Boulevard Riyadh City is the best-known destination of Riyadh Season: a vast open-air zone in Hittin, in north-west Riyadh, that brings together a large choice of restaurants and cafés, fountain and music shows, and theatres and live events that change every season. This guide explains what the Boulevard is, where it is and how to get there, which districts make the best base for staying nearby, and then what to do once you are inside.
What is Boulevard Riyadh City, and where is it?
Boulevard Riyadh City, or simply "the Boulevard" as many call it, is an open-air entertainment zone created to be the heart of Riyadh Season, and since the first season it has been one of the biggest draws for visitors from inside the Kingdom and abroad. Its central square is famous for the giant screens that surround visitors on every side, which is why so many people compare it with Times Square in New York.
The Boulevard sits in Hittin, in north-west Riyadh, on Prince Turki bin Abdulaziz Al Awwal Road. Hittin is one of the capital's most upscale districts and among its liveliest, thanks to the events it hosts every season, and the Boulevard lies close to Al Aqiq, King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD) and Al Malqa, which puts it within easy reach of most of north Riyadh.
Unlike an enclosed mall, the Boulevard is a small city in the open air: wide streets for walking, zones that each have their own character, and a programme of events that changes from one season to the next. Because it is tied to Riyadh Season, its operating dates, entry arrangements and ticket prices differ every year, so always check the season's official channels before planning your visit.
Arriving by car or by ride-hailing app
- By car: there are visitor car parks around the zone, but they fill up quickly in the evening and at weekends, so aim to arrive early.
- By ride-hailing app: the easiest option on busy days; choose the gate nearest the zone you want to start with, because the site is very large.
- From the nearby districts: if you are staying in Hittin, Al Malqa or Al Aqiq the trip is short, and you can avoid the crowds by arriving early or visiting on a weekday.
Where to stay near Boulevard Riyadh City
A hotel room suits a solo visitor for a night or two; for families, groups and longer stays, a furnished apartment gives more space with separate bedrooms, an equipped kitchen, a parking space and a privacy no hotel room can match. What it costs depends on the district, the size of the unit and the season, so compare units and their prices directly on each unit's page.
The districts closest to the Boulevard
The best option is to stay in Hittin itself or in the neighbouring districts of north Riyadh, such as Al Malqa, Al Aqiq, Al Yasmin and Al Nafal. They are calm, upscale districts close to both the Boulevard and King Abdullah Financial District, with enough restaurants, cafés and shopping centres to cover your whole stay. You can compare them on the Riyadh districts page, and if you are staying for longer, read the monthly rental guide to Al Malqa.
What you get with Kease
Kease is a licensed furnished-rental operator in Riyadh and a marketplace that lists its own units alongside units from partner hotels and serviced-apartment operators, with booking, payment and support always handled by Kease. In Kease-managed units you receive an access code by SMS 24 hours before check-in and let yourself in with a smart lock, with no key handover, plus free internet, free parking and Netflix and Shahid subscriptions. Partner-operated units list their own amenities on the unit page, and the operator handles your check-in. You can pay with Mada, Visa, Mastercard, Apple Pay or Tabby, and no account is needed to complete a booking.
The zones of Boulevard Riyadh City and its main attractions
The Boulevard is divided into several zones, each with its own identity and activities, and it changes character completely after sunset, when the screens light up and the shows begin. These are the highlights that draw visitors:
The main square and the fountain shows
The main square is where most visits begin: giant screens, wide walkways and a large fountain that stages evening shows blending water, light and music. Ask about show times when you enter, and take your place near the fountain a few minutes before the show starts.
The music zone and live shows
This zone was designed for music lovers of every taste: open stages with live performances ranging from Arabic to Western music, and restaurants and cafés laid out so you can listen while you eat. Alongside it, the Boulevard's large venues, such as Mohammed Abdo Arena, host concerts by artists from the Kingdom, the Arab world and beyond during the season.
Restaurants, cafés and shops
The Boulevard offers a wide selection of international and local restaurants and speciality cafés, plus shops and pop-up exhibitions that change with every season, as well as cinemas and games areas suited to families. Book ahead at the popular restaurants on peak days, and leave time simply to wander; you may discover new corners on every visit.
Boulevard World next door
In recent seasons a neighbouring zone, Boulevard World, has opened beside the Boulevard, presenting the cultures of different countries through pavilions, restaurants and shows of its own. The two zones usually have their own tickets and entrances, so decide which one you are heading for before you book.
Tips before you visit the Boulevard
- Check the events programme, operating hours and tickets in the Riyadh Season app or on its official website, as they change every season.
- Pick a weekday or the early evening if you prefer a quieter visit; weekends and the nights before public holidays are the busiest.
- Wear comfortable shoes; walking between the zones takes longer than you expect.
- Plan to eat outside peak hours if you want to avoid queues at the popular restaurants.
- If you are visiting with children, agree on a clear meeting point and carry what they need, as the area is large and crowded.
Frequently asked questions
Is Boulevard Riyadh City open all year round?
The Boulevard is tied to Riyadh Season, and its programme and operating dates change from year to year. Before planning your visit, check Riyadh Season's official channels to see whether the zone is open and which events are on.
Is entry to the Boulevard free?
Ticket policy differs from season to season and from zone to zone, and some zones and events need a separate ticket. Check the ticket details in the Riyadh Season app before you go.
Which districts are closest for staying near the Boulevard?
Hittin, where the Boulevard stands, is the closest, followed by the neighbouring districts of north Riyadh such as Al Malqa, Al Aqiq, Al Yasmin and Al Nafal. You will find furnished units for daily and monthly stays in these districts on Kease.
Is the Boulevard suitable for families with children?
Yes: it has games areas, restaurants and shows for all ages. It is best to go early in the evening and agree on a meeting point for the family, because the site is large and busy.
Book your stay near the Boulevard with Kease
Choose the district that suits you, then browse the furnished units available for daily booking on Kease and compare size, amenities and price on each unit's page before you book. Check-in runs from 3 PM until midnight and check-out is until 11 AM unless the unit page states otherwise, and an unpaid booking can be cancelled up to 24 hours before check-in. For any question, contact customer service on 920033775 or through the Kease app.
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