Boulevard Riyadh City, also known as BLVD CITY, is a sprawling 220-acre mixed-use development that has quickly become one of Saudi Arabia’s most popular entertainment destinations. Located in the Hittin neighborhood of Riyadh, this vibrant complex offers visitors a unique blend of high-end retail, dining, and entertainment experiences.
Opened in 2019, Boulevard Riyadh City has transformed the entertainment landscape of Saudi Arabia’s capital. It serves as a centerpiece of the annual Riyadh Season festival, drawing millions of visitors with its diverse attractions and world-class events.
History of Boulevard Riyadh City
The story of Boulevard Riyadh City began on October 17, 2019, when it was launched as part of the inaugural Riyadh Season entertainment festival. Initially covering an area of 400,000 square meters, the complex was an instant hit, attracting over 1.2 million visitors within its first 24 hours of operation.
Designed by Saudi engineer Abdul Mohsen Al-Theyab, Nmr Real Estate, and Ahmed Zaidan Consulting Architects (EdgeArch), Boulevard Riyadh City was conceived as a modern entertainment hub that would showcase Saudi Arabia’s commitment to cultural and social transformation.
The complex’s popularity led to its expansion and extension beyond the initial Riyadh Season. In mid-November 2019, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman issued directives to extend the Boulevard’s operations until the end of March 2020, making it the only zone of Riyadh Season to receive such an extension.
Attractions at Boulevard Riyadh City
Square: A replica of New York’s Times Square, featuring giant screens over 30 meters high.
The Fountain: A spectacular water feature that serves as the centerpiece of the complex.
Studios: Home to various entertainment venues, including spaces for stand-up comedy, live music shows, and circus acts.
Sports Zone: Offers a wide range of sporting activities and facilities.
Music Zone: Dedicated to celebrating music in all its forms.
Garden: Features a variety of restaurants catering to different tastes.
Avalanche: A snow-themed area.
Trocadero: Houses over 500 e-games.
The Alley: Contains fine dining restaurants and cafes overlooking the fountain.
Things to Do at Boulevard Riyadh City
Watch The Fountain Show: Enjoy the mesmerizing display of music, lights, and dancing water.
Explore Square: Immerse yourself in the Times Square-inspired area with its giant screens and vibrant atmosphere.
Attend Live Performances: Catch stand-up comedy shows, live music concerts, and theatrical performances at the Studios zone.
Participate in Sports Activities: Try your hand at paintballing, skateboarding, karting, or challenge yourself on the Adventure Park’s high ropes course.
Experience Musical Attractions: Visit the Music zone for live shows, music lessons, and even create your own tune at the Merwas studios.
Enjoy Themed Experiences: In 2023, the boulevard introduced several new attractions, including:
CR7 Museum: Dedicated to footballer Cristiano Ronaldo’s achievements
Disney Castle: Celebrating Disney’s 100-year anniversary
Legends Experience: An interactive museum of football history
Mike Tyson Club: The first boxing club in the Kingdom
Zeela House: A complex maze with a spooky theme
Invisibilia: Featuring air art performances
Nintendo Experience: The first of its kind in the Middle East and North Africa
Shop and Dine: Explore a wide range of local and international brands, as well as numerous restaurants and cafes.
Watch Movies: Visit the largest cinema in Saudi Arabia located within the complex.
Play E-games: Head to the Trocadero sub-zone for a vast selection of electronic games.
Boulevard Riyadh City – Entry Eligibility and Open Timings
As of the 2023 Riyadh Season, Boulevard Riyadh City is open daily from 4 PM to 2 AM. Visitors are allowed to stay in the zone until 4 AM.
How Long to Spend at Boulevard Riyadh City
Given the vast array of attractions and activities, visitors can easily spend several hours or even a full day at Boulevard Riyadh City. Here’s a suggested time allocation:
Exploring the different sub-zones: 2-3 hours
Watching a show or performance: 1-2 hours
Dining: 1-2 hours
Shopping: 1-2 hours
Enjoying specific attractions (e.g., The Fountain show, e-games): 1-2 hours
For a comprehensive experience, plan to spend at least 4-6 hours at the complex. If you’re interested in attending multiple shows or trying out various activities, you might want to allocate a full day or even plan multiple visits.
How to Get There
By Car: The most convenient option for many visitors. The complex has ample parking facilities.
By Taxi: Taxis are readily available in Riyadh and can drop you directly at the entrance.
By Ride-hailing Apps: Services like Uber and Careem operate in Riyadh and provide a convenient way to reach Boulevard Riyadh City.
By Public Transportation:
Subway: Take Line 1 of the Riyadh Metro to the Kafd station. From there, you can take a short taxi ride to Boulevard Riyadh City.
Bus: Riyadh’s public bus system has routes that pass near Boulevard Riyadh City. Check the local transport website for the most up-to-date route information.
By Private Transfer: Many hotels offer private transfer services to popular attractions like Boulevard Riyadh City.
Eateries Nearby Boulevard Riyadh City
Boulevard Riyadh City itself offers a wide range of dining options, from local Saudi cuisine to international flavors. Here are some notable eateries within or near the complex:
Dakhna: Offers traditional Saudi Arabian cuisine.
Beirut Kahwet: Serves Lebanese dishes.
Place L’Etoile: Features French cuisine.
Al Mahrousa: Specializes in Egyptian food.
Layali Shamiya: Offers Arabic cuisine with live music.
Al Nasr Café: A sports-themed café perfect for catching live matches.
Other Attractions Nearby Boulevard Riyadh City
Kingdom Centre: Another iconic skyscraper in Riyadh, featuring a sky bridge with panoramic views of the city.
National Museum of Saudi Arabia: Offers insights into Saudi Arabian history and culture.
Al Masmak Fortress: A clay and mud-brick fort that provides a glimpse into Riyadh’s history.
King Fahd National Library: A significant cultural landmark.
Riyadh Zoo: Great for families with children.
Edge of the World: A dramatic escarpment offering stunning views, located about an hour’s drive from Riyadh.
Boulevard Riyadh City is one of Saudi Arabia’s top entertainment and lifestyle destinations, offering a vibrant mix of shopping, dining, and leisure activities. Located in the heart of Riyadh, this dynamic hub features themed areas, luxury boutiques, fine dining restaurants, and world-class entertainment venues. BLVD Riyadh City is a must-visit spot, especially during Riyadh Season, when it hosts concerts, live shows, and interactive experiences. Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly outing or a night of excitement, Boulevard Riyadh City delivers an unforgettable experience in the capital of Saudi Arabia.