AlUla Old Town Tour
Get a glimpse into AlUla’s not-so-distant past on the AlUla Old Town Tour. A Rawi (guide) will lead you through AlUla Old Town, where pilgrims, travellers and permanent settlers congregated through the ages. Inhabited from before the 12th century up until the early 1980s, AlUla Old Town offers researchers unique oral histories and living memory that the area’s other heritage sites cannot.
With 900 houses, 500 shops and 5 town squares, you can explore a maze of remnants of original stone and mudbrick buildings and enjoy views of an AlUla Castle dating back to the 10th century. Guest will learn about Old Town’s settlers and pilgrims, as well as their motives and methods in the city’s construction.
Find more tour and transportation details below.
Summer Tour Schedule
June 6 - SEPTEMBER 5
- Sunday - Saturday, 3 tours will be available for booking each day.
Tour Times:
- 9:00 AM
- 4:00 PM
- 5:30 PM
Tour details
- Please allow up to 90 minutes for the AlUla Old Town Tour.
- Tours run daily from 9:00 AM - 6:30 pm.
Tip: Visitors can download the Experience AlUla app for an immersive 360 location-specific digital guide.
Helpful tips
- Arrive at the Winter Park - if driving, park your car free of charge at the designated area near the entrance. Our staff will guide you to the meeting point to join the shuttle bus to AlUla Old Town.
- Please arrive 30 minutes prior to your tour start time to allow time for transportation.
- Book your tickets in advance and have your e-ticket ready when you arrive to check-in.
- Take nothing but pictures, leave nothing but footprints.
- AlUla Old Town Tour is a walking tour, so we recommend that you wear comfortable footwear.
- AlUla Old Town is an open site and exposed to the elements. We encourage you to take responsibility for your health and safety and stay hydrated.
Recommended attire
- Both men and women are encouraged to dress modestly in public and avoid tight-fitting clothing.
- Women should cover their shoulders and knees in public, but do not need to wear traditional clothing.
Refunds & Rebooking
- We will gladly refund the ticket price of cancelled experiences up to 3 days before the scheduled tour. Unfortunately, we are unable to refund credit card fees.
- Experiences cancelled within 1–3 days before your tour may be rebooked if timeslots are available but are not eligible for a refund.
- We are unable to refund or rebook experiences cancelled on the day of the scheduled tour.
ALULA OLD TOWN IS WHERE PILGRIMS, TRAVELLERS, AND PERMANENT SETTLERS CONGREGATED THROUGHOUT THE AGES.
GETTING TO ALULA OLD TOWN
Your journey starts at the Winter Park where you board the air-conditioned coach to transfer you to AlUla Old Town.
Arrive at Winter Park 30 minutes before your tour start time to allow time for transportation. Parking is available at Winter Park free of charge at the designated area near the entrance.
Stop by the visitor centre and pick up your guide and map. Enjoy a variety of food and snacks at the food trucks available at Winter Park.
HOW WILL YOU GET AROUND ALULA OLD TOWN?
Once your bus from Winter Park arrives at AlUla Old Town, you will be guided to the Welcome Centre, where you will be greeted by a Rawi and offered complimentary Arabic coffee, local dates, and water.
At one of the town’s mosques, your Rawi will highlight the interesting elements of the architecture and design, before leading you up to the roof for a photo of the mudbrick village and the surrounding oasis, framed by the majestic rocky outcrops.
Climbing up the steps to the AlUla Castle you will have an opportunity to hear all about the significance of this citadel, which was built in the 10th century. It is one of the best places for panoramic views of AlUla, so here you will have the chance to enjoy the view, take some photos, and discover the history of the iconic building.
As your tour comes to an end, you can take the coach back to Winter Park, or make your way to the west side of the AlUla Old Town to check out the Handicraft Pavillion.
The new handicraft pavilion at AlUla Old Town will provide an insight into the crafts and arts practised by the residents of the town over generations. Focusing on the palm frond weaving, demonstrations by local artisans and examples of the products they made will provide visitors with an interactive and interesting add-on to their tour.
"Path of Poets"
Get a glimpse of the live immersion show - that took place in AlUla Old Town.
While in AlUla Old Town enjoy coffee, cakes, sandwiches or fresh dates at one of the many cafes. If you are looking for a more formal setting, dine at Suhail and enjoy dishes inspired by old Arabian Peninsula spices and time-honoured traditions.
