Among one of the most essential provinces, there is Al Ula Saudi Arabia where you can discover the first site of the kingdom classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site. We set off to discover this incredible place that is still preserved and unknown to mass tourism: open your eyes, it’s worth the detour!

THE ESSENTIALS: Al Ula Saudi Arabia

HEGRA 

If we’re being dramatic (we are), Hegra is the one thing you can’t skip in AlUla—the “if you miss this, why did you even come?” stop. This UNESCO World Heritage Site feels like Petra’s long-lost sibling in the desert, packed with Nabataean tombs and temples carved into honey-colored rock.
You can only visit with a guide, because the site is protected and you won’t be driving yourself around the ruins like you’re on a casual Sunday errand. Instead, you get to choose your adventure: a tour bus (easy, comfy) or a heritage Range Rover (hello, Indiana Jones fantasy).
Either way, the landscape is the real show-stealer—vast, silent, and outrageously grand. And the best part? The guides (often women) are brilliant storytellers, bringing the Nabataean era to life in a way that makes the carved facades feel less like “old rocks” and more like a living chapter of Arabian history.

Heritage Range Rover Tour: prices from 700 SAR.
Hegra Tour Bus: prices from 95 SAR.

AL ULA OLDTOWN

Next we wander into AlUla Old Town, which is basically where history meets “wait, this café is adorable.” It’s absolutely unmissable—especially now that charming little restaurants and coffee spots are popping up in the heart of the old streets. The area is split into two distinct parts:
– The old town and the souk, where artistic events run throughout the year (mostly October to May).
– The ruins, currently being renovated, which still carry that mysterious, time-capsule feeling. Part of the upcoming Dar Tantora hotel project will extend into sections of the old town, restoring remains while aiming to keep an eco-conscious approach. Translation: old stones, new life, and a lot of atmosphere for your evening stroll.

ALULA OASIS

The AlUla Oasis sits right in the heart of the old town, and it’s one of those places where you suddenly understand why people settled here in the first place. You can wander easily on foot, and yes, it’s stroller-friendly too (adventurous families, we see you).
Some hotels in AlUla run heavily on local agriculture—using produce grown in the surrounding oases—because the big theme here is eco-responsible luxury: high-end experiences that still respect the land.
And the oasis itself? A green, fragrant haven in the valley—famous for date palms and citrus, plus fields of wheat, barley, olives, figs, oats… basically a desert pantry that somehow looks like a mirage but tastes very real.

Price: from 35 SAR.
There are also other oases located throughout the Province. More info here .

ELEPHANT ROCK

AlUla has a few celebrity landmarks, and Elephant Rock is absolutely one of them. Yes, it really does look like an elephant (nature is showing off again). Standing around 52 meters tall, it’s a wild geomorphological sculpture with dramatic mountains rising behind it like a stage set.
It’s worth climbing a bit higher into the dunes for a better view over the whole scene—especially if you’ve got a 4×4 and a small thirst for harmless trouble. Sunset here is a whole mood.

Price: free.

MARYA MUSEUM

Maraya (meaning “mirror” or “reflection” in Arabic) is the desert’s best illusion—an architectural mirage sitting inside the canyon of Ashar Valley. It rises out of the sand like it’s not quite sure if it wants to exist, then hits you with a jaw-drop detail: it’s covered in 9,740 mirrored panels reflecting the landscape in every direction. According to Guinness World Records, it’s the largest mirrored building in the world.
Maraya is also the beating heart of AlUla’s cultural calendar, hosting concerts and artistic performances throughout the year. Prices vary depending on what’s on—some nights it’s an exhibition, other nights it’s a full-scale show.

HARRAT POINT OF VIEW

For the big “we can see everything” moment, we go up to Harrat Point of View. At 1,744 meters above sea level, Mount Harrat Rahat sits in a volcanic field—hence the dramatic dark rock spread across the area. The region has more than 500 volcanoes and is considered the most active volcanic zone on the Arabian Peninsula over the past ten million years (with the most recent documented eruption in 1256).
To get up here, you’ll need a car—and honestly, that winding road is half the fun. It dominates the valley in the best possible way. Our favorite move? Time it for lunch or sunset drinks with the view from the Greek restaurant / Okto bar. Because if you’re going to stare at a valley like a movie villain, you might as well do it with a drink.

STARGAZING IN AL ULA

AlUla by day is incredible. AlUla by night? That’s when the desert quietly steals the whole trip. Once darkness drops, the sky turns into a crisp, star-splashed dome—thanks to the near-total lack of light pollution. The stars look brighter, sharper, almost unreal, like someone turned the contrast up for fun.

Guided stargazing visits are available, and they’re perfect if you want help spotting constellations—or if you’re aiming for those once-in-a-lifetime photos that make everyone back home question their life choices.

Price: from 330SAR.

BEST PLACES TO EAT IN AL ULA SAUDI ARABIA

Whether you’re chasing local Saudi specialties, polished international plates, or a meal that feels like an “experience,” AlUla delivers—just don’t leave it to the last minute. In high season, booking ahead is the difference between “romantic dinner under the stars” and “we ate snacks in the car.” Here are some of the best spots to eat in the area, with all the details you’ll want on hand.

Somewhere

A dreamy oasis setting right in the middle of the old town—Somewhere is exactly what it sounds like: a place that feels like a little escape. The menu focuses on reimagined Arabic dishes, so you get familiar flavors with a twist (the fun kind, not the “why is this foam?” kind).
Location: Somewhere, AlUla Oldtown
Hours: Open daily from 4 p.m. to midnight.
Info and reservations: +966 9200 24788
Instagram: @somewhere

Asfar Experience

Asfar Experience is one of those “we’re still talking about this meal a week later” places. The menu is created by Saudi chef Nawal AlKhawali and highlights fresh ingredients sourced exclusively from the province’s oases. We even tried camel meat here—surprisingly delicious, and officially a “glad we did it” moment.
Set inside Dar Tantora, you’ll likely be welcomed by the manager Maria (Andalusian and wonderful), who often shares the story of the place like you’re a guest, not a table number. The restaurant is outdoors on the rooftop, with breathtaking views over the old town and oasis—an exotic dinner scene that’s hard to beat.
Location: Asfar Experience, Dar Tantora Old Town AlUla
Hours: Open every day 7 p.m. to 12 a.m.
Info and reservations: +966 53 540 3032; asfarexperience.com
Instagram: @asfar.experience

The Heart of Oasis

This one is for the “we want something local, thoughtful, and not fussy” crowd. The menu leans into the Slow Food movement and a modern Farm to Fork approach—local ingredients cooked simply and authentically. It’s also a brilliant post-oasis-walk stop for a fresh juice when the desert heat starts bargaining with your energy levels.
Location: Heart of Oasis, AlUla Oasis Oldtown
Hours: Open daily from 4 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.
Info and reservations: +966 59 012 8840;  theheartoftheoasis
Instagram: @heartofoasis

Habital AlUla

Inside the Habitas AlUla eco-resort, you’ll find Tama, which means “Here and Now” in Aramaic—very on-brand when you’re eating by a pool in the desert. Expect fusion cuisine that pulls from both the Middle East and the wider world, served indoors or outdoors by the stunning pool area. If you’re staying at Habitas, this is an easy yes. If you’re not staying there, it’s still worth planning around if you want one polished “resort night” meal.
Location: Tama, Habitas AlUla
Hours: Open every day from 7 a.m. to 12 p.m. (breakfast), from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. (lunch), from 6 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. (dinner).
Info and reservations: +966 14 821 3900;  ourhabitas.com
Instagram: @habitasalula

ACME

If your travel personality includes the phrase “we just need a really good burger,” then ACME is your place. It’s right in the heart of the old town and has basically become an essential stop for casual comfort food done properly.
Location: ACME, Oldtown AlUla
Hours: Open every day from 12 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.
Info and reservations: +966 92 002 7242
Instagram: @acme.sa

Circolo Pizza

Sometimes you’re in the desert and your body demands carbs like it’s a medical emergency. Enter Circolo Pizza, an authentic Italian spot serving artisanal wood-fired pizzas for lunch and dinner. What makes it extra AlUla? The way it uses local ingredients—so you’ll find dishes like citrus risotto and a citrus + fried goat cheese salad finished with blood orange vinaigrette. Desert, but make it Mediterranean.
Location: Circolo Pizza, AlJadidah district , on Oasis Square
Hours: Open every day from 12:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.
Info and reservations: +966 53 335 3201
Instagram: @circolo.pizza

Tawlet Fayza

Tawlet Fayza literally means “Fayza’s Table,” and it feels exactly like that—warm, personal, and properly local. Set in Al Jadidah, the restaurant is built around Fayza’s story: born in AlUla, she moved to France, then came back and opened a place that celebrates her home province through food. Expect dishes made with fresh ingredients from AlUla, served in a cozy setting that makes you want to linger (even if you promised yourself an “early night”).
Location: Tawlet Fayza, AlUla Oasis
Hours: Open every day from 1 p.m. to midnight.
Info and reservations: +966 56 972 7978

Instagram: @tawlat.fayza

Suhail

Suhail is where you go for traditional Saudi flavors with a modern fusion polish—classic comfort, but slightly dressed up.
Location: Suhail Old Town , AlUla Old Town
Hours: Open every day from 9 a.m. to 2 a.m.
Info and reservations: +966 92 000 2690; suhailrestaurant.com
Instagram: @suhail_saudi

Myazu Saudi

Japanese food in the heart of AlUla? Yep—and it works. Myazu at Shaden Resort is all about smoky, sweet, spicy, vibrant flavors (grab your chopsticks and commit). Bonus: you can catch DJ performances on Thursday and Friday evenings, which turns dinner into a whole night out without needing a plan B.
Location: Myazu AlUla, Shaden Resort
Hours: Open Sunday to Tuesday from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. and Wednesday to Saturday from 6 p.m. to 1 a.m.
Info and reservations: myazu.com
Instagram: @myazusaudi

Best Places To Stay

AlUla’s hotel scene is small, intimate, and unapologetically premium—which is part of the appeal. Instead of endless resorts, you get a handful of carefully placed properties that lean into exclusivity, landscape, and eco-conscious design. If you’re coming for a luxe stay, you’ll love it. If you’re coming on a tighter budget, you’ll want to plan smart (and book early).

For a deeper local feel, staying with locals or even camping on farms can also be an option—closer to nature, closer to the rhythms of the oasis, and often a very different kind of “luxury.”

Our Habitas AlUla

Habitas is one of the pioneers of sustainable luxury, bringing a high-end desert stay to AlUla while keeping the environment in mind. Set in a canyon-and-oasis landscape in Ashar Valley, you’re surrounded by sandstone cliffs and palm groves like it’s your private movie set. The hotel has 96 bungalows across three categories: premium Celestial Villas, Alcove Villas, and Canyon Villas. Getting around is part of the experience—you can take a buggy, an electric bike, or just walk (highly recommended for slow mornings).

The yoga deck, Thuraya spa, Tama restaurant, and that spectacular pool are all built using ethically sourced organic materials designed to blend into the landscape. Waking up here feels unreal—in the best way.
Price: from 1,960 SAR/night (breakfast not included).
Find out more: @habitasalula
Book: Habitas AlUla

Caravan by Habitas

If you want something a bit more “off the beaten path,” Caravan by Habitas is the adventurous sibling: an immersive stay designed for people who want either total disconnection or surprising human connection (depending on your mood and caffeine intake). The property is made up of 22 luxury Airstream caravans, each with stunning valley views, a private outdoor terrace, air conditioning, WiFi, a queen-size bed (or two singles), an indoor lounge, kitchenette, and bathroom. In short: it’s camping, but make it wildly comfortable.

Please note the seasonal closure: closed from May 20 to September 30.
Price: from 1,700AED/night (breakfast included via Booking.com but check with the hotel).
Find out more: @habitascaravanalula
Book: Caravan by Habitas

Banyan Tree AlUla

Banyan Tree AlUla is a zen desert retreat in Ashar Valley, right near Habitas, and it’s made for people who want privacy, silence, and views that don’t feel real. You’ll stay in one of 47 tented villas with sweeping valley scenery, all built with sustainability and wellbeing in mind. The standout? That infinity pool built directly into the rock—the kind of place you’ll take one photo and then immediately stop using your phone because, honestly, it’s too good to scroll here.

Price: from 2,144 SAR/night (breakfast not included).
Learn more: @banyantree.alula
Book: Banyan Tree Alula

26°North AlUla

26° North is glamping at its most magical: tucked between wind-sculpted sandstone cliffs and rows of palm and fruit trees, it’s basically a desert dream with a wooden terrace. There are 16 spacious tents (designed for two people), each paired with an adjoining wooden cabin for private showers and hot water—so you get nature without suffering for it.

Important notes: this property doesn’t accept children under 12 (peaceful, grown-up vibes), and it’s closed from May to October.
Prices and reservations on request. Call the hotel directly: +966 55 220 2721.
Find out more: @26north_alula

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Heads up: accommodation supply is limited and prices are high, so booking well in advance is not “nice to have,” it’s survival. For more accommodation options:

Accommodations in AlUla deliver that rare mix of comfort and wilderness—luxury that actually feels in harmony with the landscape, not pasted on top of it.

GOOD TO KNOW- Practical Information

• What is the best time to visit?
The sweet spot for AlUla is October to May, when the weather is actually enjoyable and outdoor exploring doesn’t feel like a test of endurance.

• AlUla with children?
Most activities are doable with kids, and the wide-open spaces can be fantastic. That said, we wouldn’t recommend AlUla with a newborn unless the plan is mostly relaxing at the hotel (which is also a valid lifestyle choice).

• How to get to AlUla?
From Riyadh: Direct flights with Saudi Airlines, Flynas or KLM Royal Dutch Airlines.
*Prices from 450AED (varies by day and season).

From Jeddah: Direct flights with Saudi Airlines.
*Prices from 493AED (varies by day and season).

From Dubai: Direct flights with Fly Dubai, Emirates, and Flynas.
*Prices start from 600AED (varies by day and season).

• Getting around AlUla:

If you want freedom (and you do), rent a car at AlUla airport. It’s the simplest way to move around on your own schedule.

Hotels also organize airport and attraction shuttles, but it’s a paid service. Another option is using an agency to arrange a car with a driver—handy if you don’t want to think about logistics at all.

• Visa:
  You can get a tourist visa on arrival at the airport, but the wait can be long—so doing it online is usually the smarter move.
  Obtaining a tourist visa for one year costs $150.
  For the visa, you can go directly to the site: HERE .
• How to dress
  It’s no longer compulsory for Western women to wear an abaya and/or veil. Still, AlUla is not Riyadh or Jeddah, so we recommend respecting local culture with modest, breathable outfits—think a kimono-style layer, long dress, or loose pants depending on your plans. For men, long Bermuda shorts or trousers are a safe bet. Inside your hotel, you can dress as you like.
• Alcohol consumption in AlUla
  Alcohol is not served in restaurants or hotels, and it’s prohibited to travel with alcohol.
• Budget estimate
  AlUla can be a substantial budget destination thanks to its premium hotel scene. Costs depend heavily on the type of stay you’re aiming for—luxury retreat, guided adventures, or a more local, nature-focused trip.

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