Sights in Riyadh
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National Museum
The state-of-the-art National Museum is without question one of the best museums in the Middle East. Its eight floors contain well-designed, engaging and informative displays on Arabia's history, culture and art, including beautiful, original rock carvings, models and even a full-scale reconstruction of a Nabataean tomb.
Films (in English via headphones) shown on 180° screens complement the exhibits, as do virtual visits to sites and other excellent interactive displays.
It's great for a sneak preview of the Kingdom's attractions, a sum-up, or a virtual visit if you don't have time to get to places. Don't miss it.
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Al-Faisaliah Tower
Designed by British architect Norman Foster and built in 2000 by the Bin Laden construction company, Al-Faisaliah Tower was the first of the startling new structures to rise above Riyadh's skyline. It's most famous for its enormous glass globe (24m in diameter and made of 655 glass panels) near the summit.
On its 34 floors can be found a five-star deluxe hotel and four exclusive restaurants, offices, apartments, the Sky shopping malland a fabulous viewing platform. The tower's needlepoint pinnacle (with a crescent on the tip) sits 267m above the ground.
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Kingdom Tower
Riyadh's newest landmark, the Kingdom Tower is another stunning piece of modern architecture. Known as the 'necklace' for its unusual apex, it's particularly conspicuous at night when the upper sweep is lit with constantly-changing coloured lights.
Rising 302m above the ground, its most distinctive feature is the steel-and-glass, 300-tonne bridge connecting the two towers. High-speed elevators fly you (at 180km/h) to the 99th floor Sky Bridge. If you're feeling peckish, the tower is also home to some reputable restaurants, including Spazio 77.
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Kingdom Tower Sky Bridge
High-speed elevators fly you (at 180km/h) to the 99th floor Kingdom Tower Sky Bridge, from where the views are breathtaking (photos are allowed). Avoid weekends and evenings after 18:00 when it can get very crowded.
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Murabba Palace
Built by King Abdul Aziz in 1946, Murabba Palace is most impressive for its formidable white-washed walls than for anything much within. Largely empty (albeit labelled) rooms surround a central courtyard.
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Masmak Fortress
Masmak Fortress is Riyadh's most significant historical monument. It was built around 1865 on the site of an earlier fortification and has been extensively restored to its pre-Saud days.
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Al-Faisaliah Tower Viewing Platform
On the 34th floor of Al-Faisaliah Tower can be found a fabulous viewing platform. The tower's needlepoint pinnacle sits 267m above the ground.
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