Saudi Arabia · City Guide
Riyadh
Riyadh is the capital of Saudi Arabia and the country's most rapidly transforming city, a vast desert metropolis combining the historic mud-brick city of Diriyah, the iconic Kingdom Centre Tower, an outstanding contemporary art and museum scene driven by Vision 2030, excellent restaurants in the regenerated Boulevard World and Diriyah districts and a glimpse of one of the most consequential social transformations underway anywhere in the world. From the National Museum to the Edge of the World escarpment, Riyadh rewards curious visitors with genuine surprises.
Elect's take
"Riyadh is changing faster than almost any city I have visited and the pace of that change is itself one of the most fascinating things about visiting. The combination of Diriyah's historic mud-brick architecture, the new museum and arts scene and the dramatic desert landscapes surrounding the city creates a destination of real and growing substance."
Diriyah, the ancient birthplace of the Saudi state and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has been beautifully restored as At-Turaif, a mud-brick citadel of remarkable architectural character now surrounded by outstanding restaurants and cultural venues as part of one of the region's largest heritage regeneration projects. The Kingdom Centre Tower's Sky Bridge provides spectacular views across the rapidly growing skyline. The National Museum of Saudi Arabia provides an excellent introduction to the country's history, geography and culture. The Edge of the World, a dramatic escarpment approximately 90 minutes from the city, provides one of the most striking desert landscapes in Arabia. The Riyadh restaurant scene has expanded enormously with outstanding new openings across Diriyah and Boulevard World.
Best time to visit
How to get there
What to expect
Diriyah (At-Turaif)
A UNESCO World Heritage mud-brick citadel, the birthplace of the Saudi state, beautifully restored.
Kingdom Centre Tower
Riyadh's iconic skyscraper with a spectacular Sky Bridge observation deck.
National Museum of Saudi Arabia
An excellent introduction to Saudi history, geography and culture.
Edge of the World
A dramatic desert escarpment approximately 90 minutes from the city with extraordinary views.
Boulevard World
A rapidly growing entertainment and dining district reflecting Riyadh's transformation.
Vision 2030 Transformation
A glimpse of one of the most consequential social and cultural transformations underway anywhere.
