9 fun things to do in Riyadh this week: May 11 to May 13
Make plans now
If you’re as lastminute.com as we are, you definitely haven’t made plans for the week just yet. Luckily, we’ve got our very own list of curated things to do and places to be tailored to just what you need. Need a new breakfast spot? We’ve got you a new space to check out with friends? Look no further; here are the best things to do in Riyadh this week: May 11 to May 13.
Monday May 11
Bring the friends out to the Five Senses Entertainment Experience
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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
Have dinner at the Saudi version of In-N-Out
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If you’re anything like us, you’ll have seen the thousands of videos online about how incredible American chain In-N-Out is. Bad news is we’re not getting one just yet, but the great news is we’ve now got something just as good (if not better). Meet Westwood Riyadh. Opening its doors in Hittin, Westwood Riyadh is currently the most talked-about (and filmed) burger restaurant in town. The menu is divided into two parts: the real menu and the not-so-secret menu (adding to the In-N-Out vibes).
Location: RRHA6833, 3357 Suwayd Ibn Harithah, Hittin,
Timing: Daily 5pm to 12.30am
Enjoy ladies’ night at BattleKart
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BattleKart is the world’s first real-life video game-based karting. Imagine having a real war on the racetrack where you can shoot rockets to stop other opponents, drift with turbo bonuses, and leave oil barrels behind. There are also many other game modes to look forward to, including football karting, the famous snake game, and a lot more. Up to the challenge?
Location: RQ2W+Q6R Ishbiliyah, Riyadh
Timings: 4pm to 1am.
Cost: SAR120, book here
Tuesday May 12
Stop and smell the roses
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And Taif ones at that. If you still haven’t been able to check out the famous Taif Roses Festival yet, you might want to check out this new exhibition right here in Riyadh to get you hyped for the real deal. Happening at Foodsphere by Riyadh Oases, the exhibition is set within the magical Biosphere and Butterfly Dome. The experience unfolds through a curated journey that moves from the rose fields of Taif to the traditions of its distillation and crafting, where it finds expression in fragrance, artisanal practices, and rituals of hospitality.
Location: Foodsphere by Riyadh Oases
Cost: SAR15, book here
Tuck into the newly launched breakfast menu at Rowley’s
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Your fave steak spot is now its way to becoming your fave breakfast spot. We’re sure you’ve heard that Rowley’s in KAFD has just launched a brand-new breakfast menu, and it’s one you’ll want to get out of bed for. A small but mighty menu is what you can look forward to, featuring hash browns (truffle and regular, in true Rowley fashion), steak and eggs (who saw that one coming?), and if you’re on the go, an egg bun.
Location: KAFD
Timing: 8am to 1am
The Saudi El Clásico awaits
If you’ve heard anything about Saudi football, you’d know that the fiercest rivals on this side of the world in the local scene are Riyadh-based football clubs Al-Hilal and Al-Nassr. And this Tuesday, they’re going head-to-head at the Riyadh Derby 2026.
Location: Al-Awwal Park
Timing: 9pm
Cost: SAR10, book here
Visit to Black Gold Museum
Located at the King Abdullah Petroleum Studies and Research Centre, in an iconic building designed by Zaha Hadid, with interiors by DaeWha Kang Design, the museum itself looks like a piece of art. The Black Gold Museum was inaugurated by the Minister of Energy, Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman and the Minister of Culture, Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan, earlier this week.
Location: Black Gold Museum, King Abdullah Petroleum Studies and Research Centre
Timing: 10am to 10pm
Cost: Free, but you have to book tickets here
Wednesday May 13
It doesn’t get better than a free reading festival
The King Abdulaziz Public Library, in cooperation with the Riyadh Education Department, will launch its 26th annual Free Reading Festival for public school students on Sunday.
Running from May 10 to 14 in Riyadh, the festival will bring together more than 100 schools, over 1,550 students, and a number of educators and teachers.
Location: 4170 Makkah Al Mukarramah Rd, King Abdullah Dt.
Timing: 8am to 8pm Sat to Thu, Closed Fri
Attend a creative workshop
Join in on an evening of experimental storytelling as we explore thoughts, emotions, and self-expression through poetry and collage in a supportive, beginner-friendly space. Led by the collective’s Arts Lead, Deby, who has facilitated many of the Writers in Riyadh’s creative visual sessions, this workshop invites you to slow down, create, and experiment without pressure or perfection.
Location: R House, Tafaseel Centre
Timing: 7pm
Book here
