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Jeddah

Saudi Arabia

Jeddah

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PDF Guide

Our travel guides are free to read and explore online. If you want to get your own copy, the full travel guide for this destination is available to you offline* to bring along anywhere or print for your trip.

*this will be downloaded as a PDF.

Price

€4,95

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JeddahGuide was updated:
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.

Do & See

Many of Jeddah's attractions, from bizarre sculptures and a record-breaking fountain to parks, restaurants and museums, can be found along the Corniche. 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

Corniche

The Jeddah Corniche is a 30-kilometre coastal pathway that functions as a primary public space for the city. It is a popular destination for evening strolls, with residents and visitors walking along the Red Sea shore. The area includes several public art installations from the Jeddah Open-Air Museum. The King Fahd Fountain, one of the tallest in the world, is a prominent landmark along the waterfront. The atmosphere is particularly lively around sunset, when the light over the water draws larger crowds.

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Al-Balad — Jeddah Historic District

Al-Balad — Jeddah Historic District

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 buildings, many constructed from traditional coral stone and intricately carved wooden elements.

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Beit Nassif Museum

Beit Nassif Museum

Beit Nassif stands as one of Al-Balad’s most significant restored coral houses, a 19th-century merchant’s mansion that later served as a royal residence for King Abdulaziz. Its Ottoman-inspired design includes distinctive bay windows and ramps built for camel messengers to access the upper floors. The interior reveals grand rooms and a library, while a 130-year-old neem tree — once Jeddah’s only tree — guards the entrance. Visiting can be a logistical exercise; access is not always straightforward, and some areas, like the rooftop terrace with its panoramic views, may be closed without notice. It’s wise to call ahead to confirm opening times and avoid a fruitless journey.

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Beit Al-Sharbatly

Beit Al-Sharbatly

Beit Al-Sharbatly is a distinguished 1930s mansion in Al-Balad, celebrated for its ornate Hejazi architecture. Its façade is defined by elaborate rawasheen (projecting bay windows) featuring intricate mashrabiya (wooden lattice screens). Completed in 1936, the building first housed the Egyptian Embassy before being acquired by the prominent Al-Sharbatly trading family. While the house has been restored and is admired for its almost cinematic exterior, public access can be unpredictable. The interior is not consistently open to casual visitors, so it is best appreciated from the outside.

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