Exploring Riyadh from the USA: The Best Attractions, Markets, and Restaurants
Riyadh, one of the most vibrant cities in the Middle East, emerged as a leading tourist location. Under Saudi Arabia’s ‘Vision 2030’ plan, Riyadh has made significant infrastructural improvements, while tourism has started thriving. Visiting Riyadh from the USA has now become easy. A Riyadh visit visa is required for all US citizens, when travelling to the city.
Looking for places to explore in Riyadh? There are several top tourist attractions, markets, and restaurants in Riyadh. This blog will help you spot vibrant locations, markets, and restaurants with exceptional hospitality and services in Riyadh.
Riyadh: A Blend of Tradition and Modernity
Riyadh boasts a blend of tradition and dynamic modernism. Contributing to traditional architecture and cultural practices, Riyadh has embraced cultural change over the years.
In 2019, the Saudi Arabian government opened its doors for international visitors to travel the country. Since then, tourists worldwide have been flocking for places to explore in Riyadh, and the restaurants as well. From historical locations like Ad-Diriyah to picturesque Al Masmak Fortress, Riyadh has developed its tourism sector over the years.
Visa Requirements for US Citizens to Riyadh
US citizens mandatorily require a tourist visa to travel to Saudi Arabia. U.S. tourists can apply for an eVisa for Saudi Arabia. The eVisas allow the visitors to enter multiple times in Saudi Arabia.
These visas are available for multiple entry, which allows visitors to enter the country multiple times.
However, the eVisa for Saudi Arabia is valid for 1 year, and tourists can stay up to 90 days at once in Saudi Arabia. Moreover, as a US citizen, you can also apply for a visa once you arrive in Saudi Arabia.
Documents Required
To plan for places to explore in Riyadh, your US passport needs to be valid for up to six months from the date of your arrival in the country. In addition, while applying for a eVisa, you have to upload a passport-size digital photo of yourself. To obtain an eVisa for Saudi Arabia, US citizens can be asked to provide additional documents like proof of accommodation in Saudi Arabia. Moreover, it will be checked whether you have the financial means to travel within the country.
Visa Application Process
To get the eVisa for Saudi Arabia online, tourists have to apply on the designated websites or the approved websites. It is a quick and convenient process to get the eVisa without having to visit the Saudi Arabian Embassy.
Firstly, applicants are required to fill out the application form by giving accurate information as far as possible. Giving wrong information here can lead to the rejection of the eVisa. Furthermore, you have to choose the right type of eVisa to Saudi Arabia, depending on your purpose of visiting the country. Minutely re-check the passport details.
Secondly, you have to upload the documents in the preferred format as requested by the immigration department of Saudi Arabia. Then you have to make the payment for the eVisa for Saudi Arabia using a debit or credit card.
The Saudi Arabia eVisa takes some 3 to 4 business days to be processed. The processing time of the eVisa can change considering the time of application and the applicant’s country. You will receive your eVisa for Saudi Arabia shortly. Afterwards, you are required to take the printout of it and carry it while you are traveling. When you arrive at any designated airport in Saudi Arabia, the immigration officer will put a stamp on your passport.
Must-See Attractions in Riyadh
Here are some definite places to explore in Riyadh so that you do not miss out on anything:
Kingdom Centre Tower
One of the most-visited and acclaimed landmarks of Riyadh, the Kingdom Centre Tower is all about the blend of luxury and entertainment. This tower has 99 floors. You can visit the Al Mamlaka Shopping Centre, located inside the tower. Moreover, you also visit the Sky Bridge, from where you can get a panoramic view of the entire Riyadh City from 300 meters above ground.
King Abdullah Park
This place is known for scenic lakes and streams inside it. While strolling around the park, tourists can visit numerous stalls and exhibits. However, the park has a fee for entry, which is 9 Riyals for adults and 4.5 riyals for kids. Although open from Monday to Saturday, it is recommended to avoid the weekends due to large local crowds.
National Museum of Saudi Arabia
With more than 3700 artifacts in its store, the National Museum of Saudi Arabia will take you on a historical and cultural tour. You can visit all 8 galleries which carry history, tradition, culture and scientific rigour. To enable tourists to capture their favourite moments, the National Museum authority has a specific photography corner.
Diriyah (At-Turaif District)
Picture this: Stunning castles and structures glowing in sunlight against the backdrop of Najdi landscapes. That is At-Turaif for you! This is one of the prime tourist spots of Riyadh and recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Moreover, Diriyah is also full of natural wonders that attract tourists. Spots like Wadi Hanifa, a picturesque valley that is visited mostly by foreign visitors.
Best Markets (Souks) to Explore
Americans are considered shoppers when it comes to buying souvenirs from foreign markets. Saudi Arabian markets, or ‘Souk’, are true bearers of the Saudi Arabian culture and ancestral heritage. From vibrant fabrics to exotic collectors' items, the traditional souks play a key role in upholding the local heritage.
Souk Al Zal
Located at the centre of Riyadh City, tourists can find numerous handmade and antique items. The immersive Arabian market will be a lifetime experience for you. Handmade jewelry, traditional clothing, and incense are some of the most bought products from here.
Al Owais Souk
More famous as the ‘Bisht’ market, this traditional market is all about upholding the local businesses. This market is famous among tourists due to its wider collection of gold and silver jewellery along with traditional textiles.
Deerah Souk
This marketplace is located near Fort Al Masmak. Deerah souk is mostly famous as a gold market.
In addition, you can get premium-quality carpets and fabrics. Here, the carpets have intricate designs, entirely handmade by the artists. You can buy these as souvenirs and keep them as a recollection of the trip.
Obtaining an eVisa for Saudi Arabia and getting to Riyadh will open these endless experiences for you.
Riyadh’s Top Location to Eat
In Riyadh, the culture and innovation can also be observed in its rich cuisines. Arabian cuisine is something that no traveller can ignore. Hence, some of the leading restaurants in Riyadh are preserving the traditional culinary taste of Saudi Arabia.
Here, we list some of the best places to satisfy your taste buds in Riyadh.
Najd Village
Arabian people hailing from the Najd area are referred to as Najdi people, who have a very rich cultural heritage. For some previous decades, Najd village has served some of the best Saudi Arabian platters. In addition, this restaurant in Riyadh offers an immersive Najdi environment, which entices the tourists. In the exterior of the hotel, you can see a glimpse of Najdi architecture.
Najd Village operates in two different locations in Riyadh: one at the Takhassusi Road and the other at the Abu Bakr Road.
Al Orjouan
Situated at the Ritz-Carlton in Riyadh, Al Orjuan is a place where you can find all types of traditional Saudi Arabian cuisine. In addition to that, one of the specialties of this restaurant is the Breakfast Buffet, where tourists can try some high-quality Middle-Eastern and International cuisine. However, travellers need to book a reservation to experience the food here. In addition to that, Al Orjuan offers themed food night experiences, like the seafood night or the butcher night.
Pro Tip: To get the best experience, visit Al Orjuan during one of their themed food nights. Moreover, do not forget to take a unique Arabian Beverage like the Desert Rose Cocktail.
Maiz
While travelling to Diriyah, tourists can visit Maiz, which celebrates the traditional culinary tastes of Saudi Arabia. With a warm and welcoming environment, Maiz is a perfect spot for fine dining. The interior of this restaurant in Riyadh is filled with the signs of tradition. The wall is decorated with a Palm Tree wallpaper and the traditional Al Sadu art on the seats and other decorations.
Some best platters to try here include Chicken Saleeg, Hijazi Soup, and Meat Sambosa.
Realistic Tips for Visitors
Saudi Arabian natives appreciate if foreigners respect their tradition and culture. Hence, Riyadh hosts millions of tourists every year.
Best Time to Visit
During November to February, the weather remains good in Saudi Arabia. As an American, this would be the best time to plan for places to explore in Riyadh; you would be able to avoid the dryness of the summer.
Using a SIM card in Riyadh
When you arrive at the airport, you can find the SIM card stores right beside the arrival terminal. The data and calling plans are pretty affordable in cost.
Apparel and Dresses to Wear in Public
People in Riyadh are pretty sensible with dress as it reflects their cultural and religious values. Visitors are expected to comply with the values of the country and dress modestly. Moreover, shorts and sleeveless shirts are expected to be avoided by men.
Shop Your Heart out in Riyadh!
Getting to Saudi Arabia as an American tourist can be a dream tour. Since getting an eVisa for Saudi Arabia is as easy as for US citizens, accessing Saudi Arabia would be a lifetime experience, especially while touring Riyadh.
So, get ready for the next tourist season and plan a tour to Riyadh!