12 top things to do in Riyadh this week: June 2 to June 5
It’s a brand-new week…
There’s definitely no lack of things to do in Riyadh. This vibrant capital is often buzzy with pop-up events and exhibitions that engage locals and tourists alike. From top lunches to even better coffees, here are the best things to do in Riyadh this week.
Sunday June 2
Enjoy business lunch at Mr Chow
Who does not enjoy nourishing Beijing-inspired cuisine in a cosy and homestyle setting that will make you feel at ease? Mr Chow provides exactly such an ideal combination. Expect lobster shumai, chicken satay, the gambler’s duck and lamb with spring onion, from the two-course lunch menu, which is priced at SAR159 per person. Soft drinks and cocktails of the day are included, too.
Mr Chow, KAFD, Al Aqiq, Riyadh 13519, daily noon to 11.30pm. Tel: 9200 12658. @mrchowriyadh
Explore the latest coffee shop
Inspired by Lavazza’s flagship stores in Milan and London, the Riyadh location offers an immersive experience within the coffee culture that stimulates all five senses. The space’s focal points are the iconic chandelier, made of more than 300 illuminated coffee beans, and the innovative counter, made of recycled coffee powder and resin for an original effect.
Lavazza Coffee Design, Laysen Valley, Salem Bin Abi Baker Shikhan St., Building 30, Riyadh. @lavazzasaudi
Stroll through the perfume exhibition
Welcome to the Perfumes of the East Riyadh exhibition where visitors into an immersive journey, exploring the deep-rooted connection between the Arab world and perfumes. Embark on a sensory adventure, that’s designed as an intimate stroll through different spaces, first through nature, the streets of a town, and lastly inside a home. Walk through the event and you can also discover the age-old traditions of perfume-making in the region.
Perfumes of the East, National Museum, King Saud Road, until Sat Sep 14, Sat to Wed 9am to 6pm, Thu 9am to 8pm, Fri 2pm to 8pm. dc.moc.gov.sa
Monday June 3
A top new Middle Eastern experience awaits…
Meet Allo Beirut Riyadh. The venue was first announced for Riyadh back in April, and since then, we’ve been eagerly waiting for the opening. Inspired by the Golden Age of Beirut, Allo Beirut takes you on a journey through the 1940’s to 1960’s Beirut. Often referred to as the Paris of the Middle East, Beirut’s history evokes nostalgia and memories of better days. And Allo Beirut focuses just on that.
Allo Beirut, Al Olaya, 8am to 11.45pm. @allobeirut.ksa
Catch a movie for SAR35
If you’ve been wanting to catch a movie for a while, listen up. VOX Cinema ticket prices will be reduced to below SAR40. Book your next flick today and enjoy the cost of all its standard tickets being reduced to SAR35 to make movies more accessible to everyone.
Visit: ksa.voxcinemas.com
Immerse yourself in the crème de la crème of European theatre
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Happening in both Jeddah and Riyadh from Wednesday May 29 until Thursday June 6, the European Film Festival will be taking over VOX Cinemas in Century Corner in the capital, and Jeddah Park in the Red Sea City.
The festival will be bringing you 21 European movies from 21 European countries and several side events including masterclasses and Q&As with various European film directors. We’re looking forward to viewing movies from all over the EU including Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Czechia, Cyprus, and more.
European Film Festival, Jeddah Park (Jeddah), Thu May 29 to Thu Jun 6. ksa.voxcinemas.com
Tuesday June 4
Speed into a world of immersive racing
Are you ready for a thrilling adventure? Hop into an electric kart and race around the track while interacting with virtual game elements projected on the track. BattleKart combines video gaming, augmented reality, and go-karting to create one unforgettable experience.
BattleKart Riyadh, 2pm to 2am, 3112 Al Bahar Al Arabi, Ishbiliyah, Riyadh 13226. The ticket is priced at SAR120 per person and can be purchased here. @battlekart_ruh
Meet Forno Del Buffone
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We don’t know about you, but for us, Italian food might crack the top five of our favourite cuisines (and that’s saying something). And now, there’s a brand-new one in town. Meet Forno Del Buffone Riyadh. Throwing tradition out the window to make room for originality in the kitchen, the new contemporary Italian venue has previously served as a pop-up concept in NEOM and AlUla.
Forno Del Buffone Riyadh, Imam Saud Bin Abdulaziz Bin Mohammed Rd, An Nakheel, daily 6pm to 1am. @fornodelbuffone
Cool down at Nakhati
Meaning ‘my flavour’ in Arabic, Nakhati, made using high-quality natural ingredients, is a homegrown gelato experience that supports local communities of women across the GCC. A must-try is their matcha gelato.
Nakhati, Dist، 5176 Imam Saud Bin Abdulaziz Bin Mohammed Rd, An Nakheel، Unit 6, Sat to Thu 9am to midnight, Fri noon to midnight. @nakhati.ksa
Wednesday June 5
Experience true zen at this new Thai spa
No one would know that hidden all the way out at the InterContinental Durrat Al Riyadh Resort & Spa lies luxe Thai wellness brand, HARNN Heritage Spa, a calm haven to totally unwind in. Escape Riyadh’s frantic energy and crowds and head down to Banban to fully immerse yourself in the state-of-the-art spa.
HARNN Heritage Spa, InterContinental Durrat Al Riyadh Resort & Spa, District Durrat Arriyadh Area, Banban, Riyadh 11566. Tel: 011 411 8800. @intercontinentaldurratalriyadh
Get a workout in at Formé
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One of Riyadh’s coolest fitness spots is Formé Wellness, a private and semi-private studio specialised in reformer pilates and wellness. The Sculpt class is a must-try for reformer enthusiasts. It brings the best of pilates and fitness to create a flow of reformers, weights, and occasionally jump board to create the ultimate workout in this 50-minute class. Not one for beginners, this is a challenging class – though adjustments are offered if you’re more new to Pilates – with top instructors there to motivate and guide you.
Formé Wellness, Ar Rabi, Riyadh 13316, Sun & Tues 9am to 10pm, Mon & Wed 8am to 9pm, Thurs 8am to 8pm, Fri noon to 3pm & Sat 11am to 6pm. @formewellness.sa
Beat the clock at Experience The Box
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There’s a brand-new escape room in town. Experience The Box is now open in Al Malqa, and promises escape room experiences like no other. Expect fun and inventive puzzles, unique concepts and so much more.