As the capital city of Saudi Arabia, Riyadh and is becoming a popular travel destination. In Riyadh, you will find historical sites, modern architecture, red dunes, delicious food, and a unique shopping experience. When it comes to outdoor adventure, a desert tour is a must.
Riyadh is growing rapidly with new parks, museums and entertainment spots. In the city, you will find a blend of traditional culture and a modern lifestyle. You can arrive in the city by air at the King Khalid International Airport. You can book tickets with Saudi Arabia’s low-cost airline, Flynas. The airline serves more than 70 domestic and international destinations. If you are travelling within the country, then you can reach Riyadh by train and by road.
Summers in the city can get too hot to travel. The best time to visit the city is from November to March when the weather is mild and pleasant. While travelling, you will experience comfortable temperatures.
You will find many accommodation options in the city. Popular areas are Al Malaz, known for family-friendly hotels and parks, Olaya District, the city’s business and shopping hub, King Abdullah Road Area, known for modern hotels and closeness to top attractions and Diplomatic Quarter, known for its green parks and is best for extended stays.
Desert treks in Riyadh
Red dunes tour
A tour to the red dunes offers a combination of scenic beauty and excitement. You can get stunning views of the sunset over the desert and take part in activities like sandboarding, dune-bashing, quad biking and camel rides.
The tour starts from an accessible central location in Riyadh and is approximately 6 hours long. On the trip, the guests are offered Arabic tea, coffee, snacks and dinner. Sandboarding gives you a chance to slide down the dunes, whereas a camel ride can be more relaxed. In dune-bashing, an experienced driver provides a roller coaster ride over the red dunes, which can be bumpy and thrilling. Skilled guides help you navigate the terrain on quad bikes.
Desert camp experience
A desert camp experience offers a glimpse of the Bedouin customs and hospitality, and desert survival skills. The tour gives you cultural insights and combines adventure and relaxation. However, the camp is dependent on the weather conditions. It requires clear skies and good weather conditions.
The duration of the camp is 6 hours and starts from a central point in Riyadh. The camp involves activities such as sipping traditional Arabian coffee accompanied by dates and storytelling. You can get stunning views of the desert, which are perfect for photography. Those interested in adventure and thrill can do sandboarding. Guests are offered a full Bedouni feast. At night, you can observe the night sky.
Top attractions in Riyadh city
Al Masmak Fortress
It is a clay and mud brick structure in the Al Dirah neighbourhood. It is a symbol of Saudi unification, and visitors learn about the battle that led to the formation of modern Saudi Arabia. Here you can explore the towers, walls and exhibits. It is a perfect example of preserved traditional architecture.
Souq Al Zal
It is one of the oldest markets with 100 years of history. It is famous for old coins, rare utensils, antiques, musical instruments, vintage record players and more. When you walk through the alleyways, you can hear the voices of the vendors and auctioneers. The authentic old-world atmosphere makes you feel like you are in the past.
Murabba Palace and Darah
The majestic palace was built by King Abdulaziz and reflects the traditional architecture. One of the important places to visit is the Darah – King Abdulaziz Foundation for Research and Archives. Here you will learn about geography, history, literature and heritage of the Kingdom. Visiting this place will give you a better understanding of the founding father of Saudi Arabia.
King Abdulaziz Historical Centre and National Museum
It is also called the Saudi National Museum and covers an area of 1700 km². It showcases over 3,700 artefacts which include scripts, sculptures and statues. There are displays covering prehistoric times, modern history and space exploration.
Diriyah and Wadi Hanifah
Diriyah has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and Wadi Hanifah is a scenic valley. In Diriyah, you will find historic ruins and mud-brick structures. Wadi Hanifah is a scenic valley within the desert and is popular for picnics and walks. You can get beautiful views of the desert.
Next time you decide to visit Riyadh, do not forget to include the desert treks and top attractions in your itinerary. The most convenient way to travel in the city is through a taxi ride-hailing app. Visit the markets, historical sites, attend the performances in the museums, and opt for a day-trip to the desert to get unique experiences.
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