On the shores of the Red Sea, Jeddah is perhaps the most pleasant of Saudi Arabia's major cities. Since the 7th century, the city has been a major trading port on the Indian Ocean, before becoming the port of arrival for pilgrims to Mecca. Today, the seafront is a place to relax and swim. Although Jeddah has succumbed to modernity (with impressive skyscrapers springing up more and more every day in the new city), it has managed to preserve some of its old 18th-century tower-houses, built in coral. You can see them as you stroll inside the walls of the Old City, known as Al Balad, which was designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2014. Jeddah is proud of its history and culture, and there are many museums to remind us of this. Follow the guide, we'll tell you what not to miss in Jeddah!
Far from the skyscrapers of the modern city, a journey back in time awaits you in Al Balad, the old city of Jeddah. Listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO since 2014, its traditional houses are renowned for their colourful wooden balconies, the"rawashins". As well as homes, these houses are home to cafés and art galleries, making Al Balad a great place to stroll around.
L’architecture typique de la vieille ville de Djeddah.
- © Rahul D Silva / ShutterstockOn our walk, we come across some magnificent mosques, such as the ancient Al-Shafi'i Mosque, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We also come across various gates, remnants of the surrounding wall that once encircled the district. In the heart of Al Balad, the al-Alawi souks are certainly the most interesting in the country, with their antique shops, gold, silver and spices...
Jeddah is known as the artistic capital of Saudi Arabia, so there is no shortage of museums brimming withworks of Islamic art, such as the Hafez Gallery and the Saudi Fine Arts Centre. Other establishments take a more historical approach, such as the Nassif House Museum or the House Arts Museum.
Le musée Al Tayebat à Djeddah.
- © Sergey-73 / ShutterstockIf there were only one museum to visit in Jeddah, it would be the Al Tayebat Museum. Its typical architecture reflects that of the old city. Through its exhibitions of models, works of art, manuscripts and many other artefacts, the museum traces the history of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia and, more generally, the Arabian Peninsula.
⏰ Opening hours: 8am to midday, then 5pm to 9pm, every day except Friday
👛 Price: 80 SAR
📍 Location: it's here on Google Maps
The Red Sea is one of Jeddah's main attractions. All along the shoreline, a pedestrian corniche has been laid out to enable residents and visitors to stroll and enjoy the sea air, as well as eating out and having fun thanks to the many facilities on offer. It's the perfect spot to watch the sun go down: keep an eye out for dolphins playing in the foam!
Une plage sur la corniche de Djeddah.
- © Fredy Thuerig / ShutterstockOn foot or by bike, you'll come across a number of pretty monuments and curiosities along the way, including the famous floating Al-Rahma mosque and the King Fahd fountain with its 312-metre-high water jet, as well as a number of artists' sculptures. Of course, one of the big highlights of the Corniche are the fine sandy beaches that line it! Magnificent and lively, all you want to do is swim there.
On the northern coast of Jeddah, theFakieh Aquarium is the only aquarium in Saudi Arabia. With over 200 species, most of them from the Red Sea, you can learn more about the region's marine ecosystem. Fish, jellyfish, penguins and sharks will fill the eyes of young and old with stars.
⏰Opening times: 1pm to midnight
👛 Price: 65 SAR
📍 Location: it's here on Google Maps
Des enfants s’amusant sur une plage de Djeddah.
- © Ahmed Hasan Ali Taher / ShutterstockJust a stone's throw from the Fakieh Aquarium, thrill-seekers won't want to miss a trip to the Al Shallal amusement park. Roller coasters and rides flash and light up on the shores of the Red Sea. Children also have their own dedicated attractions, enough to delight the whole family!
⏰ Times: 4pm to 2.30am
👛 Price: 75 SAR
📍 Location: it's here on Google Maps
On the shores of the Red Sea, in the west of Saudi Arabia, Jeddah is around 10 hours' drive from Riyadh via Route 80. Quite a journey, then!
The easiest way to get to Jeddah from Europe or other cities in the country is by plane, as the city has its own international airport.
There's no shortage of restaurants in Jeddah! From small family-run oriental cafés to top-of-the-range restaurants serving international cuisine, you'll have no trouble finding something to suit your taste.
Our favourite? The Sarmad Restaurant, offering typical Saudi cuisine at reasonable prices, just a stone's throw from the superb Jaffali Mosque.
Jeddah is a big city and its surroundings are full of wonders, so plan to stay for at least 4 or 5 days to discover every corner.
