When thinking of Riyadh, one often imagines a luxurious and expensive destination, reserved for business people or travelers with unlimited budgets. In reality, the Saudi capital can also be visited on a budget, as long as you know some tips.
Low-cost flights, affordable accommodations, efficient public transport, and a food scene that ranges from popular restaurants to street food make it possible to travel to Riyadh without spending a fortune. This guide is designed for those who want to explore the city without missing out on the main experiences, but with a keen eye on the wallet.
Why Riyadh Is Not As Expensive As You Think
Riyadh is not Dubai. Although there are luxury hotels and Michelin-starred restaurants, the cost of living for residents is relatively low, and this is also reflected in the tourist offerings. Many attractions (museums, parks, historical sites) have inexpensive or even free entry tickets. Local food is abundant and reasonably priced. Public transport, with the opening of the metro, has become convenient. The only real fixed expense is the visa (eVisa) and mandatory health insurance, but even that is low-cost. With careful planning, you can travel to Riyadh on a daily budget of 40-60 € per person (excluding the flight), and even less if you stay in apartments and cook for yourself.
Saving on Flights
The flight is often the most significant expense. Here’s how to reduce it.
Choose low-cost airlines with layovers
Low-cost airlines like Pegasus Airlines (with a stopover in Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen) offer very competitive rates from Italy to Riyadh. Also Flyadeal and Flynas (low-cost Saudi airlines) have flights from some European hubs, but often require a stopover. Round trip prices can start from 250-350 € per person if booked in advance (3-4 months). The trick: search on Skyscanner or Google Flights selecting “whole month” to find the cheapest days.
Direct flights: consider ITA Airways and Saudia in low season
Direct flights from Rome or Milan are more convenient, but often more expensive. However, in low season (June-August, when it is very hot in Riyadh), you can find deals around 400-500 €. Avoid December, February, and March (high season for events like Riyadh Season).
Flights to Dammam + train (only for very flexible travelers)
If you find an exceptional deal for Dammam (on the Gulf coast), you can take a bus or train to Riyadh (about 4-5 hours, 20-30 €). But consider the time lost: it’s only worth it if the savings on the flight are at least 150-200 € per person.
Sign up for the airlines' newsletters
Saudia, ITA Airways, Pegasus, and Turkish Airlines often have flash promotions. Signing up for the newsletter can help you find a flight at half price.
Save on Accommodation
Staying in Riyadh on a budget is possible, but you need to choose the area and type of accommodation wisely.
Apartments on Airbnb or Booking.com
I am the best solution for groups or families. Furnished studios or one-bedroom apartments can be found in semi-central areas (Al Malaz, As Sulimaniyah, Al Olaya outskirts) starting from €30-50 per night. With a kitchen, you can prepare breakfasts and dinners, saving a lot on meals. Read recent reviews to avoid unpleasant surprises.
Budget hotels (1-2 stars)
In the areas of Al Malaz and Al Batha (near the Masmak Fortress and the Souk), there are small family-run hotels with simple but clean rooms. Examples: Al Haramain Hotel (near the fortress) or Al Mukhtara Hotel. Prices range from €25 to €40 per night for a double. Note: some do not have a 24-hour reception, and the staff may only speak Arabic. It is useful to have a translator on your phone.
International low-cost chains
Ibis (in Al Olaya) and Holiday Inn Express are budget but reliable chains. The rooms are small but clean, with a buffet breakfast included (this way you save on the first meal). Prices start from €50-60 per night. They are not super cheap, but they offer good value for money.
Youth hostels (there are no real dorms)
There are no traditional hostels with shared dorms. The closest option is Airbnb in shared rooms (few offers) or small budget hotels. For single backpackers, the best option is a budget hotel in Al Malaz.
Avoid luxury tourist areas (Al Olaya center, KAFD)
Rates in these areas are much higher (€80-150 per night even for mid-range hotels). It is better to move a few kilometers away and use the subway.
Save on Meals
Saudi cuisine is generous and affordable, if you know where to go.
Street food and small local restaurants
Shawarma: the most loved sandwich. You can find it everywhere for 5-8 SAR (about 1.20-2.00 €). With chicken or beef, vegetables, garlic sauce. For takeout or in small places with tables.
Falafel and hummus: a complete meal with Arabic bread, falafel (fried chickpea balls), hummus, salad. Costs 10-15 SAR (2.50-3.70 €). Look for places with "Falafel" or "Shawarma" written.
Al Baik: the most famous Saudi fast food chain (fried chicken, fries, sauces). A complete meal (chicken, fries, bread, sauce) costs about 15-20 SAR (3.70-5.00 €). There are branches everywhere.
Kabsa rice from street cooks: in some areas (near Souk Al-Zal), there are carts selling kabsa (rice with meat) in generous portions for 10-15 SAR. A hearty meal.
Affordable traditional restaurants
Najd Village: it is famous and not super cheap (a meal costs 25-35 SAR per person), but it is still accessible. It offers Saudi cuisine in a traditional setting. A good compromise between quality and price.
Restaurants in the souks: near Souk Al-Zal, there are small eateries where locals eat. A plate of kabsa or jareesh costs 15-20 SAR.
Worker cafeterias: in industrial areas or souks, there are popular cafeterias (without signs in English) where you can eat for 10 SAR. They are not touristy, but the experience is authentic.
Cook for yourself (if you have an apartment)
I supermercati come Carrefour, Danube and Lulu have low prices. You can buy Arabic bread (1 SAR), ready-made hummus (5 SAR), salad, fresh fruit, yogurt, cheese. A week's shopping costs less than 30-40 € per person. The kitchens in Airbnb apartments are often well equipped.
Avoid restaurants in luxury shopping malls
At Kingdom Centre Mall or Riyadh Park, international restaurants cost as much as in Europe (15-25 € per dish). It's better to leave the mall and look for places on the side streets.
Save on Transportation
Getting around Riyadh can be expensive if you only use taxis. Here are the budget alternatives.
Riyadh Metro
It's a game changer for the budget traveler. The network is modern, air-conditioned, and has very low fares. A single ride costs about 4-6 SAR (1.00-1.50 €). There is a rechargeable card (Darb) that can be purchased at the stations. With the metro, you can reach the historic center (Qasr Al Hokm station), the KAFD district, the airport (Yellow Line 4), and many other points. Check Google Maps to see if your destination is near a station.
City buses (SAPTCO)
They are less comfortable than the metro, but they cover underserved areas. The ticket costs 2-4 SAR. The buses are air-conditioned. The only problem: the stops are not always well marked in English. Use the SAPTCO app to plan.
On foot (only in the cooler months and in pedestrian areas)
Riyadh is not a city designed for pedestrians, but in some areas (Al Malaz, the historic center, Boulevard Riyadh City) it is walkable. In the hot months (May-September) it is not recommended.
Uber and Careem (only for short or nighttime trips)
If you need to use ride-sharing, share the ride with other travelers (UberX Share option, not always available) or use it only for short trips. Avoid taking it for long distances (e.g. airport-city center) because it costs 50-80 SAR. Better to take the subway to the airport.
Car rental (only if you are in a group and for multiple days)
Renting a car can cost 25-40 € per day (for a compact car). If you are 4 people, it may be cheaper than taking 4 Ubers. But be careful: traffic in Riyadh is chaotic, the driving style is aggressive, and parking is not always free. Not recommended for the faint-hearted.
Save on Attractions and Activities
Many of the most beautiful things in Riyadh are free or low cost.
Free or almost
Masmak Fortress: free or symbolic entry (2-5 SAR). One of the symbols of the city.
Souk Al-Zal: walking around and looking at the stalls is free. Buy only if you like something (bargain!).
Al Malaz Park: free entry. Ideal for picnics and walks.
King Abdullah Park: low entry fee (about 10 SAR). Evening dancing fountain show included.
National Museum of Riyadh: very low entry fee (10-15 SAR). Exceptional for learning about Saudi history.
Diriyah (At-Turaif): entry to the UNESCO site is paid, but you can walk around the surrounding areas for free. If you want to enter the internal museums, the ticket costs about 30-50 SAR (still reasonable).
Sky Bridge of the Kingdom Centre: costs about 30 SAR, not free, but the view is worth the price. Avoid peak times (sunset) if you want to save (the cheapest times are in the morning).
Paid attractions but affordable
Al Hokair Land: amusement park. You pay for entry (10-15 SAR) and then each ride (5-10 SAR). A daily wristband costs about 50-80 SAR. For an afternoon of fun, it's acceptable.
Children's Museum: very low entry (5-10 SAR). Hours of educational entertainment for children.
What to avoid if you have a low budget
Organized tours to the Edge of the World: cost 80-150 € per person. Better to rent a car (if you are in a group) or go with a local friend. Do not attempt to go there alone without an experienced guide (you risk getting lost).
Michelin-starred restaurants: are out of budget.
Shopping in luxury malls: brand purchases cost as much as in Europe. Prefer the souks for affordable souvenirs.
Summary Table of Daily Budget (per person, excluding flight)
| Expense item | Low cost (€) | Medium (€) | Luxury (€) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation (night) | 20-40 (Airbnb/economical hotel) | 50-80 (Ibis/Holiday Inn) | 150+ (4-5 stars) |
| Meals (3 meals) | 10-15 (street food/supermarket) | 20-30 (traditional restaurants) | 50+ (luxury restaurants) |
| Transport (daily) | 2-5 (metro/bus) | 10-15 (Uber short rides) | 30+ (Uber long and car) |
| Attractions | 5-10 (museums/parks) | 20-30 (Diriyah/Sky Bridge) | 50+ (exclusive tours) |
| Daily total | 37-70 € | 100-155 € | 280+ € |
Extra Tips to Save
Travel in low season: June, July, August, and September. The heat is intense, but flights and hotels cost half. Spend the days indoors (museums, shopping malls) and go out in the evening.
Avoid the Riyadh Season period (October-March) : the events are fantastic, but flight and hotel prices rise.
Bring a reusable water bottle: bottled water is cheap (1-2 SAR for 1.5 liters), but filling the bottle at fountains (where available) is even better. Tap water is not drinkable.
Use apps for local deals: HungerStation (for discounted takeout) and Entertainer (2x1 on attractions and restaurants). Sometimes there are discount codes for new users.
Book museums online: some sites (e.g. Diriyah) offer discounts for early online booking.
Travel in a group: accommodation (apartment) and car rental costs are shared. With 4 people, per capita costs drop.
FAQ-RIYAD LOW COST
What is the average cost of a meal in an inexpensive local restaurant?
A complete meal (kabsa with chicken, salad, drink) costs 15-25 SAR (3.70-6.20 €). A single shawarma 5-8 SAR (1.20-2.00 €).
Is it safe to walk alone in Riyadh at night to save on taxis?
Yes, it is safe in terms of crime (very low), but it is not advisable for other reasons: sidewalks are often interrupted, lighting is uneven, and traffic is chaotic. It's better to use the metro (which closes between midnight and 1:00 AM) or Uber for nighttime trips.
Can I find accommodation for less than 20 € a night?
Difficult, but not impossible. Look for private rooms on Airbnb (not entire apartments) in peripheral areas like As Sulimaniyah. Or very modest hotels in Al Batha, but read the reviews carefully (some are not very clean).
Is the metro really cheap?
Yes, a single ride costs about 1-1.50 €. There are daily passes (10-15 SAR) and weekly passes (50-60 SAR) if you use the metro a lot. It's the best solution for low-cost travel.
Do I have to tip in Riyadh?
It's not mandatory like in the United States. In cheap restaurants and street food, tipping is not expected. In mid-range restaurants, leaving change (5-10%) is appreciated but not required.
Can I cook in my apartment?
Yes, if you book an apartment on Airbnb with a kitchen. Supermarkets sell ready-made food or fresh ingredients. It's the cheapest way to eat.
What are the must-see free attractions?
The Masmak Fortress, the Souk Al-Zal (just for walking), Al Malaz Park, the outside view of the Kingdom Centre (don't go up the Sky Bridge if you don't want to pay), and the Diriyah area (the free outdoor areas).
Riyadh low cost
Visiting Riyadh on a low budget is not only possible, but it can also be an authentic and rewarding experience. Giving up luxury hotels and Michelin-starred restaurants does not mean giving up the beauty of the city: on the contrary, it will allow you to immerse yourself in local life, eat where Saudis eat, use the brand new subway, and discover that Arab hospitality does not need luxury to be generous. With a little planning, you can fly low cost, stay in budget apartments, eat shawarma and kabsa at popular prices, and visit museums and parks for free. Riyadh low cost is a reality. For all other aspects of your trip (documents, weather, transportation), consult our complete guide to organizing your vacation in Riyadh.
Review date: June 15, 2026