How To Spend 48 Hours in Riyadh?

Ready to map out an unforgettable escape? Here’s your complete guide to exploring Riyadh in just two days.

Riyadh is full of epic restaurants, hip cafés, and some amazing attractions that combine to offer a unique blend of cultural, entertaining, and modern experiences. You can start at Boulevard Riyadh City, which is full of restaurants, shops, and massive entertainment venues. Or take in the incredible view from the Sky Bridge atop the Kingdom Centre. With the amount of shopping available within shopping malls and over 170 new attractions under development, you can see how two days will turn into a fun, fast-paced, and unforgettable experience in Riyadh, with the help of this guide.

Start your day with breakfast at Flour and Firewood, a world-class café located in As Sulaimaniyah. The café provides an idyllic setting for breakfast, full of Mediterranean ambiance. The breakfast menu is made up of many classic items, including creamy avocado toast, freshly made bagels, and freshly prepared flatbreads topped with both savory and sweet options. The café is open from Monday to Saturday, 8 a.m. – 11 p.m. Or head to The Capital Lounge and start right with their flaky Pains au Chocolat, rich and frothy Mochas, airy French Toasts dusted with cinnamon sugar, lemon Ricotta Pancakes topped with berries and honey, and creamy Avocado Smash on toasted sourdough bread.

Hop on a guided exploration of Turaif, which is also located within the same district as Bujairi Terrace. Turaif is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that dates back to the 15th century. At-Turaif District in ad-Diriyah is an example of the first Saudi state and served as the original location for the Saudi royal family's residence as well as the Kingdom’s first capital city. The landscape consists of mud-brick buildings exemplifying Najdi architecture and contains many significant historical sites like the Salwa Palace and Imam Mohammed Ibn Saud Mosque. The site opens to the public on Saturday through Wednesday from 10 a.m. until midnight, Thursday from 10 a.m. until 1 a.m., and Friday from 2 p.m. until 1 a.m.

One of the largest stone formations in the world, Jebel Fihrayn, is perched on the Edge of the World in the northwest of Riyadh. The cliffs of Jebel Fihrayn drop down approximately 300 meters into what was once an ancient seabed. From the top, the vistas of the desert and the sky appear to merge with no end in sight. Jebel Fihrayn is part of the Tuwaiq Escarpment, which is an 800-kilometer-long series of high cliffs created by sedimentary beds developing during the Jurassic period. You can still see fossils from the seas of that era embedded in the Jebel Fihrayn rock. Jebel Fihrayn is accessible via a rugged 4x4 drive from the city of Riyadh. Hikers reach the top of the escarpment after climbing to the peak and receive spectacular panoramic views of the desert for miles around.

Take a break and have lunch at Takya, located in Diriyah's historic town in the food district of Bujairi Terrace. The menu includes dishes like mutabbag stuffed with cheese and tomatoes, fresh-baked tamees bread served with beetroot and chickpeas, and some of Saudi Arabia's most popular foods (like saleeq and kabsa). The restaurant is open from Sunday to Wednesday from 4:00 p.m. until 1:00 a.m. and from Thursday to Saturday from 1:00 p.m. until 1:00 a.m.

After sampling some traditional food, continue your cultural journey by visiting the National Museum of Saudi Arabia. With landscaped outdoor parks surrounding the museum and a water feature, there are four separate themed exhibit halls. Through a variety of impressive artifacts like carved stone Islamic script, old Islamic texts (more than 500 years old), and weapons used to reclaim control of the city, all of which add to the experience that usually results in a better experience. The museum is open Monday through Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Thursday from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m., and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Head to one of Riyadh's oldest marketplaces, Souq Al Zal, also known as "Souq of the Carpet." Located on Shaikh Muhammad Ibn Ibrahim Street in the older part of Ad Dirah, this historic marketplace is recognized for its authentic atmosphere and offers numerous treasures. Souq Al Zal provides finely made rugs, fragrant bukhoor, and many different kinds of textiles. The market is open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., allowing customers plenty of time to stroll through its bustling pathways.

As night falls, relax and have dinner at Suhail restaurant. Suhail has many regional dishes from Hail to Hijaz; however, two of its signature items are creamy Saleeq and aromatic Kabsa with Lamb. Save room for dessert and try the decadent Hanini cheesecake. Suhail is open daily from 12:30 p.m. – 12:00 a.m., located on the Northern Ring Road in An Nakheel.

The view of the city's skyline from the Sky Bridge is breathtaking as you ascend to the 99th floor to see this amazing urban landscape 300 metres above ground level. You can see all of the sparkling lights of the city spread out before you, creating a glittering view that will make for a beautiful photo opportunity. The Sky Bridge is open from noon until 10:30 p.m., Saturday through Thursday, and from 4:00 p.m. until 10:30 p.m. on Friday.

Following the famous aerial views of the city, you can return to ground level at Kingdom Mall, a top-notch shopping mall located in Riyadh's Olaya neighborhood. Kingdom Mall has a huge variety of both local and international retailers offering you countless options for new wardrobe pieces or a unique gift. For some entertainment, head up to the 3rd floor for VOX Cinema Gold – an exquisite cinema experience with a delicious menu curated by well-known Saudi chef Mona Mosly. Open from Saturday to Thursday from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m., and from Friday from 3:35 p.m. – 10:30 p.m., Kingdom Mall is one of the best Riyadh attractions.

Start Day 2 with a traditional Saudi vibe at Aseeb Najd, providing authentic food served in a classic majlis-style and decorated using the classic red-and-white Arabian design. Guests can sample the most popular dishes in Saudi Arabia: kabsa, jareesh, saleeq, matazeez, and margoog, all served in the locals’ way. Have the desserts: mahalabia or hanini, which provide a nice contrast to the heavier dishes.

Or visit the Avril Resto Cafe, popular for having Avril Signature French Toast made perfectly with a crispy outside and a fluffy inside with berry compote, whipped cream, and fresh fruit. Bite into the indulging richness of the Brioche French Toast drizzled with a buttery caramel sauce and served with mascarpone cream. The stackable Fluffy Pancakes are just waiting to be shared, while the fresh and colorful Garden Omelet overflows with delicious vegetables and herbs.

Experience some of the local history through a walk inside the Masmak Palace, located in the Civil Court District (Qasr Al Hukm) in Riyadh. The Masmak Palace is an ancient clay mudbrick fort that played a key role in the Riyadh Battle, with the Kingdom’s leaders trying to reclaim Riyadh. The palace is divided into six areas that include a large courtyard, a traditional well, and a free museum portraying history. The most stunning part of the palace is the Majlis, which is a well-known display area. There is also the original palace gate with the spear that was used during the Battle of Riyadh. Masmak Palace is also closely linked to Al Imam Turki bin Abdullah bin Mohammed.

Step into the World Sights Park in Riyadh, and you will come across around five of the world's most notable landmarks (the Eiffel Tower, Taj Mahal, Two Holy Mosques, and Burj Khalifa) within hours of entering. These stunning replicas are set around a breathtaking garden that spans 25,000 square meters. Curved paths and carefully placed light fixtures help create a delightful environment, with little signs about the historical context behind the buildings, making for one of the best Places to visit in Riyadh.

Step in to have a French-themed meal at LPM, an exciting restaurant located at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel. LPM has an extensive variety of menu items to choose from; you can find dishes such as snails in garlic butter, salt-baked seabass, ribeye steak, and marinated baby chicken, providing a mixture of traditional taste and creativity. The restaurant's atmosphere is unique and playful, with many pieces of artwork by the famous artist Mickey Mouse hanging on the walls of the restaurant. The restaurant's hours of operation are from Sunday through Thursday, 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m., and on Friday, 1:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. It is located on King Fahd Road between Al Motassem St. and Olaya, near the Maiden Royal Castle Hotel.

Fenaa Al Awwal is located within the Riyadh Diplomatic Quarter next to Roundabout Number Three, providing a cultural/art space for people who enjoy art. A free art exhibit will be on view on the first floor, while a cozy café and coffee shop will serve customers coffee and cake along with books to browse through on the second floor. The gift shop carries various items from books to stationery, along with practical items. The hours of operation for Fenaa Al Awwal location are Monday to Thursday 09:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., Friday 04:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., and closed on Sundays, making it one of the best Things to do in Riyadh.

Boulevard Riyadh City is Riyadh’s response to Times Square, originally established as the city’s first permanent entertainment district during Riyadh Season in 2019 and the largest in the city. With its high energy level, the boulevard has a unique combination of shops, restaurants, and interactive games. In addition, there is enhanced fun from the continuous live entertainment events on the streets that bring the street alive. Boulevard Riyadh City is located in the Hittin area, and it is free to visit.

End your second day by enjoying an incredible view of the sun setting in the city at The Hills of the Diplomatic Quarter near Roundabout 11, located at Al Safarat. This climb is challenging with some rugged terrain that is rocky and requires sturdy shoes and some stamina, but it is well worth the climb. From the top of the hill, enjoy sitting at the edge with your legs hanging down, watching as the sun sets over the horizon, creating a calm, beautiful, and unforgettable experience.

Via Riyadh is a vibrant all-in-one place to shop, eat, and be entertained. With numerous options for casual dining and fine dining, it's an excellent place to spend a day. If you want to grab a light snack or sweet treat with coffee, try London's Over Under Bar & Café; its warm atmosphere is perfect for relaxing. For a more substantial dinner, you have options for every taste. Ferdi is known for its signature cheeseburgers and generous portions, while Spago offers comfort foods, including pasta, and Les Deux Magots serves delicious French food. Enjoy multiple kinds of food, a great atmosphere, and a movie at the cinema to complete your experience.

Choose Braira Qurtubah Hotel Riyadh for your next trip and enjoy refined hospitality, modern amenities, and a relaxing stay.