An Artists Guide To Riyadhs Cultural Scene With Biirdperson

The capital of Saudi Arabia isn’t the first place you think of when planning a cultural trip to the Middle East. The country is known for many things, but artistic pursuits aren’t high on the list. However, with an expert guide to show you around, you’ll find the most populous city in the Arabian peninsula is rapidly evolving into a surprisingly trendy destination.

You might have noticed the increased efforts by Saudi Arabia to attract international visitors in recent years. This is all part of a grand project that hopes to place the country as one of the go-to global destinations for all travellers by 2030. There are long-term plans to improve infrastructure, increase transport capabilities and in the case of NEOM – to build a an entire region from scratch. If you’ve heard of Al’Ula – a region that has seen a surge in interest following archaeological discoveries and architectural creations – you’ll know that when the country gets behind a project, it really gets behind it.

The crowd enjoy a firework display at the MDLBEAST festival in 2019

But what about the established cities the country is best known for? There are new hotels and high-rises being built all the time – with plans for the world’s tallest building well underway – and yet we don’t hear so much about cultural events. The Red Sea Film Festival is set to make an impact in 2021 and follows the first ever Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in Jeddah. To end the year, Riyadh is set to host the loudest party ever seen in Saudi Arabia as MDLBEAST brings Soundstorm to town.

An Insider’s Guide to Riyadh

Soundstorm is part of the Saudi music scene

Explore Tuwaiq Garden

“At this time of year, the Tuwaiq Garden is my go-to place. It’s in the Diplomatic Quarter, a gated community that has a lot of parks, restaurants, and embassies. The park provides you with the peace you need to unwind in a very busy city.
“While sitting in Tuwaiq park, you’re surrounded by palm trees, beautiful architecture, flowing water and lots of nooks to explore. I recommend coming here on a weekday for a crowd-free experience.”

Step back in time in Diriyah

“Diriyah, one of the oldest cities in Saudi Arabia, represents the birthplace of the kingdom and the original home of the Saudi royal family, having once served as the capital. Currently, in Diriyah, an industrial area consisting of more than 100 renovated warehouses is being developed as a hub for arts and culture.

“The Jax district includes a range of exhibition spaces, artists’ studios and art galleries. The moment you step into the district you will be astonished by the huge graffiti on display across all the warehouses, presenting a great mix of modern art and history, which gives the place its unique vibe.”

The BienalSur exhibition in Jax, Diriyah

Dine at Huqqa

“This is one of the most recent openings in Riyadh – and hands-down one of the nicest places to go for a dine in experience. The restaurant is in a three-storey building in the vibrant UWalk complex in the heart of Riyadh, with breathtaking views of the digital city. The outdoor area is open all year round – it is air-conditioned in the summer, making it one of Riyadh’s go-to places.”

Go on a bike tour of Wadi Hanifa

“In a city full of cars, Wadi Hanifa serves as the best bike-friendly area in Riyadh. In the recently renovated streets of Diriyah you will have up to 40km of trails to ride your bike along. If you’re not a biker, it is also a great place for walking or jogging. While performing your favourite sports you will encounter a lot of historical places and beautiful ancient houses.”

You’ll get to see many typical architectural structures on a bike ride through Wadi Hanifa

Check out the local music scene at Syrup Lounge

“This place is where up-and-coming artists and musicians perform in front of a live audience. It ‘s the place to be after a week of hard work – and once you’re here, you will immediately feel part of the community due to the welcoming staff and the people who share a passion for and love of music.”

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.