Things to do in Riyadh and around
From the historic centre and At-Turaif in Diriyah to the escarpment at Edge of the World and day trips out to Shaqra and Ushaiger, Riyadh rewards visitors with excursions for every kind of trip.
Signature experiences
The excursions that define a first trip to Riyadh — Masmak Fortress and Deera Square, a walk through At-Turaif District, and the view from Edge of the World.
Airport transfers
Private and shared rides between King Khalid International Airport (RUH) and Riyadh hotels, including lounge access.
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Edge of the World tours
Day and sunset trips to the Jebel Fihrayn cliffs, usually paired with Sadus or Huraymila on the way back.
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Red sand desert tours
Dune drives and photo stops on the red sand tracks outside Riyadh, often combined with a desert camp.
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Shaqra and Ushaiger villages
Mudbrick village tours to Ushaiger and Shaqra, with stops in Al Qasab for old Najdi architecture.
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Al-Qassim day trips
Long day trips from Riyadh to Buraydah and Unaizah, covering the Qassim region's farms and old town streets.
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Diriyah heritage tours
Guided visits to At-Turaif and Al Bujairi Terrace, the mudbrick birthplace of the Saudi state.
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Desert safaris and dune bashing
4x4 dune bashing trips outside Riyadh, often ending with a sunset dinner set up in the desert.
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Quad and ATV desert rides
Self-drive quad, ATV and UTV rides on the desert dunes near Riyadh, with instruction included.
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Camel and horse rides
Camel rides and horseback outings on the desert edges around Riyadh, usually short guided sessions.
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Hiking and nature reserves
Trail walks through Wadi Hanifa, Tuwaiq escarpment reserves and sites known for falcons and owl caves.
2 guides Cycling tours
Guided bike rides through Riyadh's boulevards and wadis, from easy city routes to desert-edge trails.
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Museums and culture
Visits to Riyadh's museums, including the King Abdulaziz Historical Center and the KAPSARC library.
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Modern Riyadh architecture
Skyline tours past Kingdom Centre, KAFD and Al Faisaliah, plus walks through Boulevard City.
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Theme parks and entertainment
Tickets and transfers to Qiddiya, Six Flags, Aquarabia and Snow City for a day away from the desert.
4 guides Stargazing and desert camping
Night drives into the desert for stargazing and overnight camping away from Riyadh's city lights.
0 guides Cooking workshops
Hands-on Saudi cooking classes in Riyadh, covering Najdi dishes and traditional coffee and dates.
0 guides Adventure sports
Paragliding and other adrenaline activities that take advantage of the cliffs and open desert around Riyadh.
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Private and VIP tours
Chauffeured private tours of Riyadh and Diriyah with a customizable itinerary and dedicated guide.
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Multi-day tours from Riyadh
Multi-day itineraries linking Riyadh with Diriyah, Al-Qassim and the desert over several days on the road.
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Riyadh city and heritage tours
Half and full-day city tours covering Masmak Fortress, Old Riyadh souqs and the main landmarks.
5 guidesMore ways to experience the region
Specialist interests and practical planning - photo sessions, water sports, seasonal timing, and the comparisons every first-time visitor searches for.
Trip planning guides
Practical guides for building a Riyadh itinerary, from how many days to spend to what to visit first.
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Comparison guides
Side-by-side guides weighing Riyadh's tours and neighborhoods against each other before you book.
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Seasonal travel guides
Guides to visiting Riyadh by season, covering summer heat, Ramadan timing and cooler months outdoors.
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Getting around Riyadh
Guides to Riyadh Metro, taxis, Uber and Careem, and getting between the airport and the city.
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Family travel guides
Guides for visiting Riyadh with children, from theme parks to easier heritage stops for families.
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Accessibility guides
Guides on getting around Riyadh's sites and transport with mobility needs in mind.
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Budget travel guides
Guides to seeing Riyadh on a budget, from free heritage sites to cheaper ways to reach the desert.
3 guidesBrowse by destination
Tours and activities organised by where you're headed — the best of each city and region.
Good to know about things to do in Riyadh
Riyadh's activities range from an afternoon at a heritage site to a full day in the desert. Camel rides and desert camps circle the Red Sand Dunes west of the city, while Boulevard City and Boulevard World light up during Riyadh Season, roughly October to March. Day trips to Diriyah add At-Turaif District and Al Bujairi Terrace to the itinerary. Desert camps drift into the evening around Riyadh at sunset, and trips to the Red Sand Dunes or overnight camps make for a change of pace from the city.
Quad and sandboarding outings reach the Red Sand Dunes west of Riyadh, and cultural stops include the fort and souq of Al Dirah, the Murabba Palace and National Museum, and the restored streets of Ushaiger Heritage Village. Rounding out the list are the Kingdom Centre Sky Bridge's city views, a stroll along Wadi Hanifa, Souq Al Zal's traditional wares, and a longer excursion to Al-Qassim.
Frequently asked questions about things to do in Riyadh
What does a typical Diriyah tour include?
A visit to At-Turaif District and usually a stop at Al Bujairi Terrace across the wadi — it's easily filled into a full day.
When are sandstorms most likely in Riyadh?
Sandstorms are most likely between March and May, so it's worth checking conditions before planning a desert day trip.
Are quad and dune outings suitable for families?
Most operators offer both driver and passenger seats, so families can join, though some routes are bumpier than others.
What is Ushaiger Heritage Village?
A restored heritage village known for its mud-brick architecture and palm gardens, in the desert northwest of Riyadh near Shaqra.
Do I need to book tours in advance?
Popular sites like At-Turaif District can draw crowds in high season, so booking a few days ahead is worth it.
Riyadh city and heritage tours on GetYourGuide
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