Top attractions to visit while in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. And how to reach them.

Riyadh getting around

The most popular mode of public transportation in Riyadh is the metro. Second most popular option for public transportation is the bus. Taxis and ride-hailing apps such as Careem and Uber are also readily available in Riyadh.

Getting from the Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport to the city centre

Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport (RUH) is located about 35km (22 miles) north of the city center. There are several transportation options available for getting to and from the airport, including:

Taxi: Taxis are readily available at the airport and are a convenient option for getting to the city center. The fare for a taxi ride from the airport to the city center is around SAR 80-100 (Saudi Riyal). The duration of the trip is about 45 minutes to 1 hour, depending on traffic.
Airport Shuttle: Airport shuttles are available and run frequently from the airport to various locations in the city. The fare for an airport shuttle is around SAR 25-30 (Saudi Riyal) per person and the duration of the trip is about 1 hour.
Car Rental: Car rental services are available at the airport, which allows you to rent a car and drive to the city center. This option gives you more flexibility and control over your schedule, but it does require a valid driver's license and credit card.
Public transport: The metro is not available yet at the airport, but there are several bus routes that connect the airport with the city center. The fare for a bus ride is around SAR 15-20 (Saudi Riyal) per person and the duration of the trip is around 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Prices mentioned above are subject to change and it's always best to check the official websites or at the stations themselves for the most recent information. Also, it's good to note that the prices might vary depending on the time of the day, and the traffic.

Top 5 places to see in Riyadh

Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, is a bustling city that offers a variety of attractions to see and do for visitors. With its modern skyscrapers, historical landmarks, and natural beauty, Riyadh is a destination that has something for everyone.

Masmak Fortress

One of the top tourist attractions in Riyadh is the Masmak Fortress, a historic castle that dates back to the 19th century. This fortress played an important role in the city's history and is considered a symbol of the city's heritage. Visitors can take a tour of the fortress and learn about its history and significance.

The Masmak Fortress history

It dates back to the 19th century and played an important role in the city's history. The fortress is considered a symbol of the city's heritage and is now open to visitors as a museum.

The fortress was originally built in 1865 by the local ruler, Amir Muhammad ibn 'Abd al-Rahman, and was used as a palace and a defensive structure. In 1902, the fortress was captured by the Al Saud family. Led by Abdulaziz bin Abdul Rahman Al Saud, during a major battle that marked the start of the Saudi state. The fortress played a significant role in the unification of the country and the establishment of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The fortress has been restored and converted into a museum, which displays artifacts and exhibits that illustrate the history and culture of the region. Visitors can take a tour of the fortress and see the various rooms and courtyards, including the main entrance, the reception hall, and the watchtower. The fortress also has a small traditional souk (market) where visitors can buy traditional crafts and souvenirs.

The Masmak Fortress opening hours

The Masmak Fortress is open to the public from Saturday to Thursday from 8:00 am to 12:00 pm and 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm, on Friday from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

Getting to The Masmak Fortress

The fortress is located in the center of Riyadh, near the Deira district and the old city center. It's easily accessible by public transportation, and there is a parking lot nearby. The nearest metro station to the Masmak Fortress is the "Al-Bathaa" station, which is on the blue line. The station is located about 10-15 minutes walking distance from the fortress.

Another option for public transportation is the bus. Several bus routes pass near the Masmak Fortress, , including routes numbers: 11, 18, 20, 24, 25, 29, 33, 34, 38, 39, 44, 52, 55, 60, 62, 63, 66, 70, 71, 72, 78, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91, 96, 97, 98, 99, and 105.

The Kingdom Centre, a skyscraper

Another must-see attraction in Riyadh is the Kingdom Centre, a skyscraper that offers spectacular views of the city from its observation deck. The Kingdom Centre, also known as Al-Murabba Tower, is a skyscraper located in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. It is the third tallest building in the city and the tenth tallest in the country. The building stands at a height of 302 meters (990 feet) and has 52 floors.

The Kingdom Centre was completed in 2002 and was designed by the American architectural firm, Ellerbe Becket. The building's unique design features a hole at the top of the tower, which gives it a distinctive appearance and has led to it being referred to as the "bottle opener" building.

The building is primarily used for office space, but it also includes a shopping mall, residential apartments, and a Four Seasons hotel. The observation deck on the 42nd floor offers panoramic views of the city and is a popular tourist attraction. The tower also features a fitness center, a swimming pool, and a spa.

The building's unique design and location make it a popular destination for visitors and locals alike. It's a good representation of the modernization of Riyadh, and the blending of western architecture with traditional Islamic design principles.

Getting to the The Kingdom Centre skyscraper in Riyadh

The Kingdom Centre is located in the Al-Murabba district of Riyadh, which is considered one of the most upscale areas of the city. The building is located close to major highways and is easily accessible by public transport.

The nearest metro station to the Kingdom Centre is "Olaya" station which is on the red line. The station is located about 5 minutes walking distance from the tower.

Several bus routes pass near the Kingdom Centre, including routes numbers: 11, 18, 20, 24, 25, 29, 33, 34, 38, 39, 44, 52, 55, 60, 62, 63, 66, 70, 71, 72, 78, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91, 96, 97, 98, 99 and 105.

Openning hours and price to visit the Kingdom Centre Skyscraper in Riyadh

Visiting the Kingdom Centre skyscraper in Riyadh does not require advance booking. However, the observation deck on the 42nd floor which offers panoramic views of the city is a popular tourist attraction, so it may be crowded at certain times of the day. Visitors can purchase tickets for the observation deck at the ticket booth located on the ground floor of the building. The cost of the tickets is not very high, and it's usually around SAR 20-30 (Saudi Riyal) per person.

It's worth noting that the observation deck is closed on weekends and public holidays, so it's best to plan your visit accordingly. The Kingdom Centre is open to the public from 10:00 am to 10:00 pm. The last admission to the observation deck is at 9:30 pm. Overall, it's not necessary to book ahead for visiting the Kingdom Centre, but it's always good to check the schedule and opening hours of the observation deck and plan your visit accordingly.

King Salman Park

For those looking to experience some of Riyadh's natural beauty, the King Salman Park is a great option. This park offers a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city, with its lush gardens, lakes, and walking trails. Visitors can also enjoy a variety of recreational activities, such as boating and horseback riding.

The nearest metro stations to the King Salman Park are "Nassim" and "Qasr Al Hokm" station, which are both on the Red Line. The Nassim station is located about 10 minutes walking distance from the park, while the Qasr Al Hokm station is located about 15 minutes walking distance. Several bus routes that pass near the park too.

National Museum of Saudi Arabia

For culture enthusiasts, the National Museum of Saudi Arabia is a must-visit. This museum showcases the rich history and culture of the country, with exhibits on traditional crafts, artifacts, and manuscripts.

The nearest metro station to the National Museum of Saudi Arabia is "Olaya" station, which is on the Red Line. The station is located about 20-25 minutes walking distance from the museum. It's also good to know that there are several bus routes that pass near the museum.

Souk Al-Thumairi

For those looking for a unique shopping experience, the Souk Al-Thumairi is a traditional market that offers a wide range of local products, including textiles, spices, and traditional crafts. Visitors can also sample local street food and enjoy live entertainment.

In conclusion, Riyadh is a city that offers a diverse range of experiences for visitors. From its historical landmarks, to its natural beauty, and from its modern skyscrapers to its traditional markets, Riyadh has something to offer for everyone.