By The DQ Living Team
The Diplomatic Quarter (DQ) in Riyadh is known to be the home of foreign embassies, government establishments and residential areas. But more than that, guests to the DQ can discover a whole lot more of places and ways to spend their time. When you step out of Radisson Blu Hotel in the DQ, an array of places, activities and events await. Here are our recommended places you should check out when you check in to the DQ.
1. Al Fazari Plaza
The Radisson Blu’s The Larder Restaurant and Lounge is a great option when staying in the DQ. Its sophisticated interiors and scrumptious international and Middle Eastern cuisines will delight the senses. When you want to venture outdoors, DQ also has restaurants that serve international cuisines located in plazas. The Al Fazari Plaza, just outside Radisson Blu Hotel, is home to Scalini Restaurant offering both Italian and Japanese food. Pancake House offers breakfast fare while Kalamata serves scrumptious Middle Eastern grills. A quick mani and pedi for the ladies is also available in the Villa Blanca Spa.
Being one of the first plazas in the DQ, Al Fazari has a certain nostalgic vibe to it. Those who crave for comfortable and cosy venues to chill with families and friends will find this area of the DQ nice and charming. Another place to check out is Al Kindi with its more affordable dining options like fast food restos Kudi and Dairy Queen.
2. Oud Square
The newest plaza in the DQ is Oud Square. Its hip and modern vibe makes it the hangout of the youth. Restaurants like ca/le/ndar and Leila have unique and interesting concepts while iHOP, Draft and Urth Caffe are great brunch and coffee places. Nozomi, one of Riyadhís notable Japanese restaurants, has also opened a pop-up in the plaza serving the best dishes on their menu. Oud Square is a trendy place to be at.
3. Parks and Gardens
In the busy DQ, “all work and no play” doesn’t always apply. With the DQís pockets of parks and gardens in its midst, you can get some fresh air and tranquillity. Considered as one of the Kingdom’s earliest accomplishments of green architecture, the DQ offers its residents and guests a literal oasis of lush gardens, pathways, and picnic places. The biggest parks are Al Yamamah, Al Arudh and Rock Park. They are equipped with playgrounds, benches, and restrooms.
Other notable yet smaller parks include Al Nafal and General Park which will give you an opportunity to immerse more with nature. These parks and gardens have quaint ponds and waterfalls that lets you escape the hustle and bustle of the city life for a moment. After visiting the parks and on your way back to the hotel, you can also take a stroll and see the different embassies from the outside to marvel at their buildings’ designs. Most buildings in the DQ are made out of clay and adobe, a material known for its greater thermal mass which enables it to store and absorb heat. The designs of these buildings hold so much history, stories, and creativity. Definitely worth checking out along with Tuwaiq Palace.
4. Hiking Trails
Found yourself some idle hours? Get active and check out the trails in the DQ! Start at the sign that reads “walking trail” and you can pretty much choose your path from there. Any trail with its picturesque streams to rocks to mini gardens will give you a solid hiking experience. You can walk, jog, run or even bike. It’s best to do these activities in the mornings.
5. Al Aghar Equestrian Club
How often can you see and ride horses when visiting a new place? The Al Aghar Equestrian Club, one of the largest equestrian clubs in Saudi Arabia and located inside the DQ, is open for horseback riding lessons suitable for all ages. They also have a multitude of facilities like function rooms for events and gatherings, guest rooms, outdoor cafe and swimming pool.
Outside the equestrian club is a nice stream where you can capture photos. It’s one of the greener areas in the DQ where one can seek relaxation and relief while watching the water flow, leaves fall, and the sun set.
Make the most out of your stay at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Riyadh by discovering the Diplomatic Quarter! When you travel, take stories of new places along with your souvenirs.
