Ready To Explore Riyadh? From Futuristic Towers To Ancient Forts, This City Is Packed With Must-See Spots. Whether You Love Shopping, Stunning Views, Or History, Here Are The 10 Best Attractions You Don’t Want to Miss!

Ever wondered what makes Riyadh so exciting? Imagine one moment you are strolling through ancient mud-brick streets and the next moment, you are witnessing the complete city views from a soaring skyscraper. Explore the Kingdom Tower where you may enjoy a magnificent overview of the city or visit Riyadh Zoo for a family-friendly outing, Riyadh has something to offer everyone. And if you want to get away from the bustle of the city, why not unwind at King Salman Park? Or step back in time at The National Museum of Riyadh.

From souks to museums to theme parks, there’s no shortage of fun. Let’s check out the 10 best attractions in Riyadh!

The Kingdom Tower, among the most significant and well-known Riyadh tourist places, is situated in the center of the city and is around 302 meters high. Along with several international restaurants, it features a great retail area, a celebration hall, corporate floors, and opulent apartments for rent. This tower also provides a unique panorama from the city's farthest point. Furthermore, the tower's two sides are connected by a suspended sky bridge that offers a broad perspective of the city.

Al Faisaliah Tower is listed among the most beautiful towers across Saudi Arabia, reeling in visitors to Riyadh. Standing over 267 meters tall and covering fifty-five thousand square meters, it is the 40^th highest structure in the entire world. Situated in the Olaya neighborhood to the north of Riyadh, this tower has 30 floors, with a base floor size of 1500 square meters and a top floor area being 500 square meters. Its exterior is akin to a glass sphere, then comes an inverted pyramid. Furthermore, it boasts residences, a music venue, fine hotels, as well as a commercial market.

With a fantastic blend of entertainment and education, Riyadh Zoo, also known as Riyadh's Zoological Gardens, offers an ideal family visit, located on Al-Ihsa Road. Numerous animal species, including endangered ones, can be spotted in this 55-acre zoo, which is home to more than 196 kinds and 1,500 creatures.  Moreover, this zoo features various facilities for every visitor including restaurants, a train, restrooms, a rest area for men and women, a children's play area, and gift shops.

Wadi Hanifa, previously referred to as Wadi Al-Irdh, is a tranquil haven in the center of Riyadh that provides a respite from the busy metropolis as it offers germ-free and pollution-free leisure time. This place was named by the local tribe, the Bani Hanifa, and spans 120 kilometers featuring various valleys that flow into this Wadi Hanifa like Safar, Bayr, Al-Mahdiyah, Nimar, and Al-Bat'ha. With free-of-cost entry, you can explore a few parks like Wadi Hanifa Dam, Al-Hijri Dam Park, Jaz'at Al-Jizah, Wadi Al-A'lab Dam, and the Bio-treatment area.

Masmak Fort is among the city’s most well-known tourist destinations as it has witnessed the most important events in its spacious courtyard that later became the reason for Riyadh city opening. This fort is currently a museum showcasing Riyadh's past and is significant and contains artifacts, old weaponry, and photographs showing the city's evolution over time.

A historic palace, Murabba Historical Palace, was converted into an archaeological museum, helping to boost tourism in Riyadh. Located close to the National Museum of Riyadh, this historical landmark captures the extensive heritage of the country, featuring roomy walls, and was built in the typical Najdi style. This three-story palace boasts Saudi Arabia's first elevator, a sizable collection of antiques, and King Abdul-Aziz’s historical center.

King Salman Park serves as a popular tourist attraction for individuals who love environmental and desert tourism. This park is divided into 4 sections, the biggest of which is the Botanical Garden, spanning 3.4 million square meters. Sidr, rathb, lavender, tamarisk, arṭā, and ghada are among the notable trees and flora in the park. The Safari Park space, which houses wild and domesticated animals, is another one, while the third part is the camping area, and the fourth section is devoted to Adventure City, providing rides on motorcycles and horses.

Located in the capital's Al-Murabba neighborhood, towards the east of King Abdul-Aziz Center, the National Museum Riyadh is one of the best places to visit in Riyadh for history lovers. This museum features eight exhibition areas, each highlighting different aspects of the Arabian Peninsula's political, cultural, environmental, and religious evolution. Moreover, this museum has 45 models, 900 photographic tools, 3,700 relics, plus 45 audio effects and movies.

Al-Bujairi Heritage Park, a beautiful open area with a fusion of modern and ancient Saudi culture, is located close to Diriyah. You can stroll through its art galleries, enjoy a sip of delicious coffee at one of its classic cafés, or take in the tranquil ambiance in its well-kept gardens. Al-Bujairi Heritage Park showcases Saudi Arabia’s commitment to preserving its traditions while embracing modern development.

Diriyah is one of the most popular tourist destinations on Riyadh’s northwestern outskirts, famous as a World Heritage Site recognized by UNESCO. You can catch a sight of the Al-Diriyah ruins, known to be the Saudi dynasty's capital during 1727. Although the city was founded in 1446, it was destroyed during a siege in 1818 as a result of the Ottoman-Saudi wars. You can explore its museums, picturesque walkways, plus mud-brick forts that narrate the history of the city.