The local currency is the Saudi riyal. Contactless bank cards and Apple Pay are accepted at Riyadh Metro gates, but payment options vary by venue, so carry some riyals as a backup.

Entry rules depend on your nationality. Depending on your passport, you may be able to apply for a tourist e-visa online or on arrival at Saudi international airports, but rules change, so check official guidance before booking.

Choose loose, modest clothing that covers your elbows and reaches below the knees. Women are not required to wear an abaya or cover their hair. Light, breathable fabrics help in the summer heat.

November to March is the coolest stretch for sightseeing. Summers from May to September are very hot, so plan outdoor visits for early mornings and evenings, and check Riyadh Season dates if events are a priority.

Two days covers At-Turaif, the National Museum of Saudi Arabia, Al Masmak Palace, Souq Al Zal, and the Sky Bridge. A third day leaves time for the Edge of the World or extra evenings during Riyadh Season.

Riyadh Metro runs six lines and 85 stations from 6 am to midnight, and city buses use the same tickets. Pay with a darb card, the darb app, or a contactless bank card at the gate.

The Riyadh Metro Yellow Line has stations at Terminals 1 and 2, 3 and 4, and 5 of King Khalid International Airport, and links to the wider network, including KAFD. Taxis and ride-hailing apps such as Uber and Careem run 24 hours a day from arrivals.

A tip of 10–15% is usual in restaurants when no service charge is included. Taxi drivers are usually tipped around 10–15% of the fare.

No. Alcohol is illegal in Saudi Arabia, and bringing it in, possessing it, or drinking it in public can bring severe penalties. Evenings out center on cafés, restaurants, Saudi coffee, and events instead.

Start with Najdi dishes such as jareesh, qursan, kleija, and matazeez, add kabsa, then try Saudi coffee spiced with cardamom and saffron and served with dates.