12 top things to do in Riyadh this week: July 7 to July 10
Making plans? Let us help…
The seventh month of the year is bringing an unbearable heat and we’re not going to lie, we’re hunting down things to do in Riyadh that are indoors, and we’ve come up with 12 for this week alone. Here are the best things to do in Riyadh this week.
Sunday July 7
Visit the ‘Perfumes of the East’ exhibition
The ‘Perfumes of the East’ exhibition has made its first international stop in Riyadh. Unfolding through three distinct spaces at the National Museum – from the raw beauty of nature to bustling town streets and the setting of a private home, the exhibition enables visitors to experience the evolution of perfume-making through a blend of historical treasures and modern artistic expressions.
Perfumes of the East, until Sept 14, Mon to Wed & Sat 9am to 6pm, Thurs 9am to 9pm & Fri 2pm to 9pm, National Museum. Tickets are priced at SAR29 and can be purchased here. @mocsaudi
Tuck into a viral chocolate bar by Nchy Brand
On the pricier side of things, NCHY is the one we think is the closest to the Dubai version. Serving three versions of the bar including pistachio, crunchy hazelnut, and pecan and peanut, for SAR69 and SAR86. Order yours through The Chefz and Ninja.
NCHY, Order through The Chez and Ninja. @nchy.sa
Have afternoon tea at Bread Ahead
We can’t say no to a delicious high tea to brighten up our weekdays, and Bread Ahead has just the thing. Take a bite out of signature pastries like banana and lime Breton tart, pistachio, almond and raspberry rose Battenberg, and crunchy choux – these sweet treats go perfectly with a sip of tea. Plus, they’re handmade daily so you know you’re getting the freshest nosh. For savoury delights, try dishes like smoked salmon sourdough and egg mayonnaise in a butter brioche roll to satisfy your cravings. A weekday pick-me-up that’s sweet and savoury? We’re sold.
Bread Ahead Bakery & School, Prince Mohammed bin Saad bin Abdulaziz, Hittin, Riyadh 13512. Tel: 055 952 4633. SAR169 per person for the afternoon tea. @breadaheadksa
Pamper yourself at Kaia Spa
The art of the flawless manicures and pedicures is mastered to real perfection by Kaia Spa. Their team of well-trained therapists specialise in meticulous manicures, refreshed brows and relaxing massages too, and if you’re feeling like a bit of a change, you can also try out some whimsical nail art.
Kaia Spa, Anas Ibn Malik Rd, Al Malqa, Riyadh 13524, Mon to Thurs noon to 10pm, Fri & Sat 2pm to 10pm. @kaia.spa
Monday July 8
Step in the future
Riyadh’s incredible cultural hotspot Fenaa Alawwal is playing host to a wonderful exhibition exploring the near future as it approaches us. Welcoming to “Unfolding the Embassy.” On until Sunday September 1, the exhibition focuses on a rediscovery of the human condition in the year 2040.
Check out Nashville’s for lunch
Fried chicken is a massive draw here in the capital, and we can say for sure that we can always go for some. And now, you can get authentic Nashville hot chicken in Riyadh at Nashville’s. Opening its doors in Nawaf Square early this month, Nashville’s has a small but mighty menu featuring mains, sides, and of course desserts.
Nashville Riyadh, Nawaf Square, 6441 Anas Ibn Malik Rd, Al Malqa, RRMC3634, Sat to Wed 3pm to 2am, Thu to Fri 3pm to 3am. @nashvilles.sa
Tuesday July 9
Level Up’s Harry Potter quiz night
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Calling all Harry Potter fans, this one’s for you. Level Up is hosting its edition of a Harry Potter quiz night. You can test your knowledge about the glorious wizarding world at the top-tier social club. Let us start you off with an easy one, what are the four Hogwarts houses?
Lvl Up Social Club, Hittin. @lvlupsocialhub
Swim away at InterContinental Riyadh
The InterContinental Hotel in Riyadh has an indoor pool that is exclusively for ladies. At just less than 11 metres, the pool may be a bit small but it’s just what you need for a refreshing swim. Priced at SAR300 per hour and SAR500 daily, at InterContinental you can make a day of it by checking out one of the restaurants or maybe even the spa.
InterContinental Hotel Riyadh, Abdullah Alsahmi Street, Al Safarat, daily 6am to 6pm. ihg.com.
Get a workout in at Phoenix Gym and Rock Climbing
A proudly woman-owned gym, Phoenix Gym and Rock Climbing is where you go if you want to shape your body and your mind. Providing you with the best fitness programming, the trainers all have fun nicknames, so you can pick your fighter (although, to start with, we’d recommend going with Hala “The Peaceful”). Facilities include a sauna, steam room, kickboxing studio, pilates studio, an indoor cycling studio, and more.
Phoenix Gym and Rock Climbing, Imam Saud Bin Abdulaziz Bin Mohammed Rd, Al Mohammadiyyah, Sun to Thu 1pm to 9pm, Fri to Sat noon to 4pm. ksaphoenix.com
Wednesday July 10
Celebrate the Year of the Camel at Robata
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If you’re looking for a sweet treat head to Robata to try the newest collaboration between Noug and MFC. Tuck into a warm white chocolate brownie with Okashi and salted camel milk caramel soft serve.
Robata, QJ2F+PF2, Hittin, daily 1pm to 1am, SAR105. @robatasaudi
Grab a business lunch at Crazy Pizza
Thin, blistered, decadent, and cool – that’s the way of the yeast-free pizza at Crazy Pizza. And if you still haven’t checked out its space, we particularly love the Diplomatic Quarter’s Oud Square branch, with a mix of local Arabian architecture and modern, rich brick-coloured exterior. Choose from two options from the business lunch menu, priced at SAR140 and SAR180.
Crazy Pizza, two locations, Oud Square in Diplomatic Quarter & As Sulimaniyah. Business lunch is available Sun to Thurs 1pm to 5pm. Tel: 9200 07275. @crazypizza.saudi
Visit the Al Faisal Arabic and Islamic Arts Museum
This museum is affiliated with the King Faisal Centre for Research and Islamic Studies, and features more than 200 rare heritage pieces of Arab-Islamic art, including home appliances, war equipment, literature, medical instruments, coins, wood, pottery, and textiles, as well as unique manuscripts of the Holy Qur’an.
Al Faisal Arabic and Islamic Arts Museum, No. 38, Al Olaya, Riyadh 12212, Sun to Thurs 9am to 3pm. Free admission. Tel: 011 465 2255. @kfcris_sa