The 10 Best Free Things to Do in Riyadh
The Best Free Things to Do in Riyadh
No matter how much we plan to save, there’s always a sneaky way to derail our best financial intentions. But fear not. That’s where fabulous free things to do in Riyadh come in. The capital has some epic FOC attractions and iconic sites to explore (and without spending a single riyal). So, you can still get out and about without stretching those purse strings.
The Best Free Things to Do in Riyadh
Al Haeer Lake Park
You’ll be amazed at some of the natural attractions in Riyadh, and this one firmly makes it into our guide to the best free things to do in Riyadh. At Al Haeer Lake Park, you can walk, run or cycle amid lush meadows. Take a picnic and relax against the backdrop of stunning waterfalls. It’s a great spot for some stargazing too.
- Free. Open 24/7. Al Haeer Rd., Al Haeer.
Al Rawda Park
Let the little ones shake the sillies out in this huge open park, with a huge play area and ample space for cycling, skating, and generally running around. There are rides and food stalls too, so you can make a full day of it. Where kids are free to be kids, and grown-ups get to join in the fun too. The ultimate family day out when it comes to free things to do.
- Free park entry, rides priced individually. Park Ibn Shaheen St., Ar Rawdah.
Boulevard City
Part of Riyadh Season, this huge entertainment hub offers everything from stunning gardens and a dancing fountain to theatres, musical performances, and global gaming centers. Walk around and soak it all up.
Boulevard City is one of the few zones that you can enter without a ticket, though bear in mind that some of the attractions within it have their own entry requirements and fees. When it comes to free things to do, this is pretty epic.
- Free. Boulevard City, Hittin.
Souq Al Awaleen
Traditional markets reflect the culture and heritage of different Saudi regions in this Riyadh Season attraction, with entry to the souk free. Browse handicrafts, local clothing, and all manner of spices, engage in traditional folk games, and enjoy crafts with little ones.
Looking for more retail therapy? Check out our guide to other brilliant souks in Riyadh.
- Free. King Abdullah District, webook.com.
Wonderful Wadis
Wadi Hanifah
Carve out a few hours to take your tribe to Wadi Hanifah on the outskirts of Riyadh and embark on a family hike through this famous valley. Walking trails span a massive 47 kilometers in total, but there are benches and rest areas too, so you can be as adventurous (or lazy) as you like. Relax in one of the six parks and if you stay into the evening, gaze up at the clear skies, full of stars. Free things to do have never looked so dreamy.
- Free. Open 24 hours. Wadi Hanifah, Al Masani.
Wadi Namar
A true desert oasis, here you’ll find a natural waterfall cascading down the rock formations of this wadi into a lake, home to ducks and fish. Kids will be mesmerized, so pack a picnic and chill out amid the greenery and palm trees surrounding the lake. Walk along the manmade corniche so you can get your steps in too.
- Free. Open 24 hours. Wadi Namr, Al Warad, Namar.
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