Kingdom Centre Tower
The highlight of the Kingdom Centre Tower in Riyadh is its spectacular sky bridge, which is 65 meters high and shaped like an enclosed corridor with windows on both sides, offering visitors a panoramic view of the city. It is located at the top of the skyscraper, and visitors can reach the floor via two elevators. Additionally, the building houses over 150 shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues, including the high-quality VOX cinema, which offers private viewing rooms and waiter service. The Kingdom Centre Tower provides visitors with a comprehensive shopping, dining, and entertainment experience.
Diriyah Ancient City
Diriyah is a gem of Saudi Arabia, located in the heart of Riyadh and rapidly becoming a tourist destination in the city. The most famous site is the UNESCO World Heritage Site Al Turaif, built in the 15th century, which was once the palace of the Saudi royal family and the capital of the dynasty. It retains the narrow alleys and streets of the Najdi architectural style of the Arabian Peninsula. Opposite is the newly developed Bujairi Terrace, a leisure and entertainment district offering cuisine from different countries and unique gift shops, attracting many Riyadh residents and tourists to spend weekends and holidays here. It is an excellent tourist destination that meets travelers' needs for cultural history and cuisine.
Edge of the World
The Edge of the World, located northwest of Riyadh, is a must-visit attraction. It takes a three-hour drive from the city, but you can spend an entire day here. Standing on the edge of the hundred-meter-high cliff, you can overlook the surrounding desert scenery and feel an exhilarating sense of awe. Here, you can imagine that billions of years ago, this place was a vast ocean, and now the desert is left with dried-up river valleys and coral fossils. Pairing an Arabian afternoon tea with the sunset here will give you an ultimate sense of romance and awe. The Edge of the World is incredibly spectacular, a famous tourist destination in Saudi Arabia, and a popular spot on Instagram among many travelers.
National Museum of Saudi Arabia
The National Museum, also known as the King Abdulaziz Historical Center, is a must-visit tourist destination in Saudi Arabia. Here, you can learn about Islamic history and the history of the establishment of the Saudi Kingdom. The exhibition themes revolve around Man and the Universe, Saudi Heritage, Islamic Culture of Arabia, the Arab Kingdom, the Mission of the Prophet, and Islam in the Arabian Peninsula. Interestingly, the reconstructed historical scenes of major cities and markets from the pre-Islamic era allow you to understand the lives of people at that time. In the 'Hajj' and 'Two Holy Mosques' exhibition areas, you can comprehensively see the rituals of the Mecca pilgrimage, the changes in pilgrimage routes, and the historical transformations of Mecca and Medina. Even if you are not a follower of Islam, this place offers an immersive educational tour with lively and interesting explanations.
Masmak Fortress
Abdulaziz Al Saud captured a fortress and took control of Riyadh in 1902 after being exiled to Kuwait, marking the formation of the Saudi nation. This fortress is now a museum in the center of Riyadh, open to visitors. Additionally, the Qasr al Murabba historical palace is nearby, showcasing the king's personal belongings and photos of meetings with notable figures from around the world. Both attractions can be visited together.
Riyadh National Zoo
The National Zoo is located in the Middle East and is a place where you can see a variety of animals and birds. It houses over 1,500 animals and more than 80 species of birds. Visitors can take a 20-minute train ride to tour the zoo. The zoo features animals such as black panthers, lions, tigers, chimpanzees, elephants, crocodiles, zebras, giraffes, flamingos, and African grey parrots. It is better to visit the zoo in winter because the summer is too hot, and animals often hide in the shade, making them difficult to see. Here, you can also see very rare birds that are almost extinct in Saudi Arabia.
Ushaiqer Village
If you want to explore ancient villages around Riyadh, besides the Edge of the World, the oasis ancient villages in the northwest Najd region might be another option. Bedouins settled here 1500 years ago, relying on water sources and palm groves, making it a resting place for many pilgrims. Within the walls, there are hundreds of ancient adobe houses with intriguing designs, featuring triangular windows, intricately carved wooden doors, and distinctive roofs, all fully reflecting the architectural style of the Najd region. Some doorplates also display the names of past residents. The corridors and paths winding between the houses are separated by lush palm groves. The village also has various facilities such as schools, shops, restaurants, and mosques, making it seem as if little has changed from the past. The Al Salem Museum, built by the villagers, showcases local costumes, jewelry, porcelain cookware, and weapons. Outside the museum, there is a peak that you can drive to, offering a panoramic view of the oasis and farmlands. You can also enjoy a picnic and admire the enchanting sunset there.
