Districts · Riyadh
Riyadh by district
A first visit covers four clusters strung across a big grid: the old centre (Masmak and Souq Al Zal) and the National Museum in the south, Diriyah to the north-west, and Olaya and the Kingdom Centre in the middle. Everything is a car ride; there is little to walk between.
About these names
Give the driver the name of a mall, hotel or landmark; Riyadh drivers use maps apps and street numbers are rarely used in conversation.
- Al Batha and Deira (old centre)seesleepeatSuits: Old town, Masmak, Souq Al Zal, breakfastsThe historic core: mud-brick memory, souqs and coffee houses; the quietest hours are early morning.2 sights · 2 eats · 1 sleep areaDistrict guide →
- Murabba and the National MuseumseeSuits: Museum, Murabba Palace, an AC half-dayThe King Abdulaziz Historical Centre with the National Museum and the Murabba Palace; a good midday stop.2 sightsDistrict guide →
- Olaya and Al Ahsa street areaseesleepeatSuits: Malls, restaurants, the Kingdom CentreThe modern spine of Riyadh: towers, malls, cafés, and most international hotels.1 sights · 2 eats · 1 sleep areaDistrict guide →
- DiriyahseeeatSuits: At-Turaif, Bujairi Terrace, evening lightA restored mud-brick district, best from late afternoon to dinner.1 sights · 1 eatsDistrict guide →
- King Abdullah Financial DistrictseeSuits: Architecture and businessA cluster of modern towers to the north; visit for business or the metro station.Short entry only: too little in this guide for a full page yet.
Hover, tap or tab to an area to see what it is like. Pins are sleep areas; arrows at the edge point to the airport.
Off the map: King Khalid International Airport (RUH) (45–80 min by the usual route).
Not drawn yet (no coordinates in this guide): King Abdullah Financial District. See the table above.
Where’s what, as a list:
- Al Batha and Deira (old centre): The historic core: mud-brick memory, souqs and coffee houses; the quietest hours are early morning. Suits: Old town, Masmak, Souq Al Zal, breakfasts. Price band $.
- Murabba and the National Museum: The King Abdulaziz Historical Centre with the National Museum and the Murabba Palace; a good midday stop. Suits: Museum, Murabba Palace, an AC half-day.
- Olaya and Al Ahsa street area: The modern spine of Riyadh: towers, malls, cafés, and most international hotels. Suits: Malls, restaurants, the Kingdom Centre. Price band $$$.
- Diriyah: A restored mud-brick district, best from late afternoon to dinner. Suits: At-Turaif, Bujairi Terrace, evening light.
- King Abdullah Financial District: A cluster of modern towers to the north; visit for business or the metro station. Suits: Architecture and business.
- Sleep area Batha & Old Centre: suits Old town, Masmak, Souq Al Zal, breakfasts, price band $.
- Sleep area Olaya: suits Malls, restaurants, the Kingdom Centre, price band $$$.
- King Khalid International Airport (RUH), 45–80 min by the usual route.