Book a Flight to Riyadh from €122

Built in the middle of the Arabian desert, the capital of Saudi Arabia is a sophisticated metropolis on the cutting edge of technology, but also a stronghold of the strict laws of the mythical Arab culture. Travel with Aegean Airlines to Riyadh and get to know the enchanting contradictions of the “Queen of the Desert”.

The Highlights of Riyadh

At the monuments and sights of Riyadh, the old Arab world converses with the 21st century.

• The heart of modern Riyadh beats in the northern part of the city between huge highways, impressive skyscrapers, luxury hotels and expensive shopping malls. Over the horizon, the most famous architectural landmark of the city stands out, the Kingdom Centre. With a height of 302 meters, it is the second largest building of Saudi Arabia. The panoramic views of the city from the futuristic SkyBridge connecting the two towers, on the 99th floor of the superstructure, is simply breathtaking. Along with Al Faisaliah Tower by British architect Norman Foster, these are the symbols of the great economic power of the country.
• The southern part of the city is home to the historic centre with its cultural monuments, museums and the flea markets (souq). A tour of the area includes the necessary stops to the Historical Park of King Abdul Aziz, home of the ultra-modern National Museum (for an interactive tour to Arab history and art) and the Al - Murabba Palace (1937) where you will enjoy a live demonstration of luxurious royal life over the years. Al-Masmak Fort (1865) is another must-see stop, since this is where the historical conquest (1902) of the city from the Saudi dynasty took place, leading later on to the establishment of Saudi Arabia. In this area you will also have the chance to marvel the Great Mosque of Riyadh and the Antique Souq bazaar.

Trip ideas around Riyadh

Outside the chaotic metropolis of Riyadh, the vast Arabian desert hides small oases for relaxation and cultural explorations.

Next to the capital, the ancient city of Ad-Diriyah is the ancestral land of Saudi dynasty and the country's former capital (18th-19th century). In recent years, an ambitious and far-reaching project is underway for restoring its monuments that have largely emerged from its glorious past. It is worth visiting the At-Turaif district, an open-air museum and UNESCO monument with major attractions like Saad ibn Saud Palace (14th century) and the mosque of Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab. Almost near the city, the narrow valley of Wadi Hanifah is an oasis filled with palm trees, date palms and wetlands, where you can see the locals enjoy their picnic.

The ideal time to visit Riyadh is from November to February, due to its mild weather. Each February, the city organises the open air Janadriyah cultural festival with numerous events, from camel races and poetry contests to art fairs. Book your tickets to Riyadh with Aegean Airlines and experience your own “Thousand and One Nights” in the heart of Arabia.

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