Places to see in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
)
Jeddah, a lively coastal city along the Red Sea in Saudi Arabia, serves as living proof to the intersection of tradition and modernity. Jeddah has long been a gateway to the Arabian Peninsula as well as a captivating city in its own right, offering something for everyone. The city is home to bustling souqs, contemporary shopping districts, pristine beaches and a remarkable nightlife.
Travellers must check out the enchanting architecture at Al-Balad district, where historic buildings adorned with intricate wooden latticework transport you to a bygone era. Surf through coral reefs, explore underwater wonders or simply unwind in the coastal breeze at beautiful beaches, overlooking the calm waters of the Red Sea.
Start exploring….
- Top attractions
- Off-beat places
- Cultural hotspots
- Local flavours
- Desi Comfort
- Shopping
- Malls
- Travel tips
- Travel guidelines
Discover Jeddah: Icons, Marvels, and Wonders
)
Take a leisurely stroll along the Jeddah Corniche
A waterfront promenade
The best place to immerse yourself in the Arabian grandeur of yore is the Jeddah Corniche, a 2.6-mile stretch of recreational parks and picturesque waterfront promenades. Beyond the breathtaking coastal scenery and family-friendly fun, the Corniche is also your go-to spot to get acquainted with the city. Another activity that elevates the waterfront is the Jeddah Sculpture Museum.
And for the little adventurers, Atallah Happy Land Park g;uarantees plenty of thrills and spills. At Jeddah Corniche – every step is indeed a discovery!
From city centre: 13 km
Timings: 24 hours
Time-taken: 1-2 hours
)
Explore the historic Al-Balad District
A prominent heritage site in the city
Step back in time and wander through the narrow streets of Al-Balad, where traditional Saudi Arabian architecture and winding streets tell tales of the city's rich past, as far back as the 7th century AD! Marvel at the intricately designed coral houses adorned with wooden latticework, showcasing the heart of Jeddah's cultural heritage. You must also explore traditional souks, where the aroma of spices and the vibrant colours of fabrics create a true-to-form sensory feast!
From city centre: 0 km
Timings: 24 hours
Time-taken: 2 hours
)
Behold the holy gates of Bab Makkah
Bab Makkah, a majestic three-arched gateway, is a fortress of faith that holds immense cultural and religious significance for both locals and visitors – as it serves as the principal entrance to Mecca, Islam’s most sacred pilgrimage site, located just 40 miles east to the city.
The fortification around Bab Makkah stands tall, whispering stories of devotion through the winds of time. Furthermore, gateway is a lively hub where pilgrims from around the globe converge. If you are ready for a journey through the ages, look no further than the ancient arches of Bab Makkah!
From city centre: 11 km
Timings: 08:30 am to 10:30 pm (Monday), 04:00 pm to 10:30 pm (Friday)
Time-taken: 1-2 hours
)
King Fahd’s Fountain – An aquatic marvel
A prominent fountain
When visiting Jeddah, don’t miss the chance to witness this aquatic marvel up close, as it will sprinkle just that right bit of magic into your travels!
This majestic fountain, donated to the city by King Fahd, the longest-reigning Saudi King, is a colossal testament to royal generosity as well as the heights of engineering. Standing proud on the Red Sea shoreline, King Fahd’s Fountain is visible from every corner of the city, and currently holds the Guinness World Record as the tallest fountain of its kind globally, reaching up to an astounding 853 feet.
From city centre: 7 km
Timings: Monday to Friday - 09:00 am to 05:00 pm
Time-taken: 1 hour
)
Witness the ‘floating’ Al Rahmah Mosque
Iconic Mosque situated on the sea
During high tide, the beautiful Al Rahmah Mosque offers a majestic phenomenon where it almost seems to be floating above the Red Sea. Built in 1985 on a water surface, the mosque’s bright white ethereal appearance is a testament to human ingenuity and visitors to its unique allure. The traditional Islamic architecture is also amplified by a state-of-the-art light-and-sound system, that elevates the experience to new heights. For an optimal experience, set your alarm for sunrise or plan an evening visit to witness magic as the sun bids adieu.
From city centre: 21 km
Timings: 24 hours
Time-taken: 2 hours
Embark on a Journey Beyond the Ordinary
)
Explore the unique King Abdullah Economic City (KAEC)
A planned city
Escape the ordinary and venture into this coastal utopia. The KAEC offers its visitors sandy beaches, water activities, private resorts, hotels, and the perfect picnic spots. For an elevated costal experience visitors can tour around this modern-day beach town.
From city centre: 122 km
)
Star gaze in the Moon Valley
Camping site away from the city
Calling all nature lovers, thrill seekers, and photography enthusiasts!
Known for its unique rock formations and stunning landscape, Moon Valley is more than just an ideal spot for camping – it’s an adventure waiting to unfold. The valley is known to providing numerous adventure and leisure activities. One can indulge in stargazing at night, hiking, photography and riding quad bikes in rough terrain. At Moon Valley, you can unlock the secrets of the universe in a landscape that seems right out of Carl Sagan’s visuals of the cosmos!
From city centre: 120 km
Witness the grand The Globe Roundabout
A tourist attraction
Located at the intersection of King Abdul Aziz Road and Assalam Street is another one of the top Tourist Places in Jeddah, called The Globe Roundabout. Featuring a large circular shape and dimensions, it portrays Makkah as the light and center of the Islamic world. Surrounded by the flags of Saudi Arabia, this giant metal globe sits right in the middle of the intersection. Designed by Spanish architect Julio Lafente, the black and silver globe gets lit up with blue and green coloured lights every night, offering a view that is nothing short of extraordinary. In addition to taking a relaxing stroll along the globe, you can also try to find your home country on the map of the world that is unravelled here once the metal globe is lit up.
From city centre: 18 km
)
Visit Historic Jeddah, the Gate to Makkah
A UNESCO World Heritage Site
Also known as Al Balad, this is the old city centre of Jeddah. The town holds a significant place in the country's history and culture and attracts many tourists because of its architecture representing the Saudi charm. You can witness this heritage site with traditional structures like coral houses with wooden balconies, distinctive design and more. For a closer glimpse into Jeddah’s traditional architecture and lifestyle, visitors are recommended to visit one of the 10 ancient houses, - the most prominent being the Nassif House.
)
Enjoy food on Al-Nass Street
A haven of local delicacies
The flavours of Jeddah’s signature dishes tell a tale of its culture. The most famous food street in the city, where you can find a variety of restaurants serving traditional Saudi dishes. This bustling street is a must-visit for those seeking an authentic and traditional gastronomic experience. From aromatic biryanis to savoury kebabs, Al-Nass Street offers a wide array of dishes prepared with local spices and flavours.
Arabian culinary extravaganza
)
Mujadara
A signature middle eastern dish
A traditional Saudi dish made with aromatic rice, tender lentils, and crispy fried fish, creating a flavourful and hearty base. Often served with a side of yogurt or tahini sauce, the accompaniments add a creamy and tangy element to balance the earthy flavour of its ingredients.
Popular places to try:
- Labeeb, Hira Al-Marwah
- Saraya Latif, Palestine Street
- Al-Wazzan Restaurant, Prince Mohammed Bin Abdulaziz Street
)
Fatayer
A traditional baked snack
A type of pastry that comes in various shapes, typically filled with either cream cheese or a well-seasoned meat mixture. The pastry is flaky and buttery, providing a perfect vessel for its rich fillings.
Popular place to try: Al Nakheel, Al Kurnaysh Br Road
)
Maqluba
A local meat dish served with rice
A traditional Saudi dish that brings together meat, usually lamb or beef, with a blend of aromatic spices and rice. The result is a flavourful and hearty one-pot meal where the spices infuse the rice with rich, savoury notes, while the meat is tender and succulent. The layers of meat and rice are carefully arranged and then flipped upside down before serving, creating a visually stunning presentation.
Popular place to try: Tofareya, Prince Sultan Road, Al Zahra
)
Mansaf
A traditional lentil dish
A dish made with lentils, rice, and meat (typically lamb or beef). Mansaf is often seasoned with a mix of aromatic spices, creating a dish that is both comforting and full of depth. This traditional dish is a celebration of the rich culinary heritage of Saudi cuisine.
Popular place to try: Tofareya, Al Zahr
)
Chennai Darbar Restaurant, As Sahafa Street
)
Zaikaki Indian Restaurant, King Abdul Aziz Road
)
Rasoi by Vineet, Hail Street, Al Andalus
Tokens and souvenirs, for your memories
)
Explore the traditional Al-Balad Souq (Historic Jeddah Market)
As part of the historic district, Al-Balad Souq is characterised by its narrow lanes and traditional architecture. Here, you can find a variety of shops selling spices, textiles, perfumes, and local crafts. The souq is a great place to explore the unique atmosphere of old Jeddah.
)
Discover Saudi goods at Souq Al-Alawi
This is one of the oldest and most famous souqs in Jeddah. It is known for its bustling atmosphere and diverse range of goods, including traditional Saudi clothing, accessories, and household items.
)
Explore textiles at Souq Al-Jamiaa
Situated in the Al-Jamiaa district, this souq is known for its traditional Arabian goods, including textiles, carpets, and clothing. It provides a glimpse into the local shopping culture.
)
Visit the Souq Al-Dahab (Gold Souq)
Jeddah's Gold Souq is renowned for its extensive selection of gold and jewellery. Visitors can explore numerous shops offering a variety of designs and styles.
)
Learn about heritage at Souq Al-Nada
This market is known for its diverse range of goods, including clothing, accessories, and household items. It's a popular destination for both locals and tourists seeking traditional Saudi products.
Shop the unusual at Souq Al-Samak (Fish Market)
Located near the Corniche, the fish market is a must-visit for seafood enthusiasts. It offers a wide selection of fresh seafood, and you can often witness the hustle and bustle of fishermen and vendors.
)
Mall of Arabia
Brace yourself for a unique shopping experience at the colossal Mall of Arabia, a one-stop destination for all your retail desires, where possibilities are as vast as the desert sky. You will find a wide range of international brands, as well as fancy restaurants, entertainment options, and other fun activities, such as a bowling alley, cinema, and even a skating rink. This mall is .
)
Cenomi Haifa Mall
Nestled in the heart of Al-Ruwais, Cenomi Haifa Mall has an eclectic mix of stores. Here, you can explore the latest in fashion, electronics, and home goods, all in one convenient location.
)
Aziz Mall
Continue your shopping frenzy at Aziz Mall, which is simply a crowd-pleaser as far as tourists are concerned, offering a delightful array of products spanning clothing, electronics, and home essentials.
Boulevard بولفار
Indulge your senses in the lap of luxury at this upscale shopping centre that simply defines what sophistication is. From high-end brands to exclusive finds, this is where you treat yourself to the finer things in life.
Essential tips for first-time travellers to Saudi Arabia.
1. Attire: Loose-fitting clothes that cover your elbows and go below the ankle are recommended for all travellers.
2. Currency and Customs: Familiarise yourself with Saudi Riyal; declare amounts over SAR 60,000 on arrival.
3. Alcohol: It's illegal to buy, sell, import, carry and consume alcohol in Saudi Arabia.
4. Language: The official language is Arabic with three variants. English is commonly spoken in parts of the city.
5. Cultural Etiquette: Respect local customs, such as greetings and refrain from public displays of affection.
6. Weather and Best Time to Travel: Saudi Arabia has a diverse terrain making for extremely hot summers. Travellers are recommended to visit during the months November-March.
7. Holidays and Shop Closures: Saudi Arabia celebrates four public holidays each year - Founding Day, National Day, Eid Al Fitr and Eid Al Adha.
8. Friday Timings: Businesses close during Friday prayers (around 10 am - 12 pm), with some shops reopening in the afternoon. Several shops may remain closed on Fridays while malls open in the afternoon on Fridays.
9. Smoking: Smoking is prohibited in public spaces or any tourist-related places in Saudi Arabia.
10. Tipping: It is considered polite in Saudi Arabia. While service charges are often included, tipping is appreciated; you may want to carry cash for this.
11. Traffic: Saudi Arabia drives on the right-hand side of the road.
12. Time Zone: Saudi Arabia operates on GMT +3
For customers traveling from India to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
- Indians require a visa to enter Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. You can submit your visa application on the official visa website -https://visa.visitsaudi.com/Registration/Verify
For details on the Passenger Rights Protection Regulations issued by the General Authority of Civil Aviation, Saudi Arabia (as amended from time to time), please click here.
This information is shared by Akasa Air as a helpful service. While we make efforts to update it regularly, we strongly advise you to check back regularly as travel conditions may change quickly. Additionally, we recommend independently verifying travel and entry requirements before your trip.
&w=3840&q=75)
&w=256&q=75)
