Riyadh Saudi Arabia 3 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Exploring the Heart of Riyadh

Morning:

  • Check-in at your hotel (I recommend Ritz-Carlton Riyadh or InterContinental Riyadh - both centrally located and offer luxury accommodations).
  • Breakfast at the hotel or at a local café like Al Bawadi Restaurant, known for its Arabic breakfast.

Afternoon:

  • Visit Al Faisaliah Center: Tour the iconic skyscraper, enjoy panoramic views from the observation deck (The View at King Fahd’s Fountain), and shop in the high-end mall.
  • Lunch at Al Bujairy Souq: Try traditional Saudi dishes like Machboos (rice with meat or fish) and Kabsa in one of the many eateries.

Evening:

  • Visit Murabba Palace: Learn about Saudi history in this beautiful palace turned museum.
  • Dinner at Al Bustan Center for Gourment & Fashion: Choose from a variety of international cuisines at restaurants like Texas Roadhouse, P.F. Chang’s, or The Cheesecake Factory.

Things to Know:

  • Riyadh operates under a strict dress code, and women are required to wear an Abaya (black robe) in public places.
  • Friday is the holy day of prayer for Muslims; many businesses may close early or be closed altogether.

Day 2: Cultural Immersion

Morning:

  • Visit Masmak Fort: Explore this historic fort and learn about Ibn Saud, the founder of modern Saudi Arabia.
  • Breakfast at a local café like Al Balad Bakery in the Old Town (Al-Diriyah).

Afternoon:

  • Visit Ad-Deer’ah: Wander through the ancient mud-built houses, mosques, and museums to understand the rich history of Riyadh.
  • Lunch at a local restaurant in Al-Diriyah.

Evening:

  • Visit Kingdom Centre Park: Enjoy a relaxing evening at this beautiful park with fountains, playgrounds, and a stunning view of the Kingdom Tower.
  • Dinner at Al Faisaliah Hotel’s Rotisserie, offering a variety of international cuisines with a breathtaking view.

Day 3: Modern Riyadh & Departure

Morning:

  • Visit King Abdulaziz Public Library: One of the largest libraries in the world, it’s a must-see for book lovers.
  • Breakfast at your hotel or at a local café.

Afternoon:

  • Shopping at Mall of Saudi: Experience the latest shopping trends and entertainment options in this massive mall.
  • Lunch at one of the many restaurants inside the mall.

Evening:

  • Departure preparations and check-out from your hotel.
  • Farewell dinner at a local restaurant, perhaps revisiting a favorite spot from your trip.

Transportation:

  • Taxi is the most common mode of transportation in Riyadh. Download Careem or Uber for easy bookings.
  • Some attractions offer complimentary shuttle services, so check before you visit.
  • Consider renting a car if you’re comfortable driving in Saudi Arabia.