Riyadh’s History and Al Masmak - Self-Guided Walking Tours

Join a local historian and see Riyadh like you never have before with these engaging, historical and high-quality audio walking tours!

Our first audio tour will explore Al Masmak Fortress, as we learn about the origins of Saudi Arabia and the Saudi Royal Family, as well as the secret tales that live in this key sightseeing spot.

The second audio tour covers Historical Riyadh, as we wander around Al Safat Square, just outside Imam Turki Bin Abdullah Grand Mosque/ We'll then explore the Souq AlZzal Market and Ath Thumayry Street. These iconic key attractions are a perfect example of just how much Riyadh has changed over the past 100 years. 

Together, we’ll embark on this epic adventure through time, and experience a historical journey in this must-see picturesque city, learning everything about the historic buildings, mysteries and secret stories that made Riyadh the modern city that it is today!

With our two self-guided walking tours of Riyadh you will discover more of this wonderful city and the history that has defined the area. Our first tour will explore Al Masmak Fortress as we learn about the origins of Saudi Arabia and the Saudi Royal Family. The second tour covers Historical Riyadh as we wander around Al Safat Square, just outside Imam Turki Bin Abdullah Grand Mosque, a perfect example of just how much Riyadh has changed over the past 100 years.

Learn about the story of Abdulaziz’s recapture of Al Masmak Fortress back in 1902 where 63 men were tasked with taking on an entire city! Hear how Abdulaziz reunified the Arabian peninsula into the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Get a closer look at some of the design choices that have gone into Riyadh’s architecture. Notice how fiercely contested the Western part of the Arabian Peninsula has been over recent centuries. This is because of its religious importance – it’s where the holy lands of Makkah and Madinah are located.

Dive into the history of Riyadh at the Photographer’s Gallery and find a selection of photography from the 1930s, 40s, and 50s. The city has grown from an area of one square kilometer and a population of 14,000 people in 1902 to an area of 1,500 square kilometers and a population of over 7,000,000 people in 2020. 

Visit Riyadh’s famous souqs, magnificent mosques and cultural sights and begin to understand how this town, in the middle of a massive desert, has become one of the most developed cities in the world!

Wander into Qayasriat Al Kitab, a beautiful bookshop surrounded by palm trees and little fountains. This place brings together intellectuals, readers and writers in one place in the heart of Riyadh by the Palace of Governance. Learn about Riyadh’s other culture sights, from the King ʿAbd al-ʿAzīz Historical Centre and the National Museum to Al-Murabaa Palace and the famous Al-Jinādiriyyah national culture festival.

Visit the Great Mosque, also known as the Imam Turki bin Abdullah Mosque. This mosque was established during the reign of Imam Turki bin Abdullah in the 19th century and is one of the most important mosques in the city of Riyadh. Citizens could come here to meet and speak to their ruler.

Weave through Souq Al Zall, a truly authentic market here in the heart of Riyadh. The souq is over 100 years old and is still a go to destination for Saudis to buy and barter for carpets, perfumes, traditional clothes and food. Learn about the history of Arabian markets, from the first souqs that appeared 2500 years ago to Saudi Arabia’s modern trade.

Stroll down Al-Ath Thumayry Street, a favourite spot for handicrafts and local gifts. This is considered to be one of Riyadh’s most famous streets and it sums up Riyadh perfectly with authentic produce. Keep an eye out for the clock tower at the end of this road that was built in 1966, making it one of the city’s first public clocks!

The Vidi Guides experience is enriched with on-screen photos and videos. We also point out where to take the perfect Instagram photos during the tour, and include recommendations for food, drinks, and local attractions. Don't worry, none of our recommendations are sponsored - they are simply favourites of the locals who helped craft the experience.

Vidi Guides creates immersive audio experiences that are like podcasts. This is a self-guided audio tour that can be started or stopped at your own convenience. Download the Vidi Guides app & your Riyadh tour to explore the area independently and safely! Make sure to download your tour before your visit to streamline your trip!