Welcome to Riyadh

Once a walled, mud-brick way station along desert trading routes, Riyadh (meaning 'garden') is the Kingdom's political, financial and administrative capital and one of the wealthiest cities in the world. It also has a very Saudi subtext: nowhere are the contradictions of modern Saudi Arabia more evident than in Riyadh. Seen from afar, soaring, sparkling, stunning modern towers rise above the desert and shiny 4WDs throng modern highways. Up close, Riyadh is cautious and sober (certainly compared to Jeddah), not to mention conservative and deeply rooted in Saudi traditions. Throw in fine hotels and restaurants and some excellent sights, and it's a fascinating place to spend a few days.

Top experiences in Riyadh

Amazing hotels and hostels

We've pre-picked the best hotels, hostels and bed and breakfasts to make your stay as enjoyable as possible.

or skip this step and see all hotels & hostels

Recent articles

Riyadh activities

$1900 Multi-day & Extended Tours

Madain Saleh

Riyadh – Al Ula Trip Fly direct from Riyadh  to Al Ula Thursday 13:40pm: Depart from Riyadh 15:25pm: Arrival to Al Ula airport Stop at Al Ula Museum or visit a local balm tree farm, then hotel check-in and dinnerFriday 8:00am: Breakfast 9:00am: Morning tour stopping at Al Ula Old Town, Musa bin Nusair Fort, Lion tombs4:00 pm: Begin afternoon tour stopping at Ekmaa Mountain Lahyan open library. Enjoy the sunset at Elephant rock area (Mammoth Mountain) with traditional Saudi refreshments 8:00pm: Dinner served at the hotelSaturday 8:00am: Breakfast 9:00am: Begin the morning tour visiting the Al Hajer site (Mada’in Saleh) and stops at: Railway Station, Visitor Center, Girls Tombs, Al Diwan (Ethleeb mountain), Nabatean Water Reservoir, Nabatean Well and Al Farid Palace1:00 pm: Lunch at the hotel4:30 pm: Hotel check-out, then stop at Harrat Awared Mountains and the date market7:30 pm: Drive to Al Ula airport22:15 pm: Depart to Riyadh Riyadh-Medina itineraryFly from Riyadh airport to Medina airport, then drive with your guide to Al Ula town, then return direct from Al Ula airport to Riyadh.Friday 05:00am: Departure from Riyadh airport06:30am: Arrival at Medina airport and drive to Al Ula (360km) stopping at Al Bent Dam in Khyber (refreshment break on the journey)11:30pm: Check in at hotel, lunch and rest3:00pm: Visit Al Ula old town and Musa bin Nusair Fort then Ekmaa Mountain Lahyan open library.Enjoy the sunset at Elephant rock area (Mammoth Mountain) with traditional Saudi refreshments8:00 pm: Dinner served at the hotelSaturday 9:00am: Begin the morning tour visiting the Al Hajer site (Mada’in Saleh) and stops at Railway Station, Visitor Centre, Girls Tombs, Al Diwan (Ethleeb mountain), Nabatean Water Reservoir, Nabatean Well, Al Farid Palace1:00 pm: Lunch at the hotel4:30 pm: Hotel check-out then stop at the Harrat Awared Mountain , Al Ula Museum and date market7:30pm: Drive to Al Ula airport22:15pm: Depart to RiyadhIncluded in the price Letters of permission required from the authorities for security A local English-speaking tour guide Transport to all sites and to/from the airport Accommodation at  ARAC-Al-Ula-Resort on a shared room basis and half board Please note that there will not be a Haya Tour guide to meet you at Riyadh airport. However, you will be met at your destination airport by your guide or driver.The price for this tour does not include the airfare. We are happy to arrange this for you or alternatively, you can arrange your own flights ensuring that you arrive in time to begin the tour. Please contact us if you would like fight details and prices.Please note: Ula Museum is sometimes closed at the weekend.
See More Activities
Riyadh photo credits