Best Things To Do in AlUla Old Town

Are you wondering what is the Old Town of AlUla? You’re in the right place because I just returned from an exciting trip to AlUla and learned all about the Old Town.

I am sure you have heard about the Nabataean tombs of Hegra and the prehistoric rock art of Jabal Ikmah. But the Old Town of AlUla! Not so much, I believe.

AlUla’s Old Town was a big surprise for me, too. Unlike the other ancient areas of AlUla, the Old Town is relatively new, dating back to the 12th century when it was a bustling trading center on the incense and pilgrimage routes. It is dotted with old, mudbrick houses crisscrossed by narrow alleys.

Honestly, the Old Town is a treasure trove of history, culture, and unique experiences waiting to be discovered. Here’s your ultimate guide to the best things to do in AlUla Old Town to make your visit unforgettable!

Also Read: 10 Best Things to Do in AlUla, Saudi Arabia

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AlUla Old Town Village – A Brief History

• No one knows when the Old Town of AlUla was first settled in. However, it was a thriving trading town by the 12th century and was occupied until the 1980s.

• There are over 900 abandoned mudbrick houses, over 500 shops, mosques, and 5 public squares in the AlUla Old Town today. It is also home to an old fortress and an ancient sundial called the Tantora.

• Houses in the old town were very close to each other, often sharing walls. If you look at aerial pictures of the Old Town, you will see rooms arranged like building blocks next to each other.

• Narrow, labyrinthine alleys crisscross the Old Town. These are like the Sikka alleyways of Old Dubai that were made so to keep the sun out in harsh desert climes.

• Old AlUla was an Islamic city and was an important stop for Mecca pilgrims from Egypt, Iraq, and Syria. It is also referred to as Dira or Deira.

• Today, a good part of the AlUla Old Town is a thriving art and design district filled with quintessential art galleries, cafes, restaurants, and handicraft stores.

Top Things to Do in the Old Town of AlUla, Saudi Arabia

Take an Old Town Tour of AlUla

Begin your adventure with a guided tour of AlUla Old Town with a knowledgeable local guide called the Rawi.

Stroll through its narrow alleyways, surrounded by ancient mudbrick houses that tell a hundred stories of the past. Your knowledgeable guide will take you through the village’s history, highlighting key landmarks, fascinating cultural insights, and tales of the people who called this place home.

★ Pro Tip: The guided tour runs at two times—8:30 am and 4:30 pm. I usually prefer the late afternoon tour to enjoy cooler temperatures, see the town when there is still light, watch a golden sunset, and then see the place come alive with twinkling lights in all the shops and restaurants.

Climb the Old Town Fort

For stunning views of AlUla Old Town and beyond, visit the historic Old Town Fort.

Dating to the 10th century, this fort once served as a critical lookout point, protecting the trade routes in the region. It is also called the Fort of Mousa Bin Nusair, an Arab military general who conquered Spain and Morocco. Stories tell us that Nusair spent some time in the old fort during one of his military campaigns.

Today, the old fort offers panoramic views of the ancient village and surrounding desert landscapes.

Shop at Boutique Stores

At the AlUla Old Town, immerse yourself in the local culture by exploring the charming boutique shops that sell everything from handcrafted palm frond souvenirs to artisanally designed carpets and jewelry.

The Old Town is the best place to shop for souvenirs in AlUla. Look for rugs, scarves, and jewelry featuring AlUla motifs, especially ancient rock art motifs from Jabal Ikmah.

★ Pro Tip: Find out what to buy in our AlUla Souvenirs Guide.

Stay in a Restored Mudbrick Hotel

Turn your AlUla visit into an immersive experience by staying in a beautifully restored mudbrick hotel.

Dar Tantora is the hotel you should check out if you love quaint accommodations that blend ancient architecture with modern comfort, giving you a rare opportunity to sleep in the heart of history.

Royal Commission of AlUla (RCU) has an ambitious plan of having 5000 keys by 2030. So, more options, like the Dar Tantora, are coming up soon.

If you want to stay closer to nature, out in the desert, opt for Habitas or Banyan Tree in the middle of Ashar Valley. If you’re looking for something more budget-friendly, try Cloud 7.

Attend an Al-Ula Festival

AlUla Old Town comes alive during its seasonal festivals, such as the Winter at Tantora Festival, Ancient Kingdoms Festival, and AlUla Arts Festival.

These events celebrate the region’s rich history and vibrant culture with live performances, art exhibitions, and culinary delights.

Winter at Tantora, named after the sundial, is one of AlUla’s oldest festivals that happens from late December to early Jan. Spread over 3 weeks, it is the perfect time to experience AlUla’s history, culture, cuisine, art, and music.

The Ancient Kingdoms Festival usually happens in November and offers you a chance to explore the history of AlUla, its connections with other ancient civilizations, and its essential role in the Incense Road trade.

The AlUla Arts Festival happens in the AlJadidah Arts District in the old town and includes lots of contemporary art exhibitions and performances.

Try the Local Cuisine of AlUla

You’ll love eating out in the Old Town if you’re a foodie.

The market street is lined with quaint restaurants and atmospheric cafes that serve everything from traditional Saudi food to delicious fusion dishes. Some of the best places to eat are AlUla Palace Restaurant & Kitchen, Osturi, and AlUla Heritage Restaurants & Kitchens.

Be sure to try Madfoon, a traditional dish of meat and rice where the meat is cooked underground, when visiting AlUla. The best madfoon I had in AlUla was at the restaurant at the Habitas Hotel, which is a little further away from the Old Town.