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AlUla Tourist Places: Top 8 Must-Visit Landmarks

Tourist Places in AlUla

In AlUla, history is not just witnessed, but also felt. Explore its narrow canyons that look like a maze, ancient burial sites, and historic towns. From the remarkable architecture of Madain Salih to the breathtaking beauty of Elephant Rock, AlUla promises a unique and unparalleled experience. 

1. Elephant Rock

This iconic geological marvel ranks at the top of our list. As the name suggests, it is a colossal piece of red sandstone formed by natural forces of wind and water erosion that took place millions of years ago, forming into the shape of an Elephant in the golden desert of AlUla.

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AlUla is an ancient city and a popular tourist destination surrounded by geological marvels, golden sand dunes, and stunning landscape, and is home to the UNESCO World Heritage site at Hegra.

Popularly known as ‘Jabal Al Fil’, this is an unmissable tourist place in AlUla for many tourists. There are many seating areas at the spot where you can snap your gram-worthy pictures, sip Arabic coffee, laze around to watch the mesmerizing sunset, or even stay back for late-night stargazing.

Elephant Rock in AlUla

2. UNESCO World Heritage Site at Hegra

Recognized as Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site, Hegra is another ancient city that’s a testimony to the Nabataean civilization. Located less than 22 km from AlUla, it is also known as ‘Mada’in Saleh’.

Having a resemblance to the Petra site in Jordan, this archeological gem gives visitors a good indication of how the people of Nabatean civilization lived back then. A number of ancient burial sites can be found along these cliffs, illustrating the rich history of this city. 

Embark on an adventure at Hegra. Walk through the stone city to explore the awe-inspiring architecture, 110 preserved tombs, walled carvings, decorated facades, and ancient agricultural wells. 

Traveler’s tips:

UNESCO World Heritage Site in Hegra

3. AlUla Old Town & Market Street

An ancient town that offers a glimpse of AlUla’s rich past and its people. With 900 homes, 500 shops, and 5 public squares, this location showcases impressive architecture. Explore the maze-like streets to discover original stone and mudbrick structures that tell stories from centuries ago. This old town is a must-visit tourist place in AlUla.

As you wander through these alleys, you may also catch sight of AlUla Castle, an extraordinary landmark dating back to the 10th century.

Traveler’s tip: Make sure to book a Rawi (a local guide) when visiting the old town. They will explain and share stories of the settlers’ lifestyles, architectural choices, and the town’s rich history.

AlUla Old Town and Market Street

Also read: Best Accommodations to Book in AlUla

4. Harrat Viewpoint

Located about 20 km southeast of AlUla city center, the Harrat Viewpoint sits on the edge of the vast Harrat Khaybar Lava field. Upon visiting the Harrat Viewpoint, one is greeted with a breathtaking sight of the volcanic terrain that stretches as far as the eye can see.

Harrat Viewpoint in AlUla

5. Maraya in Ashar Valley

Maraya, meaning “mirrors” in Arabic, is an architectural wonder located in the Ashar Valley of AlUla, and it is considered as the world’s largest mirrored building. Its mirrored façade not only blends seamlessly with the surrounding rock formations but also reflects the enchanting desert landscape, creating a mesmerizing visual experience.

With 9,740 mirrored panels in total, Maraya nearly vanishes into the surrounding landscape creating a smooth blend between nature and architectural design. It’s an art that keeps changing every hour of the day.

Maraya in Ashar Valley

6. The Oasis of AlUla

Within Wadi Al Qura, known as the Valley of Villages, lies a place of heaven hidden in the middle of the desert: the Oasis of AlUla. Considered as the heart of the region, this lush sanctuary has provided sustenance and shelter for both locals and travelers throughout history, creating a harmonious coexistence with diverse wildlife.

Beyond its role as a refuge, this oasis has also played a significant cultural role by serving as a meeting point for ancient civilizations and thriving as an agricultural hub today, producing delectable fruits, fragrant herbs, and exquisite oils.

The oasis also boasts 90,000 indigenous Moringa Peregrina trees, from which premium Moringa oil is extracted, which is quite different from the Indian variant. This oil is later used to make natural soaps and other skin products.

The Oasis of AlUla

7. Sharaan Natural Reserve

A natural reserve in AlUla that showcases stunning red-rock canyons, expansive deserts, and broad valleys adorned with vibrant wildflowers with an area expanding around 1,500 km of land.

This reserve serves as a habitat for wildlife such as the green bee-eaters and crested larks, as well as Idmi gazelles and Nubian ibex. Endangered species like Arabian wolves and critically endangered Arabian leopards can be found here too.

The ultimate vision for Sharaan is to restore its ecosystem to a level where Arabian leopards not only return, but also thrive. At its core, this reserve has a steadfast mission: to preserve, protect, and conserve AlUla’s unique ecosystem so that nature can flourish once again.

Sharaan Natural Reserve

8. Stargazing in AlUla

A visit to the enchanting city of AlUla isn’t complete without taking a moment to stargaze. It’s a truly captivating activity that lets everyone marvel at the sheer beauty of nature.

The sight of a horizon, illuminated by twinkling stars, is an awe-inspiring experience, reminding us that while we all live under the same sky, not all skies are made equal. This moment is something that everyone should witness and not to be missed.

Traveler’s tip: Ensure your presence from sunset until nightfall. Watch the sky change from the sunset tones of orange, pink, and gold to a deep blue hue illuminated by bright, twinkling stars. It’s a total visual treat you won’t want to miss.

Stargazing in AlUla

AlUla beckons with a captivating blend of history and natural wonders. From the iconic Elephant Rock to the UNESCO-listed Hegra, AlUla Old Town’s historic charm, and the stunning views at Harrat Viewpoint, each landmark offers a unique experience. Marvel at the world’s largest mirrored building, Maraya, explore the Oasis of AlUla, and witness the diverse wildlife in Sharaan Natural Reserve. Don’t miss the chance to stargaze in this enchanting city, where every moment unfolds a story beneath the mesmerizing desert sky. AlUla invites you to embrace its rich heritage and breathtaking beauty in every step of your journey.

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