Exploring Riyadh, Saudi Arabia for 3 Days

Riyadh, the capital of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, is a hub of finance and governance, boasting a population of 7.5 million, over 4,000 mosques, and more than 100 foreign embassies, banks, and businesses. Once described as “a stuffy administrative capital in the Najd desert”, a common critique of capital cities, Riyadh has transformed significantly since the launch of Vision 2030 by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in 2016. This initiative aims to diversify the economy and boost investment in tourism and entertainment, reshaping the city’s identity.

In 2019, e-visas for Saudi Arabia became widely accessible, and Saudi Seasons—extended festivals celebrating sports, music, and culture—were inaugurated in 11 cities throughout the kingdom. The recent Riyadh Season, running from October 2022 to January 2023, showcased spectacular MDLBeast concerts featuring international stars like Steve Aoki, David Guetta, and Jason Derulo, alongside events such as Filipino Week and various circus performances. Riyadh has swiftly evolved into a vibrant leisure destination and a cultural and culinary hub where men and women can now interact publicly, a significant change from previous norms.

Visitors arriving in Riyadh for business, leisure, or as a stopover to Jeddah, AlUla, or other nearby locations will discover plenty to occupy them during their three-day stay. Here’s my recent travel itinerary from Dubai:

Important to Know Before You Travel: guidelines and cultural norms for visiting Saudi Arabia

Accommodations in Riyadh

I stayed at the Hilton Garden Inn, an affordable option starting at $106 per night. It’s just a 15-minute walk to the King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD) and about a 10-minute drive to Al Olaya, Riyadh’s commercial hub. The rooms were spacious, clean, and bright, and the on-site restaurant, Together and Co., offered a lovely outdoor patio with a breakfast menu featuring local specialties. This hotel caters primarily to business travelers, equipped with an indoor pool, although it lacks a spa, making it a great value for the price.

For a more opulent and conveniently located experience, consider the Four Seasons in Al Olaya. This hotel is housed in the iconic Kingdom Centre, a striking 99-story skyscraper, surrounded by luxury shopping options and affordable dining. The hotel’s all-day dining venue, Elements, serves a range of exquisite dishes from Chinese, Japanese, Indian, to Middle Eastern cuisines. Alternatively, you can enjoy a meal on the Sky Bridge of Kingdom Centre, soaring nearly 1,000 feet above the city.

Steeped in history, the Ritz-Carlton Riyadh was initially constructed as a royal palace and a venue for hosting distinguished visitors. Since 2011, it has been operated as a lavish hotel featuring 492 rooms across 52 acres. Even if you don't stay here, the hotel's artwork is worth the visit—just gaze up at the frescoed ceiling resembling the sky in the lobby and admire the intricate mosaic tile designs beneath your feet.

Dining in Riyadh

For delicious shawarma, head to renowned spots like Mama Noura and Shawarma House. However, for a unique experience, Najd Village is a must-visit. The restaurant offers an extensive menu featuring dishes from Nadj, the fertile central highland region of Saudi Arabia, including jareesh, a beloved wheat porridge recently recognized as the country’s national dish, and kabsa, a classic Arabic dish of chicken and rice. Bring friends and order the Village Sofra, a “sampler platter” showcasing more than 10 traditional dishes served in beautifully hand-painted enamel bowls. Take your time to relax on the floor mats and pillows while admiring the historic artifacts that adorn Najd Village.

In addition to Najd Village, be sure to visit U Walk, an outdoor dining and shopping area located about a 15-minute stroll from KAFD. Khaneen specializes in comforting Kuwaiti cuisine, offering popular dishes like machboos, a saffron rice dish paired with spiced meats, and murabyan, rice topped with tomato gravy and sautéed shrimp.

Coffee enthusiasts will love Elixir Bunn Coffee Roasters, known for its exceptional specialty coffee. With four locations around the city, you’re likely to find one nearby. Don’t miss the “coffee of the day”—made from meticulously sourced organic beans roasted in-house, even their simple pour-overs are remarkable for their quality and flavor.

Searching for a gift? Check out Bateel, a gourmet date brand offering some of the finest dates I’ve ever tasted, along with indulgent date spreads and syrups known as dhibs.

Activities in Riyadh

For those eager to learn about Saudi Arabia’s history, the Masmak Fortress is an essential destination. Constructed in the late 1800s, this clay and mud-brick fort was the site from which Abdulaziz Al Saud launched his campaign to unify and establish the modern Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Visitors can explore ancient military watchtowers, spacious courtyards, winding labyrinths, and a beautifully designed mosque.

Another historically significant and visually captivating site is the Murabba Palace, which served as the residence and court of King Abdulaziz. Built in traditional Najdean-style architecture, it features a central courtyard and geometric designs crafted from local stones and bricks. This makes it an excellent destination for families and solo travelers to explore.

A final highlight of my architectural tour is the Al Rajhi Grand Mosque, the largest mosque in Riyadh, accommodating up to 20,500 worshippers. While it is only accessible to those of the Islamic faith, its stunning orange glow at night is truly impressive. As I was preparing to head to the airport, I struck up a conversation with some miswak vendors outside the mosque, and through them, I met Saud, an engaged member of the faith community who eagerly shared insights about their religion and customs.

These historic sites stand in stark contrast to KAFD, which boasts impressive skyscrapers and LEED-certified mixed-use developments. I thoroughly enjoyed KAFD’s “Rooftop Nights,” a series of Friday dinner clubs featuring renowned chefs and pop-up dining experiences (think Arab pitmasters and Balkan evenings). I attended an event hosted by Ugly Noodles, a famous Hong Kong street food pop-up, adding a delightful touch of Asian culture to the Middle Eastern landscape.

Traveling to Riyadh

Emirates offers multiple daily flights between Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport and Dubai International Airport. For travelers coming from Doha or Jeddah, Saudia (formerly known as Saudi Arabian Airlines) is a convenient option. The flight time between cities is relatively short—around two hours—with fares starting at approximately $100 on low-cost Saudi airlines like Flynas. A preapproved visa is required for entry; I received mine approved within 24 hours at a cost of about $150.