Saudi Arabia

Cost of living

What a month costs

Rent and schooling are the big-ticket items, everything else feels reasonable.

The scores

How it rates for a moving family

See and do

Top 10 in Riyadh

1. Kingdom Centre TowerThe skybridge on the 99th floor gives the best sweeping view over the city.
2. Al Faisaliah TowerA landmark spire with a glass globe restaurant near the top.
3. Masmak FortressThe clay-and-mud fort at the heart of the old city and Saudi founding story.
4. National Museum of Saudi ArabiaA well-designed run through Arabian history from prehistory to the modern kingdom.
5. Diriyah At-Turaif DistrictRestored mud-brick palaces and alleys, floodlit and atmospheric at night.
6. King Abdullah ParkA large green space with a musical fountain, popular with families after dark.
7. Wadi HanifahA long green valley and waterway threading through the city, good for walks and picnics.
8. Murabba PalaceThe historic palace of King Abdulaziz, part of the King Abdulaziz Historical Center.
9. Al Bujairi TerraceA dining and cafe promenade overlooking the Diriyah heritage site.
10. Souq Al ZalThe old traditional market for carpets, antiques and Bedouin crafts.

Where to go

Weekend escapes

1. Edge of the World (Jebel Fihrayn)A dramatic escarpment about 90 minutes out with vast desert views.
2. Diriyah and At-TuraifThe mud-brick birthplace of the Saudi state, now a restored UNESCO district on the city edge.
3. AlUlaAncient Nabataean tombs at Hegra and canyon scenery, a short flight or long drive north.
4. Riyadh Season and the Red SandsDune bashing and desert camps near Al Ghat, easy family day trips into the sand.
5. Ushaiger Heritage VillageA restored traditional village north of the capital, good for a half-day history stop.

Coffee

Best cafes

1. Half MillionA homegrown Saudi specialty chain with slick branches all over the city.
2. Barn'sThe big local coffee brand, reliable and everywhere across Riyadh.
3. Elixir BunnA well-regarded specialty roaster popular with the coffee crowd.
4. % ArabicaThe minimalist Japanese import with a strong following in the malls and terraces.
5. Nabt FenjanA cozy local cafe known for its calm setting and Saudi coffee culture.

Restaurants

Where to eat

1. Najd VillageTraditional Saudi and Najdi cuisine served in a heritage-style majlis setting.
2. MyazuA long-running upscale Japanese and pan-Asian spot favored for special dinners.
3. LusinRefined Armenian cooking, a Riyadh favorite for years.
4. TakyaModern Saudi cuisine with a stylish take on regional classics.
5. Steak House at the InterContinentalA dependable classic grill for a proper steak night.
6. The GlobeFine dining inside the glass sphere atop Al Faisaliah Tower.
7. Al Orjouan at the Ritz-CarltonA lavish international buffet in one of the city's grandest hotels.

Morning

Best breakfast

1. Al Bujairi TerraceMorning coffee and pastries with a view over the Diriyah ruins.
2. Section BA trendy brunch cafe with eggs, waffles and a young crowd.
3. OverdoseA popular specialty coffee and brunch spot with several branches.
4. Dr. CAFE CoffeeA homegrown chain good for a quick breakfast and strong coffee.
5. Brew92A specialty roaster serving light breakfasts alongside serious coffee.
6. The RoasteryA relaxed cafe for morning coffee and simple plates.
7. OvenellaA bakery-cafe known for fresh breads and breakfast pastries.
8. CommunityA stylish all-day cafe with a solid brunch menu.
9. FogaA modern breakfast and brunch spot popular for weekend mornings.