Things to do in Riyadh

Best Things to do in Riyadh

Planning a trip and wondering about the top things to do in Riyadh? From historic landmarks to modern experiences, the city offers something for every traveller, making it a perfect getaway in 2026.

With over 177 activities in Riyadh, there is plenty to explore. Visit some of the most popular tourist attractions in , including iconic sites, vibrant neighbourhoods and cultural hubs. Whether you’re exploring bustling markets, sampling local delicacies or relaxing at scenic spots, every corner has something new to discover.

With experiences starting at INR 392, it’s never been easier to plan your perfect trip. Make the most of your visit to Riyadh in January and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Discover Riyadh: Incredible Moments and Things to Do

About Riyadh

Riyadh is a city of contrasts where modern towers rub shoulders with centuries-old souqs, desert landscapes lie just beyond the city, and traditional flavours meet contemporary cafés. Things to do in Riyadh stretch from rooftop views to cultural dives, but what really makes it stick is how alive it feels the moment you step out.

Markets, museums, and historic sites all share the stage here. Worth weaving into your planning are the Al Masmak Fortress, the winding alleys of Souq al-Zal, and the National Museum, each one of the things to do in Riyadh that shows a different heartbeat of the city.

What clicks is how you can shift the pace easily. A morning in cool galleries can turn into sunset dunes by night. Whatever rhythm you choose, those things to do in Riyadh keep your days varied, unhurried, and genuinely memorable.

Unique Experiences

Edge of the World with Camel Ride, Bat Cave Visit & Dinner

You can take a sweeping drive and walk to a cliff that seems to vanish into the horizon. Add sunset views, a camel ride, dinner, and bat cave exploration. It’s one of those things to do in Riyadh that packs awe and atmosphere into a big but easy day.

• Where: Saad Square, King Khalid Rd
• Pricing: It starts from INR 5,400 per person
• Timing: Approximately 7 to 8 hours total; slots available at 8:00 AM and 2:00 PM
• When to Visit: October to April, when desert air is cool and sunsets glow longer

Desert Quad Bike & Camel Ride Adventure at Red Sand Dunes

You can feel the rush riding a quad bike on rippling red dunes, pause for a camel ride, and explore an old palace ruin setup, all under desert sun. It’s a top activities pick if you want a short day woven with energy and culture.

• Where: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
• Pricing: It starts from INR 8,500 per person
• Timing: Around 3 hours 30 minutes total; slots available at 3:30 PM and 7:30 PM
• When to Visit: November to February, when temperatures are cooler and the sun isn’t too harsh

Half-Day 4x4 Desert Safari with Dinner

You can drive into the heart of the desert, enjoy dune riding, and finish with a meal under the stars. It’s one of the things to do in Riyadh today when you want sunset chills without going all day.

• Where: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
• Pricing: It starts from INR 59,000 per person
• Timing: About 5 hours total; slots available at 3:30 PM
• When to Visit: December to March for cooler evenings and clearer skies

Top Attractions

Al Masmak Fortress

You can step into the heart of old Riyadh at this clay-and-stone fortress, where history feels close and grounded. It’s one of the quietest yet most pivotal things to do in Riyadh.

• Where: Ad-Dirah District, Riyadh
• Pricing: Free entry
• Timing: Sunday to Thursday: 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM, then 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM, Friday: 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM and Saturday: 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM, then 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM
• When to Visit: November to February for milder weather and a calm visit

National Museum of Saudi Arabia

You can wander through galleries that guide you through Arabia’s story from prehistory to modern times. It’s one of the most enriching things to do in Riyadh if you’re curious about the place beyond the present.

• Where: King Abdulaziz Historical Centre, Al-Murabba
• Pricing: It starts from INR 500 per person
• Timing: Saturday to Thursday: 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM and Friday: 2:00 PM to 10:00 PM
• When to Visit: Any time of year, though mornings from October to April feel especially pleasant

Souq al-Zal

You can get lost in alleyways of spices, carpets, and vintage wares. Every corner tells stories, and the air hums with tradition. It’s one of the fun things to do in Riyadh if you enjoy textures, aromas, and local rhythm.

• Where: Al Thumairi Street, ad-Dirah District
• Pricing: Free to browse; shopping varies
• Timing: Generally open 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM, then 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM, closed during prayer times
• When to Visit: November to February, when cooler weather makes wandering more comfortable

King Abdulaziz Historical Center Gardens

You can follow paths, rest in green shade, or peek through gardens that frame museums and historical buildings. It’s one of the activities that feels restful and rooted in the city’s story.

• Where: Surrounding the National Museum, Al Murabba’
• Pricing: Free to stroll around the gardens and open areas
• Timing: Public parks open daily; most peaceful in early mornings and evenings
• When to Visit: Spring and autumn, when temperatures are moderate and bloom enhances calm

Sightseeing Tours

Riyadh Full City Tour (Modern & Heritage Highlights)

You can cover a mix of historic sites and cityscape views in one day. Think fortress walls, museum stops, souq walks, and overhead city views, all paced out in a straightforward route. This ranks high among Things to do in Riyadh for curious travellers.

• Where: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
• Pricing: It starts from INR 16,000 per person
• Timing: About 6 hours; 11:00 AM to 5:30 PM
• When to Visit: October to April when weather is most comfortable

Special Tour to See Museums of Riyadh City

You can spend time in a small-group setting exploring the Aviation Museum, Salwa Palace, Landmarks Park, and snacks included, as history unfolded with charm. It’s one of those Things to do in Riyadh if you’re drawn to story-rich scenery and paced discovery.

• Where: Tamimi Markets, King Fahd Rd
• Pricing: It starts from INR 9,000 per person
• Timing: Around 6 to 7 hours; tour starts at 9:00 AM
• When to Visit: November to March, when galleries and gardens feel gentle underfoot

Day Trips

Half-Day Diriyah Heritage Tour

You can step outside the city to the birthplace of the Saudi Kingdom, wandering through traditional architecture and feeling history come alive. It’s one of the Things to do in Riyadh if you’re in the mood for a cultural deep-dive with a light footprint.

• Where: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
• Pricing: It starts from INR 4,700 per person
• Timing: About 4 hours total; tour starts at 9:00 AM
• When to Visit: November to February, when the weather is cooler and shade feels generous

Full-Day Al Qara Hill and Jawatha Al Ahsa Tour

You’ll spend the day exploring Al Qara Hill’s caves and cliffs before visiting the historic Jawatha Mosque, one of the oldest in the region and this trip blends natural beauty with cultural history, making it one of the more memorable ways to explore beyond Riyadh.

• Where: Al Qara Hill and Jawatha Mosque, Al Ahsa region
• Pricing: It starts from INR 26,600 per person
• Timing: Daily at 9:00 AM (around 8 hours)
• When to Visit: October to April for cooler weather and clearer views

Getting Around

• Walking: In historic districts like Diriyah or near Souq al Zal, walking lets you soak in detail at your own pace. Some of the most memorable things to do in Riyadh come alive best on foot.
• Taxis and local rides: Easy to flag down and useful when you’re hopping between scattered landmarks.
• Car hire or private drivers: Good if you want flexibility for out-of-city trips. A full day with a driver means you can slot in multiple things to do in Riyadh without worrying about timings.
• Public transport: Metro lines are being rolled out, and buses already link major points. They’re simple options for lighter travel and cheaper connections.
• Desert vehicles: For safaris and dune trips, four-wheel drives are essential. They’re also some of the most fun things to do in riyadh if you count the journey as much as the destination.
• Shuttles to heritage sites: Many guided tours include transfers, making it smooth to combine multiple things to do in Riyadh in one day.

Traveller Tips

• You can plan mornings for museums or souqs and leave the late afternoon for desert trips as it balances your list of Things to do in Riyadh without feeling rushed.
• You can dress modestly and carry light layers and this makes exploring easier when you’ve lined up several fun things to do in Riyadh.
• You can carry cash for smaller stalls and markets. Some of the most authentic things to do in Riyadh happen in places where cards aren’t accepted.
• You can save an evening for a skyline view or a short desert drive. It’s one of the best things to do in Riyadh today if you want a quick but memorable outing.
• You can keep water and a small snack on hand during day trips. It’s a small step that helps you enjoy more of the things to do in Riyadh without breaks cutting into your rhythm.