courtyard of white buildings and polished woodwork

Abdul Raouf Khalil Museum

A city within a city, the Abdul Raouf Khalil Museum is a must, showcasing some of Jeddah's most spectacular architecture.

sand colored fort with a palm tree in front of it

Al Masmak

The Masmak Fort is a clay and mud brick fort in Riyadh’s Old Quarter that has become a museum on Saudi's unification.

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Al-Balad and Nassif House

Al-Balad is Jeddah’s famously preserved Old Town, which dates back to the 7th century and is now a designated World Heritage site beloved for its winding, cobbled streets and striking carved-wood tower homes. Here, you can also explore the Nassif House—which served as the residence for King Abdulaziz, the founder of the nation of Saudi Arabia, for three years—as well as the souk.

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AlUla Old Town

AlUla’s charming Old Town is the region's former medieval citadel (dating back to the 10th century) that currently being restored, with part remaining preserved in a wonderful display of traditional architecture, and part transforming into a modern pedestrian thoroughfare, with boutiques, galleries, trendy international restaurants and cafés that stay open late into the night, attracting local families and couples.

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At-Turaif District in Diriyah

Diriyah is the birthplace of the first Saudi State and the original seat of power for the kingdom’s Al Saud family. Here, you can get an inside look at the massive restoration project of the ancient city that is underway at the site (which was designated by UNESCO in 2010) and learn what grand plans lie in store for its future through the Development Authority of Diriyah, which is tasked with showcasing Saudi’s national heritage for the next generation.

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Dadan and Jabal Ikmah

The extraordinary archaeological site of Dadan was the ancient kingdom of the Lihyanite and Dadanite civilizations. Built near an oasis and important trade routes, Dadan was one of the most developed 1st millennium BCE cities in northern Arabia. The site is still being excavated— and you will be able to get a first look at its tombs, village and open-air library—featuring a series of ancient writings and messages carved into rocks (known as Jabal Ikmah). Don't leave without snapping a photo of the famous carved-rock lions flanking one of the tombs.

Like at Hegra, you will be able to tour the full site by vintage Land Rover in the company of one of the on-site Rawis, or "storyteller," guides. (The Rawi program is sponsored by the Royal Commission of AlUla as part of the Vision 2030 tourism development strategy, and it encourages young locals—especially women—to gain education and employment through sharing Saudi heritage and history with visitors.)

a metallic fortune cookie shaped sculpture in the desert

Desert X

Desert X is a free, international, open-air contemporary art exhibition which opens for a limited time and is a must if open.

dining room with a red and blue pattered wall and a patterned rug on the floor

Dinner in a Local Home

Enjoy an authentic dinner at a local home, where you can learn about Arabian hospitality and tradition while dining on Saudi delicacies.

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Elephant Rock (Jabal Alfil)

Elephant Rock is one of AlUla’s most famous sites—a natural rock formation in the middle of the desert that bears a staggering resemblance to the shape of an elephant. Enjoy a taste of local culture at the stylish desert lounge that has been built around the monument, with private booths built into the sand, cabanas, coffee and hookah stands and over-sand walkways for exploration. It is wonderful to come here for tea at sunset, to take in the view both in the daylight and after dark, when the monument is magically lit-up.

telescope pointed at a pink rocky landscape

Harrat Viewpoint

​​A drive through the black lava stone terrain of Harrat Uwayrid ends at the most spectacular viewpoint in AlUla.

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Hegra

Also known as Mada’in Salih or Al-Hijr, Hegra is AlUla’s star monument and Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site. This ancient Nabataean city is a sister to Petra—but feels even more “lost.” It contains 110 elaborately stone-hewn carved classical tombs, and you will be able to tour the full site by vintage Land Rover in the company of one of the on-site Rawis, or "storyteller," guides. (The Rawi program is sponsored by the Royal Commission of AlUla as part of the Vision 2030 tourism development strategy, and it encourages young locals—especially women—to gain education and employment through sharing Saudi heritage and history with visitors.)

blue helicopter on a landing pad with a desert behind them

Helicopter Tour

On this 30-minute tour, the helicopter flies over Hegra, Dadan, the Old Town, Maraya, Elephant Rock and more.

jeddah corniche

Jeddah Corniche

Jeddah's nearly 20-mile waterfront promenade winds along the Red Sea and is the location for several luxury hotels, in addition to being a popular spot for locals and travelers alike for scenic strolls and picnics. The area was developed in the late 2010s to offer a resort-like space, with restaurants and retail areas just off the promenade, and swimmable beaches, man-made islands and small parks along the sea. There is also an open-air gallery with contemporary art installations and statues by such artists as Henry Moore, Joan Miró and Victor Vasarely—as well as sites of cultural interest, like King Fahd's Fountain, the highest fountain in the world, and the Al-Rahmah Mosque. The Corniche is also home to the Jeddah Corniche Circuit, the site of the 2021 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.

woman in an abaya crafting at a wooden table

Madrasat Addeera

Madrasat Addeera is an arts and traditional crafts hub where local Saudi artisans are schooled in heritage and craft.

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Maraya

A short drive from Habitas AlUla and the AlUla Old Town, the mirrored mirage Maraya is a new venue in AlUla designed for concerts and other art and culture events (plus, it’s the largest mirrored building in the world). On the rooftop, visitors will also find Maraya Social—a brand-new restaurant from the three-Michelin-starred chef and restaurateur Jason Atherton, offering spectacular views and even better cuisine.

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National Museum of Saudi Arabia

The Kingdom’s largest museum, the National Museum covers Arabian prehistory, history, culture and art, including Neolithic rock art.

two bowls with beige and orange meals

Princess Noura Farm

Indagare can arrange special visits to Princess Noura Farm in AlUla for a tour of the animals and produce and an authentic dinner.

aquamarine water with a small boat on it

Red Sea Boat Excursion

Spend a half or full day out at sea on a luxury boat cruise in the Red Sea with swimming and snorkeling opportunities.

4x4 in a golden sand desert

Sharaan Nature Reserve

When you picture the red sand deserts of the Middle East, you might as well be picturing the Sharaan Nature Reserve.

white bridge with purple lights and stars above

Sky Bridge

Sky Bridge is located at the top of the city’s fourth tallest building, the Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh at Kingdom Center.

street lit up with purple lights

The Boulevard Riyadh City

Saudi Arabia’s Time Square, this open-air mall is a recreational and commercial complex filled with stores, restaurants and more.

woman in a white abaya at a white table designing crafts

The Mudhouse, Turquoise Mountain Foundation

Indagare can arrange a visit to the Mudhouse, the home of the Turquoise Mountain Foundation in Saudi Arabia.

black and white checkered street at dusk

U-Walk

The U-Walk, also known as University Avenue is home to many clothing stores, coffee shops and restaurants.

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