Jeddah Saudi Arabia 3 Day Itinerary

3-Day Jeddah Itinerary:

This itinerary balances historical sites with modern attractions and the vibrant culture of Jeddah. It’s adaptable to your interests and can be adjusted for different budgets and travel styles.

Accommodation:

  • Luxury: The Ritz-Carlton, Jeddah; Rosewood Jeddah; Park Hyatt Jeddah

  • Mid-Range: Hilton Jeddah; Mövenpick Hotel Jeddah Al Nawras; Radisson Blu Hotel, Jeddah

  • Budget:

    • Hostels: Check out hostel options in the Al-Balad area for a chance to experience the city’s cultural heart.
    • Budget Hotels: Look for hotels in the 3-star range near popular attractions like the Corniche or downtown areas for affordability and convenience.

Food:

  • Traditional: Enjoy authentic Saudi cuisine at Al-Baik, a local favorite renowned for its crispy fried chicken and delicious garlic sauce (budget-friendly).
  • Modern: For a modern twist on Arabic flavors, try The Kitchen Restaurant.

Day 1: Exploring the Past

  • Morning:

    • Visit the Al-Balad district: Immerse yourself in the historic charm of Jeddah’s Old Town. Wander through its narrow alleyways and admire the traditional architecture.

  • Things to do:

    • Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Al-Balad, and witness the beauty of its ancient buildings, historical mosques, and bustling souks.
    • Visit the Jeddah Museum housed in a historic building: Immerse yourself further in the city’s history and culture by exploring the fascinating exhibits at the Jeddah Museum.
    • Wander through the Jeddah Historic District (Al-Balad): This maze of streets is filled with traditional markets, cafes, and restaurants serving local delicacies.

  • Food: Dine on traditional Saudi cuisine at a charming restaurant in Al-Balad, like The Old Town Restaurant for a taste of authentic flavors and ambiance.

  • Tip: Explore the hidden alleyways and courtyards of Al Balad, discovering its diverse history and architecture.

  • Afternoon:

    • Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of the Souk Al-Alawi on the Red Sea coast.

  • Evening:

    • Immerse yourself in the bustling energy of the Jeddah Corniche, a beautiful promenade along the Red Sea offering stunning views and lively cafes.
    • Savor delicious traditional food for dinner, such as Kabsa (a spiced rice dish) or Shawarma: Try the famous Shawarma at Al-Baik or indulge in a local feast with dishes like Jareesh (wheat and meat porridge) or Mandi, a flavorful Yemeni dish.

Day 2: Enjoying the Present

  • Morning:

    • Stroll along the Jeddah Corniche: Take in the fresh sea air, admire the beautiful Red Sea coastline, and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of this popular walking area.
    • Visit the Floating Mosque (Masjid al-Rahmah): This iconic mosque offers a unique experience with its breathtaking architecture and floating design.

  • Things to do:

    • Explore the modern cafes and restaurants along the Corniche for a delightful culinary journey.
    • Shop at the Red Sea Mall: Immerse yourself in the world of modern retail therapy.

  • Food: Enjoy a traditional Saudi breakfast of fava beans (ful medames) and flatbread, followed by a delicious lunch at one of the many restaurants offering international cuisines.

  • Dinner: Explore the diverse culinary landscape of the Al-Nawras area with its modern cafes and eateries. Try the fresh seafood at Al-Baik.

  • Evening: Enjoy a meal at a traditional Saudi restaurant. Savor Shawarma, a popular street food that’s perfect for a casual dinner.

    • Experience the vibrant nightlife of the Corniche with its cafes, restaurants, and live music venues. Enjoy a traditional coffee experience at a cafe in the souk.

Tip: Visit the Jeddah Waterfront along the Red Sea for a beautiful walk and enjoy the vibrant nightlife with stunning views of the city lights.

Day 3: A Taste of History and Modernity

  • Morning:

    • Travel back in time at the Al-Balad Historic District, exploring the traditional architecture and soaking up the history.

  • Lunch: Enjoy a delicious shawarma meal (try the meat and spices from a local restaurant).

  • Afternoon:

    • Visit the Historical Museum of Jeddah and learn about the city’s rich past.

  • Things to do:

    • Experience the modern art scene at the Jeddah Arts: Immerse yourself in the vibrant colors and textures of contemporary Saudi art.
    • Enjoy a luxurious coffee experience with traditional Arabic sweets and desserts, or enjoy a casual lunch at a small cafe: Explore the different flavors and experiences offered by the cafes and shops along the Corniche.

  • Evening:

    • Farewell dinner on the Corniche, enjoying the unique ambiance of the Red Sea Mall.
    • Try the traditional “Chai Karak” (sweetened tea with milk and cardamom)

Things to consider:

  • Jeddah is a conservative city: Dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. This means covering your shoulders and knees, and opting for loose-fitting clothing.

  • Respect local customs: As a Muslim-majority city, be mindful of prayer times, and avoid public displays of affection.

  • Timing matters: Plan your visit to the Corniche during cooler hours (evening or early morning) as it can get quite hot in the afternoon sun.

  • The Jeddah Corniche is a beautiful place to walk: It’s a 30-kilometer (19 mi) long waterfront promenade along the Red Sea, perfect for enjoying the cool sea breeze and stunning views of the Red Sea.

Travel tips:

  • Transportation: While taxis are readily available in Jeddah, using ride-hailing apps like Uber or Careem is recommended.

  • Food: Enjoy a meal at one of the many restaurants serving traditional Saudi cuisine.

  • Currency: The official currency is the Saudi Riyal (SAR).

  • Weather: Be prepared for hot and humid weather, especially during the summer months.

  • Safety:

    • Always be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to protect your belongings.
    • Carry a copy of your passport in case you need to show it for identification.

  • Culture:

    • Visit the Al-Balad: Explore the historic alleyways, traditional markets, and architecture.

    • Try the local cuisine:

      • Enjoy “Shawarma” from a local street food vendor.
      • Jeddah’s “Jareesh” (a wheat and meat dish) is a great way to experience the city’s culinary heritage.

    • Travel:

      • Consider visiting the Floating Mosque, which is a stunning architectural landmark.

  • Enjoy a delicious meal of “Mandi”, a traditional Yemeni dish popular in Jeddah, while experiencing the vibrant atmosphere and culture.

The Corniche:

  • Immerse yourself in the beautiful beaches and enjoy the sunshine and sea breeze.
  • Visit the Red Sea Mall: This is a great place to shop for souvenirs, spices, and other local goods.
  • Enjoy “Jareesh” at one of the many cafes near the waterfront: This dish is typically served with lamb or chicken.

Language: Arabic is the official language, but English is widely spoken and understood in tourist areas.

  • Respect prayer times: Shops and restaurants will close for prayers, so be aware of these times and plan accordingly.

  • Enjoy a traditional Saudi meal:

    • Try “Mandi” - a dish of slow-cooked rice with meat or chicken.

  • Visit the Floating Mosque:

Enjoy a traditional dessert like “Knafeh” or “Umm Ali” and experience the beautiful sunset over the Red Sea.

Embrace the Culture:

  • Explore the local culture by visiting the historic Al-Balad district, visit the modern Jeddah Waterfront.**

Travel:

  • Travel safely and be respectful of local customs when interacting with people.

Enjoy a traditional Saudi coffee experience at one of the many cafes in Jeddah. These cafes are typically small and cozy, often found in the souks (markets) or along the Corniche, offering a variety of brews like “gahwa” (Arabic coffee) and “chai” (tea).

  • Enjoy local flavors with a cup of “Chai Karak” at a traditional “majlis”**

  • Dress code: Remember to dress conservatively.

  • Enjoy the local culture:

Transportation:

  • Taxis are plentiful in Jeddah, but be sure to negotiate the price before you get in.
  • The city’s modern transportation system makes it easy to get around.

Things to note:

  • Be prepared for a long wait at the taxi stand if you visit during prayer times.

  • Traditional Arabic attire is not mandatory for tourists, but dressing modestly is crucial. Cover your shoulders and knees, and avoid clothing that’s too revealing or tight-fitting.

  • The “Jeddah Waterfront” offers beautiful views of the city and the Red Sea.

  • Many restaurants in Jeddah offer “Chai” (tea) and “Qahwa” (Arabic coffee) as a cultural experience.

Try the local cuisine:

Enjoy the Culture:

  • Visit the historical souks: Immerse yourself in the traditional marketplace, experiencing the local culture firsthand.
  • Explore museums and art galleries:

Traditional Markets:

  • Enjoy the hustle and bustle of bargaining for spices at a traditional market.**

  • Experience “Al-Balad”, the historic district, where you can find unique and interesting souvenirs.

  • Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere:

Tastes of Tradition:

Enjoy the modern amenities:

  • Explore the Corniche’s diverse culinary scene:

  • Enjoy the city’s bustling nightlife and enjoy a variety of cuisines at its many restaurants and cafes.

Enjoy traditional experiences:

  • Stroll along the Red Sea, experiencing the culture and atmosphere**.

Jeddah, with its unique blend of modern amenities and historical significance, offers a captivating experience for those who seek it. This beautiful city on the Red Sea is a hub of culture and activity, but it’s important to remember the cultural norms of the region when planning your visit.

Enjoy traditional food:

  • Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of the local markets, like the “Jeddah Souk” in the evenings, as they often offer a more relaxed atmosphere.

Remember these are just suggestions for exploring the city’s offerings.

Taxis and Ride-Hailing Apps:

Enjoy:

  • Enjoy the modernity of the Jeddah waterfront with its cafes and restaurants.

  • Explore the city’s modern infrastructure:

  • The “Jeddah Corniche” is a great place to enjoy the vibrant atmosphere, offering a variety of modern experiences.**

  • Embrace the vibrant scene and enjoy a meal at the local cafe**.

Enjoy the sea:

  • Enjoy a traditional coffee experience in the evening.
  • Visit the Red Sea Mall:

Remember:

  • Be respectful of the local culture**:

For example,

  • Respecting the Dress Code:

While visiting the “Jeddah Arts & Crafts Market”, it’s important to remember:

  • Wear clothes that cover your shoulders and knees.
  • Avoid clothing with offensive slogans or imagery.

You can enjoy the modern amenities of the city while still being respectful of local customs.

Remember, it’s a matter of finding a balance:

Enjoy the “Jeddah Corniche” and its beauty and entertainment while respecting the local culture.**

Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere:

  • Remember to embrace the local culture by enjoying the traditional experiences that are available in the evening.

Enjoy the vibrant nightlife:

This approach allows for a more nuanced and realistic understanding of how you can enjoy the “Jeddah Waterfront” while being mindful of the cultural context.

Remember:

  • Embrace the vibrant atmosphere and be respectful of local culture.
  • Enjoy the traditional food options available in the city’s cafes and restaurants, while also enjoying the modern amenities.