Riyadh has changed faster than perhaps any capital city in the world over the past several years, opening to international tourism, expanding entertainment and cultural offerings, and building an ambitious new skyline, all while preserving Diriyah, the mudbrick birthplace of the Saudi state, as a centrepiece heritage site now being restored as a major cultural district.
Diriyah and Old Riyadh
At-Turaif, the historic mudbrick heart of Diriyah and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was the first capital of the Saudi royal family in the 18th century, extensively restored in recent years, its earthen architecture and narrow lanes now host museums, restaurants, and cultural events within walking distance of the original palace ruins.
The National Museum of Saudi Arabia, in central Riyadh, gives a comprehensive overview of the peninsula's history from pre-Islamic times through the modern kingdom's founding, an essential stop for context before exploring the rest of the city.
The New Riyadh
The Kingdom Centre Tower's Sky Bridge, connecting the two upper sections of the distinctive inverted-arch skyscraper, offers panoramic views across the rapidly expanding city skyline, a striking contrast to Diriyah's mudbrick walls just a short drive away.
Riyadh's entertainment and dining scene has expanded dramatically in recent years, with new concert venues, restaurants, and cultural events reflecting the kingdom's broader push to diversify beyond oil and open more fully to both domestic and international visitors.
Recommended Stay · Riyadh · Diplomatic Quarter
The Ritz-Carlton, Riyadh
A palatial hotel set in landscaped gardens within Riyadh's Diplomatic Quarter, with ornate interiors reflecting traditional Arabian design at a grand scale.
