Things to Do in Jeddah Saudi Arabia

Things to Do in Jeddah: A Tourist’s Guide

Jeddah, the vibrant coastal city of Saudi Arabia, offers a unique blend of historical charm and modern allure. Here are some must-do activities for any tourist visiting this “Bride of the Red Sea”:

Explore Historical Sites:

  • Al-Balad (Old Town): Stroll through the narrow alleys and historic architecture of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Immerse yourself in the traditional Hijazi style with its coral stone buildings and bustling markets.
    • What to see: The old souks (markets) like the Souq Al Alawi, charming cafes and traditional houses, historical mosques like the Al-Shafi’i Mosque, and experience the vibrant culture of this ancient district.
  • Al-Jameel Village: This historic village offers a glimpse into traditional Saudi life with its mud-brick houses, palm groves, and beautiful waterfront views.

Experience the Culture:

  • Visit a traditional coffee shop (Kahwa House): Immerse yourself in the local tradition by sipping strong Arabic coffee and enjoying the hospitality at a traditional “jaddah” cafe. These vibrant spots are often the heart of social gatherings and offer a unique cultural experience.
  • Explore the Souks:

Get lost in the labyrinthine alleys of Jeddah’s historic souks like:

* **Souq Al-Alawi:** This bustling market is a must-see for its traditional architecture, spices, textiles, and local crafts.
* **Al-Balad Market:** Immerse yourself in the heart of the old city and experience the traditional souk atmosphere amidst stunning historical architecture.
  • Attend a cultural event: Jeddah has a thriving arts scene. Check out the annual Jeddah Summer Festival or the vibrant Red Sea Film Festival for exciting performances, film screenings, and local art exhibitions.
  • Discover Al-Zahra Mosque: Admire the intricate mosaic designs and stunning architecture of this iconic mosque in the heart of Jeddah.

Enjoy the Outdoors:

  • Relax on the beach: With its location on the Red Sea coast, Jeddah offers beautiful beaches for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports.
    • Corniche: This 30-kilometer coastal road boasts a variety of public parks, beaches, and attractions with stunning views.
  • Explore the Corniche: Stroll along the scenic Red Sea coast and enjoy the vibrant beach life and activities.

Experience the History:

  • Wander through the historic district of Al-Balad: Immerse yourself in the charm of traditional architecture and experience the bustling atmosphere of this popular gathering spot.
  • Visit the Historic Jeddah Museum: Explore the rich history of the city at this museum, which is housed in a 19th-century Ottoman building.

Experience the Modern:

  • Shop at the Red Sea Mall: This vibrant shopping center offers a wide variety of international brands and restaurants for a modern Jeddah experience.
  • Enjoy the nightlife: Jeddah has a growing nightlife scene, with trendy bars and clubs opening up.
  • Take a day trip to Al-Ula: Explore the ancient Nabataean tombs and stunning rock formations of this historical city in the north.

Explore the City:

  • Visit the Floating Mosque: The mosque’s unique design makes it appear to be floating on water, offering breathtaking views over the Red Sea.
  • Experience the Jeddah Corniche: Enjoy a variety of modern entertainment and dining options along the beautiful waterfront.
  • Shop at the traditional souks: Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of the old city and find unique souvenirs and handicrafts.

Embrace the Culinary Scene:

  • Sample local delicacies:
    • Indulge in fresh seafood at a restaurant overlooking the Red Sea.
    • Enjoy traditional dishes like kabsa (a rice dish with meat), shawarma (meat roasted on a spit) and jereesh (a porridge-like dish).

Experience the Red Sea:

  • Go scuba diving or snorkeling: Explore the vibrant coral reefs and marine life of the Red Sea.
  • Visit the Jeddah Corniche: This 30-kilometer stretch boasts stunning views, a variety of restaurants, and opportunities for swimming, beach activities, and dining with a view.

Enjoy the Thriving Art Scene:

  • Explore the art galleries in the Al-Rawdah district: Jeddah is home to a growing number of art galleries showcasing contemporary Saudi art and artists.

  • Attend an event at one of the cultural festivals: The city’s vibrant arts scene includes the annual Jeddah Summer Festival and the renowned Red Sea Film Festival.

  • Enjoy the Red Sea Film Festival: This is a fantastic opportunity to experience the latest in international cinema, including a dedicated section for Saudi filmmakers.

Immerse Yourself in Culture:

  • Visit the Jeddah Historical District (Al-Balad): Explore the fascinating history of this ancient city and enjoy its traditional architecture.
  • Take a trip to the Al-Ula region: Discover the ancient Nabataean tombs at Hegra, wander through the Madain Saleh site, and learn about the rich heritage of the region.

Indulge in Local Cuisine:

  • Enjoy local dishes: Sample traditional delicacies like “Saleeg” (a wheat dish), “Mandi” (a chicken or lamb dish cooked underground)) and freshly baked bread.

  • Experience the Culinary Scene: Explore the diverse culinary scene of Jeddah with its range of traditional restaurants.

  • Jeddah’s Corniche: This 30-kilometer waterfront promenade offers stunning views of the Red Sea and is a great place for a walk, bike ride or picnic.

  • Enjoy the vibrant nightlife: Experience the bustling atmosphere of Jeddah’s entertainment venues and enjoy the diverse nightlife scene.

Explore the Outdoors:

  • Take a walk through the historical Al-Balad: Enjoy the vibrant architecture and street art while taking in the fresh air.

  • Go for a swim: Jeddah has several beautiful beaches with clear waters perfect for a dip.

  • Visit the Jeddah Corniche: With its parks, beaches, and waterfront views, the Corniche is a great place to enjoy the outdoors.

  • Experience the Red Sea: Take advantage of the beautiful scenery and experience the vibrant beach life.

Enjoy the Beaches:

  • Jeddah’s beaches: Explore the variety of beaches along the Jeddah coastline.
  • Jeddah’s water sports: Try out jet skiing, parasailing, or even just a relaxing swim in the warm waters of the Red Sea.

Dive into the Local Culture:

  • Experience traditional Saudi life: Immerse yourself in the local culture by visiting the souks and enjoying the lively atmosphere.
  • Jeddah’s cultural festivals: Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere and learn about the rich traditions and contemporary art scene.

Experience the modern:

  • Take a trip to Al-Ula: Explore the ancient ruins, like the tombs of Madain Saleh.
  • Enjoy the outdoors:

Remember:

  • This is just a small sampling of the many things to do in Jeddah.