Riyadh—الرياض—began as an oasis on the Najd plateau and became Saudi Arabia’s high‑rise capital, where mud‑brick palaces meet mirrored towers. In one city you can step through 18th‑century At‑Turaif, then watch the sun set from a glass bridge suspended above a forest of lights.

It’s a place for museum hopping and majlis hospitality, fragrant cardamom coffee and sizzling kabsa, sunrise hikes on desert escarpments and evenings strolling along palm‑lined boulevards. Winters (October–March) are delightfully mild and often coincide with Riyadh Season’s shows, art, and pop‑up zones.

Practical notes: Friday–Saturday is the weekend; some venues pause during prayer times. Dress modestly (shoulders/knees covered), and remember alcohol is not served. Ride‑hailing (Uber, Careem) is the easiest way to get around; RUH airport is 30–45 minutes from central neighborhoods like Olaya and the Diplomatic Quarter.

Riyadh

Welcome to a capital that connects Saudi heritage with contemporary design. Don’t miss the UNESCO‑listed At‑Turaif in Diriyah for the birthplace of the Saudi state, the National Museum for a crash course in Arabian history, and classic Old Riyadh sites like Al Masmak Fortress and Souq Al Zal.

For city views, ride to the Kingdom Centre Sky Bridge or book a table inside The Globe at Al Faisaliah. When it’s time to slow down, wander Wadi Hanifah’s date palms and lakes, then head to Bujairi Terrace for memorable dinners beneath the Turaif cliffs.

• Top sights: At‑Turaif (Diriyah), Al Masmak Fortress, National Museum of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom Centre Sky Bridge, Al Faisaliah “The Globe,” Wadi Hanifah, King Abdullah Park, JAX District (art).
• Where to stay: Olaya (central, shopping and towers), Diplomatic Quarter (green, walkable), KAFD (striking new architecture), Diriyah (heritage ambience nearby).

Where to book your stay: Compare hotels and apartments here:

• Hotels in Riyadh (Hotels.com) — filter by Olaya, Diplomatic Quarter, KAFD, or Diriyah proximity.
• Apartments and villas in Riyadh (VRBO) — good for families and longer stays.

How to get to Riyadh (RUH): King Khalid International Airport has extensive connections. Check fares here:

• Flights to Riyadh (Trip.com) — look for nonstop options on Saudia, flynas, flyadeal, and major Gulf carriers.
• Flights to Riyadh (Kiwi.com) — useful for multi‑city and long‑haul combos.

Typical times: Dubai (~2h), Cairo (~2h 30m), London (~6h 30m nonstop), New York (~12–14h with one stop). Roundtrip fares often range from about $120–$250 regionally and $450–$1,000 long‑haul depending on season.

Day 1: Arrival, Olaya Skyline, and Saudi Comfort Food

Afternoon: Land at RUH and ride‑hail to your hotel in Olaya or the Diplomatic Quarter. Shake off the flight with a specialty brew at Elixir Bunn (house‑roasted, silky flat whites) or Camel Step (Saudi roaster; tasteful minimal interiors). If you prefer something sweet, Urth Caffé does reliable Spanish lattes and date cake.

Evening: Time your visit to the Kingdom Centre Sky Bridge for sunset—the 300‑meter view sweeps across Riyadh’s grid to the Tuwaiq escarpment. For dinner, savor Najd Village (مطعم القرية النجدية): traditional Saudi set‑ups, jareesh (cracked wheat with meat), kabsa, and margoog stews served in clay pots; it’s atmospheric and deeply local. Nightcap with a saffron milk or cardamom gahwa at Dose or Brew92.

Day 2: Old Riyadh, Souqs, and the National Museum

Morning: Start at Al Masmak Fortress, the restored 19th‑century mud‑brick citadel tied to the Kingdom’s unification. Stroll to Souq Al Zal for oud, carpets, daggers, and antiques; practice your bargaining and ask about the Friday auction tradition. Coffee break at a nearby traditional café—try Arabic coffee with dates.

Afternoon: Dive into the National Museum of Saudi Arabia: rock art replicas, incense‑route caravans, and early Islamic artifacts give superb context. Walk the palm‑shaded King Abdulaziz Historical Center and peek at Murabba Palace, the royal residence built in the 1930s. Lunch options: Mama Noura for quick, iconic shawarma and fresh juices, or Takya for modern Saudi plates like jareesh arancini and elevated mutabbaq.

Evening: Head to King Abdullah Park for a greenery fix and fountain show on select evenings. Dinner choices: The Globe (inside Al Faisaliah’s golden sphere—pan‑Arab menu, sweeping views) or LPM Riyadh for French‑Mediterranean (lemony roast chicken, burrata with tomatoes). Finish with gelato at Godiva Café in Centria Mall or a rose‑scented mocktail at a stylish hotel lounge.

Day 3: Diriyah Day—At‑Turaif, Wadi Hanifah, and Bujairi Terrace

Morning: Ride to Diriyah (25–35 minutes). Tour At‑Turaif, the UNESCO‑listed birthplace of the Saudi state: adobe palaces, narrow lanes, and curated exhibits bring the 18th century to life. Guides add depth about the First Saudi State and Najdi architecture.

Afternoon: Walk or short‑ride down to palm‑lined Wadi Hanifah for lakeside paths and shaded benches. Lunch at Bujairi Terrace, which pairs cliff views with standout kitchens: Long Chim (bang‑on Thai: sour‑spicy salads, rich curries), Flamingo Room by tashas (seafood and chic desserts), or Maiz (elegant regional Saudi—try jareesh with lamb and sambusa with date molasses).

Evening: Stay in Diriyah for blue‑hour photos, then dine at Matal—a scenic spot serving elevated Saudi‑Gulf flavors with terrace views back to Turaif. If you’re in the mood for Japanese, book ROKA back in the city for robata‑grilled black cod and wagyu with yuzu kosho.

Day 4: KAFD Architecture, Contemporary Art, and Via Riyadh

Morning: Explore the King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD): futuristic bridges, faceted towers, and public art make for striking photos. Coffee at Camel Step (single‑origin pour‑over) or Overdose (signature Spanish latte).

Afternoon: Head to JAX District in Diriyah’s creative quarter—warehouse galleries, pop‑ups, and the Diriyah Biennale (when in season) spotlight regional artists. If exhibitions are quiet, visit the Saudi Museum of Contemporary Art (SAMoCA) when programming is on. Lunch nearby at Somewhere (Levant‑inspired comfort food with a modern twist) or return toward Olaya for Il Baretto (Italian—veal Milanese, tiramisu) if you crave pasta.

Evening: Dress up for Via Riyadh, a luxe complex with boutiques, a premium cinema, and destination dining. Book Spago by Wolfgang Puck for wood‑oven pizzas and handmade pastas or opt for Cipriani for Venetian classics. Mocktails are inventive—ask for citrus‑herb mixes—and desserts shine (think date sticky toffee or pistachio semifreddo).

Day 5: Edge of the World Desert Adventure

Today is a desert day trip—plan 6–8 hours with a reputable 4x4 operator. The Edge of the World (Jebel Fihrayn) lies about 90 km northwest: a dramatic cliff overlooking a fossil‑studded plain. Typical tours cost ~350–650 SAR per person, include transfers and a simple BBQ, and time arrival for golden‑hour photos. Wear sturdy shoes, bring a hat, a light jacket (windy on the rim), and at least 1.5L of water per person. If you prefer adrenaline, swap in the Red Sand Dunes (Thumamah) for ATV rides and dune bashing.

Back in town, keep dinner easy: Urth Caffé (salads, pastas, organic teas), Ritage by Maroun Chedid (Levant cuisine with flair), or a quick bite at Mama Noura. Early night recommended after the sun and sand.

Day 6: Family Day, Parks, and Riyadh Season (Winter)

Morning: If traveling with kids, visit the refreshed Riyadh Zoo (interactive zones; check feeding times) or the indoor Snow City for toboggans and play in summer heat. Coffee and breakfast: Brew92 (signature V60s, excellent croissants) or Eggsactly for shakshuka and egg plates.

Afternoon: Stroll or boat at Salam Park, a local favorite with lawns and a lake. Alternatively, head to Riyadh Park Mall for shopping plus the Museum of Illusions (fun photo ops). Lunch at Hualan (contemporary Chinese: dim sum, Peking duck) or Section B for great smashed burgers.

Evening: If you’re here between roughly November and March, dive into Boulevard Riyadh City and other Riyadh Season zones for live shows, street performances, and themed areas. Year‑round alternative: the U Walk promenade for people‑watching and cafés. Dinner choices: Sumosan (modern Japanese; miso cod and truffle rolls) or Shababik (Lebanese grills, mezzes, and warm bread).

Day 7: A Slow Farewell—Brunch, Souvenirs, and One Last View

Morning: Treat yourself to the famed brunch at Al Orjouan (The Ritz‑Carlton Riyadh)—lavish spreads of Middle Eastern and international favorites with impeccable service. Or choose a lighter breakfast at Le Grenier à Pain (buttery viennoiserie).

Afternoon: Return to your favorite spot for a last wander—perhaps Wadi Hanifah’s shaded walks. For souvenirs, circle back to Souq Al Zal for oud chips, dallah coffee pots, woven sadu textiles, and incense burners. Pack up and ride‑hail to RUH, budgeting 1 hour for traffic and security.

Evening: If your flight is later, squeeze in one more view—sunset reflections from the base of Kingdom Centre or mocktails at a polished hotel lounge. Say ma’a salama to Riyadh—until next time.

Neighborhoods and Hotel Ideas (use the links above to compare and book)

• Olaya/Kingdom Centre: Central, walkable to towers and malls; great for first‑timers.
• Diplomatic Quarter (DQ): Green, landscaped, and relaxed; cafés and parks; quick reach to Diriyah.
• KAFD: Futuristic vibe and dramatic architecture; easy access to high‑end dining.
• Near Diriyah: Quieter nights and quick access to At‑Turaif and Bujairi Terrace.

Getting Around and Tips

• Transport: Ride‑hailing is reliable; hotels can arrange drivers for half‑day and day trips.
• Climate: Peak heat May–September (mid‑40s°C). Sightsee early/late and plan indoor midday breaks.
• Etiquette: Modest dress, especially in heritage and family areas. Expect brief prayer‑time pauses.
• Money: Currency is SAR; cards and Apple/Google Pay widely accepted.
• Connectivity: eSIMs are easy at the airport; mobile data is fast and affordable.

Before you go: Lock in your stay and flights early during winter festivals and school holidays:

• Search Riyadh hotels (Hotels.com)
• Find Riyadh apartments (VRBO)
• Compare flights (Trip.com)
• Compare flights (Kiwi.com)

In one week, you’ll trace the arc of Saudi history from At‑Turaif’s adobe alleys to a modern skyline viewed from a glass bridge, with desert horizons in between. Riyadh rewards curiosity—come hungry for stories, scenery, and Saudi flavors you’ll talk about long after wheels‑up.