Jeddah Saudi Arabia 6 Day Itinerary

6-Day Itinerary: Exploring the Vibrant City of Jeddah

This itinerary offers a balanced mix of cultural exploration, historical visits, and modern entertainment. It’s designed for travelers who want to experience both the traditional charm and the bustling energy of Jeddah.

Day 1:

  • Morning: Arrive in Jeddah (JED), check into your hotel. Explore the charming Old Town (Al-Balad) with its historical buildings, traditional markets, and vibrant street art scene.
  • Afternoon: Stroll through the narrow streets of Al-Balad, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit the Floating Mosque (Masjid Al-Rahma) for its stunning architecture and unique setting.

Where to stay:

  • For a luxurious stay:

    • The Ritz-Carlton, Jeddah: Offers upscale accommodations, fine dining, and breathtaking views of the Red Sea.
    • Jeddah Hilton Hotel: Another iconic hotel with comfortable rooms and excellent amenities in a prime location.

  • For a budget-friendly stay:

    • Mövenpick Hotel Jeddah: Known for its quality and affordability.

Where to eat:

  • Al-Jamjoom Restaurant: Traditional Saudi cuisine, including delicious kabsa (a spiced rice dish with meat).
  • The Globe: Offers international dining options with a focus on fresh seafood.

Things to do:

  • Explore Al-Balad: Wander through the historic alleyways and discover traditional architecture, vibrant markets like Souq Al Alawi and Al-Balad Market, and local shops selling crafts, spices, and other unique Saudi goods.
  • Visit the Jeddah Waterfront: Take a walk along the beautiful Corniche, enjoy the views of the Red Sea, and perhaps take a dip in the cool waters (be mindful of cultural sensitivities and dress appropriately).

Things to know:

  • Dress Code: Dress modestly in public, especially in the Old Town. This means covering your shoulders and knees for women, and avoiding shorts and sleeveless shirts for men.
  • Ramadan: Be aware that Saudi Arabia observes Ramadan. During this time, respect the religious practices of the locals by refraining from eating or drinking in public (except for water).

Things to eat:

  • Local Delights: Indulge in traditional dishes like jeddah’s famous fish and chips at Al-Mazza, or experience authentic street food in the heart of the city.

Restaurants:

  • Al-Baik: A local institution known for its crispy fried chicken and delicious garlic sauce.
  • The Fish Market (Al-Sharqiyah): Choose your fresh catch and have it cooked to order at this bustling market, offering a variety of seafood dishes.

Other things to know:

  • Ramadan Hours: Many restaurants will adjust their hours during Ramadan. Be sure to inquire about specific timings for meals and dining in/out options.
  • Prayer Times: Five times daily prayer is an important part of Islamic life. You’ll find businesses and public life often adjusts around these times, so be aware and plan accordingly.

Day 2-6:

  • Day 2: Al-Balad Exploration: Continue exploring the historical alleyways and architecture of Al-Balad, the heart of the city’s heritage.
  • Day 3: Shopping and Entertainment:

Dive into the modern side of Jeddah with a visit to the Red Sea Mall or Mall of Arabia. Experience diverse shopping options and enjoy a meal at one of the many international restaurants within these malls.

  • Day 4: Explore the Coast: Take a boat trip to experience the beauty of the Red Sea from a different perspective, or relax on the beach and soak up the sun.
  • Day 5: Dive into History:

Visit the Historic Jeddah District (Al-Balad) to explore the vibrant markets, traditional houses, and the Jeddah Historical Museum for a deeper dive into the city’s rich past.

  • Day 6: Modern Cuisine and Culture: Enjoy a final evening of culinary exploration.

Transportation:

  • Taxis: Taxis are readily available in Jeddah, but be sure to negotiate the price before you get in.

  • Jeddah’s public transportation system: While Jeddah has a growing public transportation network, it is still limited.

  • Ride-sharing apps: Consider using Uber or Careem for convenience and affordability.

Things to consider:

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

  • Safety:

While generally safe, always be aware of your surroundings and take basic safety precautions.

  • Language:

Learn a few Arabic phrases before you go! It will help you navigate interactions with locals.

Day 5: Cultural Immersion

  • Jeddah’s vibrant culinary scene: Explore the cuisine and culture of the city.
  • Explore local markets:

Visit the bustling fish market in Al-Balad, where you can find fresh seafood from the Red Sea.

Day 6: A Farewell to Flavors

  • Say goodbye to traditional Saudi cuisine:

Enjoy a delicious final meal at a restaurant specializing in street food and savor the unique flavors of the local dishes.

Other things to do:

  • Explore the Jeddah Corniche: Take a stroll along the beautiful waterfront, enjoying the views and sea breeze.
  • Visit the Floating Mosque:

Marvel at the intricate architecture and the mosque’s seemingly miraculous setting on water.

  • Enjoy a traditional Saudi meal: Indulge in the local flavors of the region with a delicious dish of kabsa, a must-try for any visitor to Jeddah.

Dining Options:

  • Jeddah Corniche:

Experience the city’s vibrant nightlife (depending on your interests and the current social norms) - remember to check if this is appropriate for you to explore during your visit.

Enjoy a final evening at a rooftop restaurant:

  • The Ritz-Carlton, Jeddah: Offers stunning views of the city skyline and the Red Sea.
  • Try traditional dishes:

Experience the flavors of Saudi Arabia by trying a dish of “Saleeg” (a creamy wheat and meat dish) or “Jareesh” (a cracked wheat soup).

  • Experience modern Jeddah:

Enjoy the vibrant nightlife at the Corniche, with its cafes, restaurants, and lively atmosphere.

  • Enjoy a traditional meal:

  • Visit a local cafe: Try a delicious Arabic coffee and experience the local culture.

  • Explore the history of the city: Jeddah is known for its historic sites. Take a look at the historic Jeddah district, with its old houses, souks (markets), and traditional restaurants.

  • Enjoy the fresh air and beautiful views:

The Ritz-Carlton, Jeddah offers a chance to relax and enjoy the scenery.

Other activities:

  • Experience the vibrant nightlife of Jeddah:

Jeddah’s nightlife is diverse.** Enjoy a traditional Arabic coffee experience at a local cafe**, while still respecting cultural norms.

  • Visit a museum: Explore the modern museums in the city, like the National Museum of Saudi Arabia, which showcases the history and culture of the region.

  • Experience the Red Sea:

Enjoy a final sunset stroll along the beautiful coastline with the chance to see local fishermen bringing in their catch.

  • Experience the vibrant nightlife: Enjoy the nightlife scene by visiting a traditional souk like the Souq Al-Alawi, which is known for its lively atmosphere and bustling shops.

Remember: This is just a suggestion, and you can choose to adapt it to your own preferences.

For example, if you are interested in history and culture, you could spend more time exploring historical sites like the Jeddah Historical Museum or the old city of Jeddah.

If you are looking for something more modern, consider a visit to a theme park, a shopping trip, or a movie at one of the many theaters.

Enjoy the local culture and have fun!

  • Things to keep in mind:
    • Respecting Local Culture: Be aware that Saudi Arabia is a conservative country. Dress modestly and be mindful of local customs.
  • Jeddah’s vibrant cafe culture:

Take advantage of the city’s many charming cafes and restaurants.

  • Modesty:

This is just an example, and you can customize your itinerary to include other activities that interest you, such as:

  • Visiting the Red Sea Mall: It offers a variety of shops, restaurants, and entertainment options.

  • Exploring the local souks: These traditional markets are a great place to experience the authentic shopping environment and find unique souvenirs.

  • Enjoying a meal at “The Fish Market”:

  • Jeddah’s modern and bustling atmosphere: It’s important to remember that while there are plenty of modern malls in Jeddah, you may need to check with local guides or resources for details on the best ones for your needs.

Remember:

  • Dress modestly: Especially when visiting public places outside of the “modern” context of shopping centers.

  • Respecting local customs and traditions: Dress conservatively, avoid loud conversations, and refrain from eating in public during Ramadan.

  • Experience the city’s vibrant nightlife:

Enjoy the variety of entertainment options available in the evening.

This is just a starting point, and you can tailor your itinerary to include specific experiences within the context of Jeddah’s vibrant cultural scene.

Remember:

  • Respectful behavior: You should be respectful towards the local culture and customs.
  • Dress code: This is important even in the context of “modern” nightlife.

For a more modern experience:

  • Explore modern Jeddah:

Consider choosing a restaurant or bar based on your interests.

  • Jeddah’s vibrant modern art scene:

Visit the King Fahd’s Fountain, a symbol of the city, and enjoy a modern spectacle with its fountain show.

  • Respect local customs: Remember to be mindful of cultural norms.
  • Dress conservatively: This applies specifically to visiting the fountain in Jeddah’s modern landscape, which is a popular spot for tourists and locals alike.

Remember: Respectful attire is important.

Jeddah’s vibrant nightlife offers a chance to relax and enjoy the city after dark. *

Respectful behavior:

Always remember that you are a guest in their country.

Enjoy your time in Jeddah!

Things to do:

This is just an example, and you can customize your trip further by:

  • Visiting the Corniche at sunset: Witness the stunning sunset over the Red Sea, reflecting off the shimmering lights of the city.

Exploring a modern restaurant:

Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of a modern eatery.

  • Enjoying a rooftop meal:

Try a rooftop restaurant for dinner and drinks.

Enjoy the experience!

Respecting cultural norms:

  • Enjoying the city’s nightlife*:

Remember to respect local customs, as it is crucial to be respectful of the local culture and customs.

  • Learning about the local culture:

Visit a museum or cultural center dedicated to the history and traditions of Jeddah.

Enjoy a delicious meal**:

Consider exploring a local market like this one for an authentic taste of Saudi cuisine:

  • Experience traditional Saudi hospitality: Enjoy the experience of visiting a traditional market, such as the Al-Balad Souk

Jeddah:

As a starting point, you’ll want to consider the cultural differences that may exist.

  • Respectful behavior:

This will help you

understand and appreciate the city’s culture and customs.

Explore a variety of restaurants:

  • Enjoy the city’s modern culinary scene:

Try

modern eateries along the Corniche,

exploring local markets and experiencing traditional food stalls.

Enjoy the views:

Enjoy

fresh seafood [Your Own Ideas]

Remember:

  • Be mindful of the dress code and cultural sensitivities in Jeddah, especially when interacting with locals.
  • Respect for local customs is crucial.
  • This itinerary is a suggestion and can be customized to your liking.

Other:

Jeddah’s diverse culinary scene offers plenty of opportunities

to explore different cuisines.

Enjoy!