Your ultimate weekly guide for things to do in Riyadh
Just dropped
This article was updated on Sunday September 7
When you live in a city as happening as Riyadh, you need to make sure you’re up-to-date with all the latest things to do, events, and restaurants. Luckily for you, your cheat sheet is right here. Here’s your weekly guide for things to do in Riyadh.
Wellness activities
Rooftop Wellness Garden at KAFD
Join in for an exclusive wellness experience with The PAC Studio at the KAFD Rooftop Wellness Garden. Immerse yourself in Reformer Pilates indoor classes guided by internationally certified instructor Lara Christie, all in a serene and inspiring setting. From newcomers to longtime practitioners, everyone can benefit from tailored instruction that emphasises mindful movement.
Location: KAFD, Building 2.12, Metro Boulevard,
Timings: 1pm & 6pm & 7pm.
Cost: SAR250, book here.
Work up a sweat at this wallet-friendly gym
Attention all gym junkies. If you’re considering changing your gym membership or looking to join one, the first GymNation Riyadh branch is now open. The brand-new gym, located on Thumamah Road in the Qurtubah District, provides separate facilities for men and women. From Saudi Arabia’s first HYROX Performance Centre to the country’s largest Reformer Pilates studio, GymNation is raising new standards for what a gym should be. Members can enjoy the broadest selection of group exercise classes, including LES MILLS, cycling, yoga, and more, alongside top-tier recovery facilities such as ice baths and dedicated wellness zones. What sets GymNation apart from the rest, though? It provides a truly world-class fitness experience at an affordable monthly membership fee, with monthly passes starting from SAR199.
Location: GymNation, Thumamah Road, Qurtubah, Riyadh
Timings: 24/7
Reset your mind, body, and soul
Keen to experience a transformative journey of healing and self-discovery? Sign up for the IMD Breathwork at Azaya Wellness with Shohreh. For those who are unfamiliar with IMD Breathwork, it blends ancient breathing techniques with modern sound healing to help release stress and overcome anxiety, leaving participants feeling lighter, calmer, and fully in control. During each class, Shohreh will teach guests how to unlock their conscious connected breath before they put on blindfolds and headphones and are guided on a journey that combines meditation, breathwork, and music to unlock deep emotional healing.
Location: Azaya Wellness, Riyadh 12712
Timing: 8pm to 10pm, every Tues (ladies only)
Cost: SAR299 person. Book your spot here.
Things to do with friends
Board game night at Urth Caffe
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Level up your Tuesday nights; Urth Caffé is stepping into a new era of fun events. Launching its very own board game night, the cafe is inviting you and all your friends to join in on a night of friendly competition and high stakes (well, as high as they can get on the table). At SAR50, you get a free drink of any size and entrance into the board game night as well. So get your favourite drink, and let the games begin.
Location: Tahlia branch
Timings: 6pm to midnight
Movie club at Level Up
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Movie Club is an event that brings together movie enthusiasts in an atmosphere filled with interaction and enjoyment. We gather to watch a variety of films, then discuss the movie and exchange opinions about it. The event is full of interaction and discussion, offering a wonderful opportunity to enjoy quality time with family and friends in an exciting cinematic environment.
Location: Hittin
Timings: Every Sunday at 8pm
Cost: SAR10, book here
For the kiddos
King Salman Science Oasis
Want to keep the little ones busy over the summer holiday? Explore a world of wonder and intrigue at The King Salman Science Oasis, your premier destination for edutainment. We love that this science centre focuses on presenting science in an accessible and educational way.
Location: King Salman Science Oasis
Timings: Sun to Thu 8am to noon & 4pm to 9pm & Fri 4pm to 9pm & Sat 7am to noon, 4pm to 9pm
Meet the bees
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Step into the magical world of bees in this unforgettable one-hour adventure at FoodSphere. Kids will meet the official beekeeper, suit up in real gear, and learn fun facts and key safety tips before heading to the beehive. There, they’ll see the hive up close for a rare, hands-on encounter with nature’s hardest workers. A one-of-a-kind experience that sparks curiosity, wonder, and pride in Saudi Arabia’s natural treasures.
Location: Riyadh Oases, Foodsphere, Tahlia Street
Date: Every Monday
Timing: 5pm
Cost: SAR57.5, book here
Big Fun Museum
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Visit the Big Fun Museum for a whole world of fun and illusion waiting to be discovered. This new attraction features three immersive adventures in one place – Fairy Forest, Museum of Emotions, and Museum of Illusions. The right place to have a great time with friends and family.
Location: Big Fun Museum, Park Avenue, Gate 4
Timings: Sun to Wed noon to midnight, Thurs noon to 2am, Fri 3pm to 2am, Sat 1pm to midnight.
Cost: Tickets start from SAR80 and can be purchased here.
For the foodies
Book a table at The Lighthouse
A firm favourite in Dubai, perennially popular The Lighthouse debuts its first location in its Saudi portfolio. The Lighthouse has now opened in the 1364 complex located within the Diplomatic Quarter in Riyadh. The eatery exudes the kind of warmth one would hope to find when discovering a new spot. The venue features a harmonious mix of indoor and al fresco spaces, designed to welcome guests from early morning breakfasts to lively evening gatherings. Grab a drink in the bar or opt for a full restaurant experience, where the menu is a celebration of the Mediterranean, with a focus on Eastern Mediterranean flavours. As is customary at this community-driven brand, we can look forward to unique experiences, including weekend brunches, live podcasting, evening DJ sets and other events.
Location: 1364 Complex, Diplomatic Quarter
Timing: Daily 8am to midnight
Meet Wadi Riyadh
Opening its doors at culinary hotspot Laysen Valley, the gorgeous new restaurant proudly serves Saudi-infused international cuisine. The fine-dining restaurant draws inspiration from all over the world and serves items with a Saudi twist. What we mean is, picture Italian arancini, or rather Jaranchini, made with wheat balls filled with smoked mozzarella, set on a smooth layer of fresh coriander yoghurt sauce, topped with caramelised samn (clarified butter).
Check out PASTAMMAMA
Whenever someone asks me what my favourite cuisine is, Italian always comes to mind. Growing up on Italian and Italian-inspired flavours for basically my entire life, thanks to all the amazing Italian restaurants in Riyadh, I’m always on the lookout for more spots. Now, PASTAMAMMA Riyadh joins the list (much to my delight).
Location: Riyadh Park Mall, Gate 4, Floor 1
Arty things to do
Check out Cities Under Quarantine: The Mailbox Project
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Cities Under Quarantine: The Mailbox Project gathers hand-bound, artist-designed books created during the pandemic and mailed from Beirut to 22 cities around the world. The books were sent across to be filled with sketches, drawings, and thoughts by the designated artists. Presented for the first time in Riyadh as a living archive of solitude, resilience, and connection. Explore the books, join the conversations and performances, and reflect on how art preserves memory.
Location: Saudi Arabia Museum of Contemporary Art (SAMOCA)
Timing: Sun to Thu: 10am to 10pm & Fri to Sat 4pm to 10pm
Cost: SAR20, book here
Solo Series 2025
Misk Art Institute presents the second edition of the Solo Series—a dedicated platform honouring influential Saudi artists and their contributions. This year’s Solo Series spotlights Khaleel Hassan Khaleel and Dr. Mohammed Alresayes, two pioneering figures whose work has left a lasting impact on Saudi visual culture. Through their unique artistic languages, both artists explore themes of heritage, identity, and creative expression, offering a deeper understanding of Saudi Arabia’s evolving art landscape.
Location: Prince Faisal bin Fahd Arts Hall
Timing: Sat to Thu 4pm to 10pm, Closed Sun
Cost: Free
Wood carving workshop
Learn the art of wood carving and enjoy creating unique designs that add an artistic touch to wooden panels! In this workshop, you’ll discover professional carving and shaping techniques.
Location: RDFB8079, 8079 Musind, 2909, Al Faisaliah District, Diriyah 13712, Saudi Arabia
Timing: 12.30pm to 1.30pm, 2pm to 3pm, 7pm to 8pm
Cost: SAR250, book here
Places to get your caffeine fix
Veni Coffee
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Riyadh goes through viral cafes like no other, and the newest one to hit the list is Veni Coffee. Opening up in the gorgeous King Salman Neighbourhood, Veni Coffee has queues forming behind it. Complete with gorgeous books all over the space, incredible desserts everywhere you look, and somehow even better coffee.
Location: Turki Ibn Ahmad Al Sudiri, King Salman Neighborhood
Timing: Sun to Thu 6.30am to midnight & Fri to Sat 8.30am to midnight.
Meow Cafe
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Location: RPGH+R5J, Qurtubah
Timing: Sat to Thu 10.30am to 1.30am & Fri noon to 1.30am.
Mavo Deli & Bakery
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Active since 2007, blending food, culture, and art, the company started with Acoustic, the first-ever Art Gallery and Restaurant in the region. From Al Khobar to Riyadh, and in partnership with the Ministry of Culture, the journey reflects innovation and growth. Now, they’re launching a new concept, welcome to Mavo.
Location: Olaya St, Al Olaya, Riyadh 12221
Timing: Sun to Thu 9am to 11pm & Fri 4pm to 11pm & Sat 10am to 10pm
