Joanna James
A kaleidoscopic cutting-edge mirage stranded in the raw grandeur of red-tinged desertscape, Riyadh weaves a subtle glamour over the senses and awakens an unquenchable thirst for discovery. Here's what you can't miss when visiting this legendary Saudi cityscape.
An irresistible blend of the modern and medieval, the desert-bound Capital of Saudi Arabia is full of thrills to be shared by every brand of traveller, whether they're into UNESCO-listed cultural sites, neon-blazing city luxuries, nature-kissed wildlife escapes, or tastebud-tantalising cuisine. If you're looking for an idyllic place to start your journey of unearthing Riyadh's many gems, start with an exquisite inside scoop into the existence of twentieth-century Saudi royalty. This luxuriant masterpiece of Najdi architecture adorned by lush palm-fronded courtyards and gardens has a more contemporary counterpart, the King Abdul Aziz Historical Centre, which will captivate you with intimate glimpses into the monarchical lifestyle. From featuring a 1946 Rolls Royce gifted to King Abdul Aziz by Winston Churchill to the remodelled original Royal Mosque, you'll feel entirely transported back in time in this majestic exhibition centre.
If you haven't gotten enough of old-world echoes and eventful stories, you won't have to travel much further to gape at the stunning clay Masmak Citadel. Located at the cultural heart of the city, you don't have to be a history buff to appreciate the diverse yet harmonious architecture styles that set this monumental fortress apart, not to mention the enthralling tale of its victorious conquest by an exiled prince! This beautiful piece of history is now a museum of interactive exhibits and perfectly preserved artefacts, with the Souq Al-Zal selling its jewel-toned and aromatic traditional wares right next door for some authentic souvenir shopping.
While beauty lovers will not get enough of Riyadh's culture-infused enclaves, there are also rather dizzying futuristic escapades to sample. For instance, the graceful 99-storey Kingdom Tower affords Instagram-worthy 360-degree views from its Sky Observation Bridge, especially staggering when the city dons its neon-hued night lights.
A storybook city, once a mighty Capital where two great empires clashed, Diriyah is now a surreal relic of ancient mud architecture buffeted by the sands of time. Just 20 km northwest of Riyadh city, this UNESCO-listed Heritage Site is well worth a guided tour, stopping for lunch at a quaint traditional restaurant to further stir your intrigue as you satisfy your craving for delicious local dishes.
From adrenaline-rich go-karting escapades at Dirab Motorpark to spectacular urban indulgences in the Al-Faisaliyah district, it's no secret that Riyadh is a haven that shapes out-of-the-box experiences. However, if you want to immerse your senses in some good old-fashioned Middle Eastern uniquities, head to the ambient Deerah Souq, where you can whirl in a desert storm of richly patterned carpets, gleaming antiques, regal garments, and artisan jewellery. If you're looking for sophisticated furnished apartments for rent in Riyadh, proffering prime access to city allurements, venture no further than Ascott Rafal Olaya Riyadh.
If you fell in love with the National Museum, with its timeless golden-toned façade and plentiful edutainment exhibits, the brilliant National Library, with its bizarre architectural flair and spatially mind-boggling steel-and-glass interior, cannot fail to steal your heart! Here, you can luxuriantly dip your toes in endless books or roam the vast otherworldly spaces for some aesthetic pictures.
If the seemingly endless dunescape surrounding the magnetic city beckons to you, set out on a dauntless desert tour to discover this fascinating wilderness, and experience the true Bedouin way of traversing the ever-shifting ocean of sand.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
