Riyadh & Diriyah

Saudi Arabia

Best for: City Skyline, History, Architecture, Desert, Shopping, Energetic, Luxury

A skyline of glass towers next to Diriyah's mudbrick birthplace of the Saudi state — Riyadh is the fastest-changing capital in the Gulf, equal parts ancient and ultramodern.

Walk At-Turaif in Diriyah (UNESCO) at sunset, then head to the Edge of the World cliffs for a desert day trip. Kingdom Centre's Sky Bridge gives the best skyline view.