Souq Al Zel - Vintage Shopping the Saudi Way

Souq Al Zel

@varvarello

Ad-Dirah is an old Riyadh, this area has loads of historiacal and cultural sites, so feel free to roam around and just explore a bit. Would be very helpful to have some kind of a guide, but even tho - place is meant to attract more tourists so its quite safe, even if at first sight it doesn’t seem like it. Enjoy and please share your photos and experiences with me, always into feedbacks ;)

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What is Souq Al Zel?

Souq (‎سوق) - is a street market in Arabic, and Souq Al Zel is authentic Saudi vintage bazaar located in the historical part of Riyadh - ad-Dirah

I wouldn’t say that this place is MUST VIST type, but if you looking for some “like a local” experience - Souq Al Zel is perfect place. A huge plus is that there you can find Saudi souvenirs: stickers, magnets, small figures and loads of local art.

It’s quite hard to get there, traffic is crazy, you will definitely need a local driver there - if you’ve been to Riyadh at least once you know what I mean. On the way there you will pass loads of different areas of Riyadh and finally reach a point where you will see old mud builded houses - obvi no one lives there for a long time, but you can peek inside and see somehow how people lived before - the road to the market lays right between these buildings!

Right close to Souq Al Zel there is another modern Souq/market with different shops, even small cafes - not much cultural, more of everyday stuff. There you can find covered free parking. Then from the parking to the Souq Al Zel you will have to walk a little, cross small square with a huge Saudi flag stand, pass the mosque and here you are.

Souq itself is not that big, but make sure to explore as many little lanes as possible. There are plenty vintage shops, even if you not planning to buy anything it worth to see. The whole visit will take you 3 - 4 hours, there are no shops, so take water and snacks. If you go during winter season dress accordingly - might be a bit chilly.

Despite the fact that place is marked as touristic place, you won’t see any tourists at all, I felt like I was the only one there. ( I suspect that tourists are Saudi themselves, but I’m just guessing)

I wasn’t alone, so cannot mark this place as suitable for female solo travelers

There is a small coffe shop on the left side of the market, same direction you will find souvenirs - a bit pricy but creative.

If you looking for a cool dallah (traditional Arabic coffee pot) - you will find as many shapes and sizes as want.

For the further inspiration I will attach some pics and vids that I took there.

Enjoy :)

Ciao