For my first (and hopefully last) Christmas abroad, I went on a mini-vacation to Riyadh. In addition to the old Saudi State capital Diriyah, the national museum, and various other landmarks, I checked out the Diplomatic Quarter, where all of the foreign embassies are located.
Getting there was pretty easy with the car I rented and Google maps. The security at the entrance looks a bit intimidating, but they let pretty much everyone in after you explain what you're doing there and/or show some ID.
By far the best part of the Diplomatic Quarter is the walking trail/garden. The first picture below is of the entrance I used to get to it, but there could be others. It has some really cool man-made rock ledges, seats, and pathways. You'll also have the chance to lounge in a gazebo or play on a playground. It is along the edges of the Diplomatic Quarter overlooking a valley (see pictures below).
It is also pretty cool driving around the Diplomatic Quarter and seeing all of the embassies and the signs saying which country they belong to. The mosque is also really nice and the entrance to the cultural building will have you looking skywards for at least a few minutes. The area also boasts some really nice courtyards with restaurants to hang out in.
Well, that's it. Let me know if you go there and have any questions.
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| Entrance to the walking trail and garden area. |
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| Outer "wall" of the diplomatic quarter. |
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| The wadi (valley) below. |
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| Minaret of the mosque. |
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| Entrance to cultural building. Pretty cool overhang. |