Riyadh's two standout trips are Diriyah — where the UNESCO-listed At-Turaif district is the birthplace of the first Saudi state, beside the Bujairi Terrace dining quarter — and the Edge of the World, a dramatic escarpment north-west of the city where the desert simply drops away. Diriyah is a few hours; the Edge of the World is a half day and needs a proper 4x4 with a driver who knows the route.
2 things to do in Riyadh
Starting prices, confirmed before you pay. Tours we run ourselves are priced per vehicle for the whole group.
Riyadh
Edge of the World Day Trip
A 4x4 desert excursion to the dramatic cliff escarpment northwest of Riyadh.
from 200 SARper person
Riyadh
Diriyah & At-Turaif Visit
Explore the UNESCO-listed birthplace of the Saudi state at At-Turaif, beside the Bujairi Terrace dining district.
from 50 SARper person
Getting around Riyadh
Diriyah is a straightforward drive from the centre and easy to combine with dinner at Bujairi Terrace. The Edge of the World is different: the last stretch is off-road on unmarked tracks, so it needs a genuine 4x4 and a driver who has done it before — this is not a trip to attempt in a saloon car. Go late in the day and stay for sunset.
Riyadh airport transfersRiyadh — common questions
The mud-brick district that was the seat of the first Saudi state, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the centrepiece of the Diriyah restoration. It sits beside Bujairi Terrace, so a visit and a meal work well together.
Yes. The final approach is off-road on unmarked desert tracks, so a genuine four-wheel-drive with an experienced driver is strongly recommended. A wrong turn out there costs hours.
Two days covers it comfortably: one for Diriyah and the museums in the centre, one for the Edge of the World. Distances between districts are long enough that trying to combine them makes for a rushed day.