8 top things to do in Riyadh this week: January 14 to January 17
The first month is speeding by…
And just like that, we’ve reached the middle of the very first month of 2024, and while winter isn’t hitting quite as we would like it to, the month has been quite the one for events, Riyadh Season and more, and this week is no different. Here are all the best things to do in Riyadh this week.
Sunday January 14
Explore Wonder Garden
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Now open until January 28, Wonder Garden is made up of three different zones where you can go on fun rides, and walk through areas full of beautiful butterflies and trees. Wonder Garden will feature more than 70 rides and experiences, two arcade halls, 15 stores, 26 restaurants and more than 60 roaming acts and shows.
Wonder Garden, Al Malqa, weekdays 4pm to 1am, weekends 4pm to 2am. riyadhseason.com
Check out Agio
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Located at The Canopy, Amalfi Coast-inspired gem Agio is Riyadh’s love letter to the coastlines of the Mediterranean. The Italian restaurant is the latest endeavour by Modern Food Company, a major player in the lifestyle and fine dining arenas in Saudi Arabia.
Agio, The Canopy, Northern Ring Rd., Hittin, Riyadh 13512. Opens January 14. Tel: 9200 13860. @agiosaudi
Monday January 15
Check out Smar
Diriyah seems to be a hub for the winter camps this year. Head off the scenic location and enjoy an entertainment area that includes many sports and recreational activities equipped with the latest advanced technologies.
Reserve your spot for SAR40 here.
Take a trip down to JAX for Noor Riyadh’s art exhibition
Noor Riyadh’s art exhibition, titled “Refracted Identities, Shared Futures,” is held at the Riyadh Art Space in JAX District until March 2. This year, the show celebrates light as a flux, where artists, as cartographers of light, comprehend the dynamic nature of human and cultural identity amidst the shifting sands of time.
Noor Riyadh Exhibition, until Mar 2, 2024, Sat to Thurs 11am to 1am & Fri 4pm to 1am, JAX District. @noorriyadhfestival
Tuesday January 16
View traditional Najdi doors on display
A cultural exhibition, “Beyond the Door,” is on in Diriyah right now. The exhibition unveils the innovation and sustainability hidden within the traditional Najdi doors. Paying homage to Najdi craftsmen’s ingenuity, “Beyond the Door” showcases contemporary art bound by the craft’s essence and design.
Beyond the Door exhibition, At-Turaif Park, daily 3 p.m. to 11 p.m. diriyah.sa/beyond-the-door
Enjoy a breezy evening at Sadelle’s
Escaping to Sadelle’s beautiful terrace is always a good idea. It’s definitely a top choice for an alfresco meal, away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Explore the delicious selection of mocktails and tuck into the fresh-out-of-the-oven brie and truffle honey pizza or the tomahawk steak as a treat; practically obligatory is the French toast – because why not? The setting is just as glorious; linger for long enough, and you’ll almost believe you’re in Paris rather than Riyadh.
Sadelle’s, Mansard Hotel, Prince Mohammed Ibn Salman Ibn Abdulaziz Rd, Ar Rabi, Riyadh 13315, daily 7am to 11.30pm. @sadellesriyadh
Enjoy the weather at Under Degree
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Since it’s yet to get cold in Riyadh properly, we recommend you enjoy the cool weather at Riyadh’s very own Under Degree in Al Qirawan. Pay SAR50 per person for an adult; kids under the age of five get free entrance. The price includes one drink and one dessert of your choice, as well as thermal clothing too.
Under Degree, Shaikh Abdullah Ibn Jabreen St, Al Qirawan, Sun to Wed 4pm to 11.50pm, Thu to Fri 4pm to 2am, Sat 4pm to 11.55pm. @under_degree_
Wednesday, January 17
Sip on hot chocolate at Said Dal 1923
Coming in from Italy, popular chocolate-focused venue Said Dal 1923 first opened its doors in Riyadh last year and has since become quite the hit with Riyadh crowds. One thing on their menu that’s simply a must-try for everyone is the carefully crafted thick hot chocolate that’s served topped with four different kinds of chocolate, starting at SAR39.
Said Dal 1923, Prince Turki Alawwal, Hittin, daily 3pm to midnight. @saiddal1923ksa