Practical Tips & Hacks: Riyadh

Money-Saving Strategies

Optimize your budget with these clever tips for Riyadh.

Budget-Conscious Travel

Discount Cards and Passes: Unlike some major tourist cities, Riyadh does not widely distribute a city-wide discount card or pass for general tourist attractions. Some loyalty programs exist for specific malls or hotel chains. Check direct booking sites for potential deals.
Free Activities and Attractions: Take full advantage of Riyadh’s many free attractions. Al Masmak Fort has free entry and a rich historical experience. You may explore Souq Al-Zal, stroll through public parks like King Abdullah Park, or simply enjoy window shopping in the impressive malls.
Happy Hours and Dining Deals: Some restaurants, notably in malls or modern districts, may feature lunch deals, business lunch specials, or promotions during certain hours. Look for these to enjoy good food at a lower price.
Transportation Savings: Prioritize using ride-sharing apps like Uber and Careem over street taxis. They often feature more competitive and transparent pricing. Once fully operational, the new Riyadh Metro and public bus system present the most inexpensive travel.

Accommodation Value

Serviced Apartments: For longer stays or groups, consider booking a serviced apartment instead of a hotel room. These often have more space, kitchen facilities, and are more cost-effective per night.
Comparative Booking: Compare prices across various booking platforms for hotels and apartments.
Free Wi-Fi Usage: Utilize free Wi-Fi available in most hotels, cafes, and malls.
Market Bargains: Bargain respectfully in traditional markets for better prices on souvenirs.

Experience Riyadh Without Overspending

Cultural Exploration: Many beautiful mosques may be visited respectfully outside of prayer times.
Photography Spots: Discover public spaces with great views for photography, like city skylines from parks or elevated areas.
Local Coffee Shops: Enjoy authentic Saudi coffee experiences at local cafes which are often more affordable than international chains.
Engage with Locals: Participate in cultural events or discussions if the opportunity arises.

Outdoor & Leisure

Cycling Paths: Explore the city's growing network of cycling paths in parks and designated areas.
Walking Tours: Take self-guided walking tours through historical districts like Ad-Dirah.
Picnic in Parks: Enjoy a leisurely picnic in one of Riyadh's many green parks.
Local Markets: Wander through Souq Al-Zal for an authentic market feel without an obligation to purchase.

Time-Saving Tips

Efficiently manage your time in Riyadh to see more and reduce stress.

Strategic Timing

Best Times: Visit iconic landmarks and museums early in the morning shortly after opening, or late in the afternoon/early evening. This avoids peak crowds and the hottest parts of the day.
Optimal Hours: Plan activities during less busy periods for a more comfortable experience.
Weather Adaptation: Schedule indoor attractions during the hottest parts of the day.
Evening Exploration: Many outdoor sites are pleasant to visit after sunset.

Planning & Routing

Efficient Routing: Group attractions by geographical proximity. For example, Al Masmak Fort and Souq Al-Zal are next to each other.
Digital Maps: Use Google Maps or Apple Maps to plan routes and estimate travel times. Download offline maps for reliability.
Ride-Sharing Efficiency: Rely on Uber or Careem for quick and on-demand transportation, avoiding waits for traditional taxis.
Calendar Management: Input all confirmed bookings and activities into a digital calendar with reminders.

Access & Pre-Booking

Skip-the-Line: For popular attractions like the Kingdom Centre Skybridge, consider pre-booking your tickets online if available.
Diriyah Booking: For Diriyah (Al-Turaif District), pre-booking your visit via the official Diriyah Gate website is mandatory and avoids delays.
Airport Transfers: Ride-sharing apps or pre-booked hotel shuttles generally deliver faster and more accessible direct travel than public buses.
Reservations: Highly advised for popular tours (like desert safaris), high-demand restaurants, and special events during Riyadh Season.

Comfort & Convenience

Comfortable Footwear: Wear comfortable shoes for walking, enabling longer exploration periods without discomfort.
Meal Planning: Identify restaurants near your planned attractions to minimize travel time for meals.
Audio Guides: Use audio guides at museums to gain information efficiently.
Power Management: Carry a power bank to keep devices charged, minimizing reliance on finding charging points.

Local Insights

Understand Riyadh from a local perspective to avoid common pitfalls and elevate your interactions.

Common Tourist Adjustments

Dress Code: Not dressing modestly enough. Always dress modestly, covering shoulders, elbows, and knees. Women often carry a scarf.
Patience: Expecting a fast pace everywhere. The pace of life can be slower outside of business districts. Practice patience, notably in traditional markets or during peak traffic hours.
Diriyah Booking: Failing to pre-book your visit to Diriyah. Always book your tickets online in advance.
Hydration: Underestimating the heat and not drinking enough water. Carry water constantly.

Local Customs & Social Norms

Hospitality: Always accept Arabic coffee (gahwa) and dates if offered as a gesture of hospitality.
Right Hand Usage: Use your right hand for eating, giving, and receiving items, as the left hand is considered unclean.
Footwear: Remove your shoes when entering a home or a mosque.
Personal Space: Maintain respectful distance when speaking with people, especially with members of the opposite gender.

Unofficial Rules & Social Conduct

Prayer Times: Be aware that shops and restaurants close briefly for daily prayers. Wait patiently.
Public Affection: Avoid public displays of affection.
Ramadan Etiquette: Do not openly consume food or drink in public during daylight hours in Ramadan (if applicable).
Sensitive Topics: Refrain from criticizing the Royal Family or Islam.

Phrases that Impress Locals

Shukran (Thank you)
Insha'Allah (God willing – used for future plans)
Mashallah (God has willed it – used to express appreciation or admiration)
Salam Alaikum (Peace be upon you – a common greeting)

Solo, Family & Group-Specific Advice

Tailor your approach based on your travel companions.

Solo Traveler Safety & Opportunities

Safety: Riyadh presents a generally very safe environment for solo travelers, including women.
Transportation: Use reputable ride-sharing apps for transportation.
Itinerary Sharing: Share your itinerary with someone back home.
Social Opportunities: While not a typical backpacker destination, solo travelers find connections in hotel lobbies, cafes, or through organized tours.

Family-Friendly Adaptations & Kid Tips

Kids' Entertainment: Many malls present excellent kids' entertainment zones, delivering a cool retreat and amusement.
Hotel Pools: Book hotels with pools, as these have a great way for children to expend energy and cool off.
Indoor Activities: Plan indoor activities during the hottest hours of the day.
Serviced Apartments: Consider serviced apartments for the extra space and kitchen facilities, which aid with meal planning for children.

Managing Group Logistics & Reservations

Transportation: For groups, book larger vehicles for transportation (e.g., larger Uber/Careem options or private vans).
Restaurant Reservations: Make restaurant reservations for groups, especially for mid-range to fine dining.
Group Tours: Consider booking group tours for efficiency, as they handle transportation and scheduling.
Event Planning: Coordinate schedules for group participation in events.

Accessibility Guidance

Mobility: Newer infrastructure is generally accessible, but older areas may pose challenges. Pre-planning for specific needs is advisable.
Transport Options: For mobility challenges, ride-sharing delivers the most flexible transport.
Pre-Planning: Communicate specific needs to tour operators or hotels in advance.
Communication: While English is widely spoken, translation apps aid specific communication needs.

Important Note on Digital Services

While some discount applications exist for specific stores, a widespread tourist discount card for general attractions does not currently operate in Riyadh.

Additional Practical Information

Further insights for a smoother Riyadh experience.

Power Adapters

Saudi Arabia uses Type G electrical outlets (UK-style). Bring an universal adapter for your devices.

Internet Access

Wi-Fi is widely available in hotels, malls, and cafes. Local SIM cards offer good data plans.

Climate Awareness

Riyadh has a desert climate. Dress for warm weather, and stay hydrated, especially during summer months.

Essential Packing Considerations

Clothing & Footwear

Modest attire (shoulders, knees covered) is appropriate for all visitors.
Women may find a lightweight headscarf useful for entering some religious sites.
Comfortable walking shoes are recommended for exploring attractions.

Health & Personal Items

Carry a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated.
Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat are important for sun protection.
Bring any personal prescription medications with their respective prescriptions.

Observation and Learning

Observe local customs and social interactions to adapt your behavior appropriately. This deepens your travel experience and demonstrates respect for the culture.

Practical Tips & Hacks