What is Riyadh best known for?
Riyadh is the capital city and seat of government of the Riyadh Province and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It's the biggest city on the Arabian Peninsula and perhaps the most affluent city in the world. There are several places to visit in Riyadh and have endless enjoyment. Riyadh city had a population of 7.6 million people in 2019, making it the most populated city in Saudi Arabia, the second most populated city in the Arab world after Cairo in Egypt.
Riyadh is home to Saudi Arabia's best museum, a World Heritage Site that relates the Kingdom's early stories and probably the finest hotels and restaurants in the country. Riyadh is arranged in the central parts of both the country and the bigger Arabian Peninsula. Not many of the world's cities have changed as quickly as Riyadh, which developed from a small, fortified desert village in the seventeenth century into a cutting edge city of a few million occupants in the 20th century.
Best places to visit in Riyadh
- Masmak Fort: It is a vast clay and mud-brick fortress that saw the introduction of a kingdom, Al Masmak. The word implies a high, solid and thick structure and serves as a proud reminder of Saudi Arabia’s storied history. Built in 1865, the fortress has served many purposes. Initially, it was used to house the garrisons who secured the city; it later was an ammunition warehouse after the attack by King Abdulaziz, and later a jail.
- Kingdom Center: It secures a vision of the future with the sky bridge which commands a remarkable view of Riyadh city unmatched by others. Kingdom Centre SkyBridge is a steel structure broadening 65 m long and weighing around 300 tons sits on top of the 300 m height tower overlooking the entirety of Riyadh.
- Diriyah: It was previously the home of the Saudi Royal family and the first Saudi capital. This UNESCO World Heritage Site was probably the biggest city on the Arabian Peninsula until it was destroyed in the mid-nineteenth century.
- Riyadh National Zoo: It is extended across a lovely landscape of 55 acres. This park contains more than 150 exotic animals and includes 40 species such as reptiles, birds, amphibians and endangered animals as well.
- Al Faisaliah Tower: It is another notable tower in the Riyadh skyline. With 44 stories, this is the fourth tallest tower in the city and it overshadows Riyadh at 267 m high.
- Water Splash Riyadh: This place is incredible for kids. It has a big pool with slides of various styles and a couple of other splash things for kids' entertainment.
- King Abdulaziz Historical Center: It is situated close to the National Museum and is viewed as perhaps the most distinctive vacationer's place in Riyadh. It stretches out over a huge area and incorporates numerous shows that cover various themes, like the exhibitions that cover different topics, such as the history of Saudi Arabia, the ancient and modern Arabian Peninsula.
- World Sights Park Riyadh: This little and weird scene offers you a mysterious visit through the world. It holds little reproductions of world tourist spots, for example, the Eiffel Tower, the Great Wall of China and the Taj Mahal.
The Edge of the World (Jebel Fihrayn): It is a surprising and emotional land wonder in the rough desert northwest of Riyadh. The spot is ideal for a road trip or a short-term outdoor trip from the city.
Airport in Riyadh
King Khalid International Airport is about 35 km to the north of Riyadh in Saudi Arabia. Also called Riyadh Airport. It is one of the busiest airport in Saudi Arabia.
- Airport address - King Khalid International Airport, Airport Road, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- Airport IATA code - RUH