8 of the best · Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
At-Turaif and Bujairi Terrace in Diriyah, the Masmak and Souq Al Zal in the old centre, Murabba Palace, the Kingdom Centre’s Sky Bridge and Boulevard City in Riyadh Season.
Our 8 favourites, listed A–Z · Updated October 2026
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Three places we would send a friend to first in Riyadh: At-Turaif at dusk, a Saudi table and the view from the top of the Kingdom Centre.
The mud-brick capital
The 18th-century mud-brick quarter of Diriyah, restored and opened in the evenings: a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2010.
The bridge at the top
The landmark tower on Olaya Street, its arch crossed at the top by the Sky Bridge viewing deck.
Our long reads on this side of Riyadh.
The back story
At-Turaif’s mud-brick palaces on the wadi, the Masmak fort and the souqs of the old centre, the National Museum, and the towers of King Fahd Road: how to read the capital.
The mud-brick capital.
The mud-brick capital
The 18th-century mud-brick quarter of Diriyah, restored and opened in the evenings: a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2010.
Facing At-Turaif
The terrace of restaurants and cafés facing At-Turaif across the wadi.
The fort and the souqs.
In the Historical Center
The mud-brick palace in the gardens of the King Abdulaziz Historical Center, beside the National Museum.
Since 1901
Riyadh’s old market of antiques, coins, carpets, oud and handicrafts, near the Masmak.
Towers and the season.
Riyadh Season
The entertainment district of Riyadh Season, with restaurants, shows and lights in the winter season.
The bridge at the top
The landmark tower on Olaya Street, its arch crossed at the top by the Sky Bridge viewing deck.
21 of the best Restaurants
6 of the best Cafés6 of the best Lounges
7 of the best Hotels15 of the best Arts & Culture
5 of the best Outdoors5 of the best Walks
5 of the best Shopping
8 of the best Health4 of the best Property6 of the best Developments6 of the best Cars & Drivers5 of the best Getting Around