Top spots to visit in riyadh
Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia. Home
5,000,000, give or take a few, from all corners of the world.
Expats visit to Riyadh, after settling into their new home, want to know what there is to see and do in this city. Hopefully, this page is some useful information. It is a work in progress, with links to my experience, I hope you take a glimpse, but not everything I say at face value. Go out and see for yourself.
Comments are suggestions or update information is welcome.
And do not forget, in prayer times on each activity, you can plan to take into account.
Past Riyadh
Di'riyyah - an important location in Riyadh's history. Currently an upgrade, but there are interesting things to see when you go for a walk for 1 day. Go take a squizz, we have
Al Musmak Fortress - is a historic landmark is in the exact center of the modern Saudi.
We enjoyed our walk through the fortress before they see on the street in Diraah that shopping was present
The fortress is from 08.00 am to noon and from 16.00 bis 21.00 clock Saturday to Wednesday, and 9 clock until noon on Thursday. Will it advised men only on Saturdays, Mondays and Wednesdays; and families only on Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays.
There is no entrance fee.
Directions:
Drive south along the King Fahd Highway, past the Interior Ministry building. Approximately 2 km on as you go through an underpass, take the second exit (signposted in Arabic only - to Qasr al Hokm) and then turn left at the light. Go straight through the traffic lights, the National Mosque and the Palace of Justice over on the right side, and Al Musmak suddenly appear on the right side.
For those with GPS: Al Musmak input: 24o 37.9 'N, 46o 42.7' E
(Directions courtesy of http://www.simbacom.com/riyadh-ksa/historic/mismak.html
Riyadh National Museum - actually a very interesting visit. I was impressed.
The museum is closed on Saturday and Friday mornings. Families on Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday evening (16.30 clock bis 09.00 clock) to visit while men may 9-12 clock on Sunday to attend Monday, Wednesday and Thursday on Tuesday night, as well. Cost of entry is 10-15 SAR.
Getting there: The National Museum Riyadh is relatively easy to achieve. Enter Murabba Park of King Faisal Street, where you see the water tower. The museum is located in the park
King Abdulaziz Historical Center - located in Murabba park, the center of a number of areas worth visiting including the Memorial Hall and Murabba Palace. The center is located directly across from Riyadh National Museum.
Murabba Palace - is another part of the King Abdulaziz Historical Center. We tried the same day we went to the Memorial Hall to visit, but it was a "no go".
Nasirayah Gate - I've seen this gate from a distance, but never managed to get there. It is still to be seen on my list of things to do and.
Shopping in Riyadh
Shopping centers - in abundance. Expat main centers Sahara, Hyatt, Grananda, Riyadh Gallery, Britain and Faisaliah.
Souqs - also abound. Try Kuwayti Souq, the second hand Souq, Bat'ha, the Gold Souk, where the camel's back Souq, The Pet Souq, fruit and Vege Souq, the fish market, the car souq, Diirah (also known as Aloais Saouq and Taiba Souq) Souq.
Parks and Recreation
Salama Park - Actually a beautiful park in the city, we enjoyed our walk. Fun park rides and paddle boats - although I think these are just for the men (of course they are!) Very inexpensive entry - of each memory 10SAR.
Murabba Park - Take a picnic or thermos and a while after visitng the National Museum Riyadh and King Abdulaziz Historical Center. I think that only families are allowed in the park.
Riyadh River - Yes, it is a river in Riyadh. Great place for piniking from the city without outside your comfort zone into the big, wide desert. We went and had a lovely stay. There is no sign so on your trip from Al Ha'ir to keep on the lookout for a narrow stream flowing under a bridge - that's it.
Wadi Hanifa - best to visit in the cool summer evenings or chilly day in winter. It is miles long (or kilometers for those who think in metric). You could use a few times back to find the one you like best part of it. To date, we have mainly in the north, although we hung just planning on expanding our horizon Hanifa.
Riyadh Zoo - I met expats who are too scared to go to the zoo, for fear of what might find them. It's OK. Trust me. We enjoyed our day there. DST go in the late afternoon. Remember, the zoo closes at sunset. Winter time is visited weather for the zoo. It cost us 10 SAR.
They say that families do not go together. The day passed, this was not the case. Glenn and I went in together - there were many families. It was a weekend afternoon.
Getting there: The Riyadh Zoo is located on Al IHSA Street. Basically from King Fahad, make your way along Makkah Road to the Pepsi roundabout (the big roundabout with the fountain of the Riyadh airbase on Makkah Road). Turn right into Al IHSA. The zoo is on the left. Coordinates 24o 40.5 'N 46o 44.4'
Thumamah - Thumamah has fun parks galore. Take Thumamah Road and make your choice.
The DQ - The embassy district is more than just a bunch of messages. There is a walking trail and a sports center, horse riding (although I do not do that yet found) and a sqaure with restaurants. Walk around for a look.
Horse riding - I know a few friends who take their children for lessons in Riyadh. As soon as I gather the information from them, I will put it here.
Quad Biking - There are actually numerous places that you drive quads in Riyadh. Many will be controlled so that it picked up a small area and drive around. We prefer the Red Sands of direction because it Nasah to drive more space around.
Desert Walking - There is a group on foot goes into the desert. Participate if you ask your friends to Expat and associates about The Hash House Harriers want - someone will know. The groups tend to be just by having to hold their events within the members and guests for security (through invited members said).
Golf - Golf is very popular in Riyadh. Whatever your level you will find a place to play.
For the beginner, Arizona provides connection courses and a 9-hole course and a driving range. Phone to make reservations 0564618960 by the pro-shop. Women are welcome
The InterContinental Hotel on Al Ma'athar street has a 9-hole course (though to go to my husband, it is not the place to go if you want to test your driver) put to practice and a place. I understand this system is better catered for men.
Want for the experienced men and women (Women abayas off), which was an 18-hole course either call the Riad golf course, close to town, or Dirab Golf Club, which is a bit more of a drive. Costs associated with play area between 300-400 SAR
Bowling - How in 10 pin bowling. There are a number of sites for bowling with many catering to families / women. For more information, see Bowling venues in Riyadh.
In short, the Hotel Intercontinental Al Ma'atha road has bowling as the basement somewhere under Al Faisaliah. Both places have often encountered tournament so it pays to call availability.
The center I prefer in Al Ma'atha road. It says UBC (Universal Bowling Center) and the first time we went bowling, we had a lot of fun. There is a single room and family area. It is also not expensive - 20 riyals per game depending on the week. Your website is www.ubcriyadh.com
Getting there: To get to 10 Pin Bowling at UBC from King Fahad road turn in Al Ma'atha. Walk past the Intercontinental Hotel. Continue until you reach the end of the road - it's a long way. At the end is a roundabout - you can not go further. U-turn, head back up Al Ma'atha for about a hundred yards and you should see the UBC name in lights.
Beyond borders Riyadh
The Red Sands - when we asked about the Red Sands, we have West directed Nasah. We have specifically looking for Quad Biking in the Red Sands. Take the Jeddah road out of the city, through the checkpoint, on the embankment. Turn right on Mogbel / Dirabl exit. Follow the road until the Nasah shield. Proceed on this road bikes and red sand dunes quad. I understand that when you go so far in any direction from Riyadh, you will eventually find sand dunes.
Wahba Crater - about 500 kilometers west of Riyadh. We rented a 4WD, joined a camping trip and had a great time. The origins of the crater are not clear - a meteorite theory and posed as volcanic related activities.
I just found out how to embed a map into Blogger, my Kiwi in Saudi: Tiki Tour card is below. Have a look .... I hope it helps you to find Wahba Crater
See Kiwi in Saudi: Tiki Tour in a larger map
Kharara Lake - we believe that this is the place nothing but the dissappearing lake known. We could be wrong, though the day we went, it was an act done disappear.
To get there take Riyadh-Makkah highway down the slope and get off Muzamiyah. After passing under the second bridge over the head (exit 6) for a gas station on the left, you have it, after you reach a U-turn. Take the U-turn from the 3rd overhead bridge. (There is a relatively long distance between bridges). Now you can look back in the direction of Riyadh. Look for a link road signposted on the right side (Arabic and English -Lake Kharara). Use the link road for about 6-7 km. The walk to the lake on the left. When the lake bed is dry, you can perform. Or if you prefer the right vehicle, and have hit the sand dunes.
Safari Resort - About 70 kilometers from Riyadh, this resort is touted to be too far away from everything the resort. You can camp in the desert in security, rent a room or visit for the day. Whatever you choose, you can take Advantige the facilities.
Madain Saleh - Near to Al Ula Madain Saleh is Saudi version of Petra. Considering the structures were built by the same civilization, it is no wonder that they look similar. The beauty of Madain Saleh is that it does not become so highly commercial as Petra. Permission is non-Saudis required to enter the area. We were organized as part of a tour of Cora.
Ushaiqir Historic Village - The village is restored for tourism on the outskirts of Shaqraa. It is 200 km away, so if you are a passenger, the drive is a great opportunity to catch a kip. We had a short trip can be on the same day, the place was closed, but still managed to rapidly.
Ayun an-Najm Al Kharj - If you want to take a look at two rather large holes in the ground head to Al Kharj and eyes Najm (or Najma - I have not quite figured out what is right). They are really very impressive. Drive to Al Kharj, turn left at the main intersection behind the water tower on the right. Follow the road until you come to an intersection with STC at one corner and a gas station on the other side. Continue straight up the mountain. As you enter the street keep an eye out for a concrete structure designed just off the road to the water supply. Follow him. That will get you to the first hole. A look back towards the main street you should see the fence around the second.
Expats visit to Riyadh, after settling into their new home, want to know what there is to see and do in this city. Hopefully, this page is some useful information. It is a work in progress, with links to my experience, I hope you take a glimpse, but not everything I say at face value. Go out and see for yourself.
Comments are suggestions or update information is welcome.
And do not forget, in prayer times on each activity, you can plan to take into account.
Past Riyadh
Di'riyyah - an important location in Riyadh's history. Currently an upgrade, but there are interesting things to see when you go for a walk for 1 day. Go take a squizz, we have
Al Musmak Fortress - is a historic landmark is in the exact center of the modern Saudi.
We enjoyed our walk through the fortress before they see on the street in Diraah that shopping was present
The fortress is from 08.00 am to noon and from 16.00 bis 21.00 clock Saturday to Wednesday, and 9 clock until noon on Thursday. Will it advised men only on Saturdays, Mondays and Wednesdays; and families only on Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays.
There is no entrance fee.
Directions:
Drive south along the King Fahd Highway, past the Interior Ministry building. Approximately 2 km on as you go through an underpass, take the second exit (signposted in Arabic only - to Qasr al Hokm) and then turn left at the light. Go straight through the traffic lights, the National Mosque and the Palace of Justice over on the right side, and Al Musmak suddenly appear on the right side.
For those with GPS: Al Musmak input: 24o 37.9 'N, 46o 42.7' E
(Directions courtesy of http://www.simbacom.com/riyadh-ksa/historic/mismak.html
Riyadh National Museum - actually a very interesting visit. I was impressed.
The museum is closed on Saturday and Friday mornings. Families on Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday evening (16.30 clock bis 09.00 clock) to visit while men may 9-12 clock on Sunday to attend Monday, Wednesday and Thursday on Tuesday night, as well. Cost of entry is 10-15 SAR.
Getting there: The National Museum Riyadh is relatively easy to achieve. Enter Murabba Park of King Faisal Street, where you see the water tower. The museum is located in the park
King Abdulaziz Historical Center - located in Murabba park, the center of a number of areas worth visiting including the Memorial Hall and Murabba Palace. The center is located directly across from Riyadh National Museum.
Murabba Palace - is another part of the King Abdulaziz Historical Center. We tried the same day we went to the Memorial Hall to visit, but it was a "no go".
Nasirayah Gate - I've seen this gate from a distance, but never managed to get there. It is still to be seen on my list of things to do and.
Shopping in Riyadh
Shopping centers - in abundance. Expat main centers Sahara, Hyatt, Grananda, Riyadh Gallery, Britain and Faisaliah.
Souqs - also abound. Try Kuwayti Souq, the second hand Souq, Bat'ha, the Gold Souk, where the camel's back Souq, The Pet Souq, fruit and Vege Souq, the fish market, the car souq, Diirah (also known as Aloais Saouq and Taiba Souq) Souq.
Parks and Recreation
Salama Park - Actually a beautiful park in the city, we enjoyed our walk. Fun park rides and paddle boats - although I think these are just for the men (of course they are!) Very inexpensive entry - of each memory 10SAR.
Murabba Park - Take a picnic or thermos and a while after visitng the National Museum Riyadh and King Abdulaziz Historical Center. I think that only families are allowed in the park.
Riyadh River - Yes, it is a river in Riyadh. Great place for piniking from the city without outside your comfort zone into the big, wide desert. We went and had a lovely stay. There is no sign so on your trip from Al Ha'ir to keep on the lookout for a narrow stream flowing under a bridge - that's it.
Wadi Hanifa - best to visit in the cool summer evenings or chilly day in winter. It is miles long (or kilometers for those who think in metric). You could use a few times back to find the one you like best part of it. To date, we have mainly in the north, although we hung just planning on expanding our horizon Hanifa.
Riyadh Zoo - I met expats who are too scared to go to the zoo, for fear of what might find them. It's OK. Trust me. We enjoyed our day there. DST go in the late afternoon. Remember, the zoo closes at sunset. Winter time is visited weather for the zoo. It cost us 10 SAR.
They say that families do not go together. The day passed, this was not the case. Glenn and I went in together - there were many families. It was a weekend afternoon.
Getting there: The Riyadh Zoo is located on Al IHSA Street. Basically from King Fahad, make your way along Makkah Road to the Pepsi roundabout (the big roundabout with the fountain of the Riyadh airbase on Makkah Road). Turn right into Al IHSA. The zoo is on the left. Coordinates 24o 40.5 'N 46o 44.4'
Thumamah - Thumamah has fun parks galore. Take Thumamah Road and make your choice.
The DQ - The embassy district is more than just a bunch of messages. There is a walking trail and a sports center, horse riding (although I do not do that yet found) and a sqaure with restaurants. Walk around for a look.
Horse riding - I know a few friends who take their children for lessons in Riyadh. As soon as I gather the information from them, I will put it here.
Quad Biking - There are actually numerous places that you drive quads in Riyadh. Many will be controlled so that it picked up a small area and drive around. We prefer the Red Sands of direction because it Nasah to drive more space around.
Desert Walking - There is a group on foot goes into the desert. Participate if you ask your friends to Expat and associates about The Hash House Harriers want - someone will know. The groups tend to be just by having to hold their events within the members and guests for security (through invited members said).
Golf - Golf is very popular in Riyadh. Whatever your level you will find a place to play.
For the beginner, Arizona provides connection courses and a 9-hole course and a driving range. Phone to make reservations 0564618960 by the pro-shop. Women are welcome
The InterContinental Hotel on Al Ma'athar street has a 9-hole course (though to go to my husband, it is not the place to go if you want to test your driver) put to practice and a place. I understand this system is better catered for men.
Want for the experienced men and women (Women abayas off), which was an 18-hole course either call the Riad golf course, close to town, or Dirab Golf Club, which is a bit more of a drive. Costs associated with play area between 300-400 SAR
Bowling - How in 10 pin bowling. There are a number of sites for bowling with many catering to families / women. For more information, see Bowling venues in Riyadh.
In short, the Hotel Intercontinental Al Ma'atha road has bowling as the basement somewhere under Al Faisaliah. Both places have often encountered tournament so it pays to call availability.
The center I prefer in Al Ma'atha road. It says UBC (Universal Bowling Center) and the first time we went bowling, we had a lot of fun. There is a single room and family area. It is also not expensive - 20 riyals per game depending on the week. Your website is www.ubcriyadh.com
Getting there: To get to 10 Pin Bowling at UBC from King Fahad road turn in Al Ma'atha. Walk past the Intercontinental Hotel. Continue until you reach the end of the road - it's a long way. At the end is a roundabout - you can not go further. U-turn, head back up Al Ma'atha for about a hundred yards and you should see the UBC name in lights.
Beyond borders Riyadh
The Red Sands - when we asked about the Red Sands, we have West directed Nasah. We have specifically looking for Quad Biking in the Red Sands. Take the Jeddah road out of the city, through the checkpoint, on the embankment. Turn right on Mogbel / Dirabl exit. Follow the road until the Nasah shield. Proceed on this road bikes and red sand dunes quad. I understand that when you go so far in any direction from Riyadh, you will eventually find sand dunes.
Wahba Crater - about 500 kilometers west of Riyadh. We rented a 4WD, joined a camping trip and had a great time. The origins of the crater are not clear - a meteorite theory and posed as volcanic related activities.
I just found out how to embed a map into Blogger, my Kiwi in Saudi: Tiki Tour card is below. Have a look .... I hope it helps you to find Wahba Crater
See Kiwi in Saudi: Tiki Tour in a larger map
Kharara Lake - we believe that this is the place nothing but the dissappearing lake known. We could be wrong, though the day we went, it was an act done disappear.
To get there take Riyadh-Makkah highway down the slope and get off Muzamiyah. After passing under the second bridge over the head (exit 6) for a gas station on the left, you have it, after you reach a U-turn. Take the U-turn from the 3rd overhead bridge. (There is a relatively long distance between bridges). Now you can look back in the direction of Riyadh. Look for a link road signposted on the right side (Arabic and English -Lake Kharara). Use the link road for about 6-7 km. The walk to the lake on the left. When the lake bed is dry, you can perform. Or if you prefer the right vehicle, and have hit the sand dunes.
Safari Resort - About 70 kilometers from Riyadh, this resort is touted to be too far away from everything the resort. You can camp in the desert in security, rent a room or visit for the day. Whatever you choose, you can take Advantige the facilities.
Madain Saleh - Near to Al Ula Madain Saleh is Saudi version of Petra. Considering the structures were built by the same civilization, it is no wonder that they look similar. The beauty of Madain Saleh is that it does not become so highly commercial as Petra. Permission is non-Saudis required to enter the area. We were organized as part of a tour of Cora.
Ushaiqir Historic Village - The village is restored for tourism on the outskirts of Shaqraa. It is 200 km away, so if you are a passenger, the drive is a great opportunity to catch a kip. We had a short trip can be on the same day, the place was closed, but still managed to rapidly.
Ayun an-Najm Al Kharj - If you want to take a look at two rather large holes in the ground head to Al Kharj and eyes Najm (or Najma - I have not quite figured out what is right). They are really very impressive. Drive to Al Kharj, turn left at the main intersection behind the water tower on the right. Follow the road until you come to an intersection with STC at one corner and a gas station on the other side. Continue straight up the mountain. As you enter the street keep an eye out for a concrete structure designed just off the road to the water supply. Follow him. That will get you to the first hole. A look back towards the main street you should see the fence around the second.
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