Visiting Riyadh: How Many Days Should You Spend?

So, you are planning a trip to Saudi Arabia and wondering how many days you should spend in Riyadh? I know the feeling; I had the exact same question before my visit to Saudi Arabia. I spent a week in the country, splitting my time between the coastal town of Jeddah and the capital, Riyadh.

Three days are enough to see Riyadh. Although the city is massive, with a population of almost 8 million people, there are a limited number of sites worth visiting for a tourist. If you are short on time or considering spending your time elsewhere, you could see the main sites in Riyadh with two full days of exploring.

Continue reading to see what an ideal 3-day (or 2-day) itinerary looks like.

Things To Know About Riyadh

Before we dive into the Riyadh itinerary, there are a few things you should know before you decide to visit Riyadh or Saudi Arabia in general.

Firstly, Saudis generally do not go outside before nightfall, especially during the summer months when temperatures soar to 40-50 degrees Celsius. This means that few places will be open in the middle of the day, with most staying open until late at night. I recommend staying out late at night, sleeping in during the day, and starting your day around lunchtime.

Secondly, getting around Riyadh without a car or taxi is challenging. While there is a bus transportation system, it is not fully developed, and many parts of the city are not accessible by bus. Therefore, I recommend either renting a car if you are staying for more than a few days or using taxis (such as Careem or Uber) if you are staying for three days or less.

Day 1: Souk Al Zal & King Abdullah Park

Considering that people in Saudi Arabia generally come out after nightfall, you have plenty of time to check in to your accommodation before exploring the city. I recommend staying in the Al-Olaya district to stay as central as possible and close to the main attractions. Although it’s not the calmest area, it maximizes convenience and minimizes travel time.

Noon: Begin your exploration by visiting the Skybridge inside the Kingdom Tower in Riyadh. The Kingdom Tower is centrally located in the Al-Olaya district and will only be a short walk or a quick cab ride away if you are staying in Al-Olaya. The Skybridge, an observation deck connecting the two pillars of the iconic Kingdom Tower, offers a spectacular view of Riyadh from 300 meters (1,000 feet) above ground. The ticket costs about 70 SAR (around $18) and is worth it, as long as you are not afraid of heights!

Afternoon: After visiting the Skybridge, head to the Souk Al Zal and Al-Masmak Fortress, a 20-minute Uber ride south from Al-Olaya. The Al-Masmak Fortress played a crucial role in the unification of Saudi Arabia. Built in the late 19th century, it was famously recaptured by King Abdulaziz in 1902, marking the beginning of the Saudi state’s consolidation. Now, the fortress is a museum showcasing artifacts and exhibits related to this important event in Saudi history. However, in my opinion, it is sufficient to examine the fortress from the outside without entering the museum.

Right next to the fortress is the Souk Al Zal, a bustling local marketplace that offers an authentic shopping experience. Here you can buy everything from traditional Saudi clothing to gold and local perfumes. The Souk Al Zal opens at 3:30 pm and was one of the highlights of my trip to Riyadh.

Evening: After spending the afternoon walking around the hectic Souk Al Zal, head over to King Abdullah Park for a relaxing evening. Enjoy the lush green surroundings, beautiful fountains, and a captivating evening light show. Located a short taxi ride from Souk Al Zal, this is a perfect way to unwind before heading back to your accommodation and calling it a day.

Day 2: Shopping and Boulevard City & World

Noon: If there is one thing that Saudi Arabia has an abundance of, besides sand and oil, it’s shopping malls! Start your day by exploring one of the many malls the city offers. The area around the Al-Olaya district features many upscale shopping malls such as the Centria Mall and the Kingdom Center shopping mall. For a more diverse shopping experience, check out the Panorama Mall, a massive shopping center with an extensive food court, a wide selection of brands, and a great place to hang out and escape the daytime heat.

Afternoon & Evening: When temperatures cool down and it’s closer to 4 pm, take a taxi to Boulevard City, one of Riyadh’s newly built entertainment centers. Boulevard City is known for its lively atmosphere, featuring an amusement park, light shows, and a variety of dining options. It also hosts many open-air concerts, festivals, and other types of shows. When I visited, the Fury vs Usyk pre-fight press conference was being held, which was a pleasant surprise!

After spending a few hours at Boulevard City, head over to Boulevard World around 7 pm. Located just a stone’s throw away from Boulevard City, Boulevard World is another entertainment hub in Riyadh. What sets this one apart is its themed zones representing different countries and cultures from around the world. It offers immersive experiences with international cuisine, cultural performances, and iconic landmarks, creating a global adventure in one location. Note that Boulevard World is only open seasonally, typically during the Riyadh Season, which runs from October to March. Boulevard World is open until 1 am, so aim to spend at least three hours to fully explore the place.

Day 3: At-Turaif World Heritage & The Globe

Lunch: Enjoy lunch at Najd Village, a traditional floor-seating restaurant chain with locations across town. The restaurant serves traditional Saudi Arabian cuisine such as Kabsa, Jareesh, Al-Qursan, Al-Tatli, Al-Hanini, and other dishes from the Najd region. The setting is authentic and reflects the heritage and history of Saudi Najd, which means the central parts of Saudi Arabia.

Afternoon: After lunch, hop into a taxi and head over to Diriyah to explore the At-Turaif World Heritage Site. At-Turaif is the historic heart of the first Saudi state. Founded in the 15th century, it features traditional Najdi architecture and includes the Salwa Palace, a key site of Saudi political and cultural history. In 2010, it was recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site for its cultural significance and pivotal role in the history of the Arabian Peninsula.

After exploring Diriyah, head to the nearby Bujairi Terrace, where you can enjoy a drink at one of the many restaurants available. Bujairi Terrace is a newly built dining destination designed to complement the At-Turaif World Heritage Site. The area is beautiful, with well-maintained gardens and a wide selection of restaurants.

Evening: For your final dinner in Riyadh, head back into town to the Al-Olaya district and visit The Globe restaurant, located in the Al Faisaliah Tower. The Globe offers a fine dining experience with stunning views of Riyadh, perfectly wrapping up your stay. Be sure to make a reservation a few days in advance, as the restaurant tends to be fully booked.

Final Thoughts On Days in Riyadh

There you have it, the ideal 3-day itinerary in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. As mentioned in the introduction, there aren’t a lot of tourist activities in Riyadh, so spending more than 3 days in the city isn’t really necessary. An alternative itinerary could cut down the sightseeing in the city to 2 days. In this case, replace King Abdullah Park with Bujairi Terrace and the At-Turaif World Heritage Site. On the third day, visit the “Edge of the World” or Jebel Fihrayn, a dramatic cliff formation located about 90 kilometers northwest of Riyadh. A trip to the Edge of the World is usually a full-day adventure that includes lunch and offers stunning views of the expansive desert plains and dramatic landscape.

I hope you enjoyed this blog post! Happy travels!