With temperatures dropping, it’s time to head out and about in the capital.
Riyadh’s cooler months are made for getting outside, whether you’re wandering through UNESCO-listed heritage sites, swapping the city skyline for desert cliffs, or spending golden hour cycling along the capital’s newest pathways. From cultural landmarks and souks to scenic wadis and adrenaline-fuelled attractions, these are 16 outdoor activities in Riyadh worth adding to your winter plans.
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.
At Turaif
The At Turaif UNESCO World Heritage Site 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, with fortified palaces, towers, and mosques, and offers views of 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.
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.
Boulevard World
Boulevard World is Riyadh Season’s globe-trotting playground, where country pavilions from Japan to Morocco sit alongside family-friendly thrills. Drift across Aroya Lagoon in floating donut boats, feluccas or Amphicars that switch from car to boat. Don’t miss Amazonia Awakens, a splashy drop ride in the jungle. For high-energy fun, try Battle Kart’s augmented-reality racing or laser-tag missions inside the Battle Dome, before looping the rides at BLVD Pier. Animal lovers can meet giraffes and lemurs in BLVD Forest, while Courchevel and Little Venice deliver alpine vibes and gondola cruises.
GO: Follow @blvdworldsa on Instagram for more information.
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.
KAFD
Join the Architectural Wonders of KAFD tour for a two-hour guided walk through the King Abdullah Financial District. Led by expert local guides, the experience spotlights the district’s contemporary structures and explains how KAFD blends work, leisure and design in one of Riyadh’s most striking urban settings.
GO: Visit https://webook.com for more information.
Edge of the World
One of Riyadh’s most dramatic day trips, Jabal Fihrayn delivers jaw-dropping clifftop views across an endless-looking desert horizon, roughly 120 kilometres from the city. Go with a guide to explore rugged landscapes, dried riverbeds and historic trails once used by Bedouin traders along old caravan routes.
GO: Visit www.edgeoftheworldtour.com for more information.
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 tied to the Kingdom’s early unification era.
GO: Visit www.rcrc.gov.sa for more information.
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.
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 new theme park features a lineup of record-breaking rides. Highlights include 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). Headlining it all is Falcon’s Flight, billed as the world’s longest, tallest and fastest coaster.
GO: Visit https://sixflagsqiddiyacity.com for more information.
Souk Al Zal
One of Riyadh’s oldest traditional markets, Souk Al Zal is the place to shop for spices, handcrafted jewellery, woven carpets and oud perfumes. Come for the browsing, stay for the atmosphere, as this historic district staple offers a window into the Kingdom’s trading traditions.
GO: Visit www.visitsaudi.com for more information.
Sports Boulevard
Riyadh’s golden hour is best spent on two wheels, and Sports Boulevard makes it easy. Cycle along dedicated paths such as The Promenade, or follow the waterways through the tree-lined stretches of Wadi Hanifah. As the temperature drops and the city slows down, it’s an easy win for an outdoor evening.
GO: Visit www.visitsaudi.com for more information.
The Groves
The Groves positions itself as one of Riyadh Season’s most exclusive lifestyle destinations. Expect a mix of fine-dining restaurants and high-end retail, designed for those who like their winter evenings paired with luxury shopping and elevated dining.
GO: Visit www.visitsaudi.com for more information.
Thumama Desert
About 30 to 45 minutes from Riyadh, Thumama Desert is known for its red sand dunes and wide-open spaces. Quad bikes can be rented on-site, with options suited to beginners and experienced riders. Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon for softer light and cooler temperatures.
GO: Visit www.visitsaudi.com for more information.
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.
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.
