Things to Do in AlUla, Saudi Arabia [Ultimate Bucket List!]
One of the most important things to do when visiting Saudi Arabia is to see AlUla. I was so awestruck by this place that I can safely say that AlUla is one of the top three most impressive sites I have ever seen.
AlUla became Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008. Located in the northwestern part of the country, the city and its region are often presented to visitors as an open-air museum. It has incredible archaeological sites, impressive rock art that testifies to the development of the Arabic language, and tombs from the Nabatean and Dadanite periods that are amply decorated with figures of people, sphinxes, and lions.
Things To Do In AlUla
Interestingly, the Nabataeans were desert-dwelling nomads who later became merchants. They controlled the incense and spice trade routes through Arabia and Jordan to the Mediterranean, Egypt, Syria, and Mesopotamia. Camel-drawn caravans laden with allspice, ginger root, sugar, and cotton passed through Hegra, a provincial town on the southern border of the kingdom. The Nabataeans also became purveyors of aromatic products, such as frankincense and myrrh, which were highly sought after during religious ceremonies. For example, ancient Egyptians used myrrh to embalm the dead.
In the vast territory of AlUla, striking rock formations reach into the sky, and deep canyons stretch across the ground, interspersed with verdant oases dotted with palm trees. The landscape will make you feel like you’re more on Mars than you are on Earth.
In addition to AlUla’s most spectacular points of interest, you can also take a hot air balloon, helicopter or vintage plane ride to see the region from above. If you’re looking for adrenaline, I suggest hiking through the narrow canyons, abseiling or rock climbing.
AlUla is a must for anyone interested in history and archaeology. I find it hard to believe that this area used to be abandoned without anyone taking much interest in it. This guide includes the things to do in and around AlUla.
Hegra (Mada’in Salih)
AlUla’s most famous site is the mysterious Hegra, also known as Mada’in Saleh, which you will find about 30 kilometers outside the city of the same name. It is one of the most significant archaeological sites on the Arabian Peninsula. Here, you can see tombstones carved into rocks as far back as the 1st century BC, along with a huge variety of rock formations. Mada’in Saleh was settled by the Nabataeans, the same civilization that built the famous Petra in Jordan. More than 110 ancient monumental tombs have been discovered in the area, and the façades of about 90 tombs are magnificently decorated. The smallest tomb is barely 2.7 meters tall, while the biggest reaches an impressive 22 meters.
Hegra’s largest and most iconic tomb is Qasr al-Farid. This is the unfinished tomb of Lihyan, son of Kuza, which was carved from a lone sandstone outcrop. The lowest part of the tomb is unfinished, but if it had been completed, it would have been the largest façade in Hegra. The tomb has some distinctive architectural features, such as four Nabatean columns instead of the usual two. This is the most photographed site in Hegra and definitely one of the top things to see in AlUla.
Hegra – Useful Information:
To protect AlUla’s sites from crowds of tourists, Saudi Arabia has introduced ticketing rules that you must know before travelling to Hegra.
First of all, you cannot get to Hegra on your own, so you need to buy tickets through Experience AlUla. Tours start at the Winter Park. When booking tickets, you have to choose the type of tour, i.e. a sightseeing trip by bus or a more expensive private tour in a vintage jeep.
The second and most important rule is to buy tickets as early as possible, as they are very limited. If you decide you want to see Hegra when you are already in AlUla, you will most likely be disappointed and not get tickets.
And thirdly, if you want to capture the most beautiful photos of Hegra, choose an afternoon tour roughly two or three hours before sunset.
Jabal Ithlib
Jabal Ithlib is another spectacular point of interest in Hegra that you will see during a tour of the area. This place is believed to have once been famous for religious rituals, with access gained via a narrow passageway through the gorge.
The biggest tourist attraction in Jabal Ithlib is the Diwan, which is cut into a large mountain rock. It is thought to have once been a dining area or an important room for gatherings or political meetings.
You will see many different carvings around, which give the place a sense of mystery in addition to its historical significance.
Accommodation: Here are all your hotel options in AlUla.
Elephant Rock, AlUla
One of the top things to do in AlUla is to visit the imposing Elephant Rock AlUla (Jabal AlFil). This is an elephant-shaped rock formation that rises to a height of 50 meters against a landscape of golden sand dotted with rock outcrops. This geological wonder was formed by nature itself.
Next to the Elephant Rock, you will find rest areas and food stalls offering both food and drinks. The most popular place is the circular rest area in front of the rock, which always attracts the most visitors.
Elephant Rock is even more impressive in the evening, as the view is enhanced by the numerous lights that illuminate the grounds.
Tip: Elephant Rock is open to visitors every day from 4:00 p.m., but the best time to come is just before sunset.
Jabal Ikmah
Jabal Ikmah is by far one of the most intriguing places in AlUla. The mountain, which is known as the largest open-air library in Saudi Arabia, has 450 petroglyphs that you can try to decipher.
The people who lived here from the first millennium BC left a clear mark on the slope of Jabal Ikmah. The mountain has carvings reflecting religious rites and people’s everyday life.
Petroglyphs usually depict figures of various animals, people and even musical instruments. These carvings have helped historians better understand the political, economic, religious and social realities of the people who once lived here.
Please note: To access Jabal Ikmah, you have to book a tour through the Experience AlUla website. The tour also includes an introduction to the Dadan Kingdom, making it one of the best ways to fully understand the historical significance of AlUla’s heritage sites.
Lion tombs of Dadan
The most interesting discovery in AlUla is the remains of a civilization even older than the Nabataeans – the Kingdom of Dadan (Dadanites). This ancient kingdom was first mentioned in the Book of Ezekiel, written in the 6th century BC. The prosperity of the Dadan Kingdom depended mainly on agriculture and trade in incense, myrrh, and spices.
Hundreds of tombs have also been discovered in Dadan, carved into the slope of the mountain next to the former town. These tombs are smaller and simpler than those of the Nabateans, with most of them just square niches carved into the rock. According to the religion of those times, it was believed that the souls of the dead would reach heaven faster if they were buried in the mountains.
The lion tombs are the most popular with tourists. These are burial niches decorated with reliefs of lions. The people of ancient Dadan believed that the lions guarded the people buried in the tombs.
So many different archaeological treasures have been, and are still being, discovered in the territory of Dadan. As a result, the Saudi authorities are planning to open a huge museum dedicated to this civilization within the next few years.
Discover: A trip around AlUla with a local guide here.
Harrat Viewpoint
Natural creations sometimes amaze or perplex us, while spectacular landscapes delight the soul. It was Harrat Viewpoint that simply blew me away. Even though this scenic viewpoint is probably the least visited of AlUla’s other famous sites, don’t be afraid to deviate from the route.
No photograph or description could ever convey the feeling you get and the size of the magical space you see standing on the edge of Harrat Viewpoint!
Tip: Harrat Viewpoint opens at 1 p.m., but if you can, try to come later so you can catch the sunset.
Maraya Concert Hall
One of the most unique things to do in Al Ula, is is to visit Maraya Concert Hall. In the middle of the desert, among the majestic ancient monuments and endless stretches of sand, a modern building with mirrored façades was erected in 2019. Spanning an impressive 5,000 square meters, the stunning Maraya Concert Hall holds the Guinness World Record as the largest mirrored building in the world. The name Maraya means “mirror” in Arabic.
Covered with 9,740 mirror panels, the structure seems to evaporate into the surrounding sands at certain times of day. You could easily consider this phenomenon to be a mirage, but at closer inspection, it will leave you speechless. It’s hard to believe, but it took just three months to build this building.
In addition to musical events, other cultural events are also held at the concert hall. Global stars such as Alicia Keys, Andrea Bocelli, Westlife and One Republic have already performed at Maraya.
Please note: To see the mirror building, you need to have a reservation confirmation from one of the restaurants in Ashar Valley or tickets to the Maraya Concert Hall.
AlUla Old Town
Walking through the streets of the old town, you will feel the special history of this place with every step. A thousand years ago, the settlement of AlUla was a crucial stop along the ancient incense trade route. Its old town was one of the places where traders could rest or eat.
The old town once had over 900 houses, and today has been beautifully restored. Some of the mud brick houses have survived to this day, and are now interspersed with small boutiques, handicraft shops, cafes and restaurants.
On your own, you can only visit the picturesque Old Town Market Street, but this is enough to feel the authentic spirit of ancient AlUla.
Tip: Guided tours are available daily for those interested in learning more about AlUla Old Town. Tickets can be booked in advance through the Experience AlUla website.
AlUla Museum
The AlUla Museum is another interesting place that I recommend visiting. In the small museum you can find some intriguing and informative exhibits about the history, culture, flora and fauna of AlUla, as well as about Hegra and the Nabateans.
Opening Hours: The museum is open Sunday to Thursday, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
AlUla Fort
In the 6th century, the locals built a fort to protect the ancient village of AlUla from unwanted invaders. The fortress was built high up on a huge red rock. As it did in the past, the fort offers a magnificent 360-degree view of the valley below. Climbing up to the fort won’t take long, but what you will see when you get there will be worth the effort.
Discover: Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Flight.
AlUla Oasis
The civilizations that once flourished on the territory of Saudi Arabia built their kingdoms around the AlUla oasis for thousands of years. The isolated location was characterized by vegetation and water springs, which was a real salvation for traveling merchants. It is no wonder that trade routes through the deserts stretched from one oasis to another.
Crops flourished in the fertile land of AlUla, yielding bountiful harvests of barley, wheat, figs, olives, spices, dates and citrus fruits. Today, surrounded by palm groves, you can take a walk along a footpath several kilometers long and seemingly go back into the past.
AlUla Fresh Farm
If you want to relax and get back to nature, stop by the AlUla Fresh Farm. This is a place where you can try fun activities like fruit picking and juicing. The farm also allows visitors to fill baskets full of fruit to take home. This place will appeal to adults and children alike.
After walking along the scenic trails and picking citrus fruits, take a moment to relax. Enjoy a glass of freshly squeezed juice or a cup of Arabic coffee, paired with a delicious date.
Also read: How to Get from Jeddah to Al Ula
Winter at Tantora
If you’re visiting AlUla in winter, don’t miss the Winter at Tantora festival. One of the most famous events in AlUla, this festival aims to introduce visitors to the culture and traditions of Saudi Arabia, and to entertain and inspire them.
During Winter at Tantora, visitors can enjoy special activities such as hot air ballooning or stargazing. Held every winter, the event also offers plenty of sports activities and various adventures for history buffs. This festival not only revives ancient memories, but also connects the present with the future.
Accommodation: Here are all your hotel options in AlUla.
AlUla Tours & Activities
Tourists love AlUla for its entertainment options and wide range of activities. Everyone can find something enjoyable here. Start with a guided tour of AlUla’s famous attractions to discover the top sights. For more adventure, stargazing, desert dune rides by jeep or quad, and rock climbing are some of the best things to do in AlUla.
How To Get To AlUla
There aren’t many international flights to AlUla, so you’ll need to fly to Riyadh or Jeddah. Getting to AlUla from these cities is easy. Both Saudia, the national carrier of Saudi Arabia, and Flynas have frequent flights to AlUla. To save some money, use Flynas. Try to book your plane tickets in advance – this airline sometimes has promotions, so you can find tickets at better prices.
I always use Skyscanner to find cheap flights and get the best airfares.
Best Time To Go To AlUla
AlUla has a dry, subtropical climate, so the city and its surroundings enjoy almost year-round sunshine with very little rainfall. AlUla has an average annual temperature of 27°C and an average annual rainfall of just 45 mm. The warmest months of the year are July and August, with an average temperature of 33°C. The coldest time of year is January, when the average temperature is just 15°C. The best time to visit AlUla is from October to April. The temperature isn’t as high during these months – usually a pleasant 19–26°C. Most of the days in the city are sunny, so be sure to pack sunscreen.
Average Temperature
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Where To Stay In AlUla
Although AlUla only opened to tourists recently, it already has a selection of luxury hotels, resorts and simple guesthouses. I’ve listed a few good hotel options in AlUla, so I hope you’ll find the best one for you.
Budget Hotels
- Viola Desert – suites in the city of AlUla that have received good ratings. Guests can stay in spacious rooms with air conditioning, terraces, TV and free Wi-Fi.
- أجنحه الفرسان الفاخره – very spacious suites that might be a good choice if you are travelling in a group. The rooms have balconies, sitting areas, flat-screen TVs, kitchenettes and bathrooms.
Mid-Range Hotels
- Dar Tantora The House Hotel is located right next to the old town of AlUla. The hotel has an outdoor pool, free parking, and spa services. The spacious rooms have air conditioners, seating areas, terraces and bathrooms.
- RosaBella Hotel is a studio-type hotel located on the outskirts of AlUla. The rooms have air conditioners, flat-screen TVs with satellite channels, refrigerators, coffee makers and bathrooms.
Luxury Hotels
- Our Habitas AlUla resort offers its guests 96 rooms, all of which are equipped with various amenities. Surrounded by the desert landscape, the complex has lounges, a gym, a restaurant, a luxurious spa center and an outdoor swimming pool.
- Banyan Tree AlUla is located right next to Maraya, the largest mirrored building in the world. The resort welcomes guests with first class rooms, a wide range of services and warm hospitality. It also features an outdoor pool, a spa and wellness centre, a fitness centre, and two restaurants serving a variety of Middle Eastern and Thai cuisine.
How To Travel Around AlUla
If you plan to explore AlUla, I highly recommend renting a car, since the sites are far apart and there are no buses between them. I usually make my reservations through Discover Cars because they offer some of the best prices online and have full coverage insurance.
Keep in mind that if you want to rent a car, you must have a valid national driving license as well as an International Driving Permit (IDP).
You can also use Uber or Careem to get around AlUla, but renting a car is still the best option.
Tip: Always carry cash when travelling in Saudi Arabia, as some filling stations do not accept Visa or Mastercard.
Faqs About Things To Do In AlUla
How far is it from AlUla Airport to the city center?
It is about 31 kilometers from the airport to the city center. If you take an airport taxi or rent a car, you can reach the city center in about 30 minutes.
Is AlUla worth visiting?
Not only is it worth it – it’s a must! AlUla is one of the most spectacular places on Earth. It impressed me most with its mystical Nabatean tombs and stunning rock formations that seem like they are from another world.
How many days do you need to visit AlUla?
You’ll need at least two to three days to see the main points of interest in AlUla. However, if you want to get to know this magnificent region better, a week’s stay would be more appropriate.
What is the dress code in AlUla?
While traveling around AlUla, you don’t have to wear what the locals wear. However, I still recommend dressing modestly and avoiding tight clothes or those with offensive words or images.
What are the best restaurants in AlUla?
AlUla offers a wide range of dining options. My top recommendations are Joontos AlUla, Freshhouse, SASS AlUla, Villa Fayrouz, OKTO, Heart of the Oasis, and Somewhere. Additionally, Tawlat Fayza, Daimumah Restaurant, ACME, and Ducasse are also worth a visit.
Can I get alcohol in AlUla?
Like everywhere in Saudi Arabia, the sale, purchase or consumption of alcohol is prohibited in AlUla. The same applies to drugs.
What else is there to do in AlUla?
In addition to sightseeing, tourists in AlUla can enjoy activities like hiking, rock climbing, desert safaris, and stargazing.
Book your flight
Skyscanner is my favorite tool for finding the cheapest flights and flight combinations. Using the Multi-city or Explore Everywhere features, I always discover great travel deals.
Rent a car
Discovercars.com is my top choice for comparing car rental prices for any road trip around the world. The booking experience is always smooth and easy.
Find your acommodation
Booking.com is my trusted platform for finding the best accommodation deals. For trips across Asia, I prefer using Agoda, which often provides lower prices.
Travel insurance
If you're from the USA, I highly recommend VisitorsCoverage for its excellent insurance plans. For Europeans, Truetraveller provides top-notch coverage at the best rates.
Explore more with Tours
Some destinations truly come to life with a guide who knows their history and secrets. When I want to make the most of my time, I always use GetYourGuide.
Protect yourself online by VPN
No matter where I go, I always use NordVPN for secure browsing and to ensure I can access websites that might be blocked in certain countries.
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This is the complete list of things to see in AlUla. I hope you enjoyed it!
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Marius
Hi, my name is Marius, and I’m driven by a desire to explore the hidden corners of the world. Less-traveled destinations like Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and Mongolia fascinate me with their authentic cultures and untouched landscapes. For me, every trip is an opportunity to challenge myself, meet new people, and create memories that last a lifetime.
