Explore Riyadh and Saudi Arabia in this engaging travelogue, dive into traditional cuisine like kabsa and mutabbaq, ride the new metro, and experience iconic attractions from Masmak Fortress to the cutting-edge entertainment zones of Boulevard World. Discover culture, food, and modern urban charm.
Riyadh, the vibrant capital of Saudi Arabia, is a fascinating blend of tradition and modernity. This Riyadh travel guide takes you through the heart of the city, from riding the sleek Riyadh metro to discovering modern attractions like Boulevard World. Dive into Saudi Arabia’s food culture with flavorful dishes like kabsa and mutabbaq, and explore iconic landmarks such as the historic Masmak Fortress. Whether you’re a foodie, a culture enthusiast, or an urban explorer, exploring Riyadh offers an unforgettable glimpse into the evolving landscape of Saudi Arabia tourism.
Planning a trip to Riyadh or Saudi Arabia? Whether you’re in the mood for fast food chain favorites such as Al Baik, must take a ride on the newly launched Riyadh Metro, or visit new places like Boulevard World, this full-scale Riyadh travel guide has it all for you. Read on to learn all about the Saudi capital before you go.
Al Baik Riyadh: Saudi Arabia’s Favorite Fast Food
It’s not possible to visit Saudi Arabia without trying the iconic Al Baik. Al Baik is dubbed the “Saudi McDonald’s,” and it’s a mainstream local fast-food restaurant that offers value-for-money meals with massive portions.
A complete meal of chicken thighs, chicken fillet, fries, sauces, and a burger is only 32 SAR.
Most branches are takeaway-focused, and there is not much seating. Value for money-wise, Al Baik is far better than McDonald’s, where the same meal can cost as much as 20 SAR.
Travel Tip: Al Baik is perfect for budget travelers in Riyadh.
(URL Link:https://www.albaik.com/)
Weather in Riyadh: Not Just a Desert
Contrary to popular belief, Saudi Arabia’s climate isn’t always really hot. In fact, winters can bring surprisingly low temperatures, especially in cities like Riyadh. Recently, the temperature in Riyadh dropped to a chilly 3°C, making it just as cold, or even colder, than Delhi’s winter nights. This significant drop is due to the desert climate, which causes extreme fluctuations between daytime heat and nighttime cold. Travelers visiting during the winter months should be prepared for unexpected chills, especially after sunset.
Travel Tip: Pack light layers if you’re visiting Riyadh in the winter season.
Riyadh Metro: A Game-Changer for Public Transport
The Riyadh Metro is one of the most futuristic and clean metro systems in the Middle East.
Metro Tickets and Features:
- A single ticket for the metro is 4 SAR and can be used on buses for two hours.
- Tickets can be scanned using QR codes or printed tickets.
- Metro trains are computer-controlled, and most stations resemble modern airports.
Interior and Accessibility:
- Elegant seating with areas for family and single men.
- Stations have big digital screens, platform screen doors, and are properly maintained.
Note: Google Maps may not have updated station info yet due to the metro’s recent launch.
(You can book tickets online on URL:https://rpt.sa/en/web/guest/home)
Getting Around Saudi Arabia
While Riyadh’s public transportation system is rapidly evolving, several areas of Saudi Arabia still lack full train connectivity. For instance, there is currently no train route from Riyadh to Jeddah, leaving travelers with only two options: taking a domestic flight or covering a long-distance bus journey(10 hours approximately). On the other hand, a bullet train conveniently connects Medina and Jeddah, offering a faster and more modern travel option between the two cities. However, those planning to visit AlUla should note that car rental is essential, as public transportation to this remote yet popular tourist destination is still very limited.
Travel Tip: Tourists can only rent cars from the airport, as per recent regulations.
Visiting Kingdom Tower Riyadh
Boulevard Riyadh City and Boulevard World: Entertainment Redefined
Boulevard Riyadh City
Boulevard Riyadh City is perhaps the most lively and current destination in Riyadh, with a Times Square-like atmosphere. This gigantic open-air shopping center features beautiful fountains, colorful light displays, live performances, and hundreds of restaurants serving international cuisine. Its popularity is especially seen at night, when the cooler desert nighttime tempratures are the perfect setting for an evening after-dark walk. Whether looking for nightlife, restaurants, or family entertainment, Boulevard Riyadh City is a must-have addition to any Riyadh travel plan.
Boulevard World Riyadh
This is the ultimate attraction in Riyadh for families and those who love global culture.
Entry and Access:
Boulevard World Riyadh is an exciting, interactive park where tourists receive a world tour without leaving the grounds of Saudi Arabia. The 30 SAR entrance fee is charged,with the option to purchase a 10 SAR one–way ropeway ride with bird’s-eye views of the park. Upon arrival, you can view beautiful replicas of the world‘s most iconic landmarks, such as the Eiffel Tower and Arc de Triomphe of France, Galata Tower in Turkey, the stunning Taj Mahal in the Indian subcontinent, and Egyptian pyramids, the Las Vegas Sphere, as well as Venice– and China-themed zones. This makes Boulevard World one of the best family-friendly things to do in Riyadh and a great place to take Instagram-worthy photos.
Cultural Attractions:
Indian Pavilion at Boulevard World Riyadh is a major draw, party because of its Bollywood-style dance performances, which attract large crowds of eagar locals. Supplementing the cultural event, Indian street food vendors serve authentic fare that is well-liked and affordably priced. The ubiquitousHindi signage within the complex is one of the elements that helps to create the sense of welcome and celebration of culture. Nevertheless, the park enforces a no professional camera equipment policy, microphones and selfie sticks are only allowed following prior government clearance, thus providing a controlled and respectful atmosphere for the entire visiting public.
Tip: Download the Boulevard World app before arriving for smoother entry and navigation.
(You can book online tickets through URL:https://riyadhseason.com/en/zones/boulevard-world)
Driving Culture and Road Infrastructure
Driving in Riyadh can be a challenging experience, especially for first-time visitors. The city’s pedestrian infrastructure is limited, making it difficult, and at times unsafe, to cross wide, multi-lane roads. Drivers frequently fail to yield at pedestrian crossings, demonstrating a general disregard for traffic laws. When navigating the streets of Riyadh, travelers unfamiliar with this driving style should exercise caution and think about taking public transportation or a taxi.
Travel Tip: Use crosswalks when available and stay cautious when walking around the city.
Population Insights and Cultural Shifts
Saudi Arabia is home to a population of approximately 36 million people, but only around 19 million are Saudi citizens. The remaining 15 to 16 million residents are immigrants, many of whom play a crucial role in the country’s labor force and economic development. In recent years, Saudi Arabia has been experiencing significant social transformation. Visible changes include more women dining alone, a stark contrast to past norms, and the emergence of open social spaces like the dining hall at Al-Mamlaka (Kingdom Tower). Additionally, the country is slowly moving away from strict gender segregation in certain public areas, reflecting its broader efforts toward modernization and inclusivity under Vision 2030.
Religious and Cultural Dress for Women
When exploring Riyadh, you’ll observe a diverse range of traditional attire worn by women, reflecting both cultural and personal preferences. The Hijab is the most common, covering the hair and body while leaving the face visible. The Niqab goes one step further by covering the eyes and everything else. Less commonly seen is the Burqa, which conceals the entire body and face, including a mesh screen over the eyes. These garments are part of the cultural fabric of Saudi Arabia, and their usage varies depending on individual beliefs, family traditions, and regional customs.
Travel Tip: About 50% of women wear the niqab; burqas are increasingly rare.
Key Planning Links for Solo Travel in Morocco
| Purpose | Resource & Link |
|---|---|
| Official Tourism Portal | Discover destinations, culture, food, and experience-based itineraries — Visit Morocco (CNTO) |
| Visa & Entry Policies | Detailed visa regulations including visa-free access and ETA requirements — Visa Policy of Morocco (Wikipedia) Wikipedia |
Conclusion: Is Riyadh Worth Visiting?
Indeed. Riyadh is a city of contrasts – high-tech attractions such as Boulevard World coexist with traditional society, and modern amenities coexist with conservative social attitudes. If you’re going to Saudi Arabia, Riyadh offers a balanced picture of the country’s history, development, and hospitality. From Al Baik’s legendary fried chicken to Kingdom Tower’s glass-encased Sky Bridge, and theme-park-scale attractions at Boulevard World, Riyadh is a fascinating place for newcomers and veterans alike.
