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Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

Destination Guide

Jeddah

Saudi Arabia

Best things to do in Jeddah

32 curated attractions in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Handpicked for every kind of traveler.

Best time

November - March

Average temp

30°C/86°F

Budget

Expensive

Safety

Generally safe

About Jeddah

Jeddah is the gateway to Mecca, with a long history as a port city that welcomes millions of pilgrims each year. The historic old town, Al-Balad, features coral houses and centuries-old buildings, reflecting its trading past. Modern Jeddah is an ever-evolving landscape of shopping malls, parks, and sculptures, with the Jeddah Sculpture Museum showcasing contemporary art. Along the Red Sea coast, you'll find the Jeddah Waterfront and Nakheel Beach, where people gather for leisure. The King Abdulaziz Mosque stands as a significant religious site amidst all this, while the towering Jeddah Flagpole reminds visitors of the city's ambitions. The atmosphere comes from its role as a cultural and commercial hub, drawing in residents and tourists alike to enjoy the mix of tradition and modernity, along with a solid dining scene that keeps locals happy.

Who it's for

This city works for those interested in a blend of culture and contemporary life, and it’s particularly appealing for pilgrims heading to Mecca. However, if you are seeking a quiet retreat, the busy urban energy and the crowds during pilgrimage seasons may not suit your preferences. Good manners are expected, and a firm grasp of local customs will help ensure a smooth visit.

Getting around

Public transport: Good

  • The city is best navigated by taxi or ride-hailing apps, as public transport is good but not extensive
  • Jeddah's central area can be traversed in about twenty minutes by car, depending on traffic
  • The Red Sea Mall is a popular attraction and a convenient spot for shopping
  • The airport is about thirty minutes from downtown
Jeddah Old Souk

Jeddah Old Souk

Local & craft markets
King Fahd Fountain

King Fahd Fountain

Fountains, statues & public art
King Fahd Coastal City

King Fahd Coastal City

Canals, harbours & waterfronts
Jeddah Waterfront

Jeddah Waterfront

Canals, harbours & waterfronts
Jeddah Corniche

Jeddah Corniche

Canals, harbours & waterfronts
Abdul Raouf Khalil Museum

Abdul Raouf Khalil Museum

History museums
King Abdulaziz University

King Abdulaziz University

Historic libraries & universities
Darat Safeya Binzagr Museum

Darat Safeya Binzagr Museum

Art museums & galleries
Floating Mosque (Al Rahma Mosque / Fatima Al Zahra Mosque)

Floating Mosque (Al Rahma Mosque / Fatima Al Zahra Mosque)

Mosques
Al Shallal Theme Park

Al Shallal Theme Park

Theme parks
Nasseef House

Nasseef House

Historic houses & mansions
Balad (Historic District)

Balad (Historic District)

Old towns & historic quarters
Jeddah Sculpture Museum

Jeddah Sculpture Museum

Fountains, statues & public art
Jeddah Flagpole

Jeddah Flagpole

Fountains, statues & public art
Fakieh Aquarium

Fakieh Aquarium

Aquariums
Al Tayebat International City

Al Tayebat International City

History museums
King Abdulaziz Mosque

King Abdulaziz Mosque

Mosques
Nakheel Beach

Nakheel Beach

Beaches
Red Sea Mall

Red Sea Mall

Malls & department stores
Jeddah Light

Jeddah Light

Fountains, statues & public art
Jeddah Islamic Port

Jeddah Islamic Port

Canals, harbours & waterfronts
Rawaea Almaktabat Park

Rawaea Almaktabat Park

City parks
Tahlia Street

Tahlia Street

Shopping streets & districts
Atallah Happy Land Park

Atallah Happy Land Park

Theme parks
Jeddah Tower (under construction)

Jeddah Tower (under construction)

Modern architecture & skyscrapers
Red Sea Museum

Red Sea Museum

Cultural
Prince Mohammed bin Salman Park (Jeddah Waterfront)

Prince Mohammed bin Salman Park (Jeddah Waterfront)

City parks
King Fahd Park

King Fahd Park

City parks
Yacht Club

Yacht Club

Luxury and Exclusive Attractions
Jeddah Science and Technology Museum

Jeddah Science and Technology Museum

Science & natural history museums
Souk Al Alawi

Souk Al Alawi

Local & craft markets
King Abdulaziz International Airport Mosque

King Abdulaziz International Airport Mosque

Mosques

Where to eat in Jeddah

The places worth planning a meal around.

Da Bao

Da Bao

★ 4.6 · 3,720 reviews

SURA Korean Fine Dining

SURA Korean Fine Dining

Korean

★ 4.4 · 2,659 reviews

Shang Palace

Shang Palace

Cantonese · $$$

★ 4.8 · 2,081 reviews

Suramyun

Suramyun

Korean · $$

★ 4.6 · 1,124 reviews

Crustacean Jeddah

Crustacean Jeddah

Asian Fusion · $$$

★ 4.6 · 138 reviews

Misora

Misora

Japanese · $$$

★ 4.3 · 102 reviews

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