Riyadh is the capital, and the clearest place in the country to see where the modern Saudi state came from.
The founding sites are here and they are close together: Al Masmak, the clay fort where the 1902 capture of the city began, and the National Museum, which lays out the peninsula from prehistory to unification in one sequence of halls. Both sit in the old centre.
Just outside the city, At-Turaif at Diriyah is the mud-brick capital of the first Saudi state and a World Heritage Site, and Wadi Hanifa runs below it as a reclaimed green corridor. North-west, about 100 km out, the Tuwaiq escarpment breaks off at the point known as the Edge of the World.
Riyadh is the country's main air hub, so it is usually the arrival point whether or not it is the reason for the trip.
Getting there and when to go
Distances inside the city are large and it is built for driving. The Edge of the World is a half to full day out, on rough track at the end, and needs a four-wheel drive.
What is here
What the tourism authority says
Discover Riyadh, the capital of Saudi, where modern architecture meets a dynamic cultural and artistic scene to offer diverse experiences across the city. Explore museums and art galleries that reflect the city’s creative energy, and enjoy cultural, artistic, and sporting events taking place throughout the year.
Key facts
| Fact | Value |
|---|---|
| Number of UNESCO World Heritage properties | 8 (as at 2 September 2026) |
| Measurement stated by the source | 17,000 Km |