Make the most of a rainy day in Riyadh with these wonderful indoor activities
Don’t let a rainy day in Riyadh dampen your mood or your desire to go out and explore our incredible city – there’s still plenty to see and do
Just when we thought Riyadh was settling into its usual sunshine routine, the skies had other plans.
Sudden bursts of rain have swept across the city over the past couple of weeks – a welcome change for some, a scramble for last-minute plans for others, especially with in-person classes temporarily suspended.
Fortunately, our city is full of splendid indoor activities on both sunny days and on rainy, wash-out days.
Whether you’re keen to enjoy the droplets or you want to escape the rain, there’s plenty to do. So, make the most of the weather with this roundup of wonderful things to do in Riyadh when it rains.
Visit one of Riyadh’s incredible museums
Unsplash/Al Masmak Palace
Riyadh is home to some amazing museums, so why not head out for a day of discovering some art and culture at the National Museum or step into Al Masmak Palace for a slice of Saudi history? For something more interactive, the Black Gold Museum and Saqr Al Jazeera Aviation Museum bring stories to life through hands-on activities.
Admire some art at some of Riyadh’s best galleries
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On a rainy day in Riyadh, art enthusiasts can find solace and inspiration by exploring some of the city’s finest galleries and their captivating exhibitions. These diverse exhibitions provide a perfect escape from the rain while offering a rich cultural experience in Riyadh’s thriving art scene. There’s everything from free, large-scale showcases such as the Diriyah Contemporary Art Biennale 2026 to cultural hubs including JAX District and Misk Art Institute. You’ll also find contemporary spaces such as Naila Art Gallery and Athr Gallery, which showcase local and regional talent.
Take cover in a charming bookshop
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There’s something about bookshops that leaves us all warm inside, so why not hide from a rainy day in Riyadh alongside the smell of leather-bound ledgers? We recommend a gander around Book Club, a charming Riyadh bookstore that is perfect for literature lovers. Plus, does anything go together better than rainy days and books?
Location: King Abdul Aziz Branch Rd, Riyadh 13326
Timings: Sat to Thurs 8am to 11pm & Fri 2pm to 11pm
Warm yourself up with a hot cup of cocoa
We love tea and we sure love a cup of coffee, but a hot chocolate also can’t go amiss. We’re even partial to them in the summer. Although, there are some pretty fantastic iced versions available if you need it cold all the time. It’s the ultimate comfort drink – so if you’re craving something extra decadent, check out these delicious hot chocolate drinks in Riyadh that are guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth. Our obsession? The dark hot chocolate with a shot of espresso from 1/2M. You’re welcome.
Locked in? Make it fun with escape rooms
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Rapidly becoming a classic rainy day activity, escape rooms are treasure troves of indoor entertainment. With just about every theme under the sun covered, it’s simply a case of narrowing down the selection.
Hit the lanes for a game of bowling
Take to the lanes and head off for a family fun day out or classic date night at the bowling alley. From scoring strikes to tucking into delicious snacks, it’s a great place to spend a rainy day. And there’s plenty of venues ready to host you, including the legendary Universal Bowling Centre and family-friendly Bob’s.
Let the good times roll at Riyadh’s first indoor golf simulator lounge
Welcome to The Virtual Greens. Boasting the title of being Riyadh’s first automated indoor golf simulator lounge, it’s the perfect spot to swing, compete, and have fun. The Virtual Greens offers six brilliant game modes – Slope Golf, Wild Wild West, Block Golf, Whack A Mole, Pro Bowl Showdown, and our favourite, Darts Golf. It’s easy to spend a whole afternoon or two here, especially when you don’t need to leave for a bite to eat – just order food and drinks straight from your bay before teeing off.
Location: The Virtual Greens, The Boulevard Riyadh, Prince Turki Ibn Abdulaziz Al Awwal Rd, Hittin, Riyadh 13513
Timings: Daily 10am to 10pm
Contact: 053 830 9749 | thevirtualgreens.com
Cost: Prices are per hour, per bay, and starts from SAR199. Book here.
Watch a cult classic at an arthouse cinema
There’s truly no better way to escape a rainy day in Riyadh for a couple of hours than with a visit to the cinema. Snuggle into a comfy seat and try not to fall asleep at CineHouse, Riyadh’s first-ever arthouse cinema. We love its vintage and kitschy decor. Whether it’s a nostalgic throwback or the latest indie flick, it’s the perfect indoor lull to warm you up until the rain dies down outside.
Location: CineHouse Cinema, One Square, 7773 Oubay Ibn Mouaz Al Ansari, Ar Rabi, Riyadh 13315
Contact: 050 004 7494 | @cinehousecinema
Ditch the downpour for a multi-sensory challenge at SENSAS
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If the rain has you reconsidering your plans, this place is worth ducking indoors for. Completely off the beaten track, SENSAS is already an international sensation and a brilliant way to switch up rainy-day plans with family, friends, or even colleagues after work. Inside, you’ll explore themed rooms and take on interactive challenges designed to engage all five senses. Expect a quirky atmosphere, delightfully eccentric décor, and plenty of laughs – because when the weather’s gloomy, the fun doesn’t have to be.
Location: SENSAS Riyadh, Solidere, Al Thoumamah Rd, Qurtubah, Riyadh 13248
Contact: 054 498 2278 / @sensas_sa
Dazzle yourself with a Candlelight Concert
Why not take advantage of a rainy day in Riyadh to romanticise your life and have yourself a main-character moment by surrounding yourself with music and candles? There’s an upcoming Candlelight Concert on Friday May 8 at Bab Samhan, a Luxury Collection Hotel, featuring the music of Ludovico Einaudi and Frédéric Chopin, performed in an intimate, candlelit setting. With these classical tributes, you’ll forget all about the gloom outside as the power of the magical performances entrances you.
Location: Bab Samhan, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Diriyah, 7628 King Faisal Ibn Abd Al Aziz Road, Riyadh 13712
Timings: Candlelight: The Best of Ludovico Einaudi, May 8, 5.30pm & 8pm | Candlelight: Tribute to Frédéric Chopin, May 8, 10pm
Cost: Starts at SAR250 and tickets can be purchased here.
Images: Social
