Riyadh Travel Guide — Things to Do, Food & Hotels
capital and largest city of Saudi Arabia
About Riyadh
Known by local wags as theDead Center of the Kingdom, Riyadh is considered the most straight-laced of the Kingdom's big three cities. With many forms of entertainment banned, few sights of interest and a brutal climate, Riyadh is a business-only destination if there ever was one, but it's also the best place in the kingdom to watch the continuing collision of tribal Wahhabi conservatism grappling with modern technology and Western influences, and things have loosened up slightly under Crown Prince MBS's watch. Until the 16th century, Riyadh was known as "Hajr", an important city of central Arabia dating from at least the 3rd century CE (and probably older). In the Middle Ages, Hajr served as the capital of the province of Al-Yamamah, whose viceroys presided over most of central and easter
Top Attractions in Riyadh
Explore the best things to see and do in Riyadh:
- ★As-Sufaat
- ★Kingdom Centre
- ★King Fadh Sports City
- ★KSU Stadium
- ★Masmak Fortress
- ★Murabba Palace
- ★National Museum
- ★Prince Faisal bin Fahd Sport City
Where to Eat in Riyadh
Must-try local food and restaurants:
- 🍴Al Shaya Persian Restaurant
- 🍴Assaraya
- 🍴Burj Al-Hamaam
- 🍴Chilis
- 🍴Goodah Soos Restaurant
- 🍴Korean Palace
Where to Stay in Riyadh
- 🏨Al Faisaliah Hotel, A Rosewood Hotel
- 🏨Almuthana
- 🏨Ascott Rafal Olaya Riyadh
- 🏨Four Seasons Riyadh
- 🏨Holiday Inn Al-Qasr
- 🏨Intercontinental Hotel
Riyadh Travel Guide Sections
Our comprehensive guide covers 14 sections including: