Tucked away in the golden deserts of northwestern Saudi Arabia, AlUla is a destination that feels like a journey through time. With its dramatic sandstone mountains, lush palm-filled oases, and ancient civilizations carved into rock, AlUla is both a natural wonder and a cultural treasure. This breathtaking region blends history, adventure, and modern luxury in a way few places on earth can.
Whether you’re a couple planning a romantic escape under the stars, a family looking for outdoor adventure, or a traveler eager to uncover the stories of Arabia’s past, AlUla has something special for everyone. From exploring UNESCO World Heritage Sites to enjoying stargazing in the desert or wandering through charming old marketplaces, the list of experiences is as diverse as it is unforgettable.
So, if you’re wondering what to do in AlUla — get ready. Here’s your guide to the best experiences that bring this remarkable destination to life
Where Is AlUla?
AlUla is in the northwestern corner of Saudi Arabia and is approximately 325 km north of Medina. It belongs to Madinah Province and is located in one of the largest valleys formed of sandstone cliffs and palm oases, as well as the Barral Drama Desert. It can be reached by air through AlUla Airport (ULH), which connects to local and international flights.
1. Hegra
No trip to AlUla is complete without visiting Hegra, also known as Madain Saleh — Saudi Arabia’s very first UNESCO World Heritage Site. Once a thriving Nabataean city, Hegra is often compared to the famous Petra in Jordan, yet it holds a unique magic of its own.
Here, more than 100 tombs are carved directly into rose-colored sandstone cliffs, their monumental facades standing as timeless guardians of history. Some tombs still bear inscriptions that reveal the lives of the people buried within — from local leaders and soldiers to healers and merchants. Walking among these silent stone chambers feels like stepping into the stories of a civilization that flourished over 2,000 years ago.
Beyond its archaeological value, Hegra captivates with its sheer beauty. The desert sun washes the cliffs in shades of gold and crimson, making it a paradise for photographers and history lovers alike. To stand before these structures is to witness the artistry, ambition, and spirit of the Nabataeans — and to understand why Hegra is not only one of the best things to do in AlUla but also one of the greatest cultural experiences in Saudi Arabia.
2. Stroll Through AlUla Old Town
If Hegra tells the story of AlUla’s ancient roots, then AlUla Old Town brings you closer to its more recent past. Once home to more than 900 houses, shops, and squares, this historic settlement is a maze of narrow alleyways, mudbrick dwellings, and watchful citadels that echo with centuries of life and trade.
Today, parts of the Old Town have been lovingly restored, allowing visitors to wander through streets where merchants once sold their goods and families gathered in shaded courtyards. The heart of the area is the Old Town Market Street, where you can browse artisanal shops, pick up handmade souvenirs, or sip traditional coffee while taking in the rustic charm of your surroundings.
For history enthusiasts, every wall has a story, while photographers will find endless inspiration in the textures of stone, mudbrick, and wood. You can explore freely at your own pace, but guided tours are also available if you want to uncover the deeper tales hidden within these ruins.
Easily accessible by taxi or car, with parking nearby, AlUla Old Town is one of the most rewarding — and completely free — experiences for anyone visiting the region. It’s not just a stroll; it’s a walk through living history.
3. Elephant Rock (Jabal AlFil)
Rising majestically from the desert sands, Elephant Rock, or Jabal AlFil, is one of AlUla’s most iconic natural landmarks. Shaped over millions of years by wind and erosion, this massive sandstone formation strikingly resembles a giant elephant with its trunk resting on the ground — a true masterpiece sculpted by nature herself.
As the sun sets, the rock glows in warm shades of amber and red, creating a magical backdrop that draws visitors and photographers alike. Many travelers bring along snacks or enjoy refreshments from nearby food trucks and cafés, making it the perfect spot for a relaxed evening in the open desert.
What makes Elephant Rock even more special is the atmosphere that surrounds it. Sitting beneath its towering form under the wide Arabian sky, you feel a sense of wonder and serenity that only such natural beauty can inspire. Best of all, visitors can enjoy Elephant Rock for free — a reminder that nature provides some of AlUla’s most unforgettable experiences.
4. The Banyan Tree's Pools
Hidden within the desert’s rugged embrace, the Banyan Tree’s Pools are a refreshing surprise in the midst of AlUla’s arid landscapes. Natural rock formations cradle these still, glistening pools, creating a tranquil retreat where water reflects the towering sandstone cliffs above. Travelers often come here to slow down after a day of exploring, dipping their feet in the cool waters or simply enjoying the quiet escape from the desert heat.
It’s a serene reminder of how life and water have always coexisted in this seemingly harsh environment, offering both locals and visitors a place of calm reflection. Tucked within AlUla’s desert cliffs, the Banyan Tree’s Pools offer a tranquil escape where calm waters reflect the sandstone around you.
Reserved for guests of the Banyan Tree AlUla resort, this intimate infinity pool combines luxury with breathtaking views of Ashar Valley. From here, you can even glimpse Maraya, the world’s largest mirrored building, glittering in the distance. Whether you float under the midday sun or at sunset when the valley glows gold, this hidden retreat is the perfect place to pause, reflect, and simply breathe.
5. Maraya AlUla: The Musical Venue
In the middle of AlUla’s dramatic desert landscape stands Maraya, a masterpiece of modern design and the world’s largest mirrored building. Its name means mirror in Arabic, and the structure lives up to it — every side is covered in reflective panels that seamlessly blend the building into the surrounding cliffs and golden sands. From a distance, Maraya almost disappears into the landscape, creating a breathtaking illusion where architecture and nature become one.
More than just a visual wonder, Maraya is also a hub for culture and entertainment. It has hosted international concerts, art exhibitions, and world-class performances, making it a symbol of AlUla’s growing role as a cultural destination. Visitors often find themselves equally captivated by what’s happening inside the hall as by the reflections shimmering across its surface.
Whether you’re attending an event or simply marveling at the way the desert skyline dances across its mirrored walls, visiting Maraya is one of the most unforgettable things to do in AlUla — a moment where the future of Saudi Arabia meets the timeless beauty of its past.
6. Hejaz Railway Station: The Living Museum
The Hejaz Railway Station tells a story of ambition, innovation, and history. Once part of the legendary railway line that stretched from Damascus to Medina, the station in AlUla served as a key stop on a route built during the Ottoman era. Today, it has been transformed into a living museum, where old steam locomotives, restored tracks, and historical artifacts take visitors back to the early 1900s. Walking through the site, you’ll discover exhibitions that detail the challenges and triumphs of constructing the railway, as well as its role in shaping travel and trade in the region. Surrounded by AlUla’s dramatic cliffs, the station feels like a bridge between past and present, offering both education and nostalgia in one remarkable setting.
7. Jabal Khuraybah - The Lion's Tomb
For those fascinated by ancient civilizations, Jabal Khuraybah is one of AlUla’s most extraordinary archaeological treasures. Here you’ll find the Lion Tombs, rock-cut burial chambers decorated with carvings of lions, symbols that represented strength, guardianship, and spiritual power in the Dadanite kingdom. Standing before these tombs, it’s easy to imagine the rituals, beliefs, and daily lives of a society that thrived thousands of years ago. The detail of the carvings and the scale of the site reflect the significance of this once-powerful culture, making Jabal Khuraybah a must-visit for history lovers eager to uncover the deeper stories of Arabia’s past.
8. Visit Dadan and Jabal Ikmah
Long before the rise of the Nabataeans, AlUla was home to the Dadanite and Lihyanite kingdoms, powerful civilizations that flourished in this fertile valley. Their legacy lives on in the remarkable archaeological sites of Dadan and Jabal Ikmah, two of the most historically rich places you can visit in AlUla.
At Dadan, you’ll find impressive burial tombs carved high into the red cliffs, believed to hold the final resting places of kings and nobles. The precision of the carvings reflects the artistry and influence of a civilization that thrived as a center of trade and culture in the region.
Just nearby, people call Jabal Ikmah an “open-air library.” Its cliffs display hundreds of ancient inscriptions and rock carvings in various languages, revealing priceless insights into daily life, beliefs, and traditions from centuries ago.
Standing before these inscriptions, you can almost feel the voices of history speaking across time.
Together, Dadan and Jabal Ikmah are not just archaeological sites — they are gateways to understanding the roots of Arabian civilization, making them unmissable for anyone drawn to history and culture.
9. Harrat Viewpoint
For the best views in AlUla, few places can rival the Harrat Viewpoint. Perched atop an ancient volcanic plateau, this lookout offers sweeping panoramas of AlUla’s valleys, oases, and sandstone mountains stretching endlessly into the horizon. The contrast between black volcanic rock and golden desert sands makes the landscape even more dramatic, especially as the sun begins to set. Many visitors time their trip to the Harrat for late afternoon, when the cliffs ignite with fiery shades of red, orange, and gold. From up here, you truly grasp the scale and majesty of AlUla, making it the perfect spot to end a day of exploration with a view that stays etched in memory.
10. Take a Hike Through Hidden Canyons
AlUla’s dramatic landscapes are best explored on foot, with hiking trails that guide you through sandstone valleys, palm groves, and winding desert canyons. Each trail offers something different — from peaceful walks to adventurous treks — making it easy to find one that matches your pace and style of exploration.
Oasis Trail
A relaxing walk through shaded palm farms and traditional irrigation canals. This trail is perfect for families and anyone looking for a calm, scenic stroll in the heart of the oasis.
Hidden Valley Trail
Best known for its magical sunsets, this trail transforms as night falls, offering incredible opportunities for stargazing under AlUla’s clear skies.
Madakhil Trail
A short but adventurous route that takes you through narrow sandstone corridors, giving you the feeling of walking through a natural maze.
No matter which path you choose, hiking in AlUla is more than just an outdoor activity — it’s a journey into the silence and beauty of the desert.
11. Take A Nighttime Hike
AlUla takes on an entirely different kind of beauty after sunset. One of the most unforgettable experiences is joining a night hike through the Hidden Valley in the Sharaan Nature Reserve. Guided by local experts such as Husaak, you’ll walk beneath towering sandstone cliffs bathed in silver moonlight, with the desert air cool and refreshing compared to the heat of the day.
If you plan your hike during a full moon, the golden sands glow under its light, casting dramatic shadows across the mountains. On darker nights, the sky comes alive with thousands of stars — a breathtaking reward for those seeking a mix of adventure and serenity. Even in summer, desert evenings can get chilly, so it’s wise to bring an extra layer.
This unique activity combines the thrill of hiking with the magic of stargazing, making it one of the best things to do in AlUla at night.
12. AlJadidah Arts District
While AlUla is celebrated for its ancient history, it is also a place where modern creativity thrives. The AlJadidah Arts District is the cultural heartbeat of the city, a vibrant neighborhood filled with colorful murals, contemporary art installations, and lively open-air performances. Walking through its streets, you’ll immediately feel the contrast between AlUla’s timeless heritage and its bold, evolving art scene.
Here, you can browse art galleries showcasing the work of both Saudi and international artists, pick up handcrafted souvenirs from artisan markets, or simply admire the striking murals that transform walls into canvases. The district often hosts cultural events, music, and live shows, turning the streets into a stage that celebrates creativity in every form.
Whether you’re an art enthusiast or just a curious traveler, AlJadidah offers a refreshing perspective on AlUla — one where tradition and innovation meet. It’s the perfect place to end a day of exploring, surrounded by music, creativity, and the vibrant energy of a community embracing the future while honoring its past.
Book Taxi in AlUla
AlUla is more than just a destination — it’s a journey through time, where ancient civilizations, breathtaking landscapes, and modern wonders come together in one extraordinary place. From exploring the carved tombs of Hegra to wandering through Old Town, stargazing in the desert, or marveling at the mirrored brilliance of Maraya, every experience leaves a lasting impression.
To make your trip as smooth and enjoyable as possible, reliable transportation is key. That’s why choosing trusted Taxi Services in Saudi Arabia can help you explore AlUla with comfort and ease. Whether you’re arriving by air or planning a tour across the city, convenient AlUla Airport Taxi Services ensure that your journey begins and ends without stress.
With history, culture, adventure, and modern luxury all at your fingertips, AlUla offers an experience like no other — and with the right travel partner, every moment becomes unforgettable.
