AlUla is one of the most important tourist cities in Saudi Arabia, distinguished by the beauty of its stunning nature and its rich history that dates back to ancient times. Tourism in AlUla is flourishing due to its fame for archaeological landmarks and wonderful natural places that attract visitors from all around the world. In this article, we will review the best places to visit in AlUla.
Elephant Rock (Jabal AlFil): This iconic spot in AlUla is named for a uniquely shaped rock that mirrors an elephant's siluette. Surrounded by light-colored mountains, Elephant Rock is a haven for those seeking natural beauty. The area is also enhanced by the presence of cafes, restaurants, and social gatherings spaces for both women and men. It's a prime location for visitors to immerse themselves in picturesque views and engage in outdoor activities like hiking and climbing.
The AlUla Museum is one of the most prominent tourist attractions in AlUla, where the museum captivates visitors with displays vast collections of artifacts and archaeological treasures from various epochs. The museum showcases many pottery vessels, jewelry, sculptures, stone inscriptions, household and agricultural tools, industrial items, and other valuable archaeological pieces reflecting daily life in the past.
Stepping into the AlUla Tantura Area is like walking through history, with its heritage houses dating back to the 18th century. This significant archaeological site invites guests on a journey to explore its architectural beauty and the ingenious pyramid-shaped structures used for seasonal tracking. Surrounded by shops selling souvenirs, alongside restaurants and cafes, it’s a perfect blend of history and modern convenience.
Winter Park is a wonderful place to spend time outdoors and is one of the most important landmarks of tourism in AlUla, as it includes many recreational facilities such as swimming pools, water games, restaurants, cafes, and wide green areas. The park also has wonderful views of the surrounding mountains, and it has restaurants, parking lots, gift shops, and green lawns. It is a 5-minute drive from Elephant Rock.
AlUla Castle, or the Castle of Musa bin Nusair, is one of the important historical landmarks in AlUla and is the oldest castle in AlUla. Visitors can enjoy a tour of the castle and explore its historical atmosphere. The castle is constructed from sandstone and surrounded by an outer wall.
The Harrat Viewpoint is one of the best tourism sites in AlUla, featuring a fantastic view of the beautiful valleys surrounding it and Elephant Rock. It is also a great location for camping and enjoying the stunning nature. The best time to visit it is before sunrise to watch the sky, or at night for stargazing with a telescope.
A volcanic mountain offering a unique natural landscape for quick tours, evening star gazing, and enjoying the outdoors in a distinctive setting, complete with stone seating circles. You can also observe the stars through a telescope in the evening, with cafes and restaurants available nearby enhances the overall pleasant experience.
Originally meaning “Camel Hump” because it contains a large circular retention basin, with stairs that allow descending to view the basin from inside. It is also known as the "Lion Tombs" because it contains several ancient tombs dating back to the 7th century AD, carved with lions, symbolizing majesty and strength.
Visitors can enjoy a tour inside this historical area, explore the stone inscriptions and ancient drawings decorating the site, and take memorable photos.
Palm Garden is one of the best natural tourist places in AlUla, as it contains many palm trees, green trees, roses, and colorful flowers. Visitors can enjoy walking and wandering inside the garden, relax in its beautiful atmosphere, enjoy the green lawns, and children's amusement parks, and have a barbecue party.
AlUla Old Town is one of the most important archaeological areas in AlUla, containing many buildings and significant landmarks dating back to ancient times. Visitors can enjoy a tour through the old town streets and explore the different historical landmarks, and explore the maze it contains. After finishing the tour, one can go to the city market to buy handmade products, perfumes, clothing, or souvenirs.
Dadan is one of the wonderful archaeological tourist areas in AlUla, containing many picturesque valleys, rocky slopes, and beautiful valleys, and is located next to the valley oasis. The city was one of the most developed cities in the first millennium BC due to its proximity to the incense traders' route.
Magnificient Rocks of Buraikah is one of the stunning natural areas in AlUla, containing a large rock surrounded by a group of stars from the Milky Way galaxy, attracting photographers to capture the best pictures of it. Visitors can enjoy walking, climbing, and exploring the surrounding areas of this magnificent natural area.
Jabal AlHawar or AlHawara Rock is one of the most important natural landmarks of tourism in AlUla, distinguished by its very large size. Enjoy climbing and having Arabic sessions at night, and what made this mountain famous is the emergence of Prophet Saleh's she-camel from it. Jabal AlHawar is home to many wild animals such as deer, rabbits, and foxes.
Hegra, also known as Al-Hijr and Mada’in Salih, is one of the most important archaeological sites in Saudi Arabia, containing many important artifacts and landmarks dating back to ancient civilizations, and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is famous for its stunning rock carvings and stone inscriptions that adorn the site, dating back to the era of the Ad people.
Jabal Ikmah is one of the best natural tourism sites in AlUla, distinguished by its stunning natural beauty and wonderful views of the surrounding area. The color of the mountain tends toward red, and it is painted with hundreds of inscriptions and writings dating back to the 6th century BC and the Islamic era.
Among the premier luxury resorts in AlUla, this destination is renowned for its breathtaking natural scenery, peaceful ambiance, and top-tier amenities. Guests can indulge in exquisite Saudi cuisine, in addition to the rich cultural experience. Also, the resort takes pride in showcasing and selling unique handmade crafts, including items skillfully woven from palm fronds, offering visitors a taste of traditional craftsmanship blended with luxury.
Located in the southwest of the AlUla governorate, this majestic mountain stands as one of Saudi Arabia's most breathtaking natural treasures, playing a pivotal role in boosting AlUla's tourism. It's celebrated not just for its awe-inspiring landscapes but also for its pleasant climate, situated amidst a serene desert environment.
Drawing visitors both from within the kingdom and beyond its borders, the mountain is a hub of cultural history. It's adorned with a variety of inscriptions carved into its surface, each telling a unique story of heritage. Also, the area is home to well-preserved archaeological sites, maintaining their authenticity and remaining untouched by the passage of time.
The areas of AlUla are characterized by their natural and cultural diversity, containing many important archaeological tourism sites, stunning natural areas, and modern recreational facilities, making it an ideal tourist destination for visitors wishing to explore the history of Saudi Arabia. If you want to experience these places, WINGIE will provide you with the best prices to book your flight to AlUla.