AlUla Old Town: Walk Through a Thousand Years of Life

Tucked into the folds of AlUla’s desert valley lies AlUla Old Town, a maze of mudbrick alleyways, hidden courtyards, and ancient watchtowers. Unlike the monumental tombs of Hegra or the inscriptions of Jabal Ikmah, this is where people lived, prayed, bartered, and welcomed travelers on their way to Mecca. Today, walking through Old Town is to trace a thousand-year story of resilience, hospitality, and enduring design. Restored with respect to tradition, the narrow lanes are flanked by two- and three-story homes made of sunbaked clay, their shaded interiors kept cool by the clever architecture of a time long before air conditioning. With a heritage guide, uncover the stories of prominent merchant families, the caravanserais that hosted passing traders, and mosques whose minarets still mark the rhythm of daily life. Pause to admire Bab AlHamra, the town’s famous gate, or climb to one of the preserved watchtowers for a panoramic view of palm groves stretching out into the valley. Many homes now serve as galleries, boutiques, or artisan spaces showcasing traditional crafts—from pottery and weaving to copperware and perfumes inspired by the spice routes. In the evening, Old Town becomes particularly atmospheric. As lanterns light the lanes and oud music drifts from cafés, the town hums with quiet elegance. Dine in a rooftop courtyard beneath the stars, or enjoy a curated food walk, sampling heritage dishes reimagined for today’s palate. AlUla Old Town is not a relic—it is a revival. It invites you not only to observe but to step into the living rhythm of a place shaped by devotion, trade, and time.