This Ancient City Has a Dramatic Desert Landscape, World-class Cuisine, and a Growing Art Scene — Here's How to Plan Your Visit

AlUla is an oasis in the Saudi Arabian desert.

I had seen all the enticing Instagram pictures before landing in AlUla, so I knew the region would be stunning. Yet, even so, I wasn't ready for what I experienced — like many destinations, social media doesn't do the Saudi Arabian town justice. Exploring the region felt otherworldly, and the dramatic desert landscape and majestic sandstone cliffs left me wondering if I was even on Earth.

"The calm beauty of AlUla, with its history spanning more than 200,000 years, creates a magical atmosphere. You’ll find history and stories on every corner," Maeen Alzhufi, an AlUla native and tour guide, told Travel + Leisure. "It is a place with a rich heritage, beautiful nature, a sense of adventure, and charming streets and buildings that all make it special. It’s a place where the past and present live together, offering a meaningful experience for everyone who visits."

The destination's claim to fame is its archaeological ruins from the ancient Nabatean kingdom — the same as the iconic Treasury in Petra, Jordan. But there's so much more: quaint labyrinthine streets in an Old Town, modern art sculptures juxtaposing the preserved history of the region, a plethora of wellness programs, and historic sites beyond the ruins of Hegra. Ikmah and Dadan, the latter once serving as the capital of the Dadan and Lihyan kingdoms more than 2,000 years ago, are two more notable sites in the region.

There is also a growing art scene. "By 2030, AlUla will have five major creative sites. One of them is Wadi AlFann (which means ‘Valley of the Arts’) — a 40-mile art valley. Wadi AlFann will host five major artists this year to create permanent art pieces inspired by the landscapes and mountain formations of AlUla."

AlUla

• Rest your head at Banyan Tree AlUla and enjoy its iconic Rock Pool.

• Dine at Somewhere for impeccable ambiance and delicious Middle Eastern fare.

• Let yourself get lost on a stroll through the labyrinthine streets of Old Town.

• Visit Hegra and take a tour of its many well-preserved historic ruins.

• Try Saudi coffee every chance you get.

Best Hotels

Banyan Tree AlUla

Banyan Tree AlUla is a luxury resort nestled in Ashar Valley, offering a unique blend of serene nature and modern elegance. The resort features private villas inspired by traditional Nabataean architecture, each with breathtaking views of the surrounding sandstone cliffs. While many villas have private plunge pools, the property's communal Rock Pool is tucked amid the surrounding sandstone mountains. Saffron, the resort's signature restaurant, serves modern Thai dishes in a sophisticated setting, while Harrat offers Arab-inspired dishes.

Our Habitas AlUla

Our Habitas AlUla is nestled in the desert with 96 villas offering scenic canyon views. There are Celestial Villas that come equipped with telescopes for stargazing; Art Villas with close-up views of Desert X installations, like Falling Stones Garden and Najma; and Wellness Villas that are close to the spa and come equipped with yoga mats and the option for in-room treatments. The property's on-site restaurant, Tama, offers Middle Eastern fare.

Dar Tantora The House Hotel

Dar Tantora The House Hotel is a charming boutique hotel in the heart of AlUla’s Old Town, offering a unique blend of traditional Saudi architecture and modern comfort. Housed in a carefully restored heritage building, the hotel provides an authentic cultural experience with its mudbrick walls, intricate wooden doors, and antique decor reflecting the area's rich history. Each of its 30 dars (guest rooms) is uniquely designed, ranging from a 410-square-foot cozy dar to a two-bedroom dar with a terrace. The property has an infinity pool and plenty of on-site eateries, including modern Saudi cuisine at Joontos, grab-and-go fare at Maqha Cafe, and teas, light bites, and cigars at The Cigar Oasis.

Things to Do

Hegra

Hegra is Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site with more than 110 preserved tombs dating back to 1 B.C.E. Most people have likely seen images before, but there's still much more here to explore and learn. "This site is one of the most well-preserved sites of the Nabatean civilization," Alzhufi said. "Historically, Hegra’s strategic location made it a vital stop on the Incense Road, giving the Nabataeans an advantage as a key link between the Arabian Peninsula and the Mediterranean world. This position facilitated the flourishing of trade and cultural exchanges."

Pro-tip: Alzhufi noted that while tours are available year-round, there's an added night tour from August through November.

Maraya Concert Hall

In a complete juxtaposition to the historic site of Hegra is Maraya, a concert hall that set a Guinness World Record for the world's largest mirrored building. Maraya — which means "mirror" in Arabic — is made of 9,740 mirror panels, each reflecting the stunning views of the surrounding Ashar Valley. Even if you can't enjoy an event inside, it's worth driving by and stopping to view this marvel.

Elephant Rock

Some 20 minutes away is Elephant Rock, a natural sandstone formation that, as the name suggests, is a massive rock (172 feet, for reference) shaped like an elephant. Fire pits in the ground offer seating, and a café serves burgers and beverages. "For us, Elephant Rock holds a special place in our hearts. It has been a frequent destination for many, creating many cherished memories," Alzhufi said. "It's great to sit with family and loved ones, enjoying a coffee as the night sets in."

There's no right time of day to visit, as the area is charming in daylight, during sunset hours, and even at night, as it's lit up. "Elephant Rock is especially enchanting during sunset, when the light casts a warm glow on the sandstone, enhancing its majestic presence," Alzhufi noted. (We recommend going right before sunset to experience the formation in various lighting.)

Art District

AlJadidah Arts District is a must-visit for those looking to immerse themselves in the local culture. The quaint main street is dotted with food and beverage joints, with sites to pop into — like the AlUla Public Library, Design Space AlUla, and Alula Music Hub. "AlJadidah is a place of creativity and innovation," Alzhufi said. "Here, you can find live performances, street art, exhibitions, and cultural events." (Alzhufi also loves the AlUla Public Library, where visitors can stargaze from the rooftop, and recommends Design Space AlUla for experiencing local design initiatives and participating in workshops.)

Old Town

The Arts District is connected to the Old Town, where the main street has many souvenir shops. But the true charm lies in the alleys tucked away among mud houses. "Dating back to the 12th century, many generations, including my parents' generation, have lived in these houses," Alzhufi told T+L. "The Old Town was not just a residential area but also a bustling commercial center with shops and markets that contributed to its prosperity. It played a crucial role on ancient trade routes like the Incense Trade Route and was an important station for pilgrims traveling to Makkah." To experience this area at its best, Alzhufi recommends booking a guide through the Experience AlUla website.

Adventure Travel

And for those looking for a little more adrenaline-packed options, there are zip lines, helicopter tours, and hot air balloon rides to enjoy aerial views of the sites and even the AlUla Stairway, which is suspended nearly 150 feet in the air. "AlUla provides activities like hiking, camping, mountain climbing, zip-lining, and safari tours," Alzhufi said.

Best Restaurants

For Mediterranean fusion, consider Somewhere. The menu includes beetroot rice, beef shawarma bao, and kale tabouli salad. And while you're in the broader Old Town area, pop into Noug for camel milk-based beverages.

"Notable local establishments such as Harrat, Somewhere, Tama, and Suhail showcase the region's rich culinary heritage while internationally acclaimed restaurants like Entrecôte provide a cosmopolitan touch," Alzhufi said. "Joontos offers Saudi-inspired dishes crafted by Chef Jaume Puigdengolas, blending local and international flavors with a modern twist."

Coffee culture is big in Saudi Arabia, so explore the coffee scene. And for a more local fix, consider Saudi coffee, also called qahwa. You'll find it at restaurants, hotels, and, of course, local cafes.

AlUla also has over 200,000 citrus trees (like lemons, oranges, and grapefruits). But the oldest fruit in the region, Alzhufi told T+L, is torounge, a hybrid of lemon and pomelo used by the Nabataeans to make jam and perfume, she said.

Best Time to Visit

AlUla is a year-round destination, but Alzhufi told T+L her favorite months are October through April.

"During these months, the weather is mild and pleasant, with daytime temperatures ranging from 59 degrees Fahrenheit to 77 degrees Fahrenheit, perfect for outdoor activities and exploring the historical sites," Alzhufi said. "Visiting during the winter months coincides with AlUla's festival season, offering a cultural experience you can't get anywhere else."

You can also coincide your visit with seasonal festivals and happenings like the Azimuth Festival in September, the 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. And, every two years, the destination hosts DesertX — the next one is slated for 2026 in Wadi AlFann. (This 40-mile art valley is slated to host five artists this year who will create permanent pieces inspired by the landscape.)

How to Get There

Visitors can fly in and out of AlUla International Airport (ULH), which has direct flights within Saudi Arabia from Riyadh, Dammam, and Jeddah; and from international destinations like Dubai, Doha, Paris, Amman, Cairo, and Bahrain. Direct flights from Cairo are slated to start later this year.

How to Get Around

Visitors can rent a car (both with a driver or without) from the airport. ULH has Lumi Car Rental, Alrehaili Car Rental, and Budget Car Rental desks. Just know that to drive a vehicle, you need a valid driver's license and an international driver's license from the nation you reside in. Travelers can hail a taxi via the Taxa app or Careem, a rideshare app.

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