Travel guide: 10 of the best things to do in Jeddah
Discover the cultural sights, aquatic thrills and dining highlights of Jeddah…
On the edge of the Red Sea, Jeddah offers a cultured mix of heritage and contemporary. Stroll through the historic Old Town and bustling souks, join locals wandering along the Corniche, or push the boat out with a diving tour on the Red Sea.
Here are 10 of the best things to do in Jeddah.
Wander through Al Balad
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Stroll through Jeddah’s UNESCO-listed Old City of Al Balad, where old merchants’ houses teeter precariously above the alleyways. One of the best-preserved buildings is Al Naseef House. The one-time residence of King Abdul Aziz, it’s now open to the public as a museum.
Al Balad, Jeddah.
Shop for souvenirs in Souq Al Alawi
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While you’re in Al Balad, pay a visit to one of the traditional souks (markets). The largest is Souk Al Alawi, which runs off Al Dahab Street. This vibrant marketplace is packed with stalls selling jewellery, incense, coffee, spices, scarves and abayas.
Souk Al Alawi, Al Dahab Street, Jeddah, Sat to Wed, 8am to 1pm, 5pm to 9pm.
Swim with dolphins at Fakieh Aquarium
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At Fakieh Aquarium, marvel at thousands of sea creatures as you wander through the glass tunnels; catch a dolphin or sea lion show; or sign up for a dolphin swim.
Fakieh Aquarium, Al Kurnaysh Road, Al Nawras, Jeddah. From Dhs65. Tel: (0)12 606 6144. fakiehaquarium.com
Witness the world’s tallest fountain
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The King Fahd Fountain shoots a stream of saltwater more than 300 metres into the sky. The world’s tallest fountain is illuminated at night, and is visible from all over Jeddah.
Al Andalus, Jeddah.
Dive in the Red Sea
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Take a scuba diving tour of the Red Sea, departing from Jeddah. The untouched coral reefs are teeming with sea life, including sea turtles, rays and technicolour fish.
Dine at Al Nakheel Restaurant
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One of Jeddah’s best-known restaurants, Al Nakheel is an alfresco eatery on the Corniche, overlooking the Red Sea. Settle into the cushioned seating for an evening of traditional Arabic cuisine and shisha.
Corniche Road, Palm Garden, Jeddah. Tel: 055 544 2969.
Shop the Red Sea Mall
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Beat the summer heat with a shopping jaunt in the Red Sea Mall. Take your pick of luxury labels, high-street brands and international food chains, along with a Vox Cinema and entertainment zones for children.
Ash Shati, Jeddah, daily 10am to 1am. Tel: (0) 12 215 1551.
Grab a snack from Al Baik
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Arguably one of Saudi Arabia’s most famous restaurant chains, Al Baik serves bargain-priced fried chicken that you swipe through tubs of garlic sauce. Order the spicy fried chicken, which is injected with a fiery sauce. There are more than 300 Al Baik outlets in Jeddah alone.
3640 Muhammad Abd Reda, As Salamah, 8162, Jeddah. Tel: 0800 244 245. albaik.com/en
Take an evening stroll along the Corniche
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Join the locals taking a walk along the waterfront as the sun sets over the Red Sea. Jeddah’s 30-kilometre Corniche is lined with restaurants, cafes and picnic spots, making it a popular destination for catching up with family and friends.
Corniche, Jeddah.
View the floating mosque
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At the end of the Jeddah Corniche sits the Masjid Ar-Rahmah. This modern mosque seems to float above the water, and is particularly breathtaking at sunset.
Corniche, Jeddah.
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