One of the fastest-growing cities in the Middle East, Riyadh is an exciting modern city built mostly on oil revenue. The cosmopolitan city is home to many stunning skyscrapers. The newest addition to the Riyadh skyline is
Kingdom Tower, standing more than 300 meters tall and boasting a massive sky bridge that links its twin spires. Elevators rocket passengers to the 99th floor at an astonishing 180 kilometers per hour, and the view from the top is unrivaled.
Riyadh has several cultural attractions that are well worth visiting. Masmak Fortress was built in the mid-19th century, but its roots go back even farther and recent restorations have boosted its tourist appeal. The other must-see attraction in Riyadh is the
Saudi National Museum, a world-class archive of Middle-Eastern culture.
Accommodations in Riyadh range from luxurious 5-star hotels to budget hotels in the more affordable Al-Bathaa district. Since alcohol and nightclubs are banned in Riyadh, shopping malls operate as one-stop entertainment centers. The main road running through the center is lined with exclusive shopping malls and department stores.
Riyadh's business travelers arrive through
King Khaled International Airport, which is 40 kilometers outside of Al-Bathaa. Flights connect to cities across the region as well as to a few major airports in Europe and Asia.
There’s much more to see and learn about Riyadh, and the interactive map on this page is a great way to find out where the attractions and hotels can be found in this exciting city.
