TOP 10 TOURIST ATTRACTIONS IN RIYADH

Masmak fort

The Masmak is a clay and mud-brick fort, with four watchtowers and thick walls, founded on stone blocks, lying in the centre of Riyadh, in the old quarters. This building played a major part in the kingdom’s history, as it was here that the recapture of Riyadh, led by Ibn Saud, occurred on 14 January 1902. This building was built around 1865

See: Top Tourist Attractions in Saudi Arabia

King Abdul Aziz Historical Centre

King Abdulaziz Historical Center, a geographical and cultural center home to many different museums. The area aims to promote the historical awareness of the Arabian Peninsula while also illustrating its religious connection to Islam. A park surrounds the buildings with lush plant life and open spaces. The national museum serves as the main attraction, providing a spiritual as well as historical journey starting with the creation of man. Other buildings include a palace and mosque.

National Museum of Saudi Arabia

The National Museum of Saudi Arabia is a major national museum in Saudi Arabia. Established in 1999, it is part of the King Abdulaziz Historical Centre in Riyadh.

Inside the National Museum, Riyadh, you can find a captivating display of Saudi Arabia’s culture in past and present forms. There are different types of antiques, manuscripts, documents and display boards that showcase an erstwhile era.

Royal Saudi Air Force Museum

The Royal Saudi Air Force Museum or Saqr Al-Jazira is located on the East Ring Road of Riyadh between exits 10 and 11. A SaudiaLockheed L-1011 Tristar serves as a gate guard visible from the ring road. The museum gives the history of the Royal Saudi Air Force from its establishment in the 1920s to the present day. The museum comprises an outdoor static park and a large and modern indoor museum.

Murabba Palace

The palace was built by King Abdulaziz outside Riyadh, being the first major expansion of the city in the twentieth century. Construction was started in 1936, partly finalized in 1938 and fully completed in 1945. The palace was intended to be a family residence and court for the king. With the construction of the palace, three novel technologies were introduced to the Saudi society: the use of the automobiles as means of transportation, electricity by means of generators and water closets with drainage systems. 

Riyadh Museum for History and Archaeology

This museum, chief among the numerous museums in Riyadh, showcases local art, religion and culture, as well as the diverse and intriguing history of the Arabian kingdoms, in eight sections. Artefacts such as clothing, weapons, jewellery and musical instruments, dating as far back as the Stone Age, are on display.

Burj Rafal

Burj Rafal is a skyscraper hotel in Riyadh. It opened in January 2014, its 70 floors constructed on an exclusive 20,000 sqm plot. The skyscraper has about 350 rooms and is the tallest residential building in Riyadh. It is also one of the tallest hotels in the world. 

Riyadh Zoo

Riyadh Zoo is a recreational place for all residents and visitors. It is one of the most popular leisure facilities in Riyadh. The Zoo, first formed in 1957, was originally a small-scale affair, consisting animals presented as the gift to the first three kings of the kingdom.

Wadi Hanifa

The Wadi Hanifa is a wadi or valley in the Nejd region, Riyadh Province, in central Saudi Arabia. The valley runs for a length of 120 km (75 mi) from northwest to southeast, cutting through the city of Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia. A string of towns and villages lie along the valley, including Uyaynah, Irqah and Diriyah. The historical city of Riyadh itself is on the northeastern side of the wadi.

Salaam Park

Salam Park, located in the heart of the capital, it is one of the finest parks in Riyadh. It features a large lake with fairytale lighting and fountains, a range of playgrounds, green spaces and recreational areas.