Saudi Directory
Jeddah

Jeddah travel guide

Red Sea gateway with historic Al-Balad and a long seafront

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Sea & beachesHeritageCity & shopping
Best time
November to March
Ideal stay
2–3 days
Getting there
King Abdulaziz International Airport, about 20 km north of the centre

Jeddah is the Kingdom's main Red Sea city and the traditional gateway for pilgrims heading to Makkah. Its relaxed coastal pace, seafood and long corniche make it a favourite weekend destination.

The historic district of Al-Balad, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, preserves coral-stone houses with carved wooden balconies (rawashin) and busy old souks.

Things to do in Jeddah

The places most worth your time, grouped by type.

Al-Balad, Historic JeddahHeritage

Al-Balad, Historic Jeddah

The old walled core of Jeddah, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with coral-stone houses and carved wooden rawasheen balconies along narrow lanes.

City centre · allow 3–4 hours

Jeddah CornicheLandmarks

Jeddah Corniche

A long seafront of promenades, parks, sculptures and beaches along the Red Sea, busiest around sunset.

North & central Jeddah · evening

King Fahd's FountainLandmarks

King Fahd's Fountain

One of the tallest fountains in the world, sending a jet of seawater high above the Red Sea and lit up at night.

Central corniche · best after dark

Al-Rahma MosqueLandmarks

Al-Rahma Mosque

The "floating mosque": a white mosque built on pillars over the sea, so at high tide it seems to rest on the water.

North corniche · 30–45 min

Obhur Reefs & DivingNature

Obhur Reefs & Diving

Clear Red Sea water north of the city with coral reefs, beach clubs and dive centres for snorkelling and diving.

North Jeddah · half a day

Souq Al-AlawiSouqs & shopping

Souq Al-Alawi

A traditional market lane inside Al-Balad selling spices, perfumes, fabrics, prayer beads and sweets.

Inside Al-Balad · evening

Map of Jeddah attractions

Tours & experiences in Jeddah

Ideas worth trying — book them with tour operators listed in our directory.

Tour & travel companies

Red Sea snorkelling & diving

Boat trips from the north Obhur marinas to coral reefs rich with fish.

Half day

Al-Balad walking tour

Coral-stone houses, rawasheen balconies and old souqs, best in the evening.

2–3 hours

Corniche sunset cruise

A short yacht or boat ride along the coast with views of the city and the fountain.

1–2 hours

2 days in Jeddah

A suggested plan you can adjust to your own pace.

Day 1 — Old Jeddah

  1. Morning
    Walk the lanes of Al-Balad.
  2. Afternoon
    Rest, then browse Souq Al-Alawi.
  3. Evening
    King Fahd's Fountain from the corniche.

Day 2 — Sea and shore

  1. Morning
    Snorkelling trip from Obhur.
  2. Afternoon
    Lunch by the sea in the north.
  3. Evening
    Sunset at Al-Rahma Mosque and a corniche walk.

Explore businesses in Jeddah

Everything for your trip from our directory: stays, food, shopping and services.

Full city directory
Hotels in JeddahRestaurants in JeddahMalls in JeddahTravel services in Jeddah

Tips before you go

  • Visit Al-Balad after sunset, when the lanes are cooler and livelier.
  • Summer humidity is high; plan beach time early in the morning.
  • Many private beaches charge an entry fee; check before you go.

Frequently asked questions

Is Historic Jeddah free to visit?

Walking the lanes of Al-Balad is free; some restored houses and museums inside it may charge entry.

Where can I swim in Jeddah?

Most swimming happens at beach resorts and private beaches north of the city along the Obhur area.

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