A first-timer’s guide to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

The fast-changing Saudi Arabian capital, Riyadh, is a thriving, sprawling city that blends ancient heritage with a futuristic vision.

Under the Vision 2030 reforms spearheaded by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the country has opened its doors to the world, inviting international tourists to explore the kingdom’s once-hidden treasures.

The result? A flood of five-star hotels and top-tier international restaurants, transforming the kingdom into a must-visit destination for luxury seekers and culture enthusiasts alike.

From essential travel tips and what to pack, to must-see attractions and the best places to dine, here’s how to make the most of your time in Riyadh.

What to know about visiting Saudi Arabia

The currency used is the Saudi Riyal (SAR), and it typically hovers around SAR2 to the Hong Kong dollar. Cash and credit cards – including Visa, Mastercard, and American Express – are widely accepted, and many retailers take Apple Pay and Google Pay.

You’ll be able to pick up a SIM card at one of the booths in King Khalid International Airport or visit an STC , Mobily , or Zain store once you're in the city to get connected. Riyadh also has widespread 5G connectivity, and most hotels, restaurants, and cafés offer fast, free Wi-Fi.

In Saudi Arabia, the workweek kicks off on Sunday and wraps up on Thursday. If you’re visiting during the Holy Month of Ramadan, when Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset, expect shorter working days, and remember that eating or drinking in public during daylight hours is strictly forbidden. Dates change each year depending on moon sightings.

How to get into Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia significantly relaxed its visa rules for business travellers in 2018, opening online applications for dozens of nationalities. All you need to do is submit an invitation letter from the company you’re visiting along with a recent passport photo, and you’ll hear back with the result within a few days. 

Tourist visas follow a similar online application process through Saudi Arabia’s eVisa portal , although you won’t need an invitation letter to apply. Alternatively, travellers with passports or visas from eligible countries and regions can also apply for a tourist visa on arrival.

Immigration lines at King Khalid International Airport can appear dauntingly long, but they generally move quickly. For a swifter arrival, executives can sign up for an Al Tanfeethi membership (SAR26,000/HK$54,100 annually). Passengers using this service are picked up at the airport gate and ferried by buggy to a private terminal, where all the formalities are completed in minutes.

How to get around Riyadh

While taxi drivers hustle for fares at the arrivals hall of King Khalid International Airport, Uber , Bolt , or local ride-hailing app Careem are the best bets for a reliable ride. Order early during peak hours, as long waits and sluggish traffic are not uncommon.

Riyadh’s metro system is nearing completion and will soon provide speedy connections from the airport to key business areas like King Abdullah Financial District and Olaya.

What to wear in Saudi Arabia

When packing for Riyadh, opt for modest yet comfortable clothing. While Saudi Arabia has eased its dress restrictions, it’s still wise to respect local customs — particularly in malls, where the rules are a little stricter. Women should opt for long sleeved tops and trousers or skirts that fall below the knee.

Loose-fitting tops and maxi dresses are ideal for staying cool and comfortable while adhering to the dress code. An abaya, the traditional cloak, is not mandatory. 

What to see and do in Riyadh

Riyadh is a city of contrasts, blending the ultra-modern with the deeply traditional. Whether you’re a history buff, a shopping enthusiast or an outdoor adventurer, there’s something here for you.

Start your journey at Al Masmak Palace , an ancient fortress that’s symbolic of Saudi Arabia's unification. Wander through the museum to get a sense of the city’s rich history, then step outside to the lively Deerah Souq, where you can haggle for spices, incense, and traditional crafts.

For a taste of modern Riyadh, head to the towering Kingdom Centre . Here, the Sky Bridge offers stunning views of the cityscape, especially at sunset. Nearby, the Al Faisaliah Centre combines luxury shopping with dining options that range from casual eateries to gourmet restaurants.

Nature lovers shouldn’t miss the Edge of the World , around an hour’s drive outside of the city. This dramatic cliff top serves up panoramic views that seem to stretch on forever. The trek to the top is an adventure in itself, offering visitors a chance to experience the rugged beauty of the Saudi desert.

Where to eat in Riyadh

The upscale Via Riyadh Mall is a gourmet haven, home to renowned restaurants from around the world. The local branch of Michelin-starred London restaurant Gymkhana brings modern takes on flavours from across India, while ultra-trendy Wagyumafia — a former street food spot — celebrates Japan’s most famous beef with dishes including the brand’s famous Chateaubriand Katsu Sando.

Over in the King Abdullah Financial District , among the gleaming skyscrapers, you’ll find culinary gems that cater to high-end tastes. Il Baretto brings Italian classics in a stylish dining room, plus excellent non-alcoholic cocktails , while the city’s glitterati can be found brunching on healthy stacks of pancakes under floral canopies at AOK Kitchen . Head to Jones the Grocer for laid-back, Australian-style lunches, or Black Tap for exceptional burgers in a neon-clad industrial space. 

The city’s most unique dining destination is Bujairi Terrace , an atmospheric collection of traditional sandy-coloured buildings among winding tree-lined paths in the Unesco World Heritage site of Diriyah. Flamingo Room , the Riyadh branch of a perennial Dubai favourite, dishes up contemporary African fare, while Villa Mamas evokes the feeling of a traditional Arabian home with local ingredients and cosy vibes.

Where to stay in Riyadh

Riyadh's hospitality scene is nothing short of spectacular, with a range of luxurious options to suit every taste. The big three classics – Four Seasons Riyadh , the Mandarin Oriental at Al Faisaliah, and The Ritz-Carlton – offer guests impeccable service and opulent accommodation in some of the city’s most iconic buildings. But the hotel landscape is evolving rapidly, and a swathe of new luxury properties have opened in recent months.

The airy St. Regis Riyadh at Via Riyadh Mall offers easy access to the city’s top restaurants, while JW Marriott Riyadh , housed in a stunning glass-fronted high-rise tower, boasts breathtaking city views. Mansard Riyadh, with its French Renaissance-style sloped roofs and cream-coloured facade, exudes old-world charm.

To explore more options for places to stay in Riyadh, visit Cathay Holidays.