Old Town AlUla 2025 — A Relaxed Evening of Walking, Dining & Shopping

ℹ️ What is Old Town AlUla?

Old Town AlUla is a historic area that has been restored and developed into a pedestrian-friendly strip with old mud-brick façades, small shops, restaurants, cafés, and comfortable outdoor seating, all wrapped in warm lighting and a relaxed, slightly artsy atmosphere.

• It’s the main place where you’ll find evening life in AlUla.
• Perfect for a slow walk, photography, and trying local or international restaurants.
• An ideal way to end your day after a morning or afternoon at Hegra (Madain Salih) or Elephant Rock.

✨ What the evening vibe feels like in Old Town AlUla

The main reason people fall in love with Old Town AlUla is the evening vibe:

• Warm lighting on restored buildings and alleyways, giving a cozy historic feel.
• Outdoor seating at cafés and restaurants, some along the main pedestrian street.
• Soft background music in some places (depending on the season), usually not too loud.
• A steady flow of visitors and families that makes the area feel safe and lively without being overwhelming.

Think of Old Town AlUla as the main evening “hub” of AlUla instead of just a small alley you pass through quickly.

📍 Main areas in Old Town AlUla (walking, restaurants, shopping)

To plan your visit, it helps to break Old Town AlUla into three main experiences:

1) The main pedestrian street

• A walkable street of comfortable length, lined with small shopfronts on both sides.
• Great for a slow stroll, looking at the old-style façades, and taking photos.
• A natural “start and end point” for most visits to Old Town AlUla.

2) Restaurants and cafés

• A mix of restaurants and cafés, with indoor and outdoor seating.
• Later on you can create a dedicated article like Old Town AlUla restaurants where you list specific names, ratings, and prices.
• Works well for both couples and families, with options ranging from snacks to a full dinner.

3) Souvenir and local product shops

• Small shops selling souvenirs, handicrafts, and local products.
• A nice chance to pick up a light gift that will always remind you of AlUla.
• You can later build a detailed post like Shopping in Old Town AlUla if you want to highlight specific shops and items.

🧩 How to combine Old Town AlUla with Elephant Rock & Hegra

The smartest way to use your time in AlUla is to see Old Town AlUla as part of a “bundle” that includes Elephant Rock and Hegra, instead of three isolated visits.

• A common scenario: Morning at Hegra → break at the hotel → sunset at Elephant Rock → evening walk and dinner in Old Town AlUla.
• If you have 2–3 nights in AlUla, you can dedicate one evening fully to Old Town and another to Elephant Rock, with your daytime activities arranged around them.
• Some organized tours include Hegra plus other stops in a single day, so it’s nice to keep Old Town for the evening when you have more energy for walking, eating, and shopping.

Try not to squeeze everything into one day; part of AlUla’s charm is the slow pace and enjoying the evening calmly.

🌙 Sample evening in Old Town AlUla

Here’s a simple example you can adapt to your hotel location and full Saudi Arabia itinerary:

Late afternoon — rest & recharge

• Return to your hotel after a daytime activity (Hegra or another AlUla experience).
• Short rest, charge your phones, and change into something comfortable for the evening.

Before sunset — arrive in Old Town

• Arrive at Old Town AlUla shortly before sunset.
• Take a relaxed walk along the main pedestrian street to get your bearings and spot a couple of restaurants you might like for dinner.
• Take a few photos while the light is still soft and the street is not too busy.

Evening — dinner & a final stroll

• Choose a restaurant or café with an outdoor or indoor seating area you like (depending on weather and your family’s comfort).
• After dinner, do a short second walk to visit a few souvenir shops and pick up light gifts.
• Head back to the hotel without rushing, especially if you have an early activity the next day.

💡 Tips before visiting Old Town AlUla

• Best time: from just after sunset until late evening, especially in cooler or shoulder seasons.
• Wear comfortable shoes; the distance isn’t huge, but the atmosphere usually encourages you to walk more than expected.
• If you’re with kids, pick a restaurant with a comfortable seating area and a bit of space to move nearby.
• In peak seasons, popular restaurants can get busy — book ahead if possible, or arrive a little earlier than typical dinner time.
• Try to give Old Town a dedicated evening instead of treating it as a quick stop after an extremely heavy day.

❓ FAQ about Old Town AlUla

How much time do I need for Old Town AlUla?

In most cases, 2–3 hours is enough for a relaxed visit: a full walk along the main pedestrian street, dinner or coffee at one place, and a bit of souvenir shopping. You can of course stay longer if you enjoy the atmosphere.

Is Old Town AlUla suitable for children?

Yes, Old Town AlUla is family-friendly, with a pedestrian-focused layout and a calm feel. You should still keep an eye on kids during busy times, but overall it’s comfortable for families.

Do I need a car to get to Old Town AlUla?

Practically speaking, yes. It’s best to have a car or driver in AlUla, because the distances between hotels, Hegra, Elephant Rock, and Old Town are not really walkable. Once you’re in Old Town, the area itself is made for walking.