This Ancient City Features Breathtaking Desert Scenery, Exceptional Dining, and a Flourishing Art Scene — Here's Your Guide to Planning a Visit

Having seen all the captivating Instagram posts prior to arriving in AlUla, I anticipated a beautiful region. However, nothing prepared me for the experience — much like other destinations, social media fails to capture the true essence of this Saudi Arabian gem. The surreal exploration of the area, with its striking desert vistas and towering sandstone cliffs, left me questioning if I was still on Earth.

'The serene allure of AlUla, with a history that spans over 200,000 years, creates an enchanting ambiance. History and stories greet you at every turn,' shared Maeen Alzhufi, a local and tour guide from AlUla, with Dinogo. 'This place boasts a rich heritage, stunning nature, a sense of adventure, and picturesque streets and structures that make it truly unique. It's where the past and present coexist, offering a profound experience for all visitors.'

This destination is renowned for its archaeological remnants from the ancient Nabatean kingdom — the same civilization that created the iconic Treasury in Petra, Jordan. However, there's much more to explore: charming winding streets in the Old Town, contemporary art installations contrasting with the region's preserved history, numerous wellness programs, and historic landmarks beyond the ruins of Hegra. Notable sites include Ikmah and Dadan, the latter having served as the capital of the Dadan and Lihyan kingdoms over 2,000 years ago.

The art scene is also on the rise. 'By 2030, AlUla will feature five major creative sites. One of these is Wadi AlFann (meaning 'Valley of the Arts') — a 40-mile stretch dedicated to art. This year, Wadi AlFann will host five prominent artists who will create permanent works inspired by AlUla's stunning landscapes and mountain formations.'

Top Hotels

Banyan Tree AlUla

Banyan Tree AlUla is a luxurious resort located in Ashar Valley, seamlessly blending tranquil nature with contemporary elegance. The resort boasts private villas inspired by traditional Nabataean architecture, each offering stunning views of the nearby sandstone cliffs. Many villas come with private plunge pools, while the communal Rock Pool is nestled among the sandstone mountains. Saffron, the resort's signature restaurant, serves refined Thai cuisine in an elegant ambiance, and Harrat features Arab-inspired dishes.

Our Habitas AlUla

Our Habitas AlUla is set in the desert and features 96 villas with breathtaking canyon views. The Celestial Villas are equipped with telescopes for stargazing; the Art Villas provide close-up views of Desert X installations like Falling Stones Garden and Najma; and the Wellness Villas are conveniently located near the spa and come with yoga mats and the option for in-room treatments. The on-site restaurant, Tama, serves Middle Eastern cuisine.

Dar Tantora The House Hotel

Dar Tantora The House Hotel is a delightful boutique hotel situated in the heart of AlUla’s Old Town, offering a captivating fusion of traditional Saudi architecture and contemporary comfort. Set within a meticulously restored heritage building, the hotel delivers an authentic cultural experience with its mudbrick walls, ornate wooden doors, and antique furnishings that showcase the area's rich heritage. Each of its 30 dars (guest rooms) boasts unique designs, from a cozy 410-square-foot dar to a spacious two-bedroom dar with a terrace. The property features an infinity pool and various on-site dining options, including modern Saudi dishes at Joontos, quick bites at Maqha Cafe, and teas, snacks, and cigars at The Cigar Oasis.

Activities to Enjoy

Hegra

Hegra is Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site, featuring over 110 preserved tombs dating back to 1 B.C.E. While many may have encountered images of this site, there is still a wealth of history to explore and discover. 'This location stands as one of the best-preserved remnants of the Nabatean civilization,' stated Alzhufi. 'Hegra’s historically strategic position made it a crucial stop along the Incense Road, providing the Nabataeans with a key link between the Arabian Peninsula and the Mediterranean region. This advantageous location encouraged thriving trade and cultural interactions.'

Insider tip: Alzhufi mentioned that while tours operate year-round, there is an additional night tour available from August to November.

Maraya Concert Hall

In stark contrast to the historic site of Hegra lies Maraya, a concert hall that holds a Guinness World Record for being the largest mirrored building in the world. Maraya — meaning 'mirror' in Arabic — consists of 9,740 mirror panels that beautifully reflect the stunning scenery of the Ashar Valley. Even if you can't attend an event inside, it's certainly worth driving by to take in this incredible sight.

Elephant Rock

Just 20 minutes away is Elephant Rock, a remarkable sandstone formation that resembles an elephant, standing 172 feet tall. Fire pits provide seating, and a café offers burgers and drinks. 'Elephant Rock has a special significance for us. It's a beloved spot for many, filled with cherished memories,' Alzhufi remarked. 'It's wonderful to sit with family and friends, sipping coffee as the evening unfolds.'

There's no wrong time to visit, as the area exudes charm in the daylight, during sunset, and even at night when illuminated. 'Elephant Rock is particularly magical at sunset, with the light creating a warm glow on the sandstone that accentuates its grandeur,' Alzhufi mentioned. (We suggest arriving just before sunset to witness the formation under different lighting conditions.)

Art District

The AlJadidah Arts District is a must-see for anyone eager to dive into local culture. The charming main street is lined with eateries and spots to explore — including the AlUla Public Library, Design Space AlUla, and AlUla Music Hub. 'AlJadidah is a hub of creativity and innovation,' Alzhufi noted. 'You can enjoy live performances, street art, exhibitions, and cultural activities here.' (Alzhufi also cherishes the AlUla Public Library, where visitors can stargaze from the rooftop, and recommends Design Space AlUla for engaging with local design initiatives and workshops.)

Old Town

The Arts District connects to the Old Town, where the main street is lined with numerous souvenir shops. However, the true allure is found in the winding alleys nestled among mud-brick houses. 'These homes date back to the 12th century, and several generations, including my parents, have called them home,' Alzhufi shared with T+L. 'The Old Town served not only as a residential area but also as a lively commercial hub filled with shops and markets that fueled its prosperity. It was a key location along ancient trade routes, such as the Incense Trade Route, and an important stop for pilgrims heading to Makkah.' For the best experience in this area, Alzhufi suggests booking a guide via the Experience AlUla website.

Adventure Travel

For those seeking a thrill, AlUla offers exhilarating activities such as zip lines, helicopter tours, and hot air balloon rides, allowing you to take in breathtaking aerial views of the sites, including the impressive AlUla Stairway, which is nearly 150 feet in the air. 'AlUla is rich in adventure opportunities like hiking, camping, mountain climbing, zip-lining, and safari tours,' Alzhufi noted.

Best Restaurants

For a taste of Mediterranean fusion, try Somewhere. The menu features dishes like beetroot rice, beef shawarma bao, and kale tabouli salad. While in the Old Town area, make sure to visit Noug for refreshing camel milk drinks.

'Local favorites such as Harrat, Somewhere, Tama, and Suhail highlight the region's rich culinary history, while renowned spots like Entrecôte add an international flair,' Alzhufi stated. 'Joontos serves Saudi-inspired meals crafted by Chef Jaume Puigdengolas, blending local ingredients with global flavors in a contemporary style.'

Coffee culture is prominent in Saudi Arabia, so dive into the local coffee scene. Be sure to sample Saudi coffee, known as qahwa, available at restaurants, hotels, and local cafes.

AlUla is home to over 200,000 citrus trees, including lemons, oranges, and grapefruits. However, the oldest fruit in the area is the torounge, a lemon-pomelo hybrid historically used by the Nabataeans for making jam and perfume, according to Alzhufi.

Ideal Time to Visit

AlUla is a fantastic destination all year, but Alzhufi shared that her preferred months are from October to April.

'During this period, the climate is comfortable and enjoyable, with daytime temperatures between 59 and 77 degrees Fahrenheit, making it ideal for outdoor adventures and visiting historical landmarks,' Alzhufi noted. 'Winter also coincides with AlUla's festival season, providing a unique cultural experience that's hard to find elsewhere.'

Consider timing your visit with various seasonal festivals and events, such as the Azimuth Festival and AlUla Skies Festival in September, the AlUla Wellness Festival in October, the Ancient Kingdoms Festival in November, and Winter at Tantora from December to March. Additionally, every two years, the area hosts DesertX, with the next event scheduled for 2026 in Wadi AlFann. This 40-mile art valley will feature five artists this year, creating permanent works inspired by the surrounding landscape.

Getting There

Travelers can fly to and from AlUla International Airport (ULH), which offers direct flights from major cities in Saudi Arabia like Riyadh, Dammam, and Jeddah, as well as international destinations including Dubai, Doha, Paris, Amman, Cairo, and Bahrain. Direct flights from Cairo are expected to commence later this year.

Getting Around

Upon arrival, visitors can rent a car at the airport, choosing between options with or without a driver. ULH features rental desks for Lumi Car Rental, Alrehaili Car Rental, and Budget Car Rental. Remember, to drive, you need a valid driver's license and an international driver's permit from your home country. Alternatively, taxis can be booked using the Taxa app or the rideshare service Careem.