Diriyah

Diriyah, on the northwestern edge of the capital Riyadh, is the historic birthplace of the Saudi state and one of the kingdom's most important heritage sites. At its heart lies At-Turaif, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the original capital of the first Saudi dynasty in the eighteenth century, a striking complex of mud-brick palaces, mosques and defensive walls in the distinctive Najdi architectural style, set amid the palm groves of the Wadi Hanifah, now beautifully restored and opened to visitors.

What you actually see

• At-Turaif - the restored mud-brick palaces and walls of the old capital.
• The Najdi architecture - the distinctive local building style.
• The Wadi Hanifah - the green valley and palm groves.
• The museums - the exhibits on the birth of the Saudi state.

When to go

November to March, the cool season, for bearable temperatures, as Riyadh's summers are extremely hot; the restored district is especially atmospheric in the cooler evenings, when it is lit and its cafes and restaurants come alive.

Honest expectations

It is a major restoration and development project, so it blends genuine heritage with a polished, curated visitor experience and new dining and retail, which is either convenient or a touch sanitised depending on taste. It is on the edge of Riyadh, easily reached. As a conservative country, dress modestly. Its restored old capital and the greenery of the wadi are a highlight of Riyadh.

Nearby

Riyadh, the Edge of the World cliffs and the desert are within reach.