortress
    Photo: Francisco Anzola, CC BY 2.0

    Masmak Fortress

    A clay and mud-brick fort in the old centre, central to the story of the founding of modern Saudi Arabia.

  • National Museum
    Photo: Sammy Six, CC BY 2.0

    National Museum

    A large, well-designed museum covering the Arabian Peninsula from prehistory to the present.

  • Kingdom Centre Sky Bridge
    Photo: Hamza A. Durrani, CC BY-SA 4.0

    Kingdom Centre Sky Bridge

    Walk the bridge between the two peaks of this landmark tower for a bird's-eye view of the city.

    Tickets and tours
  • Murabba Palace
    Photo: Radosław Botev, CC BY 3.0 pl

    Murabba Palace

    King Abdulaziz's palace, a fine example of traditional Najdi architecture.

Things to do

  • Day trip to the Edge of the World

    Stand on a vast limestone escarpment with views over an ancient seabed. Go with a 4x4 and guide.

    Find tours

  • Dinner at Bujairi Terrace

    Restaurants and cafés facing the floodlit ruins of At-Turaif across the wadi.

  • Explore the old souqs
    Photo: Francisco Anzola, CC BY 2.0

    Explore the old souqs

    Browse incense, dates, carpets and antiques in the markets around Masmak and Deira.

  • Riyadh Season
    Photo: Humanized, CC0

    Riyadh Season

    A winter programme of concerts, sports and entertainment zones across the city.

    Find tours

Where to stay

Getting around

Riyadh is built for cars, and taxis and ride-hailing apps are cheap and easy. The new Riyadh Metro links many key districts. Dress modestly in public.

The airport is about 35 to 45 minutes north of the centre by taxi, and the Metro also serves it.

When to go

November to March brings warm days and cool nights, and is when Riyadh Season runs. Summers are extremely hot and dry. During Ramadan, daytime life slows and evenings come alive.

Plan your trip to Riyadh

Guide last checked October 2026. Opening times and prices change, so check before you go.

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