AlUla Saudi Arabia 2025 – AlUla Travel Guide in Your Saudi Arabia Itinerary

✨ Why include AlUla in your Saudi Arabia trip?

• Home to Hegra (Madain Saleh), a UNESCO World Heritage Site carved into the rock.
• Unique rock formations such as Elephant Rock and scenic valleys that look amazing at sunrise and sunset.
• A growing selection of high-end desert resorts and boutique hotels – see Best hotels and resorts in AlUla.
• An atmospheric Old Town with restored alleys, cafes and restaurants – perfect for evening walks.
• Seasonal events and experiences such as stargazing in AlUla and concerts or shows listed under AlUla events.

That’s why AlUla is a key stop in a 12-day Saudi Arabia itinerary combining Riyadh, AlUla, Jeddah and Umluj.

⏱️ How many days in AlUla?

Most families and first-time visitors spend 2 or 3 nights in AlUla, depending on how relaxed they want their Saudi Arabia itinerary to be:

• 2 nights (around 2 full days): enough for Hegra + Old Town + Elephant Rock with a fairly packed schedule.
• 3 nights (2.5–3 days): lets you add a stargazing experience or an event night without rushing.

If your full trip is around 10–12 days between Riyadh, AlUla, Jeddah and Umluj, then 3 nights in AlUla is a very balanced choice.

📌 Top things to see in AlUla

These are the core highlights you’ll want to build your AlUla plan around:

• Hegra (Madain Saleh) – the headline heritage site, usually visited on a guided tour.
• AlUla Old Town – restored old streets, small shops and cozy cafes, especially nice in the evening.
• Elephant Rock – a huge rock formation with outdoor seating and cafes nearby, best at sunset.
• Stargazing in AlUla – a desert experience with a guide explaining constellations and planets.
• Seasonal AlUla events – concerts, light shows and special experiences depending on your travel dates.

🗺️ Suggested 2–3 day AlUla itinerary

Day 1 – Arrival in AlUla + Old Town evening

• Arrive in AlUla via the nearest airport (or by road from Riyadh or Jeddah, depending on your route).
• Check into one of the best hotels and resorts in AlUla – choose between a desert resort or a hotel closer to the main activities.
• Relax after the journey, especially if you’re traveling with kids.
• In the evening, head to AlUla Old Town: wander through the alleys, stop for Arabic coffee or dessert, and enjoy dinner at a local spot.

Day 2 – Hegra (Madain Saleh) guided tour

• Book a guided tour to Hegra (recommended to reserve in advance, especially in high season).
• Visit the key sites inside Hegra with commentary from your guide and plenty of photo stops.
• Return to your hotel or resort in the afternoon to rest or enjoy the pool and facilities.
• In the evening, try one of AlUla’s recommended restaurants or return to the Old Town if you liked the vibe.

Day 3 – Elephant Rock + stargazing or event

• Enjoy an easy morning at your property (breakfast, pool time, or a slow coffee with desert views).
• In the late afternoon, visit Elephant Rock in AlUla to walk around the area, grab a drink at one of the cafes and take photos at sunset.
• In the evening, book a stargazing experience in AlUla or attend one of the seasonal AlUla events if available during your trip.

If you’re short on time, you can combine Elephant Rock and the Old Town in the same day, and dedicate the other full day to Hegra.

🏨 Best hotels and resorts in AlUla

Accommodation in AlUla ranges from ultra-luxury desert resorts to comfortable hotels closer to the Old Town. For curated options, check:

• Best hotels and resorts in AlUla – handpicked options for families and couples.

Try to pick a place that balances easy access to the Old Town and convenient pick-up for organized tours.

🎫 Recommended tours in AlUla

Many key experiences in AlUla are best done on a guided tour, especially Hegra and stargazing. It’s a good idea to reserve them before you fly.

• Hegra (Madain Saleh) tour: usually includes transport, a guide and several photo stops.
• Old Town walking tour: helps you understand the history behind the restored buildings and streets.
• Stargazing experience: a night in the desert with telescopes and explanations about the sky above AlUla.

You can browse more options and book directly via the AlUla tours banner near the top of this page.

🗓️ Best time to visit AlUla

• October to April: generally the most pleasant months for outdoor activities and desert nights.
• Weekends and holidays: tend to be busier, with higher demand for hotels and tours.

If possible, aim for mid-week dates to enjoy fewer crowds and a better chance of finding good deals.

🍽️ Food and restaurants in AlUla

AlUla now offers a mix of local eateries, casual cafes and higher-end dining options, especially around the Old Town and inside the main resorts.

• Local restaurants in the Old Town area with a traditional feel.
• Signature restaurants inside some of the top AlUla resorts.
• Cafes and seating areas near Elephant Rock for sunset drinks.

We’ll keep a dedicated list updated in: Best restaurants in AlUla.

✈️ How to get to AlUla

• Domestic flights: usually the easiest and fastest way from major cities like Riyadh or Jeddah.
• By car: possible but distances are long; better for road-trip fans who want to break the journey into stages.

In a 12-day Saudi Arabia itinerary, a common pattern is to fly from Riyadh to AlUla, then later connect AlUla with Jeddah.

💡 Practical tips for visiting AlUla

• Pre-book your Hegra tour and stargazing experience, especially in peak months.
• Wear comfortable walking shoes – some tours involve sand and uneven ground.
• Bring a light jacket: even if days are warm, desert nights can feel surprisingly cool.
• Don’t over-schedule; part of AlUla’s charm is slowing down and enjoying the scenery.

❓ FAQ about AlUla Saudi Arabia

Is AlUla suitable for kids?

Yes, many activities are family-friendly, but it’s smart to choose tours with reasonable duration and keep some rest time at the hotel between outings.

Do I need a car in AlUla?

If you rely mainly on organized tours, you’ll only need short transfers or taxis. Renting a car is helpful if you want maximum freedom or plan to explore beyond the usual tour routes.

Are 2 days enough in AlUla?

Two full days can cover Hegra + Old Town + Elephant Rock with a fairly dense program. If you also want stargazing and slower evenings, 3 nights are more comfortable.

🏁 Conclusion

Adding AlUla to your Saudi Arabia itinerary gives your trip a completely different flavor: from modern Riyadh and the Red Sea vibes of Jeddah and Umluj, to the silence and deep history of Hegra and the AlUla desert.

Decide how many days you can spare, pick a hotel or resort that matches your budget, lock in your key tours (Hegra, Elephant Rock, stargazing), and leave some empty space in the schedule just to sit back and enjoy the view.