There’s no denying Al Ula is utterly gorgeous with lots to see and do, but if you’re an off-the-beaten-path sort of person, it can be tricky to find things that everyone hasn’t already done. Luckily, there are some lesser known hidden gems of Al Ula that won’t be as packed with tourists if you’re looking for some unique experiences.

Here are 5 hidden gems of Al Ula that you won’t find in a tourist guide:

5. The Local Cuisine

Ask for directions on a place to grab food in Al Ula and you’ll often be pointed towards the popular Winter Park. You’ll find this place chock full of cool and trendy food trucks, but Al Ula also has lots of traditional Saudi dining to offer. Local restaurants, not chains, like Al Ula Palace Restaurant and Kitchen or Al Ula Heritage Kitchen serve up delicious traditional foods like kabsa, camel meat and mandis which you won’t find at food trucks or fast food joints. The portion sizes at these places are usually huge and the food is usually pretty affordable! Win-win.

 

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4. The Chillest Cafe

Almahker Cafe and Park is set just next to the historic Old Town and is like having a chill picnic in the middle of an oasis. You’ll be surrounded by palm trees providing shade and relaxing on traditional Saudi style seating (they’ve also got tents set up!) while you have your choice of red tea, karak chai or arabic coffee and dates. The cafe is a great place to relax after a day of sightseeing, where you’ll still have views of Al Ula’s inescapable rock formations all around you. In the evenings they also have local vendors set up shop and you might be able to pick up some cool trinkets and souvenirs.

 

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3. The Bowling Pin

The Elephant Rock or Jabal Al Fil is hands down one of the most popular sites in all of Al Ula, but just a few hundred meters away is an equally spectacular sight. It’s a huge opening in the surrounding thick red rock which has an uncanny resemblance to a huge bowling pin. It’s a bit of a rocky trek to get to the point, so be very careful. But once you get there, the photos are well worth it.

 

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2. A Citrus Farm

Who knew Al Ula is such a great place to grow citrus fruits? Al Ula Fresh is a relatively new, little farm is a wonderful experience where you can take a tour and learn about the many different types of fruits they grow, including oranges, kumquats and lemons. You’ll get a basket and can pick your own fruits throughout the tour to take home with you. You’ll also get a chance to plant your own plants at the farm and then end it all with a chill session at their cute juice bar where you can have fresh juices made from the farm itself right before your eyes. A totally cool experience.

 

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1. The Best Viewpoint

One of the best views and experiences in Al Ula won’t cost you anything at all making it one of the best hidden gems in Al Ula. You’ll have to drive up a super narrow winding cliff to access this spectacular viewpoint. It’s a great place to take photos, but beware as the fencing is minimal so make sure you take your own precautions for safety. Once you’ve made the journey to the top you’ll be looking at the most amazing nearly birds-eye view of all of Al Ula and be taken aback by the sheer enormity of the seemingly endless rock formations. It’s a super serene spot that isn’t super crowded so you’ll have lots of chances for photography. You can get directions from the Al Ula visitor centre at Winter’s Park.

 

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