Riyadh is Saudi Arabia's capital, a fast-changing desert city where the mud-brick Masmak Fortress, the National Museum, the Kingdom Centre Sky Bridge and the UNESCO-listed At-Turaif district in Diriyah sit within a short drive of each other.
Best souvenirs
Authentic items worth bringing home.
Saudi dates
Sukkari and Ajwa dates, often in gift boxes.
Price: SAR 50–400 per kg (~$13–107)
Where: Souq Al Zal, Bateel, Al Othaim supermarkets
Oud and bukhoor
Oud oil and wood-chip incense.
Price: SAR 100–5,000+ (~$27–1,333+)
Where: Souq Al Zal, Abdul Samad Al Qurashi
Saffron
Saffron threads, per 10 g.
Price: SAR 50–300 per 10 g (~$13–80)
Where: Souq Al Zal, Al Othaim
Incense burners (mabkhara)
Brass and ceramic burners.
Price: SAR 30–500 (~$8–133)
Where: Souq Al Zal, Souq Al Thumairi
Handwoven rugs
Bedouin-style woven rugs.
Price: SAR 200–3,000 (~$53–800)
Where: Souq Al Zal
Bisht cloak
Men's ceremonial cloak.
Price: SAR 300–2,000 (~$80–533)
Where: Souq Al Owais
Gold jewellery (18K–21K)
Gold priced by weight.
Price: SAR 500–10,000+ (~$133–2,667+)
Where: Thumairi Gold Souq, Souq Taibah
Traditional markets
Where locals shop and travellers find treasures.
Souq Al Zal
Historic market dating to 1901 beside Masmak Fortress; prices are negotiable.
Where: ad-Dirah (Old Riyadh)
Hours: Daily 09:00–12:00 and 16:00–22:00
Souq Al Thumairi (Thumairi Gold Souq)
Restored clocktower souq area with gold shops, spices and perfumes.
Where: ad-Dirah (Old Riyadh)
Hours: Typically 09:00–12:00 and 16:00–22:00 (verify)
Shopping districts
Neighbourhoods known for retail.
Malls & modern shopping
Air-conditioned, international brands, and food courts.
Kingdom Centre
150+ stores in the Kingdom Centre tower.
Hours: Sat–Thu 09:00–23:00; Fri 13:00–23:00 (verify)
Riyadh Park
Large mall on the Northern Ring Road with international brands, dining and cinema.
Hours: Sat–Thu 10:00–00:00; Fri 13:00–00:00 (verify)
Panorama Mall
200+ outlets on one level with an indoor amusement park.
Hours: Sat–Thu 09:30–23:00; Fri 14:00–23:00 (verify)
Al Nakheel Mall
Mall of about 370,000 square metres in An Nakheel with an indoor amusement park.
Hours: Sat–Thu 09:00–23:00; Fri 13:00–23:00 (verify)
VIA Riyadh
Open-air lifestyle destination in the Diplomatic Quarter with boutiques, fine dining and VOX cinema.
Hours: Sat–Thu 10:00–23:00; Fri 13:00–23:00 (verify)
Centria Mall
Boutique-scale luxury mall in Al Olaya with a food hall.
Hours: Sat–Thu 10:00–23:00; Fri 14:00–23:00 (verify)
Bujairi Terrace
Mudbrick-style dining and shopping district; the reported access pass can be credited against dining.
Hours: Daily 16:00–00:00 (verify); entry pass may apply
Boulevard City
Waterfront Riyadh Season complex with restaurants, boutiques and live shows.
Hours: Evenings during Riyadh Season, opening 21 October 2026 (verify)
Bargaining tips
Negotiate like a local.
Open at about 50–60 percent of the asking price in souqs and settle around 70 to 80 percent.
Malls and brand shops are fixed price.
For gold, check the daily gold rate and negotiate the making charge.
Compare two or three shops before buying oud or rugs.
Customs & restrictions
What you can and can't take home.
Dress modestly with shoulders and knees covered in malls and souqs., Many souq shops close at midday and during prayer times., Ask before photographing shopkeepers; photographing people without consent is an offence.