Understanding the Map of AlUla

The city of AlUla sits in a valley with tall mountains protecting the lush oasis. Because of this, the town itself is very long and skinny, and places like Hegra, Elephant Rock and Harrat Viewpoint are spread out throughout the surrounding desert.

However, there is a beating heart of AlUla – the perfect triad of the historic AlUla Old Town, the newer district of AlJadidah, and the flourishing AlUla Oasis. Pedestrian-friendly and all within walking distance of each other, each has its own distinct flavour.

To get the most out of your visit, it helps to understand where and what things are –
especially in AlUla.

At the Heart of AlUla

AlUla Old Town

While the area of the historic old town is quite sprawling, the designated AlUla Old Town is one main walking road lined with shops, restaurants, cafes and an amphitheatre. A twisting alleyway across from the amphitheatre takes you down to the entrance of the old fort, private parking and a sort-of way to get down to the AlUla Oasis.

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AlJadidah

Connected to AlUla Old Town by a community-painted “urban carpet,” AlJadidah is bursting with hang-out spots. Quirky hanging lamps, the hipster Cinema ElHoush, an art gallery, a retro roller rink, food trucks, and more can be found in this vibrant hub. With most things opening after 4 pm, visit at night for the live music, shisha and great vibes.

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AlUla Oasis

An area still undefined by paved roads, there is much to discover in the AlUla Oasis. A new extension from AlJadidah has opened up the AlUla Oasis, with cute tea cafes and towering palm swings. Explore further along the Heritage Oasis Trail for a close-up of the old mudbrick houses and farms all the way to Dadan.

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Elephant Rock

One of AlUla’s most instagrammable spots, Elephant Rock is an all-natural rock formation that looks like – an elephant. A great hangout spot outside of the city, it’s free to enter and supposedly open 24/7. Sunken seating set around a firepit gives an intimate feel to each alcove. Gorgeous sunsets give way to unspoiled skies for stargazing. Munch on famous SALT sliders, sip some tea, smoke some shisha or just chill – you could easily spend hours here.

What’s SALT? Find out   ➝

AlMashiyah Plaza

A renovated train station from the historic Hijaz Railway, the plaza is a community-minded gathering spot – not quite at the heart of AlUla, but rather more towards the local city of AlUla. A large playground area makes this a very family-friendly place. A few restaurants, a couple of cafes and plenty of seating are great for just hanging out. Soft music plays through speakers in the evening, and there’s live music on the weekends.

What restaurants? Find out   ➝

Harrat Viewpoint

A harrowing one-hour drive up the mountain, traversing bumpy terrain and hairpin turns, is worth the view – just take your Dramamine beforehand if necessary. Overlooking the entirety of AlUla, as the sun drops below the horizon, watch the lights of the city come to life in the valley below. A seasonal restaurant sits atop the viewpoint, serving authentic Greek cuisine. Bring a warm jacket for the chilly wind if you're visiting between November and March.

What restaurant? Find out   ➝

Heritage

Hegra

The UNESCO Worlds Heritage Site of Hegra is an expansive complex of over 110 Nabataean tombs and the southernmost stronghold of this ancient civilization. A sister city to that of Petra, find intricate facades carved into the outcropping of sandstone scattered across the Arabian Desert of AlUla. The most famous site within Hegra is the massive, monolithic Tomb of Lihyan son of Kuza, a stand-alone tomb for one of the greatest rulers of the time. Many events, concerts, and tours take place at Hegra. However, as for now, you cannot visit without a permit and a guide, so don’t expect to drive up to Hegra on your own.

How can I visit Hegra? Find out

Dadan & Jabal Ikmah

Dadan and Jabal Ikmah are often referred to in the same breath, yet they are technically separate locations. Dadan is the site of the famous Lion Tombs of the ancient Dadanite Kingdom, pre-Nabataean era. Jabal Ikmah is the site of AlUla’s “Open Library,” where thousands of years of carved inscriptions can be found in multiple languages about a myriad of historical events, unlocking the hidden history of AlUla. You can drive past Dadan and catch a glimpse of the tombs from afar, but a tour combining both ancient sites is recommended to understand the wide-ranging history of the area.

How can I visit Dadan & Jabal Ikmah? Find out

What is Winter Park?

The launch point of most trips, tours, and events, Winter Park is an AlUla staple. Mainly a parking spot with coffee and food trucks, there’s not much other reason to visit – but it’s almost certain you’ll be at Winter Park at some point.