Jeddah

DESTINATIONS saudi arabia jeddah

Jeddah

For centuries, Jeddah, where the desert meets the sea, has been a crossroads for traders, travellers, and pilgrims in the Red Sea. As Saudi Arabia’s second-largest city, it thrives with eclectic dining, bustling shopping districts, and a uniquely liberal social scene. Yet, its true significance lies in its role as the gateway for millions en route to the holy cities of Mecca and Medina. Rich in history and brimming with character, Jeddah offers a dynamic blend of tradition and modernity.

The City

With a population exceeding four million, Jeddah is Saudi Arabia's second-largest city. Its rich history as a major port and commercial hub is evident in the diverse cosmopolitan mix of its people. Over the centuries, Jeddah has hosted millions of Muslim pilgrims on their way to Mecca and Medina, creating a vibrant blend of cultures, flavours, aromas, customs, and traditions. This melting pot is most vividly represented in Al-Balad, the historic Old Town, with its white coral buildings, winding souks, and ancient city gates. Jeddah is also a city of enjoyment and luxury, offering fine dining, chic cafés, and exceptional shopping. It attracts the country’s elite, who come to savour its renowned seafood and embrace its more relaxed lifestyle. The stunning Corniche embodies leisure, with its 35 kilometres of waterfront walkways where locals and visitors alike can enjoy sunset strolls, picnics on the grass, or lively gatherings at hotels and beach resorts.

Do & See Dining Cafés Bars & Nightlife Shopping Tourist Information

Do & See

Many of the city's attractions and entertainment can be found along the Corniche, from bizarre sculptures and a record-breaking fountain to parks, restaurants and museums. But savvy travellers will also want to stray a bit from there to discover the Old Town with its white coral buildings and historic city gates or visit some of the city's fantastic museums. There are also mosques, markets and a top-notch aquarium to explore, so visitors to Jeddah are sure to have a full itinerary.

Corniche

The constant buzz of life on the 35km-long Corniche is a microcosm for the whole city. There is no better place in the city for people-watching, as throngs of students, lovers, families, and elderly couples stroll along the coast or enjoy a picnic and the sea …

Al-Balad

Jeddah’s origins trace back to ancient times, with its significant development occurring in the 7th century. It began as a fishing village and grew over the centuries. The Al-Balad neighbourhood, one of the city’s oldest areas, retains much of its historic charm. Here, you can find some of Jeddah’s oldest and most architecturally significant …

King Fahd's Fountain

Located just off the Corniche in the waters of the Red Sea, King Fahd's Fountain is the tallest of its kind in the world. The water reaches a dizzying height of almost 300 metres. No walk along the Corniche would be complete without stopping to admire …

Al-Rahma Mosque

Often referred to as the Floating Mosque or Masjid Al-Rahmah, this architectural marvel is known for its stunning white marble exterior. Perched on the edge of the Red Sea, it creates a mesmerising illusion of floating, particularly when lit up at night. This picturesque mosque is not only a popular spot for visitors to …

Fakieh Aquarium

For a look at the rich sea life in the area and around the world, check out the Fakieh Aquarium. It showcases a wide range of aquatic species, including turtles, sharks, an array of colourful fish and many more forms of marine life—the dolphin show should not be …

City Gates

Jeddah’s historic walls were constructed in the 16th century to protect the city from potential attacks, including those from the Portuguese. While the majority of the original wall has not survived, several of the impressive gates and watchtowers remain and are notable landmarks within the city. These gates, such as Bab Makkah and Bab …

Al Taybat International City Museum of Science and Information

This museum offers an extensive overview of Jeddah’s history and heritage, covering around 2,500 years. It features exhibits on pre-Islamic history, various pre-modern civilisations, and the rich Islamic cultural heritage of the city. The museum complex also includes a mosque and the façade of a historic …

Dining

Pilgrims, traders, and voyageurs have been coming to Jeddah for centuries, bringing with them delicacies from their lands and cultures. As a result, Jeddah's dining scene today is rich in variety and quality. The city boasts a wealth of fine international restaurants, bringing together flavours from around the world, which are then combined with local ingredients to create truly unique dishes.

Chennai Darbar Restaurant

This restaurant represents the ultimate combination of Indian, Indo-Chinese, Arabian and Tandoori flavours. It offers classical dishes from the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. The authentic taste and atmosphere may make you feel like you are on an exciting tour of South Indian culinary hot spots. The modest rates will make you want to …

Section B

Section B is a great burger bar that welcomes its guests with a familiar atmosphere. Food is made entirely of the finest and fresh ingredients. Having the caramelised onions topping with your burger is absolutely essential. Cold drinks are served old-school, and their tasty desserts will leave you wanting …

Sakura Japanese Restaurant

Sakura Japanese Restaurant is located on the ground floor of the luxurious Crowne Plaza Hotel. Open seven days a week, it offers high-quality Japanese dishes prepared by the Sakura head chef and his team. Enjoy a variety of food and drink options throughout the day, from fine dining to lighter meals and relax in …

Yildizlar

Serving up Turkish and Lebanese dishes, Yildizlar has been a local favourite for some time now. Crowds throng here for lunch, and getting a table can be difficult, so it is best to arrive early to be able to savour the world-class grill dishes or the lighter options such as soup or …

Asia Restaurant

Another local favourite, Asia serves East and Southeast Asian speciality dishes that keep guests coming back time and time again. The Thai dishes are particularly popular, none more so than the Tom Yum Kum, which regulars claim is the best in the …

Cafés

Jeddah has a long history with coffee and tea, as traders and travellers often brought different and exotic varieties of beans and leaves. Today, visiting cafés is one of the city's most beloved pastimes. Friends and families gather at the numerous Arabic and Western-style cafés to enjoy hot cappuccinos, fresh teas, and fruity shishas.

Caffe Aroma

In a city dominated by Lebanese-style cafes, Caffe Aroma offers a slightly different experience. Emulating the Italian cafe culture, the cafe decor will transport you to the Tuscan countryside, and the Mediterranean dishes and fresh coffee will leave you more than …

Titanium Café

Titanium Café not only serves coffee and tea, along with some snacks and comfort food, but it is primarily a shisha café. Groups of friends gather here to spend an evening together around a hookah, enjoying the interesting flavours offered, the favourite of which is the special double apple, which uses ice to keep …

Papaya

Papaya has a reputation for being a bit on the expensive side, but once you step inside and order you quickly realise why. The coffee is delicious and fresh, but the real star here is the food. The selection is huge and varied, and the hearty breakfasts are especially …

Bars & Nightlife

The cultural environment in Saudi Arabia is highly conservative. Religious law forbids the sale or consumption of alcohol throughout Saudi Arabia, so there are no bars or nightclubs. Instead evening social activities are centred on shopping or dining out in one of the city’s many restaurants or cafés whilst indulging in a delicious mocktail (a mix of fresh fruit juices) or strong Arabic coffee.

Shopping

Shopping in Jeddah, like the city itself, is a mix of old and new. Centuries-old souks still function as the commercial blood vessels of the city, selling everything from clothing and jewellery to fruit and spices in narrow alleys packed with people, colours and fragrances. At the same time, huge and modern shopping centres offer all manner of international products and entertainment for the whole family.