A Laidback Weekend in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: A Travel Guide

Our first trip of the year was to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and what a perfect city to kick off 2024. This weekend Riyadh guide is your map to unlocking the city’s magic—from must-see landmarks to hidden alleyways where the real charm unfolds. It was a relaxed trip, just barely scratching the surface. We hope this short Riyadh itinerary will be helpful for your travel plans.

• Land in Riyadh Land in Riyadh

• Masmak Fort Masmak Fort

• Bujairi Terrace Bujairi Terrace

• Diriyah and Al-Turaif District Diriyah and Al-Turaif District

• FAQ FAQ

• Where we Stayed Where we Stayed

• Car + Getting Around Car + Getting Around

• Solo Travel + Safety Solo Travel + Safety

• Highlights Highlights

• Final Thoughts

Final Thoughts

We flew from Dubai to Riyadh with Flyadeal. The flight is basic but affordable—they often run amazing deals. For visas, we applied online using our GCC residency. You can also apply if you hold a valid EU, UK, or US visa. Immigration was seamless—only 5 minutes and no questions asked.

Unlike the UAE or Qatar, English is not widely spoken in Saudi Arabia. Arabic is the main language, though in touristy spots, you’ll find some English speakers. Google Translate helped when needed.

The ideal time to visit Saudi Arabia is November to March. Cooler weather makes it perfect for exploring cultural sites and open-air spaces.

Always best to carry some Saudi Riyals (SAR), especially for small purchases in souks or local markets.

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Even during winter, the sun is intense. Carry a high-SPF sunscreen—a must for any Middle East destination.

Riyadh is one of the largest cities in the region. You could easily spend 5–7 days exploring various districts, historical forts, shopping avenues, and local restaurants.

We stayed at the Radisson Blu Riyadh—centrally located and perfect for a short trip. The breakfast buffet was excellent and they had great vegetarian options for à la carte dining.

Driving in Riyadh is intense! While renting a car is an option, we preferred using Careem taxis—affordable and convenient. Unless you’re comfortable with aggressive city traffic, ride-hailing is the way to go.

Although I didn’t go solo this time, Riyadh is safe for solo travelers, including women. Just dress conservatively, but you don’t need to wear a hijab unless visiting a mosque. Always use common sense and stay in public areas.

HIGHLIGHTS: Top Things To Do Riyadh

This 1865 clay-and-mud fort is where modern Saudi Arabia began.

 Outside, traditional souqs line the streets—great for souvenirs and street eats

Definitely great for picking up street eats or trinkets. If you find Middle Eastern architecture interesting, then this is a place you shouldn’t miss!

 An absolute must-visit in Riyadh. This is the birthplace of the Saudi state, with preserved 18th-century mud-brick houses. Get your tickets online before you go. As you walk through Al-Turaif, you’ll see stunning Najdi architecture and cultural exhibits showcasing Saudi traditions.

This whole area is like a step back in time, where the air is filled with the aroma of delicious food. This is also the place where started, way back in the 18th century, you can still see the mud-brick houses. This is truly the grandparent and most certainly the heart of this city.

I loved the touch of sophisticated modernity as we walked through the narrow streets of Al-Turaif, spotting ornate wooden doors called “Najdi”. On the inside, you will find exhibits of the culture of Saudi Arabia. Fascinating look into its past.

It is also worth staying until evening here to catch the sun go down.

Pro tip: Stay until sunset—the lighting is magical.

 A modern dining space next to Diriyah, with excellent options for all diets. For vegetarians, Takya is a must-try—authentic Saudi flavors with a twist. We absolutely loved it.

 For a panoramic city view, head to Kingdom Tower’s Sky Bridge. This is a ticketed attraction and resembles Dubai’s Frame, but with a more low-key vibe. Visit at night for the best experience.

Yes, it’s safe. Follow general precautions, avoid remote areas after dark, and dress modestly.

 Careem for transport, Google Translate, and Google Maps offline version.

It depends—meals and rides are affordable, but hotels and attractions can be pricey if not booked in advance.

So that’s our weekend Riyadh travel guide to kickstart the year. We just dipped our toes into what this enchanting Saudi capital offers. From ancient forts to buzzing dining scenes and cultural revival, Riyadh is a city in transition—and it’s doing a decent job!

Thanks for reading! Leave your questions in the comments.

Lots of love,

** Anki**

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