10 incredible things to do in Riyadh this week: May 8 to 11
What’s on this week…
Discover some of the best things to do in Riyadh over the next few days. Whether you’re after the best cafes and restaurants, a live piano concert, or ways to kickstart your week, we’ve got you covered.
Here are ten incredible things to do in Riyadh this week.
Sunday May 8
1. Wake up to a traditional Saudi breakfast
View this post on Instagram
One of our favourite options for an Arabic breakfast in Riyadh is Mirzam. The decor is simple but stunning, and the food is unpretentious but scrumptious. Order the chicken mugalgal and Mandi foul when you’re there.
Mirzam, An Nakheel, Takamul Plaza, Riyadh 12383, Sun to Thurs 6am to 3pm, Fri & Sat 6am to 5pm. Tel: 053 418 7431. @mirzam_sa
2. Catch the sequel to the popular Downtown Abbey movie
Fans will be delighted to know that all the main cast are back for the Downton Abbey: A New Era, including Maggie Smith, Michelle Dockery, and Elizabeth McGovern. The much-anticipated cinematic return of the global phenomenon reunites the beloved cast as they go on a grand journey to the South of France to uncover the mystery of the Dowager Countess’ newly inherited villa.
Book your tickets here.
Monday May 9
3. Check out the newest shopping centre in town
View this post on Instagram
Explore The View’s 170 stores and many cafes and restaurants. Find everything from fashion staples and jewellery to cosmetics, sportswear, menswear and children’s clothing. Planning on watching the latest blockbuster? Then, head to homegrown cinema chain muvi Cinemas at The View.
The View by Arabian Centres, King Abdul Aziz Road, daily 10am to 11pm. @theviewruh
4. Head to a trendy Spanish spot for dinner
Hyatt Regency Riyadh Olaya’s restaurant, Azure, brings Spain to Riyadh. Helmed by Chef Ramon Cantos, Azure focuses on serving premium seafood prepared using Spanish spices and recipes. The menu is heart-warming and traditionally inspired by Southern Spanish cuisine and Chef Ramon’s home country tradition. Tuck into their delicious large plates of rice specialities such as the signature seafood paella. Other menu highlights include slow-cooked octopus, grilled tomahawk, and a colourful and tantalising fiesta of tapas.
Azure Spanish Restaurant, Hyatt Regency Riyadh Olaya, Al Olaya, Riyadh 11433, daily 6.30pm to 10.30pm. Tel: 053 341 1234. @azureriyadh
5. Go on a nature walk at night
View this post on Instagram
The Monday night walks organised by Riyadh Women Getting Fit are back. Take a stroll through the Diplomatic Quarter, which is well lit with streetlights all along the route. It’s a fairly flat trail, suitable for all fitness levels.
Monday Night Walks, every Monday 8.15pm, Diplomatic Quarter. DM @riyadh_women_gettingfit for the exact meet-up location.
Tuesday May 10
6. Shop rugs, sofas, art, and more at Crate & Barrel
View this post on Instagram
For those who don’t know, Crate & Barrel has opened its first KSA store in Riyadh. You’ll find plenty of covetable contemporary furniture here, but you’ll also love their smaller household essential items like kitchenware, bath linens, and small giftable items.
Crate & Barrel, Century Corner, Riyadh 11311. Sat to Thurs 8am to 11pm & Fri 4pm to 11pm. @crateandbarrelme
7. Cardio boxing to get you in lean shape
View this post on Instagram
Curious to try boxing? At Skulpt Gym, its classes mix in elements of other cardio workouts to make boxing your one-stop shop for a full-body workout. And if that weren’t reason enough to try it, let’s be honest: throwing some punches is a pretty great stress reliever, too.
Skulpt Gym, 8019 2906 Al Qala’s, Ar Rabi, Riyadh 13316, Sun to Wed 6am to 9pm, Thurs 6am to 8pm, Sat 1pm to 9pm. Cardio Boxing (May 2022), every Tues 4pm & every Sat 7pm. @skulptgym
8. Attend a piano concerto
View this post on Instagram
In celebration of Europe Month in Saudi Arabia, the world-famous Hungarian pianist, composer and inventor, Maestro Gergely Bogányi, will be gracing us with his classical piano works. Known as one of the finest performers of Liszt and Chopin in the world, Gergely once played all of Chopin’s works as part of a Chopin marathon, which lasted for days. With his passion for music, he has even created his own piano – a sleek, art deco sculpture-like Bogányi piano. The concert is getting fully booked, so be sure to register.
Piano Concert by Gergely Bogányi, Cultural Palace, Diplomatic Quarter, 7320 Amr Aldamri St, Al Safarat, Riyadh 12512, May 10, 8.30pm. Register here. Deadline for registration: May 9, 1pm. @euinksa
Wednesday May 11
9. Catch up with friends over coffee at Polone
View this post on Instagram
The fantastic cool kid on the coffee shop block. Located in Olaya, this newly opened café is dedicated to providing tasty coffee, light bites and even shisha.
Polone, Musa Ibn Nusair St, Al Olaya, Riyadh 12241, daily 3pm to 3am. @polone.sa
10. Enjoy midweek deals at Al Watan Park
View this post on Instagram
Families descend on the Al Watan Park for the dozens of accessible rides for children. The theme park features some old-time classics like the miniature Ferris wheel, alongside some adventurous rides where kids pilot their own flying planes. Better yet, you get to enter for free from Sunday to Wednesday if you purchase a game ticket (SAR10) or the game’s wristband (SAR40). You can also enjoy a great stay in one of its chalet rentals, which includes a swimming pool, for just SAR180 from Saturdays to Thursdays.
Al Watan Park, Riyadh Water Tower, King Saud Rd, Al Futah, Riyadh 12632, daily 4pm to midnight. Tel: 050 033 8844. @alwatan_p
Images: Instagram / Provided