Whether you’ve just arrived in Riyadh or have been calling the city home for years, knowing where to go can make all the difference.
From finding the right supermarket for your weekly essentials and trusted services for everyday needs, to discovering fitness studios, creative spaces, family activities, and weekend escapes, the city offers countless opportunities to build a fulfilling lifestyle. This guide takes you through the top places that help you settle in, navigate daily life, and explore new interests.
Where to go for groceries
TAMIMI MARKETS
Tamimi Markets in the Diplomatic Quarter is a go-to supermarket for fresh produce, premium groceries, international products, and everyday essentials. Popular with both residents and visitors, it’s a convenient one-stop shop for everything from weekly groceries to ready-to-eat meals.
Spinneys
A favorite among expats, Spinneys offers a premium grocery experience with imported products, fresh bakery items, gourmet ingredients, and an excellent selection of international brands.
📍https://maps.app.goo.gl/fTL4tjVQboKuktTD8
Wemart
Riyadh’s largest Asian supermarket, WEMART is a one-stop destination for authentic groceries from China, Japan, South Korea, Thailand, and Southeast Asia, complete with an Asian food court and specialty products.
📍https://maps.app.goo.gl/Sioxfu9kUoZGKPvUA
Where to go for fitness classes
PILATES
Reform Athletica
A premium boutique fitness studio that combines reformer Pilates, strength training, and functional movement in expertly guided classes.
Formé Wellness
A popular boutique wellness studio offering reformer Pilates in a modern setting. Well known for experienced instructors and small class sizes.
Sculpto Pilates Reformer Studio
A favorite for reformer Pilates, with highly rated coaches and classes suitable for both beginners and experienced practitioners.
YOGA
Soma Lab
A modern wellness studio combining yoga with mindfulness and holistic well-being. It has earned excellent reviews for its calming atmosphere, thoughtfully designed classes, and highly rated instructors.
Exhale Yoga Studio
A favorite among residents in the Diplomatic Quarter and surrounding neighborhoods.
The Art of Qi
Offering yoga alongside meditation, sound healing, and other holistic wellness experiences.
Where to go for a walk or run:
Where to go for hair and nail services
Chaps & Co.
An award-winning premium men’s grooming destination offering expert haircuts, beard grooming, facials, and traditional barber services in a sophisticated setting.
Base & Boon
A chic boutique salon in the DQ specializing in nails, hair, and beauty treatments, known for its stylish interiors and personalized service.
FRANCK PROVOST
Located in Laysen Valley, this Paris-born salon brings its signature French touch through precision cuts, rich color, smooth blow-dries, and a full range of beauty services including nails, makeup, and lashes.
JACQUES LA COUPE
Experience the art of luxury hair at Jacques La Coupe, Riyadh’s premier salon located at Via Riyadh. From flawless color and cuts to seamless hair extensions, every visit is crafted for those who expect the exceptional.
Four Spa
A premium wellness destination offering massages, facials, nail care, hair services, and beauty treatments in a tranquil setting within Al Kindi Plaza.
Where to go for
Arabic classes
Alliance Française
Located in the Diplomatic Quarter, Alliance Française offers structured language programs and is a convenient option for expats looking to learn Arabic in a multicultural environment.
Arabius
Specializing in Saudi Arabic, Arabius focuses on conversational skills through immersive classes with native Saudi instructors, helping learners communicate more naturally in everyday situations.
King Salman Global Academy for Arabic Language
A leading Saudi institution dedicated to promoting and teaching Arabic, offering programs and resources for non-native speakers interested in developing their language skills.
Where to go for shopping
MALLS
Riyadh Park
One of the city’s most popular lifestyle destinations, featuring international fashion brands, diverse dining options, family entertainment, and a cinema.
Solitaire Mall
Riyadh’s newest luxury shopping destination, bringing together high-end fashion boutiques, fine dining, and contemporary architecture in an elegant setting.
Kingdom Centre
Located within the iconic Kingdom Centre, this newly-renovated upscale mall is home to luxury brands, premium dining, and the famous Sky Bridge, offering panoramic views of Riyadh.
For souks and traditional markets, visit our article on Exploring the Soul of RIyadh:
https://dqliving.com/exploring-the-soul-of-riyadh-historic-markets-and-souks/
Where to go for
Abayas
Dirah Abaya Market
Riyadh’s go-to destination for budget-friendly abayas, with hundreds of small shops offering styles starting from around SAR 30–50. It’s ideal if you’re looking for everyday abayas or don’t mind browsing and bargaining.
Royal Mall
Home to dozens of abaya boutiques under one roof, Royal Mall offers a wide range of designs and price points, with many quality options starting around SAR 100.
Where to go for weekend getaways near Riyadh
Qiddiya City (Aquarabia & Six Flags)
Experience world-class thrills at Saudi Arabia’s newest entertainment destination, home to Aquarabia water park and Six Flags Qiddiya City.
Ushaiger Heritage Village
Explore traditional Najdi architecture, historic mud-brick homes, and museums in one of Saudi Arabia’s oldest heritage villages.
Edge of the World
Take in spectacular cliff-top views and unforgettable sunsets at one of the Kingdom’s most iconic natural landmarks. *needs a guide and 4×4 vehicles*
Red Sand Dunes
Escape the city for dune bashing, quad biking, sandboarding, camel rides, or a relaxing desert picnic just outside Riyadh.
Where to go for volunteering and giving back
Saudi Food Bank (Eta’am)
One of Saudi Arabia’s leading charitable organizations, Eta’am focuses on reducing food waste by collecting and distributing surplus food to those in need. Volunteers can support food collection, packaging, and community initiatives.
Green Saudi / Environmental Volunteer Initiatives
For those passionate about sustainability, environmental groups and campaigns offer opportunities to participate in tree planting, clean-up drives, and conservation activities across Riyadh.
Sahm Volunteer Platform
A national volunteer platform that connects individuals with a wide range of volunteering opportunities, from community events and social initiatives to cultural and environmental projects.
Where to go for date night
attaché
A sophisticated dining destination in Riyadh offering an elegant atmosphere, refined cuisine, and stylish interiors, making it a perfect choice for a special date night or celebration.
Gymkhana
A stylish restaurant in Via Riyadh known for its vibrant interiors, elevated Indian cuisine, and lively yet intimate setting: perfect for couples looking for a unique dining experience.
Asador de Aranda
A Spanish restaurant in Laysen Valley known for its rustic charm, signature roast lamb, and warm, intimate atmosphere, making it a memorable choice for a relaxed yet elegant date night.
Where to go for homegrown specialty coffee
Camel Step
One of Saudi Arabia’s pioneering specialty coffee brands, known for quality roasting, coffee education, and creating a community around coffee culture.
JAZEAN
A Saudi coffee brand blending local coffee heritage with modern specialty coffee experiences through carefully crafted beans and cafés.
Half Million
One of Saudi Arabia’s most popular homegrown coffee chains, offering specialty-style coffee with a modern, accessible café experience.
Where to Go for Creative Workshops
Visit our guide to more activities in the city, from pottery to dancing to interactive games, etc. https://dqliving.com/switch-it-up-more-activities-to-try-in-riyadh/
Where to go for kids activities
Visit pages for kids activities beyond malls: https://dqliving.com/activities-for-kids-beyond-the-mall-but-still-indoors/
And our guide to 2026 summer camps: https://dqliving.com/riyadh-summer-camps-2026/
Where to go for networking
Connect and belong to communities in Riyadh by reading our Cover Story.
