Jeddah is one of the most prominent tourist destinations in Saudi Arabia. It combines rich heritage with vibrant modernity, offering a complete travel experience that caters to everyone’s tastes. Whether you’re a history buff, seeking a luxury shopping experience, or simply want to relax on the Red Sea, city sightseeing Jeddah offers everything you need and more. It’s a unique experience that takes you on a journey through time, from ancient alleys to modern skyscrapers, from traditional markets to luxurious malls.
Top historical and cultural attractions in Jeddah
Jeddah is one of Saudi Arabia’s most historically and heritage-rich cities. Here are some of the most important historical landmarks you should include in your itinerary.
Al Balad
Al-Balad is the historic heart of Jeddah. It is characterized by its traditional houses made of coral stone and wood. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is a living embodiment of Hijazi history.
Souq Al Alawi
Souq Al Alawi is characterized by its traditional atmosphere and fragrant aromas of spices and perfumes. It is one of the oldest markets in Jeddah. You can find antiques, traditional clothing, and handmade jewelry.
Al-Rahma Mosque
Al-Rahma Mosque is located on the Red Sea coast. Known as the floating mosque, it features a unique design that makes it appear as if it is floating on the surface of the water. The mosque attracts visitors during dawn and sunset to witness the sun’s reflection in the water.
Tayebat City Museum
Tayebat City Museum is an architectural masterpiece and a vast museum that captures the history of Jeddah and Saudi Arabia spanning 2,500 years. Divided into multiple wings encompassing ancient civilizations, folklore, and traditional dress, it is one of Jeddah’s richest historical destinations. The museum houses more than 60,000 artifacts, rare manuscripts, and models of ancient Hijazi life, in addition to a miniature model of the Kaaba.
See also: Jeddah Historical Tours
Iconic modern landmarks and architecture
Explore the most prominent historical and architectural landmarks that embody the fragrance of the past and the spirit of the future through city sightseeing Jeddah. Each building tells a story that blends ancient history with a rich cultural heritage.
King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture
Located in Dhahran, King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture is an architectural masterpiece that combines creativity and culture. The center houses a five-gallery museum, a vast library with over 300,000 books, a theater, a cinema, an ideas lab, and spaces for creativity and contemplation.
Jeddah Corniche
Jeddah Corniche is one of the most prominent waterfront development projects, the corniche features a modern design and state-of-the-art recreational facilities.
King Fahd’s Fountain
King Fahd’s Fountain is a symbol of Jeddah, it blends modern technology with a picturesque coastal location. It is also the tallest fountain in the world.
Best beaches and waterfront activities
If you’re planning a visit to Jeddah and looking for the best places to enjoy the sea and sun, don’t miss the chance to include city sightseeing Jeddah in your itinerary. Here are the most beautiful beaches in Jeddah:
Saif Beach
Located in southern Jeddah, Al Seef Beach is a quiet, family-friendly beach. It offers stunning views at sunrise and sunset. Activities include swimming, horseback riding, and biking.
Abhur Beach
Abhur Beach is a popular beach north of Jeddah on the Red Sea. It offers a variety of activities and is close to restaurants and cafes.
Salhia Private Compound
Located in Jeddah’s Pearl District, Salhia Private Compound is an upscale resort and a favorite among diving enthusiasts, offering a luxurious experience and exposure to the Red Sea’s marine life.
Silver Sands Beach
Silver Sands Beach boasts turquoise waters and soft sand. It’s a private beach on Prince Abdullah Al Faisal Street, Jeddah. The beach is ideal for relaxing or enjoying activities like diving and surfing, and there’s also an indoor café.
See also: Luxury Experiences in Jeddah
Family-friendly attractions and entertainment
Jeddah is an ideal destination for families seeking fun and adventure. It offers a wide range of activities for all ages. Some of the best places and activities for families and children in Jeddah include:
Fakieh Aquarium
Fakieh Aquarium is located on the Jeddah Corniche. It houses more than 200 species of marine life from the Red Sea, including sharks, seahorses, and green turtles, as well as exciting dolphin shows.
King Fahd’s Fountain
King Fahd’s Fountain, located in the Andalusia district, is the tallest fountain in the world and can be seen from all over Jeddah. It’s a prominent tourist attraction and a great family outing, especially in the evening.
Water Games Village
Water Village is a family-friendly water park featuring a large pool, slides, and seating areas.
Al-Shallal Amusement Park
Al-Shallal Amusement Park features a variety of exciting rides, including roller coasters, water trains, and an ice skating rink. It’s one of Jeddah’s most popular parks, ideal for adventure and thrill seekers.
See also: City Sightseeing Jeddah
Shopping and luxury experiences
Jeddah is one of Saudi Arabia’s most important modern commercial centers. It boasts an amazing array of malls that combine shopping, entertainment, and fine dining.
Red Sea Mall
Red Sea Mall is one of the most popular shopping malls in Jeddah. It features a historical section that appeals to heritage enthusiasts, along with luxury brands. The mall also houses an art gallery and a luxury hotel. Offering a luxurious shopping experience and multiple entertainment facilities, it is a favorite destination for visitors.
Aziz Mall
Aziz Mall is a distinctive family shopping destination on Imam Shafi’i Street, Al Faisaliah District. It features an indoor play area for children along with numerous dining options and shops.
Mall of Arabia
Mall of Arabia is one of the city’s most prominent shopping and entertainment destinations, featuring brands such as Zara and Forever 21, as well as KidZania, Sparky’s, and restaurants and cafes.
Salam Mall
Salam Mall spans three floors and houses popular brands such as Zara, Sephora, and Gap, as well as an amusement park with the largest roller coaster in the Middle East.
See also: Things to Get from Saudi Arabia
Food and dining: Must-try dishes and restaurants
Saudi Arabia has a rich and diverse food culture, and Jeddah is a model of this diversity. Its coastal location on the Red Sea makes seafood a staple of its traditional cuisine, in addition to its delicious Saudi cuisine. The most popular dishes include kabsa, matazeez, jareesh, maftah with chicken, saliq, and maamoul.
One of the best restaurants in Jeddah:
- Byblos: An upscale Lebanese restaurant in Hamra, serving tabbouleh and grilled food.
- Shaker Al Jazeera Shawarma: A quick and economical option for shawarma lovers.
- Al Sharq Restaurant: Lebanese dishes with a charming view of the Red Sea, suitable for special occasions.
- Piatto: An Italian kitchen serving wood-fired pizza.
See also: Food in Saudi Arabia Culture
Practical travel tips for city sightseeing Jeddah
When planning your trip to Jeddah, there are some tips that can make your experience more comfortable and enjoyable:
- Make sure you have your travel documents in order before you go and check for any restrictions.
- Book enough time to explore the best activities in Jeddah.
- You can go between November and March for the best outdoor experience.
- Respect local culture and customs and wear loose clothing.
- Do not drink alcohol during your trip, as the most respectful and authentic way to experience Jeddah is without alcohol.
- Respect local etiquette regarding expressions of affection in public.
- Enjoy Jeddah’s unique food culture, and try fresh seafood, in addition to delicious traditional cuisine.
Visit Jeddah City Tours to book your perfect trip to Jeddah and enjoy a unique experience.
In conclusion, Jeddah is a wonderful destination that embraces the diverse and open spirit of Saudi Arabia. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit this charming city and enjoy the complete Jeddah city sightseeing experience. Your visit to Jeddah today will be the beginning of a long-term relationship with this enchanting city.
People also ask
Is Jeddah safe to travel?
Yes, it is one of the safest cities in Saudi Arabia. Saudi authorities provide a stable and safe environment for visitors, and security personnel are deployed in public places and tourist attractions.
Is Jeddah worth visiting?
Absolutely. It offers a rare blend of culture, history, and modernity.
Is Jeddah expensive?
Jeddah is a mid-range city compared to other global cities, offering travelers with varying budgets the opportunity to enjoy it.
How many days are enough for Jeddah?
You can stay for 4 days to visit historical landmarks, enjoy the beaches, do shopping, and try local food.
