Hotels in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Riyadh’s cultural sites offer a rich variety of experiences reflecting the city’s historical roots and evolving identity. One of the key cultural sites is Diriyah, the original home of the Saudi royal family, which provides insight into the country’s heritage through restored mud-brick architecture and museums.

The city also hosts several museums that showcase Saudi history, art and archaeology, offering visitors a chance to explore traditional crafts and narratives. Throughout the year, Riyadh welcomes various art festivals and cultural events that celebrate contemporary and traditional forms of expression, including music, visual arts and theatre.

These experiences are well-suited to travellers interested in understanding the cultural fabric of the region.

The modern attractions in Riyadh highlight its rapid urban development and contemporary lifestyle. Entertainment zones such as Boulevard Riyadh City provide a lively atmosphere with diverse dining, retail and leisure options.

The city also features modern art installations and public spaces that reflect a growing creative scene, blending innovation with cultural identity. In addition, several shopping districts offer a broad range of international and local brands, catering to visitors seeking a modern retail experience.

Together, these attractions illustrate a blend of tradition and modernity, offering visitors a varied selection of things to do in the city.

When visiting Riyadh, sampling local food is a part of the cultural experience. Some popular traditional dishes include, Kabsa, a rice dish often served with lamb or chicken, seasoned with a blend of spices that provide a distinctive flavour, and jareesh, made from crushed wheat cooked with meat and spices to create a hearty, comforting meal.

Dates are also an important part of Saudi cuisine and hospitality, often enjoyed fresh or used in desserts and beverages.

These dishes offer a taste of Riyadh’s culinary heritage and reflect the ingredients and cooking methods that have been used in the region for generations.

Riyadh’s desert tours provide a unique opportunity to experience the natural beauty beyond the city.

Popular desert activities in Riyadh include dune bashing, where visitors navigate the rolling sand dunes in specially equipped vehicles, and camel rides, a traditional way to traverse the desert, allowing for a slower, more scenic journey.

For those wishing to immerse themselves further, overnight desert camps provide a chance to enjoy the tranquillity of the desert environment, often accompanied by local hospitality and cultural performances.

Yes, there are several forts in and near Riyadh that can be visited to discover the area’s strategic and cultural past. The Masmak Fortress is one of the most notable, located in the heart of the city.

This mud-brick fort played a key role in the history of Saudi Arabia and now functions as a museum open to visitors, providing insights into the region’s heritage. Beyond Masmak, there are other local forts and historical sites in Riyadh and the surrounding areas, like Diriyah and the Al-Thumairi gate, showcasing traditional architecture and historical significance.

These forts offer a glimpse into Riyadh’s defensive and cultural history, making them worthwhile for those interested in exploring the city’s roots.