Riyadh History and Heritage: Museum, Fort and Palace City Tour

One of the wealthiest cities in the world, Riyadh is the capital of Saudi Arabia and a major financial and administrative center of the country. From afar, the bustling city is a picture of modern skyscrapers rising above an otherwise barren desert. Up close, you'll see that despite its contemporary architecture, the city has kept and beautifully maintained its centuries-old establishments. Intertwined within this city is a deep-rooted sense of tradition and history just waiting to be explored.

Ad Diriyah

Situated 20 km from Riyadh city center is Ad Diriyah, the historical home of the first Saudi state. The site's mud-brick wall once housed a flourishing desert city that was a powerhouse of commerce and culture. Today, the ruins of its citadel-marked primary quarter known as the Al Turaif district is designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Al Masmak Fortress

Surrounded by sand with roofs covered with ceramic, ethel wood, and painted palm tree, Al Masmak Fortress exude an old Arabian world charm. This 150-year-old clay and mud-brick citadel in the heart of Riyadh served many purposes - a garrison, an ammunition warehouse, and a prison. Today, the fortress has been turned into a fascinating museum.

Al Zall Market

The oldest and most-visited in Riyadh, Al Zall Market is the place to be if you're looking for artifacts rich in heritage and unique properties of past generations. The sale of antiques, clothes, pots, ancient armors, guns, and swords, along with various types of carpets and rugs, are still its primary goods.

National Museum

This state-of-the-art museum is one of the finest in the Middle East, if not the world. Housed within striking modernist architecture and flower-wreathed gardens, the two-story museum contains eight well-designed and informative galleries covering Arabian prehistory, history, culture, and art. It exhibits everything from Neolithic rock art, to replicas of the buildings of old Jeddah, transporting visitors on a magically interactive tour of the ages.

Al Murabba Palace

Set in lush green gardens is the beautiful Al Murabba Palace, a site that provides an insight into the lifestyle of the Saudi Royal family. The palace was built in the traditional Nadjean style just outside the walls of the old city of Riyadh and it's ornamented by palm-fronds layered walls. Feel like royalty as you stroll around the palace and get a glimpse of the reception salons, political offices, private quarters, and the breezy courtyard.

Al Faisaliah

The Al Faisaliah was the first of Riyadh's major skyscraper. Standing at 266 meters high and has a curved pyramid shape with a huge glass ball at the top. This huge glass ball, called the Globe Experience, is a spectacular viewing platform that offers the most magical sunset and early evening experience.

Includes

• Air-conditioned vehicle
• Certified local guide
• Hotel pick up and drop off

Excludes

• Personal expenses
• Meals and beverages
• Visa
• Travel/medical insurance

Please Note

• Wearing comfortable walking shoes is highly recommended.