The Ultimate Non-Basic Guide For Cool Things To Do In Riyadh

When it comes to Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, there are a lot of exciting things to do and now with the boom of events, festivals, gastronomy, and entertainment happenings – you will always find something to do.

Today, we want to go beyond the obvious, and show you a wide range of activities that go beyond the typical tourist experiences. Here is our list of non-basic activities to do in Riyadh:

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Geek out at an Escape Room

An adventure game created for small groups of people that will require you to use your analytical thinking, power of teamwork, and savvy problem-solving skills to escape in only 1 hour. Escape The Room KSA is our current favorite, get to booking your rooms!

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Learn the skills, instead of eating them

A typical guide will tell you the names of restaurants to go to - don’t get us wrong, we love dining out - but how about learning the skills, instead of eating them? Saudi cuisine is a blend of Middle Eastern, African and Asian influences and it's a great way to learn about the country's culture. Join a cooking class to learn how to prepare traditional dishes such as Kabsa, Mandi, and Harees and take your new skills home with you.

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Discover the creatives minds of the city

Riyadh is home to a thriving art scene with a number of galleries and exhibitions showcasing the work of local and international artists. The Misk Art Institute is a must-visit, featuring contemporary art exhibitions and educational programs. The Athr Gallery, on the other hand, is dedicated to promoting emerging Saudi artists and has a diverse range of works on display.

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Revel in the great outdoors

Riyadh is surrounded by beautiful desert landscapes and natural attractions, such as Wadi Hanifah, a valley that is ideal for hiking and picnicking. To experience the desert in a unique way, consider taking a hot air balloon ride over the dunes for a breathtaking view of the landscape.

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Behold Al-Kharj, one of the hidden gems

Just south of Riyadh, Al-Kharj is a historic oasis city known for its traditional architecture, beautiful gardens, and palm groves. Visitors can take a stroll around the city's souk, visit the historic Al-Sulayyil Castle, and enjoy a traditional meal at one of the local restaurants.

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Understand tradition through music and performance

Riyadh is also home to a number of traditional performance venues, such as the Misk Cultural Center, where visitors can enjoy traditional music and dance performances, poetry recitations, and more.

There is something for everyone to enjoy in Riyadh you just need to look close enough!

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Travel & Food

The Ultimate Non-Basic Guide For Cool Things To Do In Riyadh

Geek out at an Escape Room

Learn the skills, instead of eating them

Discover the creatives minds of the city

Revel in the great outdoors

Behold Al-Kharj, one of the hidden gems

Understand tradition through music and performance

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