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5 Places In Riyadh That You Didn’t Know Existed

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Tired of hitting up the same old spots every weekend? Well, here’s a collection of hidden gems in Riyadh that you probably didn’t know about. Time to spice up your weekends!

1. Ancient Watchtower With A Story To Tell

The historic watchtower Burj Qari Qaseer in Ad-Diriyah is tucked away from the typical tourist route and has seen it all. This ancient treasure is located on a peaceful street, squarely in the centre of a roundabout. It’s witnessed the rise and fall of Ad-Diriyah, and it’s even said to be a spot that’s witnessed some of the fiercest fighting during the Ottoman invasion of the city.


2. Arab-Islamic Art Haven

The Al-Faisal Museum for Arab-Islamic Art is a must-see if you enjoy both art and history. This museum showcases treasures from the King Faisal Center for Research and Islamic Studies. From ancient Arab-Islamic art to manuscripts, coins, and more, it’s like a time machine taking you through history.

 

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3. Oldest Mosque in Riyadh

Riyadh’s roots trace back to Ad-Diriyah, and right there, you’ll find the Al-Sariha Mosque, which is widely believed to be one of the oldest surviving mosques in the area. It might not be huge, but it’s a textbook example of Najdi architecture and a piece of Riyadh’s history.


4. Shawarma Spot That Started It All

Believe it or not, shawarmas weren’t always a mainstay in Riyadh until Abu Nawas opened its doors in 1970. Taking a bite here is like stepping back in time and savouring the nostalgia. They’re the OG shawarma masters in the city.

5. Saudi Arabia’s Grand Canyon

Okay, it’s not technically in Riyadh, but about 100 km to the south. Known as the Hidden Canyon, this place is like the Saudi version of the Grand Canyon. You’ll find towering stone structures that look like something out of a fantasy world. The canyon will wow you with mesmerising layers of sandstone and limestone. If you’re lucky, you might spot some desert fox footprints and even water after a rare rainfall.

 

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