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Riyadh Travel Guide: 607 reviews and 1,237 photos
I arrived in Riyadh on the 11th June 2002. My job is based in Riyadh for most of the year, but I've been lucky and got to spend the last 2 summers in Jeddah.
Riyadh, today’s capital of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, emerged from the ruins of Hajr Al-Yamama city (ancient city dating back to the time of the Tasm and Judais tribes). The fortresses and castles built by these tribes were said to have existed until the beginning of the fourth Hijra (Islamic) century.
The name Ar-Riyadh (a plural of Rawdah in Arabic means orchard or green garden) hmmm.
Today, Riyadh is one of the fastest growing and most prosperous cities in the world. In less than half a century, its residents increased from 20,000 to approximately four million. (As in the WHOLE population of New Zealand).
Riyadh has an increasing number of high-tech glass, steel and concrete buildings, but ugly apartment buildings built in the 60s and 70s still feature heavily downtown.
Riyadh has all the standard chain hotels, large modern hospitals, plus the biggest airport in the world.
The centre of Riyadh - Al-Bathaa - is the oldest part of the city. Al Bathaa is home to the bus station, post office and batha souk.
Most of Riyadh's places to stay are near the bus station, as are the coffee shops and shwarma stands.
- Pros:hussle and bustle of the souks
- Cons:those young (and not so young) boyracers
- In a nutshell:disappear down in Baatha or grab a latte at Starbucks - the best of old and new reigns supreme
Reviews (14)
reasonably gourmet
Restaurants
(3)
It's great to see a 'gourmet-type' place located in a shopping mall, because taxi fares to restaurants are an added... more travel advice
books and more
Shopping
(8)
Jarir has quite a few locations around the Gulf States. I bought a laptop from them almost 2 years ago, and have had it... more travel advice
uk department store chain
Shopping
(8)
Debenhams takes up one end of Kingdom Towers 3-storey shopping mall. The top floor is ladies-only, you can try on... more travel advice
show me the faluss honey
Shopping
(8)
Saks 5th Avenue is a showcase of lots of designer pret-a-port clothing. You can get Prada FMB boots and Galliano... more travel advice
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Things to Do (3)
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Share Your TravelsLatest Activity in Riyadh
- Posted in Miscellaneous Forum "Re: Have you done this?"
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- Wrote a Review reasonably gourmet in Riyadh Restaurants
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Budget Travel
Backpacking
Work AbroadLatest Riyadh hotel reviews
- Holiday Inn Riyadh Minhal
- 55 Reviews & Opinions
Latest: May 16, 2013 - Radisson Blu Hotel
- 103 Reviews & Opinions
Latest: May 21, 2013 - Tulip Inn Riyadh
- 7 Reviews & Opinions
Latest: Jul 31, 2012 - Luthan Spa ((Ladies Only Hotel))
- 14 Reviews & Opinions
Latest: Apr 6, 2012 - Al Faisaliah, A Rosewood Hotel
- 122 Reviews & Opinions
Latest: May 18, 2013 - InterContinental Riyadh
- 102 Reviews & Opinions
Latest: May 23, 2013 - Al Waha Palace Hotel
- 46 Reviews & Opinions
Latest: May 19, 2013 - Al Khozama Hotel
- 92 Reviews & Opinions
Latest: May 21, 2013 - Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh at Kingdom Centre
- 115 Reviews & Opinions
Latest: May 23, 2013 - Madareem Crown Hotel
- 19 Reviews & Opinions
Latest: May 10, 2013 - Al Mutlaq Hotel
- 21 Reviews & Opinions
Latest: May 8, 2013 - Holiday Inn Riyadh-Izdihar Airport Road
- 74 Reviews & Opinions
Latest: May 10, 2013 - Holiday Inn Riyadh-Olaya
- 70 Reviews & Opinions
Latest: May 10, 2013 - Hilton Garden Inn Riyadh Olaya
- 98 Reviews & Opinions
Latest: May 17, 2013 - Tulip Inn Olaya House
- 17 Reviews & Opinions
Latest: Oct 23, 2012
Comments (56)
What are you doing in Saudi? I loved my time in the Middle East! What a great experience!
oh olaya steet is a very posh steet .With some beautiful shopping mall around it . I would love to hang out there .Specially the computer market where in u get latest gadgets but be ware of softland & binaries .Both sell china items as made in usa .
Great insights and photos! A new job had me back in Riyadh - recent changes/construction are quite something.
The Kingdom Tower looks so amazing!
Hey There, Its good you are getting out and about, I work at Al-Kharj and live in Riyadh, if you want some company or can show me more of this amazing place then get in touch!
Hi Bec! fabulous pages! hope to visit Riyadh one day
nice page for getting a first impression of the city. My boyfriend just went to work there and thanks to you, this city is not such a big mistery anymore...
u walk in batha without covering ur hair.. how come :).. and..hehehehe.. why u hide ur face in the photos :), dun worry i won't follow u :)) * kidding* anyway,, nice pages :)
Interesting combination...Souks and Saks 5th Avenue--what diverse shopping. THANKS,you make Riyadh look very exciting!!
hallo, i'm moving to riyadh for two years in september, just starting to do some research on my new home. thanks for the page, grateful for any other tips or advice you have. colum