Here’s how to make the most of the month ahead.
It’s the start of a new month, which means it’s time to fill up your cultural calendar. As spring arrives, Riyadh comes alive. April is packed with excitement as the new month rolls in, featuring a variety of sporting events and culinary experiences. Plus, there are concerts, cultural and culinary events. Here are the best things to do in Riyadh in April.
Wednesday 1 April
Start the month at Murabba Palace
Built in the 1930s by King Abdulaziz, Murabba Historical Palace is one of Riyadh’s most important heritage sites. Its name means “square”, reflecting the traditional Najdi layout, with mudbrick walls, wooden ceilings and spacious courtyards. The wider complex includes multiple buildings, gardens, and historical artefacts associated with the Kingdom’s early unification era.
GO: Visit www.rcrc.gov.sa for more information.
Thursday 2 April
Take a stroll around Salam Park
Salam Park is one of Riyadh’s easiest outdoor wins, especially in the cooler months. Set near the historic heart of the city, it pairs wide lawns with shaded walking paths and a central lake that draws families from late afternoon onwards. Come for a sunset stroll, rent a bike, or simply claim a picnic spot and watch the park shift from laidback daytime calm to a lively evening scene. With plenty of space for kids to run around and pockets of greenery for photos, it’s a simple, feel-good escape from the city’s fast pace.
GO: Visit www.visitsaudi.com for more information.
Friday 3 April
Enjoy a beautiful brunch at Angelina
French cafe Angelina Paris, located in Riyadh’s burgeoning Bujairi Terrace, offers the perfect setting for a sophisticated brunch. The European-inspired decor creates a memorable dining experience where you can enjoy their signature hot chocolate, a must-try for first-time visitors. You can also dive into French favourites such as Chocolate Pancakes, Eggs Benedict, and Fresh Fruit Salad. Available daily, from 10am to 2pm. SAR 195 (four-course meal).
GO: Follow @angelinaparisksa on Instagram for more information.
Saturday 4 April
Dance the night away at Spinners
For an exciting and different night out, Spinners is the place to be. This energetic roller-skating rink with a fun Turkish touch is suitable for all ages. The venue offers a smooth indoor rink with skate rentals, beginner support, and open spaces for free skating or group sessions. In addition to skating, Spinners creates a Turkish festival vibe, featuring live music, entertainment shows, and themed skating nights. Families and kids can also enjoy interactive arcade zones, while others can relax in a cosy lounge area serving authentic Turkish coffee and sweet treats.
GO: Visit https://webook.com for more information.
Sunday 5 April
Visit the Art Across the Arabian Gulf exhibition
This regional showcase celebrates pioneering Gulf artists with a landmark visual art exhibition that brings together leading creatives from across the GCC. It offers an insightful understanding of the region’s artistic development, with over 70 artists whose works reflect the landscapes, identities and cultural shifts that have influenced contemporary Gulf art. Alongside the art, a series of innovative educational programs is offered through workshops, talks and guided sessions, all designed to encourage deeper engagement.
GO: Visit www.visitsaudi.com for more information.
Monday 6 April
Explore the beginnings of the Saudi Art Movement
‘Bedayat: Beginnings of Saudi Art Movement’, platforms and celebrates the era of modern art in Saudi Arabia. Presenting works by a leading group of Saudi artists from the 1960s to the 80s, the exhibition offers a visual journey tracing how the modern art landscape evolved alongside the Kingdom’s cultural, social, and economic development. The exhibition includes paintings, sculptures and archival materials, some of which are displayed for the first time. A public program of talks, workshops, and masterclasses will also be on offer to explore key cultural themes.
GO: Visit https://webook.com for more information.
Tuesday 7 April
Satisfy your sushi craving at the new spot Haru
Haru officially opened in Riyadh on Al Takhassousi Street, landing in a prime pocket surrounded by some of the neighbourhood’s most popular dining destinations. It offers the classics, along with plenty of crowd-pleasers for sharing. Start light with miso soup or a signature salad, then move into favourites like shrimp tempura, tuna tartare and beef gyoza. Sushi fans can keep it traditional with salmon or seabass nigiri, or go for rolls like spicy salmon, California, and the house Haru maki. When you’re in the mood for something heartier, there are comforting mains like shrimp yaki udon, seafood fried rice and katsu curry to round out the meal.
GO: Follow @haru__ksa on Instagram for more information.
Wednesday 8 April
Escape to Wadi Hanifah
Wadi Hanifah is Riyadh’s great green escape, stretching like a ribbon of calm through the city’s northwest. Come in the late afternoon when the light softens and the temperature drops, then follow the walking and cycling paths that weave past palms, picnic spots and still water. It’s the sort of place that makes Riyadh feel unexpectedly outdoorsy: families spreading blankets, runners clocking laps, friends lingering over takeaway coffee. Pack a few snacks, wear comfortable shoes and keep your camera handy, because golden hour here hits differently.
GO: Visit www.visitsaudi.com for more information.
Thursday 9 April
Marvel at Al Masmak Palace Museum
A defining symbol of Saudi heritage, Al Masmak is a mudbrick fortress in the Ad-Dirah district that showcases traditional Najdi architecture. Inside, expect thick walls, watchtowers and a central courtyard, alongside galleries displaying photographs, weapons, documents and audio-visual exhibits that trace the Kingdom’s founding. Converted into a museum in 1995, the palace now houses photographs, weapons, documents, audio-visual exhibits, and artefacts that narrate the Kingdom’s founding.
GO: Visit https://heritage.moc.gov.sa for more information.
Friday 10 April
Try out the brand-new Kantami
Kantami draws inspiration from Kintsugi, the Japanese art of repairing ceramics with gold. The atmosphere is cinematic, with a modern izakaya feel that is casual and social, equally suited to a quick bite or a long, unhurried meal with friends. On the menu, classic Japanese techniques sit alongside playful, evolving twists. Highlights begin with appetisers like Roripoppu Prawn Lollipops, wrapped in a crisp shell and served with a punchy house sauce. For mains, Azabu Salmon Donburi pairs miso-butter-glazed grilled salmon with seasoned rice and dashi-simmered onions, served with a small bowl of miso soup.
GO: Follow @kantami.sa on Instagram for more information.
Saturday 11 April
Race your friends at Battle Kart
BLV Battle Kart has changed the go-karting game by fusing real driving with video game dynamics in augmented reality. Players can race their friends on interactive tracks with power-ups, digital obstacles, and competitive challenges that bring the thrilling gaming world to life. Each race is singular and unique, combining speed, strategy, and, of course, fun in this multiplayer experience.
GO: Visit www.visitsaudi.com for more information.
Sunday 12 April
Experience Six Flags Qiddiya City
Are you ready for an adventure like no other? Look no further than Six Flags Qiddiya, the ultimate destination for thrill seekers, adrenaline junkies and families seeking fun and entertainment. The theme park features five record-breaking rides, including Sirocco Tower, the world’s tallest free-standing shot tower ride; Gyropsin, the world’s tallest pendulum ride; Spitfire, the world’s tallest inverted top hat coaster; and Iron Rattler, the world’s tallest tilt coaster. However, it’s the gravity-defying Falcon’s Flight, the world’s longest, tallest and fastest coaster that will be Six Flags Qiddiya’s star attraction.
GO: Visit https://sixflagsqiddiyacity.com for more information.
Monday 13 April
Explore Wadi Namar
Set in southwest Riyadh, Wadi Namar is a scenic escape built around artificial lakes, palm-lined walking trails, waterfalls and picnic spots. It’s a family favourite for relaxed afternoons, whether you’re walking, cycling or simply settling in with coffee and a view.
GO: Visit www.visitsaudi.com for more information.
Tuesday 14 April
Shop until you drop at Solitaire
Make like Cardi B did during her recent visit to Riyadh and head to Solitaire. The new lifestyle destination offers a diverse range of experiences, including shopping, dining, entertainment, wellness, and sports. The retail section offers high-end fashion and a dedicated jewellery quarter. The food and beverage section features fine dining, fast food, and a rooftop food hall, including Jon & Vinny’s and the ever-popular Somewhere.
GO: Visit https://solitaireksa.com for more information.
Wednesday 15 April
Escape to the Edge of the World
For one of the most spectacular day trips from the capital, head to Jabal Fihrayn and take in the cliff-top views that seem to stretch forever. Located around 120 kilometres from Riyadh, this dramatic landscape of rugged rock formations and dried riverbeds is best explored with a guide. Follow old caravan routes, walk historic trails once used by Bedouin traders and stay for golden hour when the scenery becomes even more cinematic.
GO: Visit www.edgeoftheworldtour.com for more information.
Thursday 16 April
Visit a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Situated to the northwest of Riyadh, At Turaif is a 15th-century mud-brick citadel that served as the capital of the First Saudi State from 1727 to 1818. This stunning fortress showcases Najdi architecture, featuring fortified palaces, towers, and mosques, with breathtaking views overlooking Wadi Hanifah. At its heart stand the impressive four-storey Salwa Palace, the historic Saad Bin Saud Palace, which features a bathhouse, and the Imam Mohammad Bin Saud Mosque. Visitors can explore galleries showcasing social life, military history, and trade.
GO: Visit www.diriyah.sa for more information.
Friday 17 April
Dine at Café Boulud
Chef Daniel Boulud’s sophisticated brunch at Four Seasons Riyadh offers a personal take on global flavours. Expect a generous spread of Mediterranean favourites, signature Café Boulud classics and timeless French delicacies, all prepared with finesse and flair. Live cooking stations add an interactive element, while the dessert room provides a decadent finale with Asian and international classics. Celebrating taste, texture and tradition, each dish is thoughtfully reimagined through Chef Daniel’s distinctive culinary lens. Available on Fridays from 12:30pm to 4pm. SAR 380 per person.
GO: Visit www.fourseasons.com for more information.
Saturday 18 April
Fly into the skies of Saudi Arabia
If you thought you had seen everything Riyadh Season had to offer, think again. The capital is already packed with pop-ups, performances, and places to explore, and Boulevard City keeps adding fresh reasons to visit. The latest? A new attraction called Flying Over Saudi Arabia, which takes sightseeing to the next level by letting you experience the Kingdom from above, without ever boarding a plane. Launched at Boulevard City, Flying Over Saudi is billed as the country’s first immersive aerial experience. It is designed to make you feel like you can “fly” across Saudi Arabia while remaining firmly on the ground. The concept is simple but seriously impressive: a short, high-impact ride that blends cinematic visuals with physical effects, so you are not just watching the scenery, you are moving through it.
GO: Visit www.webook.com for more information.
Sunday 19 April
Shop at Riyadh’s oldest market
Souk Al Zal is located in Riyadh’s historic district and is known as one of the city’s oldest traditional markets. Explore the market and shop for aromatic spices, handcrafted jewellery, intricately woven carpets and oud perfumes. The Souk’s vibrant atmosphere reflects the Kingdom’s traditions.
GO: Visit www.visitsaudi.com for more information.
Monday 20 April
Walk the Kingdom Centre Sky Bridge
The Kingdom Centre sky bridge stands at 300 meters, offering unrivalled views across Riyadh. The Kingdom Centre is one of Saudi Arabia’s most iconic landmarks. It has 99 floors and houses the King Abdullah Mosque on the 77th floor, making it the world’s second-highest mosque. It is also home to several local and international luxury brands, including the Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh, VOX cinemas and exquisite fine-dining restaurants.
Go: Visit https://kingdomcentre.com.sa for more information.
Tuesday 21 April
Dine at FACT’s Restaurant of the Year
Zuma is a two-floor izakaya located in KAFD. The menu features signature dishes such as Barley Miso Baby Chicken, Miso-marinated Black Cod, and Salt Grilled Seabass. For dessert, an exclusive Ajwa Date & Miso Toffee Cake awaits. The striking design combines stone, wood, and copper, with a dramatic spiral staircase linking the restaurant, robata grill, sushi counter, bar, lounge, and DJ booth. Zuma Riyadh was recently named ‘Restaurant of the Year’ at the FACT Dining Awards Riyadh 2025.
GO: Visit www.zumarestaurant.com for more information.
Wednesday 22 April
Have an Italian feast at Il Baretto
Taking the crown of ‘Best Italian Restaurant in Riyadh’ at the FACT Dining Awards Riyadh for the third consecutive year, Il Baretto delivers polished Italian glamour in the heart of KAFD. The room hums from lunch into late night with a smart crowd grazing on classics done with confidence. Start with beef carpaccio scattered with Parmesan and rocket, or a silken Vitello Tonnato. Service is suave, the playlist smooth, and zero-proof spritzes come sharp and citrus. Effortless, stylish, reliably delicious.
GO: Visit www.ilbaretto.sa for more information.
Thursday 23 April
Dine at the FACT favourite Jon & Vinny’s
Jon & Vinny’s is a celebrated Los Angeles-based eatery known for its fresh, flavourful Italian-American cuisine. Now available in Ithra and Jeddah and recognised as a multiple FACT Dining Award winner in Riyadh, it’s loved for its innovative approach to dining, including pizzas and pasta.
GO: Follow @jonandvinnys.ksa on Instagram for more information.
Friday 24 April
Visit Heet Cave
Also known as Ain Heet Cave, this hidden geological wonder lies around 30 kilometres southeast of Riyadh. The eye-shaped entrance leads to a steep descent and an underground lake, making it a standout choice for adventurous hikers and experienced cave divers looking for a memorable subterranean desert adventure.
GO: Visit www.visitsaudi.com for more information.
Saturday 25 April
Try the brunch at ROKA Riyadh
ROKA, a known Japanese robatayaki restaurant, offers a brunch experience that has gained significant attention in the city. Enjoy a brunch menu with live stations and dishes served to your table, starting with a welcome drink and a fresh sashimi platter. You can also choose from a selection of starters, including Edamame, Miso Soup, and various salads. If you’re craving more, elevate your brunch for an additional cost and taste ROKA’s signature dishes from the robata or main kitchen. Available on Saturdays, from 1pm to 5pm. SAR 195 per person with an additional SAR 60 per person for a main course.
GO: Visit www.rokarestaurant.com for more information.
Sunday 26 April
Start your week at The Vinyl Ember
Tucked on the first floor of Kimpton KAFD Riyadh, The Vinyl Ember is an American grill where fire and vinyl share top billing. Expect an open-fire kitchen, moody lighting and a chef’s counter, backed by curated playlists that lean soulful as the night deepens. Set in Riyadh’s King Abdullah Financial District, it’s a sleek speakeasy-style hideaway for late nights and after-work fun. The menu focuses on bold, elevated grill classics, while zero-proof cocktails keep the tempo high, making this spot one of the best new restaurants in Riyadh right now.
Monday 27 April
Browse Boulevard City
Boulevard City is Riyadh’s go-to entertainment district, built for long evenings out. Think a modern pedestrian-friendly precinct with fashion boutiques, high-end retail, upscale street food, live performances and cultural programming. It opens at 4pm, closes at 2am, and entry is free. For Riyadh Season 2025, the attraction becomes a choose-your-own-adventure playground, spanning everything from the kid-friendly Play-Topia and dinosaur-led Olulou to big-ticket immersive scares such as Poppy Playtime, The Conjuring Universe Tour, and the haunted Zeela House. Gamers can dive into the Minecraft Experience and Twisted Minds, while spectacle-driven stops include the 5D “Flying Over Saudi Arabia” experience.
GO: Follow @blvdruhcity on Instagram for more information.
Tuesday 28 April
Dine like a Londoner at Apple Butter
Apple Butter has brought a taste of London to Riyadh, opening in KAFD as an all-day café-restaurant built for brunches, working lunches and late-afternoon sweet fixes. The menu leans into crowd-pleasing comfort with Truffle Scrambled Eggs served all day, plus mains like Butter Chicken, Prawn Marinara Pasta and a Wagyu Beef Burger. Save room for dessert, where Pistachio Umm Ali and Saffron Milk Cake steal the spotlight. Coffee, tea and mocktails round out the offering. Inside, cosy interiors centre on an Instagrammable apple tree that anchors the room.
GO: Follow @applebutter.ksa on Instagram for more information.
Wednesday 29 April
Have lunch at La Petite Maison
Located in the heart of Al Olaya, the FACT Award-winning La Petite Maison is renowned for its French-Mediterranean fare. The new business lunch menu includes Bar Poêlé et Petits Pois, Filet de Rouget, Risotto aux Asperges and Salade de Chou Frisé. Guests can choose either the Le Petit Menu (180 SAR) or the Le Grand Menu (230 SAR), both of which include starters, mains, side dishes, and a delicious dessert. Available on weekdays from 12.30pm to 3.30pm
GO: Visit https://lpmrestaurants.com for more information.
Thursday 30 April
Make a splash at AquArabia
Now open in Qiddiya City, Aquarabia is billed as the Middle East’s largest water theme park with 22 rides and attractions spread across 250,000 square metres. It is also home to a serious line-up of record breakers, including Junoon Drop, the world’s tallest and longest water coaster, Slithereel, the world’s longest water slide wheel, Speedy Jamezales, the world’s tallest Aqualoop, and Jamal Joom, the world’s longest mat blaster. The park also adds a first for the Kingdom with Surftopia, Saudi Arabia’s first surf pool.
GO: Visit https://aquarabiaqiddiyacity.com for more information.
