DISCOVER
Delve into the country’s history at the National Museum of Saudi Arabia, designed by Canadian architect Raymond Moriyama. Behind its curving façade, inspired by desert dunes, its exhibits run from prehistoric fossils to ornate handwritten Qur’ans, via coins, weapons and carefully crafted models of cities and mosques.
LUNCH
There’s always a new launch to try within the city’s ever-shifting food scene, from steakhouses to sushi counters. For Saudi flavours, though, head for Najd Village, styled like a traditional desert dwelling. Take a seat on its cushion-strewn Bedouin rugs and sample its specialities: chicken-and-rice kabsa, fragrant with spices, or slow-simmered mugalgal lamb.
SHOP
Souk Al-Zal, located in the Al-Dirah neighborhood in the heart of Riyadh, is about 5.4 km from Al-Murabba Historical Palace and spans 38,000 square meters. As one of the city’s oldest traditional markets, it boasts a century of history. You will feel transported to the past as you hear the lively auctioning of sellers. The souk is famous for its antiques, rare coins, old utensils, musical instruments, and a variety of intriguing items that evoke ancient folk traditions.
STROLL
On the city’s northwestern fringes, Diriyah is not to be missed. Established in the 15th century, and built across three hills, this mud-brick settlement was where Riyadh’s story began. Its At-Turaif district is Unesco-listed. Head out in the cool of the late afternoon to roam its alleyways, past historic houses and mosques to the soaring Salwa Palace.
