As Saudi Arabia hosts more and more tourists amid its highly anticipated opening to them in recent years, travelers from all over the globe are getting the chance to explore and experience Riyadh, the Kingdom's bustling capital city boasting a rich history, vibrant culture and easy access to pulse-pounding adventure. The country's flag carrier Saudia even offers nonstop flights from the U.S. to Riyadh so Americans can reach this destination in under 12 hours. Getting here is easy but with so much to see and do, crafting the ideal itinerary can be a challenge. Fortunately, there are some unique experiences that stand out and that visitors to Riyadh will not want to miss.

Regardless of where you go, you've got to eat. And sampling Riyadh's cuisine is one of the best ways to immerse yourself in the local culture. Head to Najd Village to try Saudi staples like kabsa, jareesh and hashi. Also, be sure to check out Takya for Saudi fusion food and Suhail for a modern spin on traditional favorites.

Visitors to Riyadh can look forward to plenty of exciting shopping opportunities, whether it be a vibrant market like Souq Al Zal or a more modern venue like the Riyadh Park Mall.

Take in an event at King Fahd International Stadium. The iconic venue hosts high-profile sporting events, concerts and other performances such as WWE's Crown Jewel 2019, K-Pop sensation BTS and Cirque du Soleil.

Travelers will want to explore the pearl of Saudi Arabia at Diriyah. The UNESCO-listed site of At-Turaif here was founded in the 15th century and is the original seat of power of Saudi Arabia's Al Saud family. While the site has not been open to the public since it gained its UNESCO designation in 2010, redevelopment efforts will enable visitors to walk through the ruins as well as museums and other spaces.

Visitors to Riyadh must also check out the Al Masmak Fortress for a journey back in time. King Abdulaziz captured this breathtaking fortress and took control of Riyadh in 1902 but the site itself dates all the way back to 1865.

No trip to the Kingdom is complete without a tour of the Saudi National Museum, which is home to more than 3,700 antiquities documenting the history of Arabia over millennia. There are as many as eight halls to explore so plan to visit on a weekday when you'll encounter fewer crowds.

Located about 90 minutes from Riyadh, the Edge of the World, otherwise known as Jebel Fihrayn is an iconic tourist destination boasting glorious views from its 300-meter-high cliffs overlooking the surrounding plain. Visitors can view winding dried rivers, camels and more jaw-dropping scenery.

Visitors to Riyadh will be blown away by some of the modern architecture on display throughout the city such as the mesmerizing Center Point skyscraper and observatory and the imaginative Faisaliyah Tower, for instance.

Visitors seeking a burst of adrenaline can look forward to go-kart racing at the multi-level indoor electric Doos Karting track in Riyadh. The karts boast 27 horsepower so guests can zip around the 350 meters of track featuring multi-level spiral ramps.

For a one-of-a-kind living museum experience, take the trip to the 1,500-year-old Ushaiger Heritage Village to experience a slower-paced society of old. Pay a visit to the Al Salem museum to view an impressive collection of artifacts such as embroidered clothing, jewelry and ceramics in addition to weapons and cooking utensils.