Get your steps in: These are the best walkways in Riyadh
Lace up those trainers
While the weather may not be on our side for the majority of the year, these next few months are all ours to venture outdoors. The weather is finally (I’ll say it again, finally) getting better, and hot girl walks (and hot guy walks) are officially returning. And these are the best walkways in Riyadh.
Sports Boulevard
Set to become the largest linear park connecting Riyadh’s West to East, Sports Boulevard has become one of the most popular attractions since its Phase 1 opening. It is home to a 20-kilometre internal loop track at Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University with dedicated pedestrian and cycling pathways for students, staff, and members of the public. The area is also home to a playground and a cool-down food and coffee area, too; this is the ultimate hot girl walk destination.
Why it’s great: Lively, trendy, and surrounded by cafes for motivation
King Abdullah Walkways and Park
Located on King Abdullah Road in the King Salman Neighbourhood, King Abdullah Park is famous for its dancing water fountain displays, sprawling green lawns, and lively gardens. It’s a dream for pedestrians and runners alike, with wide stone and brick paths spanning across 318,000 square metres. The main path follows the park for about two kilometres, but it doesn’t stop there. The space is also home to a lot of interior walkways and more paths circling the stadium next door.
Why it’s great: It’s an oldie but a goodie, and if you get bored, you can stop by the dancing water fountain displays
DQ trail
Possibly one of the only walkable areas in the city, the Diplomatic Quarter was walkable by design. The sometimes rocky terrain makes up a 15-kilometre hike in total, with public parks scattered in between. It makes for the perfect spot to catch a sunrise/sunset once the weather cools down more.
Why it’s great: It’s perfect for both short and long runs and is surrounded by restaurants and cafes to check out
Wadi Hanifa
It truly doesn’t get more Riyadh than Wadi Hanifah. The city’s largest natural park, Wadi Hanifa, historically known as Wadi al-Arad, is home to several shaded trails framed by native trees and rocky landscapes and is perfect for those looking to reconnect with nature. The area is also home to Stone Dam, which offers perfect lakeside (well, as lakeside as you can get in Riyadh) vibes.
Why it’s great: It’s perfect to escape the buzzy streets of Riyadh and catch a breather
When to go out and how to feel good doing it
Best windows: Sunrise (roughly 6am) and after sunset. Mid-mornings will warm quickly even in October.
Hydrate & shade: Carry water and don’t forget sunscreen; this still matters.
Build back sensibly: If you’ve been indoors, increase your outdoor distance and intensity gradually.
Be visible & courteous: Light-coloured kit, a small clip light if you’re running late, and eyes up for scooters on shared paths.
One final tip: Don’t chase pace on your first week back outside. Let the cooler air do its quiet magic, pick routes that make you want to linger, and remember the point isn’t just to run farther, it’s to enjoy running again.
