About Riyadh
Riyadh is the capital and largest city of Saudi Arabia. It is also the capital of the Riyadh Province and the centre of the Riyadh Governorate. Located on the eastern bank of Wadi Hanifa, the current form of the metropolis largely emerged in the 1950s as an expansion of the 18th-century walled town, following the dismantling of its defensive fortifications.
Cheap flights to Riyadh
The lowest round-trip fare found by Destina Holidays travellers in the last 30 days was $851 from Atlanta, travelling 10 Mar – 15 Mar. These are the cheapest fares from the most searched cities.
- YTO Toronto to Riyadh21 Nov – 3 Dec · RUH from$1,167
- WAS Washington to Riyadh23 Feb – 6 Mar · RUH from$1,038
- NYC New York to Riyadh16 Nov – 23 Nov · RUH from$861
- ORD Chicago to Riyadh4 Mar – 24 Mar · RUH from$904
- ATL Atlanta to Riyadh10 Mar – 15 Mar · RUH from$851
- LAX Los Angeles to Riyadh15 Apr – 19 Apr · RUH from$1,073
- SFO San Francisco to Riyadh1 Feb – 8 Feb · RUH from$1,166
- DTW Detroit to Riyadh12 Jan – 26 Jan · RUH from$1,268
Cheapest month to fly
Airlines travellers compared most often: Qatar Airways, Lufthansa, Austrian Airlines, Emirates, Royal Jordanian.
Prices are per adult in US dollars, taken from searches between 20 Sep and 20 Oct 2026. Fares change often, so search your dates for live prices.
Search flights to RiyadhPlaces to visit in Riyadh
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Kingdom Centre
Landmark · 6 mi from centreRiyadh's best-known skyscraper, recognizable by the huge open arch at its top and a shopping mall at its base. Take the elevator to the Sky Bridge after dark for sweeping views over the lit-up city.
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At-Turaif District
HistoricThe mud-brick ruins of Diriyah, the first capital of the Saudi state, on the northwestern edge of Riyadh. Come in the late afternoon, when the heat eases and the restored walls glow in the low sun.
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Masmak Fortress
HistoricA thick-walled clay and mud-brick fort in the old center, famous as the site of the 1902 raid that led to the founding of modern Saudi Arabia. Combine it with a walk through the nearby souqs.
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National Museum of Saudi Arabia
MuseumA large modern museum tracing the Arabian Peninsula from prehistoric times through the rise of Islam to the unification of the kingdom. Plan at least two hours, since the galleries are extensive and well laid out.
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Murabba Palace
HistoricThe former residence of King Abdulaziz, a traditional adobe palace set around a courtyard and furnished as it was in the early twentieth century. It sits in the same park as the National Museum, so visit both together.
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Edge of the World
NatureDramatic sheer cliffs on the Tuwaiq escarpment northwest of Riyadh, overlooking an ancient seabed that stretches to the horizon. The last stretch of track requires a four-wheel-drive vehicle, so most visitors join a guided tour.
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Al Faisaliah Tower
Viewpoint · 4 mi from centreA pointed tower topped by a glass globe that holds a restaurant and viewing area high above the Olaya business district. Book a table at sunset to watch the city lights come on below.
Things to do in Riyadh by type
21 tours, tickets and experiences across 5 categories. Pick a type to see what is available for your dates.
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Art & culture 11 experiences A Taste of Saudi Hospitality Family Home Visit and Traditional Dinner -
City tours 7 experiences Discover Dirriyah - Half-Day Tour -
Outdoor activities & Adventure 5 experiences 4x4 Desert Safari with Dinner - Private Tour -
Tickets & Attraction Passes 2 experiences Aquarabia Qiddiya City - Ticket -
Gastronomy & nightlife 2 experiences The Globe Restaurant - À la Carte Dinner
- Over 6 hours 4
- 3-6 hours 3
- 1-3 hours 2
- Flexible 2
Top experiences in Riyadh
Tours, tickets and experiences you can book with Destina Holidays, from 21 available.
Discover Riyadh - Half-Day City Tour
From $45 per adult
Old Riyadh & Sky Bridge - Half-Day Tour
From $51 per adult
Discover Riyadh - Full-Day City Tour
From $100 per adult
Discover Ushayger - Full-Day Tour
From $106 per adult
Discover Dirriyah - Half-Day Tour
From $47 per adult
Edge of the World: 4x4 Sunset Safari, Stargazing
From $94 per adult
Riyadh Desert Thrills Camel Ride, Quad Biking & Sandboarding
From $223 per adult
Discovering the Heritage of Shaqra, Ushaiqer, and Alqasab A Private Journey
From $823 per adult
Chauffeured Rental Service with English Speaking Local
From $235 per adult
Walk Through History: Guided Exploration of Jeddah's Al-Balad Old Town
From $223 per adult
Red Sea Adventure: Bayada Leisure Boat Trip with Snorkeling
From $176 per adult
Edge of the World with Dinner - Full-Day Private Tour
From $426 per adult
Where to stay in Riyadh
Popular hotels in Riyadh, out of 360 properties you can book.
Awfad Hotel Riyadh
From $118 per night
Novotel Suites Riyadh Olaya
From $116 per night
Narcissus Hotel And Spa Riyadh
From $279 per night
Novotel Riyadh Al Anoud
From $91 per night
Ascott Rafal Olaya Riyadh
From $137 per night
Executives Hotel Azizia
From $81 per night
Mena Hotel Nasiriah Riyadh
From $92 per night
Crowne Plaza Riyadh Palace, an IHG Hotel
From $99 per night
Holiday Inn Al Qasr
From $108 per night
Ibis Riyadh Olaya Street
From $133 per night
Riyadh Airport Marriott Hotel
From $163 per night
Intercontinental Riyadh
From $227 per night
Best time to visit Riyadh
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Riyadh is November to March, when average daytime highs are around 71–83°F and rain falls on about 3 days a month.
Average daily low and high temperatures and days with at least 1 mm of rain, from recent weather records. Highlighted months are the most comfortable for sightseeing.
Riyadh weather forecast
- Wed 21 Oct 97° 77° 0%
- Thu 22 Oct 97° 76° 0%
- Fri 23 Oct 95° 76° 0%
- Sat 24 Oct 95° 75° 0%
- Sun 25 Oct 95° 74° 0%
- Mon 26 Oct 94° 75° 0%
Know before you go
- Currency
- Saudi riyal (SAR)1 US dollar ≈ ر.س3.75
- Language
- Arabic
- Calling code
- +966
- Driving
- On the right
- Time zone
- Asia/RiyadhUTC+3
Getting to Riyadh
These are the airports closest to central Riyadh. Compare fares into each one, as a slightly longer transfer can sometimes mean a much cheaper flight.
- RUH King Khalid International Airport22 mi (36 km) from the city centre
Getting around Riyadh
Riyadh is very much a car-oriented city, although the Riyadh Metro finally provides an alternative. There are no street addresses as such in Riyadh, as mail is delivered to post office boxes, so getting around requires knowing landmarks near the place where you want to go. The only reliable means of transport in Riyadh is a car: you would either depend on cabs or ride share apps, or you would have to rent your own car.
By metro
All six lines of the long-awaited Riyadh Metro finally opened in 2024. The Blue Line runs north-south across the city along Olayah Rd for most its length, while the Yellow Line serves the airport, with the two intersecting at King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD) on the city's north side. The Red and Orange Lines traverses the city west-east, while the Purple and Green Lines serve the eastern part of the city.
By taxi
Most visitors rely on taxis, which are abundant in the city center but can be harder to find on the outskirts or at night. The ride-hailing apps in Riyadh are Uber and Careem. For taxis, drivers will usually use the meter without asking if you do not propose a fixed price, and with a starting fare of SR5 and the meter ticking up SR1.60/km after the first kilometer, most metered trips within the city cost under SR30.
By bus
Flat-fare minibuses (SR3) rumble the streets of Riyadh, but these are mostly used by laborers. They are quite difficult for the casual visitor to use: there are no posted stops, and routes are usually written only in Arabic. Most routes converge on al-Bathaa, and the adventurous visitor can try his luck on route 9, which runs from al-Bathaa up Olaya Road, but the Metro Blue Line is faster, more comfortable and easier to use.
Riyadh travel FAQ
When is the best time to visit Riyadh?
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Riyadh is November to March, when average daytime highs are around 71–83°F and rain falls on about 3 days a month.
What is the weather like in Riyadh?
July is usually the warmest month in Riyadh, with average highs of 111°F (44°C). January is the coolest, with average lows of 52°F (11°C). The wettest month is typically February, with about 22 mm of rain.
Which airport is closest to Riyadh?
King Khalid International Airport (RUH) is the closest airport, about 22 miles (36 km) from the centre of Riyadh.
How much are flights to Riyadh?
The cheapest round-trip fare Destina Holidays travellers found to Riyadh in the last 30 days was $851 from Atlanta, travelling 10 Mar – 15 Mar. February is currently the cheapest month to fly, with fares from $851.
What currency is used in Riyadh?
Riyadh uses the Saudi riyal (SAR). At the latest exchange rate, 1 US dollar ≈ ر.س3.75.
What time zone is Riyadh in?
Riyadh uses the Asia/Riyadh time zone (currently UTC+3). Remember to check for daylight saving changes when planning connecting flights.
How do I get around Riyadh?
Riyadh is very much a car-oriented city, although the Riyadh Metro finally provides an alternative. There are no street addresses as such in Riyadh, as mail is delivered to post office boxes, so getting around requires knowing landmarks near the place where you want to go.
What are the best places to visit in Riyadh?
Top sights in Riyadh include Kingdom Centre, At-Turaif District, Masmak Fortress and National Museum of Saudi Arabia. Riyadh's best-known skyscraper, recognizable by the huge open arch at its top and a shopping mall at its base. Take the elevator to the Sky Bridge after dark for sweeping views over the lit-up city.
What are the top things to do in Riyadh?
Popular experiences you can book in Riyadh include Discover Riyadh - Half-Day City Tour, Old Riyadh & Sky Bridge - Half-Day Tour and Discover Riyadh - Full-Day City Tour. Destina Holidays offers 21 tours and activities here.
What kinds of tours and activities can I book in Riyadh?
The most popular types of experiences in Riyadh are art & culture (11), city tours (7), outdoor activities & adventure (5) and tickets & attraction passes (2). Filter by type when you search to compare prices and availability for your dates.
Where should I stay in Riyadh?
Popular areas for hotels in Riyadh include Riyadh. Well-reviewed options include Awfad Hotel Riyadh and Novotel Suites Riyadh Olaya.
How many hotels can I book in Riyadh?
Destina Holidays currently lists 360 properties in and around Riyadh, from budget stays to luxury hotels. Search your dates to see live prices and availability.
