ABOUT SAUDI ARABIA
Not a full country exploration this time, just two places: Riyadh is steel, concrete, and lights: always demanding your attention. AlUla is cliffs, canyons, and wind-carved rock: silent, unyielding, impossible to ignore. One is planned, controlled, human made. The other is wild, ancient, and raw. City vs. nature. Noise vs. emptiness.
RIYADH
Riyadh is a huge city. The Kingdom Tower absolutely pierces the skyline, looking like the tower of Sauron (once you see it you can’t unsee it). Here you can shop luxury brands, or get a meal and a drink at Joe & the Juice.
Just beyond the city limits, the world changes. Drive an hour or two out, and the Edge of the World appears: sheer cliffs dropping into nothing, a vast desert as far as the sight reaches. It’s a reminder that no matter how high we build, the land will always outlast us. It truly is a unique view. If you don’t have a 4x4 rental, you can organize a trip via Viator or any similar platform.
Then there’s Diriyah, where history stands firm. Ancient mud-brick walls, narrow alleys, and quiet courtyards whisper the stories of a kingdom’s origins. Its like an open museum where you can dive into Saudi Arabia’s history, our favorite activity of our time here.
In one sweep, Riyadh shows you modern power, natural rawness, and the weight of time: a city that never stops, but that also knows its roots. Perfect for a few days before heading to the real gem of Saudi Arabia: AlUla.
The Kingdom Tower
The end of the worldAL-ULA
After a few days in Riyadh, it was time for the real reason we came here: AlUla.This place feels both ancient and unreal. Red sandstone cliffs tower above vast valleys, bizarre rock formations mark the horizon, and everywhere you sense the history of a region that has been a meeting place for humans and nature for thousands of years. It really gives wild west vibes, but with an Arabian twist.
Today, the only way to truly experience AlUla is to get out there: hiking through the wadis, scrambling over rocks, or stopping at hidden archaeological treasures such as the ancient city of Hegra. It’s an adventure that slowly pulls you into a world that almost feels too beautiful to be real.
Visiting AlUla is all about discovery. The city itself is not that special, The cultural center or Old Town serves as the entrance to this wild landscape. Here you can also get a coffee, have a snack or shop some traditional yet luxurious items.
Beyond that, you will see the real AlUla. You’ll climb natural rock formations, and discover ancient inscriptions and Nabatean tombs. The only way to reach some spots is on foot or in a 4x4 along unpaved tracks, making every view and stop even more impressive.
Iconic highlights:
Hegra (Madain Salih): an ancient Nabatean city, second in size only to Petra, with rock-cut tombs and detailed façades over 2,000 years old.
Elephant Rock: a massive, perfectly shaped rock formation that looks like an elephant, especially spectacular at sunset.
Jabal Ikmah: an open-air library filled with rock inscriptions and mysterious ancient texts.
Rainbow Arch: A spectacular O shaped arch, a little further away from Old Town.
Maraya: An enormous glass cube in the middle of the desert, truly unique, where events are being held.
Maraya, Rainbow Arch, Old Town
Why is this such a special experience?
AlUla is not just a tourist stop. Here’s why it’s an unforgettable adventure:
Walking through history: every rock, inscription, and tomb breathes centuries of stories.
Contrast between luxury and nature: modern human inventions (such as Maraya) versus surrounding desert and cliffs.
A paradise for photography and adventure: from cliffs to canyons to expansive valleys, every corner is a shot you won’t forget. Even driving around here is an experience in itself.
Relatively undiscovered: AlUla is growing fast, but many spots still feel pure and untouched.
Elephant Rock
Hegra
Where to stay, eat and drink
We stayed at the Red Mountain Farms, which is on the other side of where Old Town is. This was a budget choice, although the accommodation itself doesn’t feel budget at all! There are other options such as Banyan Tree or Our Habitas. They are amazing places, but very expensive.
There are a lot of good food and drink (no alcohol, this time we mean coffee ;) options, we will highlight some of them here:
SALT, for good food and juices. Can be found in Old Town or at Elephant Rock.
Shalal Cafe, for which you have to pass through a very small gap of a canyon. A very unique place.
Shawarma Habatayn: located in Old Town. Best shoarma we ever had.
Out of Line: Just good coffee.
Freshhouse: Healthy food.
Joontos restaurant: part of the Dar Tantoora house hotel, which is more your high end option.
Hi, we are Bren and Tess! We travel to the most beautiful places in the world, and with our video's, we hope you feel inspired to do the same.
