Riyadh

Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, is a fast-changing modern metropolis rising from the desert of the central Najd plateau, a city of gleaming skyscrapers, sweeping highways and ambitious mega-projects transforming it at astonishing speed. Its landmarks include the towering Kingdom Centre with its sky bridge and the futuristic skyline, alongside reminders of its origins in the old mud-brick Masmak fortress, where the Saudi state was born, the traditional souks, and a growing wealth of museums and cultural attractions.

What you actually see

• The Kingdom Centre - the tower and its sky bridge over the city.
• The Masmak Fortress - the old mud-brick fort of the state's founding.
• The National Museum - the museum of Saudi history and culture.
• The souks - the traditional markets like Souq Al Zal.

When to go

November to March, the cool season, for bearable temperatures, as summers are extremely hot; the cooler evenings are when the city and its outdoor attractions come alive, and the winter season brings festivals and events.

Honest expectations

It is a sprawling, car-oriented modern city undergoing rapid, sometimes disorienting change, so its appeal is the contrast of futuristic ambition and heritage rather than an old, walkable core. As a conservative capital, dress modestly, though rules have relaxed for visitors. It is more a gateway and a window on modern Saudi Arabia than a classic tourist city, best paired with AlUla and the desert.

Nearby

Diriyah, the Edge of the World and the central desert are within reach.