Since Mecca is limited to Muslims, Riyadh chants a far more international tune. Out of seven million residents, 40% are made up of expats arriving from various parts of the world. Not to mention, the capital of Saudi Arabia also welcomes five million travelers every year.

Behind its enigmatic paradox and global controversies is a city charging for the future, yearning to expand beyond oil as a worldwide energy dominance. Unveiling Saudi Arabia’s leading metropolis is to look beyond modern skyscrapers and flashy malls. Browse through local supermarkets and witness aisles of Oatly milk cartons alongside traditional brass kettles used to serve sulaimani tea (Saudi Arabian black tea with spice.) Indulge in a meal of Chicken Mandi (Yemeni spice-rubbed chicken on a bed of fragrant yellow basmati rice,) or Camel Madghout (slow-cooked camel meat infused with rich spices, served over aromatic rice.) All are mouthwatering, a delicious entryway to local flavors.

From riding up to the top of Kingdom Tower to glaring into electrifying lights inside Boulevard City, here are some of the best things to do in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Wendy Hung (@wendyhung915)

The expansive property was founded in the 15th century and boasts traditional Najdi architectural elements with mudbrick materials. As the House of Saud’s political and religious power rose in the 18th and early 19th century, At-Turaif became furthermore powerful as the unifying force in the Arabian Peninsula, while attracting settlement and development in the area.

Edging Diriyah’s oasis landscapes, the property welcomes visitors with several palaces, castles and a museum that reveal the life and style of the first Saudi State.

The National Museum spans over prehistoric to modern ages via 37,000 artifacts that include: scripts, statues and sculptures. There are eight main galleries that start with Man and the Universe, where visitors can deep dive into the solar system. The Ancient Arab Kingdoms Gallery tracks civilizations from 4th millennium BC to 2nd century AD.

Other galleries highlight: Islam in the Pre-Islamic Era, In Prophet’s Mission, Kingdom Unification Gallery, Hajj and Two Holy Mosques Gallery…and much more.

The Murabba Palace is one of the first buildings outside of the Old City walls, and it served as King Abdulaziz ibn Saud’s workplace and main residence from 1938 until his death in 1953. Inside the palace walls, several agreements were signed in addition to the king welcoming numerous political officials during his reign.

The iconic skyscraper in Riyadh stands tall at 300 meters and provides the panoramic view of the city through an inverted parabolic arch which features a public sky bridge made from 300-ton steel and glass panels. Kingdom Tower Skybridge is where visitors can ride up to the 99th floor of the building, which was completed in 2002. The

On the 77th floor is King Abdullah Mosque – the most elevated mosque in the world. After capturing the all-encompassing view from high above, shoppers can enjoy numerous shops inside the Al-Mamlaka Shopping Mall, and grab a meal at the Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh.

The other name of the square is Chop-Chop, stemming from public executions that occurred at the location. Once Saudi security guards and police officials cleared the area for the executions, those who were sentenced to death were public beheaded on the square. After the beheading, the head would be stitched back to the body, then wrapped and taken away. Photos and videos were not allowed.

Today, beheading is no longer shown in public but Saudi Arabia remains as the only country with legal capital punishment by decapitation.

To purchase local goods and Saudi Arabian souvenirs, head over to Al Zul Souq – one the oldest marketplaces in Riyadh that uniquely specializes in carpets and agarwoods. Within the 38,000 square meters of space, narrow alleyways behold over 100 years of history. Antiques, fragrant oils, lanterns, winter coats, aromatic incense, musical instruments, beautiful garments and textiles can all be discovered at the souq.

Riyadh has no shortage of shopping malls, but for the ultimate hub of boutiques, stop by Boulevard City that blends high-end retail stores and entertainment outlets: outdoor cinemas, restaurants, cafés, hookah lounges. Divided into different sub-zones that showcase fun themes, Boulevard City even exhibits a replica of New York City’s Time Square and London’s Coventry Street.

Mandi World is where Arab cuisine starts with a Saudi Arabian cardamom tea which was typically served as a welcome drink in most places. For adventurous eaters, make sure to order Camel Madgouth, the meat was quite tender and tasted almost like beef which blended aromatically well with savory rice. 

Al Masmak Palace is a historic clay and mudbrick fort, completed in 1895. The fortress witnessed the Battle of Riyadh in 1902 that led to the eventual unification of Saudi Arabia. Built with four watchtowers and sturdy walls with stock block foundation, the fort is the sole historic architecture to have survived in the kingdom. Today, it’s a public museum as an extension to preserve Saudi heritage.