Riyadh attracts a decent number of travelers visiting Saudi Arabia, and it can be worth stopping by if you're traveling through the area. Most travelers go to check out the Olaya and enjoy Riyadh's shopping and ruins. Explore this Riyadh travel guide to get more ideas for things to see and do.
Once you've acquired a working knowledge of the local culture and practiced them (not letting your wife drive, she must wear a black robe, certain words and/or christian emblems can't be worn etc.) the first place or places I'd recommend visiting are the Schwarma stands. They're usually found around malls, stores, and anywhere else people congregate. They don't sell pork, of course, but rack of lamb mostly, and sometimes chicken or beef. They're spit often carries a fresh marinated rack of lamb and they offer the meal on a wrap with various condiments, including french fries, pickles and tomatoes. In my opinion, one of the best foods ever!
Ar Riyad is the capital of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and its largest city. It is also the capital of Province of Riyadh, and belongs to the historical regions of Al Yamama . It is situated in the center of the Arabian peninsula on a large plateau. The city is divided into 15 municipal districts, managed by Riyadh Municipality headed by the mayor of Riyadh, and the Riyadh Development Authority. The name Ar Riyad is derived from the plural arabic of the word rawdha, which means "garden," particularly those formed in the desert after the spring rains. Riyadh has for more than 1500 years been a fertile area set in the heartland of the Arabian Peninsula. The settlement was historically famous for its dates. The modern name was first applied to only certain parts of the settlement where orchards predominated. Gradually the name was used for the entire settlement. Like other Saudi cities, the Nejdi kabsa is the most traditional lunch in Riyadh. The Yemeni Mendi is also popular as a lunch meal. The city is served by a modern major highway system. The main Eastern Ring Road connects the city's south and north, while Northern Ring Road connects the city's east and west. King Fahd Road runs through the center of the city from north to south, in parallel with the East Ring Road. Makkah Road (also known as Khurais Road), which runs east-west across the city's center, connects eastern parts of the city with the city's main business district and the diplomatic quarters.
Find the Turkish restaurant, Al-assaria?? its called...? dont know how to spell it.. but you cant miss it when on Olaya street, its lit up in neon green.. GREAT food. my most favorite restaurant of all time, ate there for 12 years. my personal favorite, turkish pizza (the kind shapped like a boat not an actual pizza) and i LOVE LOVE LOVE their babaganoosh..! Head over to Dira for some great shopping and a look at the local chop-chop square.
