12 amazing things to do in Riyadh this week: April 28 to May 1
New week, new things to do…
Summer might just officially be here, and there’s so much going on in the capital right now. From the first Saudi opera to new brunch spots, here are the best things to do in Riyadh this week.
Sunday April 28
Check out Boulevard World
Complete with 15 sub-zones now, Boulevard World is located adjacent to Boulevard Riyadh City. Each sub-zone is dedicated to a different country from across the globe, celebrating the best of that destination’s shopping, culinary and cultural experiences.
Boulevard World, Hittin, 4pm to 1am. webook.com
Grab a sarnie at Noho Deli
We have three words for you: Rueben pastrami sandwich. And this new spot in Riyadh is taking sarnies to new heights. Noho Deli is one of those if-you-know-you-know kind of street food places, and you can find it serving its epic subs in the Al Aqiq district. Other indulgent fillings on the menu include roast beef, smoked turkey, and grilled chicken pesto. The homemade beetroot chips are another solid choice. Eat in and enjoy the people-watching or grab a bag to go along with one of the interesting salads and smoothies for a light dinner.
Noho Deli, Prince Turki Ibn Abdulaziz Al Awwal Rd, Al Aqiq, Riyadh 12341, daily 5pm to 1am. @nohodeli
Visit culinary hotspot Jon & Vinnys
The first location out of the United States, Jon & Vinny’s Riyadh is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner seven days a week. The hip and family-friendly restaurant forgoes fancy or fiddly Italian dishes in favour of American-inspired classics like hearty chicken parmigiana, its famous homemade red sauce, and a vast selection of pastas. Walk through the door, and you’ll see an open kitchen and the lofty space being done up in pale white oak interiors with a cosy and minimalist aesthetic. There’s also a glass cabinet near the entrance, displaying a variety of cookies and other Italian desserts, such as bombolini and coconut macaroons. And those little cones of soft serve at the back will be impossible to pass up.
Jon & Vinny’s Riyadh, daily 8am to midnight, The Elite, Al Dabbab Street, As Sulimaniyah, Riyadh 12234. Tel: 9200 18212. @jonandvinnys.ksa
Monday April 29
Have breakfast at Served
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There’s a brand-new breakfast in town. Opening its doors in Malqa, the venue is the perfect spot for breakfast and brunch. Tuck into everything from tacos to pancakes, and everything in between.
Served, Anas Ibn Malik Rd, 8am to 7.30pm. @served_sa
Catch Saudi Arabia’s first-ever Arabic Grand Opera
Love opera? You can catch the first grand opera to be produced by Saudi Arabia and the world’s largest grand opera to be sung in Arabic. Based on an ancient tale from pre-Islamic Arabia, Zarqa Al Yamama tells the story of a legendary blue-eyed woman, born of the Geddes tribe and blessed with the gift of foresight. The opera promises to take audiences on a compelling journey through its fusion of orchestral and choral music, intricate storytelling, and captivating vocal performances.
Zarqa Al Yamama, April 25 to May 4, 8.30pm, King Fahad Cultural Centre, Riyadh. The price for the tickets starts from SAR100 and can be purchased here. @performarts_moc
Have a business lunch at Black Tap
Following the successful launch of its opening in KAFD, Black Tap diversifies its offering by introducing a business lunch for just SAR89. Diners can tuck into their choice of the All-American Burger, Falafel Burger, or the Crispy Chicken Sandwich. Each lunch set also comes with your choice of Idaho fries or the house salad and soft drinks.
Black Tap, KAFD, Riyadh 11564, Business Lunch SAR89 per person, Sun to Thurs 12.30pm to 4pm. Tel: 9200 24304. @blacktapksa
Tusday April 30
Have a flattened croissant at BK Boutique
Regular croissants are a thing of the past. Now we have flattened ones, cookie ones, and so much more. And BK Boutique, famous for its incredible pastries, is debuting its very own chocolate-dipped version of the flattened croissants, and you simply have to try them.
BK Boutique, Al Takhassousi, Al Mohammadiyyah, Sat to Thu 7am to midnight, Fri 7am to 11am, noon to midnight. @bkboutique.sa
Blue matcha, anyone?
The latest beverage craze to hit Riyadh is the blue matcha from the Kuwait-born eatery Lazy Cat. It is almost too pretty to drink, we know… but it’s the perfect blend of delicious and nutritious in every cup.
Lazy Cat, Laysen Valley, Umm Al Hamam Al Gharbi, daily 6.30pm to 3am. @eatlazycat
Get your nails done FAST
The salon offers everything from manicures and pedicures to lashes and massages, Mani-pedi options include classic, the Kynder signature, quick fix, and a shellac one. The add-ons include gels, BIAB gel overlays, acrylics, and nail art. It’s the very first drive-thru salon concept in Riyadh, so don’t forget to check out at least once. You can even get massages for your hands, feet, and neck.
Kynder, Abi Bakar Al Siddiq road, At Taawun, 8pm to 1.30am. @kynd.er
Wednesday May 1
Attend the Le Concert Impromptu
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Discover an enchanting evening full of music at the Le Concert Impromptu. With their masterful interpretations of both classical and modern music, this popular ensemble guarantees a unique experience.
Le Concert Impromptu, King Fahd Cultural, 8pm to 9.30pm. @franceinksa
Indulge in a premium hair treatment
The Kerastase Hair & Scalp Spa in Saudi is debuting a brand-new treatment. Introducing Premiere: a dual-action hair care repair treatment, is the newest treatment offered by the Kerastase Hair & Scalp Spa in Saudi Arabia. By utilising cutting-edge technology, this treatment has successfully unlocked the code of ongoing hair damage.
Kerastase Hair & Scalp Spa, U Walk, Sat to Wed 10am to 10pm, Thu 10am to 12.30am, Fri 3pm to 11pm.
Play at Play Land
Boulevard Riyadh City has welcomed a cool new playland for you and the whole family to explore. Look forward to a tonne of attractions, games, and rides, including a rollercoaster, slingshots, and a Ferris wheel. Feeling peckish? Check out the various restaurants and cafés while you’re there.
Play Land, BLVD City. Play Land is free to enter, but you do have to pay for the rides and games. @blvdruhcity