3 ways to experience the beauty and buzz of Riyadh

For decades, Saudi Arabia was largely inaccessible to leisure travellers, known more for pilgrimage and business visits than for leisure travel. That changed in 2019, when the kingdom began issuing tourist visas and actively inviting the world in. Since then, the pace of change has been swift and highly visible – particularly in Riyadh, where bold architecture, revitalised heritage districts and a fast-evolving dining scene sit alongside long-held traditions.

Riyadh today offers travellers a rare chance to see a city redefining itself in real time. With direct flights from Singapore on Singapore Airlines, it’s easier than ever to explore this new destination. Whether you are drawn to its contemporary culture, rich history or family-friendly attractions, here are three ways to experience it all in the Saudi capital.

Riyadh’s transformation is most obvious when seen from above, and then explored at street level.

Start with the views from Kingdom Centre Tower, where the Skybridge on the 99th floor offers a sweeping look at the city’s scale and ambition. From there, take the metro to the King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD), a striking cluster of glass and steel that signals Riyadh’s future-facing identity. The metro station by Zaha Hadid Architects is a destination in itself, with its flowing lines inspired by desert landscapes.

Above ground, KAFD’S pedestrian skywalks link offices, cafés and public art, making it one of the city’s most walkable districts. For contemporary culture, the Saudi Arabia Museum of Contemporary Art and the nearby Jax District offer a glimpse into the kingdom’s growing creative scene, housed in former industrial spaces now repurposed for exhibitions, film and design.

At Aseeb Najd Restaurant – particularly the Alyasmin branch – traditional Najdi cuisine is presented with impressive drama, from the monumental wooden doors to the comforting depth of dishes like jareesh, made from crushed wheat kernels cooked with milk and various spices. For sunset dining, Bujairi Terrace on the edge of Diriyah brings together views of the desert with a strong line-up of restaurants, including Somewhere. which blends Arabian and Mediterranean flavours.

Via Riyadh distils the city’s appetite for luxury into one gleaming district, combining international designer brands with Saudi labels, jewellery boutiques and polished cafés, alongside branches of Michelin-starred restaurants.

While the city’s skyline tells one story, Riyadh’s historical sites reveal another – one rooted in unification, architecture and everyday life.

Begin at Al Murabba Historical Palace, once home to King Abdulaziz bin Abdulrahman Al Saud, founder of modern Saudi Arabia.

Nearby, the National Museum provides essential context, tracing the country’s history through immersive galleries that reward unhurried exploration. Both attractions are right in the heart of the city.

Continue to Al Masmak Palace Museum, a fortress made of clay and mud bricks. Then witness traditional Najdi architecture reinvented with modern technological prowess at The Mukaab, a stunning cube skyscraper in the New Murabba entertainment complex.

One of the most important must-visits for history lovers are the UNESCO-listed sites of Diriyah and the At-Turaif. Both are sprawling complexes with quintessential Najdi mudbrick buildings, revitalised along with various galleries and restaurants to complete the visit.

For typical Saudi cuisine in a historic and traditional setting, look no further than Nadj Village. Try the kabsa (also known as makboos), a rice dish with meat such as lamb or chicken, all spiced to perfection. Be sure to try the freshly baked and steaming hot bread with some hummus. Another good local restaurant is Hamsa W Taghmeesa in Ar Rayyan, but be sure to have exact directions as it can be hard to find.

For local souvenirs, head into the old quarter to Souq Al-Thumairi, where you can buy antiques and arts and crafts. Another nearby market is Souq Al-Zal, where locals shop for thobes (traditional long robes worn by men) and carpets.

With plenty of indoor and shaded attractions, Riyadh is well suited to families exploring the city together.

Boulevard World (BLVD World) is an amusement park that comes into its own during the Riyadh Season, when cooler winter months from November to March bring pop-up pavilions, rides and performances. During the hotter months, the park itself is closed but there are always indoor options to explore.

Kids (especially the younger ones) will love Sparky’s, an indoor, air-conditioned amusement park with rides, soft play and video games. The biggest location is at Al Hamra Mall but there are smaller branches in different locations.

For outdoor fun, head straight to the lovely King Abdullah Park, with plenty of greenery, playgrounds and fountains. Also worth a side trip is the Edge of the World, a fabulous natural cliff overlooking the desert. Half-day and full-day trips from Riyadh are available.

Add a bit of culture to your family vacation with a trip to the National Museum, which not only introduces the kids to Saudi Arabia’s history, but also offers plenty interactive displays, plus a real meteorite and dinosaur bones to see.

A fun, must-try is AL BAIK, Saudi Arabia’s very own fried chicken franchise, which is hugely popular with locals and visitors. There are several branches in the city, and they are worth sampling for juicy chicken pieces and burgers.

For a wider menu which offers something for all ages, head to Jones the Grocer at the Fairmont Ramla Serviced Residences, where you can enjoy international breakfast, brunch and main courses throughout the day.

For a unique purchase, treat your child to some camel milk products (in particular, creamy chocolates). Rich in vitamins and minerals, camel milk products also extend to soaps and skincare, which make for a unique and healthy souvenir. If your little one is looking for a stuffed toy, there are plenty of fluffy camel options in the souks and in Diriyah.

SIA will launch its inaugural non-stop flights between Singapore and Riyadh on 2 June 2026, operating the four-times weekly services with the medium-haul variant of its Airbus A350-900 aircraft. For more information on Singapore Airlines’ flights to Riyadh, visit singaporeair.com.