Luxury hotels in Riyadh

Riyadh guide

Riyadh: Diriyah and the Edge of the World

The mud-brick birthplace of the Saudi state, a sunset on the cliffs of Tuwaiq and the Kingdom Centre's skybridge.

At-Turaif, in Diriyah, the mud-brick capital of the first Saudi state and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is Riyadh's most cited sight, with the restaurants of the Bujairi Terrace facing it across the wadi. Visit in the late afternoon and stay for dinner.

The Edge of the World, a dramatic escarpment of the Tuwaiq cliffs about ninety minutes away, is the classic desert excursion at sunset. In the city, the Kingdom Centre's skybridge, the National Museum and the Masmak Fortress complete a stay, and October to March is the best season.

The Kingdom Centre and the National Museum

The Sky Bridge of the Kingdom Centre, a glass walkway joining the two arms of the tower about 300 metres above the city, is one of Riyadh's most cited viewpoints, best at sunset. The National Museum, in the King Abdulaziz Historical Centre, tells the story of the Arabian Peninsula.

The Masmak Fortress, a clay and mud-brick fort recaptured in 1902 by the founder of the modern Saudi state, is in the old centre near the Deira souk. Boulevard and the Riyadh Season events fill the city's evenings in the cooler months.

Riyadh Season and the Boulevard

Riyadh Season, a festival of concerts, shows, exhibitions and sporting events held each year in the cooler months, roughly from October to March, has become one of the most cited reasons to visit the capital. The Boulevard district is its main stage, with restaurants and entertainment.

Major boxing and football events draw international crowds, and the city's dining scene has grown fast, with outposts of celebrated restaurants. Programmes change every year, so we check dates and tickets when planning.