Riyadh is the capital and the main financial centre of Saudi Arabia. It is situated on a desert plateau in the center of the country. There are numerous things to see and do in Riyadh, including the King Khalid Grand Mosque and the sky bridge. The city is also home to the Kingdom Centre, a 302m high structure. Another landmark is the Masmak Fort, which marks the site of a 1902 raid by British forces.
Sky Bridge
Visitors to the Kingdom Centre can take in the city from the sky by taking a trip to the top of the Kingdom Centre Sky Bridge. This 77-floor structure features glass elevator doors that offer panoramic views of the city. The tower is a popular tourist spot and is especially crowded during weekends.
For those who are not able to pay for a ticket, there are several cheaper ways to get around Riyadh. You can use ride share apps such as Uber or Careem. A half-hour Uber ride will cost around 40 SAR ($10-12). You can also take the long-distance bus to Jeddah, which starts at 180 SAR ($45). While most buses in Saudi Arabia are not very luxurious, they do provide good service and are quite affordable.
Saudi Arabia’s petrol prices are cheap, thanks to its state-run oil companies. You can also take a small car into the city but you may need to pay extra for a 4×4 for off-road driving. Besides, renting a car is much cheaper than flying or taking a bus. Moreover, most sights in Saudi Arabia are free or only require nominal entrance fees. Unlike other countries, Saudi Arabia doesn’t practice dual pricing, so the price of petrol is usually the same for everyone.
Places to visit in Riyadh
Riyadh is Saudi Arabia’s capital and financial centre. It is located on a desert plateau in the centre of the country. The capital is home to the Kingdom Centre, which is 302m high. Other attractions include Al Faisaliah Centre and Masmak Fort, which marks the site of a 1902 raid.
The city’s parks are a popular destination for outdoor activities. The Prince Abdulaziz Bin Mohammed Bin Ayaf Park has two water courses, a dozen open sessions, and twenty-eight shaded sessions. It also has an amphitheater, playgrounds, and a mosque.
The National Museum of Riyadh is another great tourist attraction. Its displays and artifacts are truly amazing. The museum is open from 8AM to 8PM. You can also check out the Murabba Historical Palance, which has beautiful fountains and water features. You can spend a couple of hours at this attraction and then get back to work.
The King Fahd National Library is another must-see attraction in Riyadh. The building’s unique cubic shapes make it one of the city’s most photogenic attractions. It also makes for the perfect backdrop for an Instagram photo. Whether you want to post a snapshot of the city or take a selfie in front of the iconic King Fahd National Library, it’s sure to make an impression.
Another popular tourist destination is Jebel Fihrayn. The cliff is 300 meters high and was once an ocean. Stunning views can be found here, and it’s one of the most beautiful places to watch a sunset in the city. While the cliffs are spectacular, it’s less crowded on weekdays.
The King Abdul Aziz Historical Centre is also worth a visit if you’re interested in history. The museum covers many topics, including the history of the Arabian Peninsula, Islam, and Arab civilizations. The museum is located 1.5km north of the old city. It is one of the biggest and oldest in the city.
If you’re looking for a night out, the 303 district is a great place to go. Here, you can find numerous cafes and restaurants. The area gets very busy at night and on the weekends. Those looking for a more laid-back environment can check out the Greem Cafe.
The Royal Saudi Air Force Museum is another interesting place to visit. This building is the fourth-tallest building in Riyadh. Its top floor is open to tourists and visitors. In addition, the Airforce Museum has many planes and flight simulators. You can visit this museum from 4 pm to 9 pm. Another place to visit in Riyadh is the Edge of the World. It is about 2 hours from the city center, so you will need a four-wheel drive.
The Kingdom Center is another impressive landmark. This skyscraper is 302 metres high and is the fourth-tallest building in the Kingdom. The tower also has a mall and viewpoint at the top.
