Located not far from Riyadh to the north is Dir'aiyah. Preserved here are the ruins of the first capital of the Saud clan. The archeological site includes an ancient mud-brick city, including two palaces and a bathhouse. Massive restoration programs have helped bring back the ancient city's luster as a reminder of what it might have looked like in its full glory.

The ruins are easily reached by the expressway; you'll want to head in the direction of the airport, and follow signs to the ruins.