A Guide To Riyadh For First Time Visitors

Riyadh- The capital city of Saudi Arabia, and it has cultural ecstasy and a modern lifestyle that is welcoming towards global citizens. Ranked as the sixth most visited Middle Eastern city and 49th across the world giving cultural and luxurious hospitality to its visitors. The city holds the cultural, political, and economic significance of the country.

As a part of Vision 2030, Riyadh underwent many infrastructural changes to receive tourists across the world. King Salman Park, expected to open in 2024 is claimed as the largest urban park in the world, along with other major attractions like Kingdom Centre Tower, National Museum, Diriyah Historic Fort, and Heet Cave can be visited in Riyadh.

The blog will serve as a guide to Riyadh for the first visitors and all others planning to visit the city. Scroll down to find the major attractions in Riyadh tours, accommodation facilities, transportation, cultural norms, and tips for your Saudi Arabia tours.

Getting To Riyadh

As a blog on Riyadh travel guide, it's important to explain the ways to get to the country.

King Khalid International Airport

The airport is situated thirty-five kilometers North of the city of Riyadh and is connected to all major cities of the world through domestic and international services. Multi-cuisine restaurants and lounges at terminals, sim card availability, banks offering currency exchange services, luggage storage, car rental, and airport taxi facilities are offered to the passengers. Uber, Careem, Satco, Bolt, Swift, etc. provide 24x7 service at terminals and the airport will be connected to newly opening metro services which will help to reach the city center faster.

Requirements For Entry

Everyone other than GCC resident permit holders and citizens needs a valid Visa to enter. A 1-year valid E-Visa can be applied through the official website of Saudi Arabia. “Visa on arrival” is available at airports for US, UK, and Schengen resident visa or business visa holders. Tourist Visa allows ninety days to stay in the country. Al- Tanfeethi membership will help the executives for faster immigration clearance

Where To Stay In Riyadh

Neighbourhood Overview of Riyadh

A variety of lively and varied districts are available in Riyadh to accommodate the tastes of any visitor. Riyadh provides everything you could possibly want, including opulent lodging, immersive culture, and a vibrant atmosphere.

Olaya District for shopping and nightlife

Olaya is a busy business area with a thriving nightlife, upscale retail centers, and a variety of restaurants. Savor the ease of lodging in one of Riyadh's most vibrant areas while taking in the city's excitement

Historic Diriyah for a cultural stay

Diriyah is a World Heritage Site designated by UNESCO and the cradle of the Saudi Kingdom. Indulge yourself in the rich heritage and architecture of these historical surroundings, wander among the typical mud-brick structures, and explore the historic landmarks.

Luxurious and Budget Friendly Hotels

Riyadh's hospitality sector is nothing short of extraordinary, with a variety of exquisite options to suit any preference. Located in some of the most recognizable structures in the city, the Four Seasons Riyadh, the Mandarin Oriental at Al Faisaliah, and The Ritz-Carlton provide visitors with luxurious accommodations and flawless service.

Sheraton Riyadh Hotel and Towers, Crowne Plaza Riyadh Palace, and Joudhyan Hotel are considered as best budget-friendly stays available in the city centers. Most of these offer free and good WiFi connections, and free breakfast options to customers.

Must- Visit Attractions

Cultural Landmarks

Masmak Fortress- The UNESCO site at Ad-Dirah displays the rich heritage and history of Saudi Arabia. It was built on mud and clay with features of traditional Najd architecture and has played a significant role in the unification of the country. Saturday to Thursday it is open to the public from 8 AM to 9 PM.

National Museum of Saudi Arabia- Situated inside King Abdulaziz Historical Centre with eight interactive exhibition halls revealing ancient artifacts and historic relics.

Modern Marvels

Kingdom Centre Tower- The Sky Bridge at the center gives a spectacular view of the city and sunset.

Al Faisaliah Tower- Hub of luxury shopping and fine dining restaurant options to casual diverse cuisine offering places.

Natural Wonders

Edgeofthe World Tour Riyadh - Paragliding over the endless desert and hiking on the rugged cliff.

Experiencing Saudi Culture

Local traditions and protocols for first-time visitors.

When greeting or shaking hands with someone, in settings or formal occasions it's customary to always use your right hand as a sign of respect and cleanliness since the left hand is traditionally viewed as unclean in many cultures and traditions.

Make sure to dress by wearing clothes that cover your shoulders and knees while avoiding revealing outfits.

Remember to take off your shoes before entering mosques or traditional Arabic tents to show respect for the place and its customs.

Exploring the Importance of Arabic Coffee and Dates

Arabic coffee is often served as a gesture of respect and hospitality with the tradition dictating that one should receive the cup with their hand.

Dates hold importance in Arabian culture and are commonly enjoyed alongside Arabic coffee symbolizing values of hospitality and generosity.

Experiences rooted in culture

Explore the atmosphere of Arabian culture by immersing yourself in the lively scenes and sounds of traditional camel markets.

Discover the art displays in your area showcasing the talent of artists from Saudi Arabia offering insight into the country's cultural legacy.

Experience culture up close, by participating in traditional festivals, like the Janadriyah Festival.

Dining In Riyadh

Traditional Cuisine :
Kabsa: the national dish of Saudi, mutabbaq, and shawarma are among the must-try dishes
Top Restaurants Offering Authentic Saudi and International Cuisine.
Suhail Arabic Restaurant - Enjoy traditional Saudi dishes in a cozy atmosphere.
Goodies Selections - Enjoy authentic Lebanese and Saudi flavors.
Morini Italian Restaurant - To indulge in authentic Italian cuisine.
Tokyo Fine Dining Japanese Restaurant - Discover an exquisite Japanese dining experience.
Best spots for street food
The bustling market of Al-Thumairi Souk offers a variety of traditional Saudi street food, including shawarma, falafel, and kebabs.
The popular Tahlia Street is lined up with food stalls and restaurants serving everything from traditional Middle Eastern dishes to modern fusion cuisine.
King Fahad Road : This busy street is known for its street food vendors, offering everything from grilled meats to traditional Saudi desserts

Shopping In Riyadh

Traditional Souks

Visit Souq Al-Zal for unique local crafts, antiques, and souvenirs.

Modern Malls

Modern malls at Riyadh Park offer indulgence in luxury shopping at Riyadh Park, featuring top international brands.

Local Markets

Explore other traditional souks like Souq Al-Thumairi and Souq Al-Ha'ir for a glimpse into local culture.

High-End Shopping

Head to Kingdom Centre, Granada Mall, or Hayat Mall for a luxurious shopping experience.

Best Time to Visit Riyadh

In summer the temperature may rise up to 45°C during the daytime and in winter, the temperature ranges between 15°C and 25°C. The best time to visit Riyadh is from November to March when the weather is cooler and the conditions are favourable for outdoor activities.

Transportation In Riyadh

Riyadh Metro

Metro is expected to open nearly by connecting the outskirts and airport region to Riyadh’s city center.

Taxi and ride-hailing apps like Uber and Careem

These ride-hailing apps offer registered taxi services inside the city for more convenient transportation.

Renting a car and road rules in Saudi Arabia.

Travelers need an International Driving Permit (IDP) for renting a car during Riyadh tours. Rent only registered vehicles and avoid traffic violations.

Riyadh does have a well-maintained transportation system. As a traveler, you can opt for a Tour Operator in Saudi Arabia for a traveling package inside the country, other than the above facilities

Tips for First-Time Visitors

Cultural Norms and Dress Code

When packing for Riyadh, prioritize comfort and modesty. For women, consider long-sleeved tops and knee-length bottoms or skirts. Loose, breathable clothing like maxi dresses can help you stay cool while respecting local customs. Additionally, be mindful of Ramadan traditions, which include refraining from public eating during the day.

Currency and Payment Methods

Saudi Riyal (SAR)is the local currency. For exchange rate reference, it's approximately SAR2 to the Hong Kong dollar. Major credit cards and mobile payments like Google Pay are widely accepted.

Emergency Contacting and Language Tips

Arabic is the native language and English is another popular language used. Even without sim cards in case of emergencies contact police on 999, ambulance on 997, and 112 for emergencies.

The vibrant capital city of Saudi Arabia offers a unique blend of historical richness, and unique cultural experiences with modern and luxurious hospitality, which gives an unforgettable experience to travelers. This blog will serve as a Riyadh travel guide for all first-time visitors. Start planning your trip to the city of Riyadh with My Saudi Arabia Tours which can offer various Riyadh packages according to your needs