Riyadh Holidays

Once a desert fortress, now a booming capital – Riyadh is where ancient traditions meet glittering skylines. It’s big, bold, and buzzing with culture, luxury, and more than a few surprises.

Highlights

• Epic desert adventures – quad biking, dune bashing, and stargazing under the Milky Way

• Culture with a capital C – museums, palaces, and souks galore

• Modern city vibes – skyscrapers, shopping malls, and rooftop lounges

• Traditional meets trendy – old-school hospitality with a very 2025 edge

Getting around

Riyadh is a sprawling city, so while you can get around using taxis and ride-hailing apps like Uber and Careem, it’s worth hiring a car if you want total freedom (and air-con on demand). Public transport is on the rise, with a brand-new metro system rolling out, but it’s still limited. Main roads are modern and well signed, and traffic can get lively, so plan your journeys outside of peak hours if you can.

Things to do for families in Riyadh

Riyadh has loads to keep little travellers happy. Riyadh Zoo is a firm family fave, with exotic animals, shaded walkways, and snack stops for mid-adventure refuelling. Riyadh Season (held across winter) turns the city into one big entertainment festival with theme parks, giant slides, carnival rides and parades. For a bit of indoor fun, head to Al Nakheel Mall, which has an entire floor dedicated to arcades and soft play. Want to sneak in something cultural? Try Al Masmak Fortress, where you can explore a real-life mudbrick castle and let the kids run off some steam in the courtyard.

Things to do for couples in Riyadh

Riyadh brings the romance – desert style. Take a trip out to the Edge of the World for jaw-dropping cliffside views and a sunset you won’t forget. Want something more chill? Try a couple’s spa in a luxury hotel, followed by rooftop dining with skyline views (try The Globe for extra wow-factor). Couples can also stroll the King Abdullah Park fountains, catch a light show, or sip mocktails in one of the city’s trendy cafes. For a slice of history, wander hand-in-hand through Diriyah, the beautifully restored birthplace of the Saudi kingdom.

Things to do for groups in Riyadh

Group trip? Riyadh’s a solid shout. Hit the dunes for some off-road adventure – think sandboarding, 4x4 rides, and epic desert BBQs. Back in the city, explore the modern side with VR arcades, escape rooms, and next-level bowling alleys. Shopping your thing? Kingdom Centre and Al Faisaliah Mall both do high-end retail therapy in serious style. For something unique, book a group tour of Diriyah or the National Museum to dive into Saudi’s rich past – then balance it all out with a feast at one of Riyadh’s massive buffet restaurants (yes, there’s a whole section just for dates and desserts).

Things to do for foodies in Riyadh

Riyadh is a rising star on the foodie scene, mixing local flavour with international flair. Start local with a traditional Saudi breakfast – think ful medames, flatbreads, and honey-slathered pancakes. Head to Al Qaria Al Najdiyah for a proper Bedouin-style feast, where you eat cross-legged and everything comes with rice. The city’s full of modern Middle Eastern joints, burger bars, sushi spots, and upscale steakhouses – so you’ll never go hungry. Riyadh’s dessert game is strong too: knafeh, date cake, and Arabic ice cream are must-trys. And wherever you go, expect qahwa (Saudi coffee) – lightly roasted, spiced, and always served with a side of dates.