Jeddah, the gateway to the holy cities of Mecca and Medina, is a vibrant and cosmopolitan city on the Red Sea coast of Saudi Arabia. Known for its beautiful beaches, rich history, and modern attractions, Jeddah offers a blend of traditional Saudi culture and contemporary urban life. Here are some of the best places to visit in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia:
Best Places to Visit
1. Al-Balad (Historic Jeddah)
Al-Balad, the historic district of Jeddah, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its traditional architecture and cultural significance. The area features narrow alleys, ancient houses made of coral stone, and vibrant souks. Key attractions include the Nassif House, the Al-Alawi Souk, and the Shafi’i Mosque. Al-Balad is a great place to explore Jeddah’s rich history and heritage.
- Key Attractions: Traditional architecture, historic houses.
- Activities: Sightseeing, shopping, cultural exploration.
- Location: Al-Balad, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
2. Jeddah Corniche
The Jeddah Corniche is a scenic waterfront promenade stretching along the Red Sea coast. It is a popular spot for locals and tourists, offering beautiful views, recreational facilities, parks, and beaches. The Corniche is also home to the iconic King Fahd Fountain, the world’s tallest fountain, which shoots water up to 312 meters. The area is perfect for walking, cycling, picnicking, and enjoying the sea breeze.
- Key Attractions: King Fahd Fountain, beaches, parks.
- Activities: Walking, cycling, picnicking.
- Location: Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
3. King Fahd’s Fountain
King Fahd’s Fountain is one of Jeddah’s most famous landmarks and the tallest fountain in the world. Located on the Jeddah Corniche, the fountain shoots water up to a height of 312 meters, making it visible from all over the city. The fountain is especially beautiful at night when it is illuminated, creating a spectacular sight.
- Key Attractions: Tallest fountain, illuminated water display.
- Activities: Sightseeing, photography.
- Location: Jeddah Corniche, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
4. Red Sea Mall
Red Sea Mall is one of the largest shopping centers in Jeddah, offering a wide range of international and local brands. The mall features a variety of shops, restaurants, a cinema complex, and entertainment facilities. It also has a beautiful indoor fountain and a spacious food court. Red Sea Mall is a popular destination for shopping, dining, and leisure activities.
- Key Attractions: Shopping, dining, entertainment.
- Activities: Shopping, movie-watching, dining.
- Location: Ash Shati, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
5. Fakieh Aquarium
Fakieh Aquarium is the first public aquarium in Saudi Arabia, located on the Jeddah Corniche. The aquarium showcases a diverse collection of marine life from the Red Sea and beyond, including sharks, rays, and colorful fish. The facility also features dolphin and seal shows, as well as a variety of interactive exhibits. It is an educational and entertaining destination for families and visitors of all ages.
- Key Attractions: Marine life exhibits, dolphin shows.
- Activities: Aquarium visit, interactive exhibits.
- Location: Jeddah Corniche, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
6. Al-Rahma Mosque (Floating Mosque)
Al-Rahma Mosque, also known as the Floating Mosque, is one of Jeddah’s most picturesque mosques. Located on the Red Sea coast, the mosque appears to be floating on the water during high tide, creating a stunning visual effect. The mosque’s beautiful architecture and serene surroundings make it a popular spot for both worshippers and tourists.
- Key Attractions: Floating effect, beautiful architecture.
- Activities: Religious exploration, photography.
- Location: Jeddah Corniche, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
7. Jeddah Waterfront
The Jeddah Waterfront is a modern development along the Red Sea coast, offering a variety of recreational activities and attractions. The area features landscaped gardens, children’s play areas, beaches, and dining options. The Waterfront is also home to the Jeddah Sign, a popular photo spot. It is an ideal place for a family outing, evening stroll, or relaxing by the sea.
- Key Attractions: Landscaped gardens, beaches, dining.
- Activities: Walking, dining, beach activities.
- Location: Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
8. Jeddah Sculpture Museum
The Jeddah Sculpture Museum is an open-air museum featuring a collection of sculptures by renowned international artists. The sculptures are displayed along the Jeddah Corniche, adding an artistic element to the city’s landscape. The museum includes works by artists such as Henry Moore and Joan Miró, making it a must-visit for art enthusiasts.
- Key Attractions: Sculptures, outdoor museum.
- Activities: Art appreciation, photography.
- Location: Jeddah Corniche, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
9. Atallah Happy Land Park
Atallah Happy Land Park is one of the largest amusement parks in Jeddah, offering a variety of rides and attractions for all ages. The park features roller coasters, bumper cars, a Ferris wheel, and water rides. It also has indoor entertainment options, including an ice skating rink and arcade games. Atallah Happy Land Park is a great place for a fun-filled day with family and friends.
- Key Attractions: Amusement rides, indoor entertainment.
- Activities: Riding attractions, ice skating.
- Location: Al Kurnaysh Rd, Ash Shati, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
10. Al Shallal Theme Park
Al Shallal Theme Park is another popular amusement park in Jeddah, offering a mix of thrilling rides, games, and entertainment. The park features a variety of attractions, including roller coasters, a pirate ship, a skating rink, and a waterfall. It also has themed areas, such as the Amazon Jungle, with rides and exhibits that reflect the theme. Al Shallal Theme Park is an exciting destination for visitors of all ages.
- Key Attractions: Thrilling rides, themed areas.
- Activities: Riding attractions, themed entertainment.
- Location: Jeddah Corniche, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
Summary Table
| Place | Description | Key Attraction | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Al-Balad (Historic Jeddah) | Historic district with traditional architecture | Nassif House, Al-Alawi Souk | Al-Balad, Jeddah |
| Jeddah Corniche | Scenic waterfront promenade | King Fahd Fountain, beaches | Jeddah, Saudi Arabia |
| King Fahd’s Fountain | World’s tallest fountain | Illuminated water display | Jeddah Corniche, Jeddah |
| Red Sea Mall | Large shopping center with diverse stores | Shopping, dining, entertainment | Ash Shati, Jeddah |
| Fakieh Aquarium | Public aquarium showcasing marine life | Marine exhibits, dolphin shows | Jeddah Corniche, Jeddah |
| Al-Rahma Mosque (Floating Mosque) | Picturesque mosque on the Red Sea coast | Floating effect, architecture | Jeddah Corniche, Jeddah |
| Jeddah Waterfront | Modern development with recreational facilities | Landscaped gardens, beaches | Jeddah, Saudi Arabia |
| Jeddah Sculpture Museum | Open-air museum with sculptures | Outdoor art, international artists | Jeddah Corniche, Jeddah |
| Atallah Happy Land Park | Large amusement park with rides and attractions | Amusement rides, indoor entertainment | Al Kurnaysh Rd, Ash Shati, Jeddah |
| Al Shallal Theme Park | Amusement park with themed areas and rides | Roller coasters, Amazon Jungle | Jeddah Corniche, Jeddah |
How to Reach Jeddah
By Plane
Jeddah is served by King Abdulaziz International Airport (JED), one of the largest airports in Saudi Arabia. The airport offers numerous domestic and international flights, connecting Jeddah to major cities worldwide. From the airport, travelers can reach the city center by taxi, car rental, or airport shuttle services.
By Car
Jeddah is well-connected by highways to other major cities in Saudi Arabia, including Mecca and Riyadh. The city is accessible via the Makkah-Jeddah Expressway and the Jeddah-Riyadh Highway. Renting a car or hiring a private taxi are convenient options for traveling to and around Jeddah by road.
By Bus
Jeddah has a network of buses that connect it to other cities in Saudi Arabia. Several bus companies operate services to and from Jeddah, providing an affordable and comfortable travel option.
Best Time to Visit Jeddah
The best time to visit Jeddah is during the winter months (November to February) when the weather is cooler and more pleasant. These months are ideal for exploring outdoor attractions and enjoying the city’s beaches and Corniche. The summer months can be extremely hot and humid, making it less comfortable for outdoor activities.
Travel Tips
- Local Cuisine: Jeddah offers a variety of dining options, from traditional Saudi dishes to international cuisine. Be sure to try local specialties like Kabsa (spiced rice with meat), Mandi, and Mutabbaq. The city is also known for its fresh seafood and diverse restaurant scene.
- Cultural Etiquette: Jeddah is a relatively liberal city compared to other parts of Saudi Arabia, but it is still important to respect local customs and traditions. Women are required to wear an abaya in public, while men should dress modestly. Public displays of affection are not allowed, and it is advisable to ask for permission before taking photographs of people.
- Language: Arabic is the official language of Saudi Arabia. While many locals may speak some English, especially in commercial areas, it is helpful to learn a few basic Arabic phrases for communication.
- Currency: The official currency of Saudi Arabia is the Saudi Riyal (SAR). Credit cards are widely accepted, but it is advisable to carry some cash for smaller transactions.
Itinerary Suggestions
One-Day Trip
- Morning: Start your day with a visit to Al-Balad to explore the historic district and its traditional architecture. Then, head to the Jeddah Corniche for a leisurely walk and to see King Fahd’s Fountain.
- Afternoon: Have lunch at a local restaurant and visit the Fakieh Aquarium to explore the marine exhibits. Afterward, explore the Jeddah Sculpture Museum along the Corniche.
- Evening: Conclude your day with a visit to the Red Sea Mall for shopping and dining. Enjoy dinner at one of the mall’s restaurants and relax.
Weekend Getaway
- Day 1: Begin with visits to Al-Balad and the Jeddah Corniche. In the afternoon, explore the Red Sea Mall and have lunch. In the evening, visit the Al-Rahma Mosque and the Jeddah Waterfront for a relaxing stroll and dinner.
- Day 2: Start with a morning visit to Atallah Happy Land Park for amusement rides and entertainment. Then, head to Al Shallal Theme Park for more thrilling attractions. In the evening, enjoy a seafood dinner at one of Jeddah’s renowned restaurants.
Jeddah’s mix of historical sites, modern attractions, and beautiful coastal scenery make it a fascinating destination in Saudi Arabia. Whether you’re exploring ancient architecture, shopping in luxurious malls, or enjoying the natural beauty of the Red Sea, Jeddah offers a unique and memorable experience for every traveler.
