The city of Jeddah, Saudi’s coastal cosmopolitan hub and, historically, the home to worldwide arts and music, is a gathering spot for a variety of vibrant cultures.
Al Balad, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is Jeddah’s historical quarter where ancient coral stone houses are being restored, and new heritage-focused galleries, restaurants, luxury stores and cafes are emerging to create a buzzing cultural scene.
Whether it is with friends, family – or alone, Jeddah is super safe with Saudi ranking one of the safest places among G20 nations; it’s a country where hospitality and care for others is a way of life.
With its pristine Red Sea coastline, rich heritage celebrated by UNESCO and a lively cultural scene, the Jeddah of today is a unique blend of tradition and modernity that mirrors the deep changes taking place in Saudi.
Here is how to make the best of Jeddah in 96 hours this summer.
Where to stay in Jeddah:
Best for authentic experiences: Beit Jokhdar, Beit Al Rayess and Beit Kedwan
In March 2024, three very plush boutique hotels launched in Al Balad (Beit Jokhdar, Beit Al Rayess and Beit Kedwan). The hotels are set in lovingly converted family homes, each carefully designed with a team of historians, local artists, carpenters and architects, and they’re filled with locally sourced products. Guests can enjoy authentic local food at the restaurant, unwind on the rooftop terrace with Saudi coffee at sunrise or stargaze at night, and marvel at bespoke touches – everything from the chocolates in the airport transfer to the scent of incense in the bedroom is personalised.
Best for city views: Assila
Enjoy a stylish stay and take advantage of so many offers at Saudi’s first art hotel, Assila. A tribute to Saudi’s burgeoning art scene, the hotel houses more than 2,000 pieces of original art by Saudi artists and the deals suit every type of traveller, ranging from a very cute offer for couples (running until January 2, 2025) or a 15% discount when you book a 3-night stay (running until December 5, 2024). And its super sleek, with Middle Eastern accents found throughout from Arabian-patterned carpet to vibrant tapestries, bespoke handwoven rugs and hanging lanterns. Unwind with in-room massages or at the spa and a rooftop pool, offering unparalleled views of the city.
Best for art-lovers: Shada Hotel
A modern Saudi boutique hotel and a female-run homegrown hotel brand, Shada Hotel Al Shatea offers a friendly welcome and a playful design rooted in Saudi culture and tradition – only a short walk from the Corniche. The brand works with local artists and designers to ensure that the hotel’s public spaces and rooms are filled with nods to different traditions from across Saudi.
Best for sea views: The Jeddah EDITION
EDITION Hotels’ third property in the Middle East (and first in Saudi) is located right along the Jeddah Waterfront, adjacent to the Jeddah Yacht Club & Marina and the F1 racetrack. The stunning property boasts 63 rooms, 11 of which are suites, and an amazing range of facilities including a signature restaurant, and intimate bar, a rooftop and pool.
Day 1: Wander in Al Balad, UNESCO World Heritage Site
Saudi is the perfect place to do some soul searching, with seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites – one of which, Al Balad, is in Jeddah. Immerse yourself in the country’s rich history and distinct Hijazi architecture including towers and houses built by the city’s elite merchants in the late 19th century – expect lots of coral stone, wood, roshan box balconies and intricately carved doors. Established as the primary port for trade routes from the Indian Ocean in the 7th century AD, many buildings are up to 400 years old.
The charming streets come alive in the evening during summer – soak in the Jeddah skyline and the hundreds of antiques on display at local favourite Historic Nights Rooftop Cafe. Hunt for treasures in Al Balad’s bustling markets – there are seven souks in the old town alone including the oldest souk in Jeddah, Souk Al Alawi. Here you’ll find leather goods, Arabic perfumes, jewellery, clothes and much more. Visit the iconic Bait Nassif, a breathtaking traditional mansion-turned-museum that showcases the architectural grandeur of the past, and Al Balad Museum is where you’ll uncover Jeddah’s transformation from a trading port into a thriving cultural hub. To pack the most into your days, take a guided tour for local insights.
For dinner, find out why Shawarmer is so famous, or try generations-old Hummus Am Jalal for its famous Levantine-style Hummus with a side of eggplant or falafels. For a traditional Saudi feast you need to try the unassuming but extraordinary Al Saddah. A local favourite, it’s the best place to try traditional rice and chicken dishes such as madghout, madhbi and mandi.
Day 2: Dip a toe (or more) in the Red Sea
Jeddah’s sweeping corniche offers sublime views of the Red Sea and the long walkway lined with trees and flowers that runs along the water’s edge is popular with locals and visitors alike.
A visit to Jeddah this summer is not complete without spending some time near the water. Jeddah’s beaches are where the city meets the Red Sea. Saudi is one of the best diving and fishing spots in the world with pristine waters, white sandy beaches, an abundance of thriving coral reefs and some of the world’s coolest shipwrecks. Interact with beautiful and rare marine creatures – see if you can spot the world’s fastest fish, the Black Marlin, with a speed of 109 km/m, and the endangered Napoleon fish, also known as “Queen of the Coral Reef.”
In the southwest of Jeddah, you will find the island of Abu Tair and the world’s most famous ship wreckage, which is all that remains of the Greek Staphonos that sank in 1978, called the “Cable Wreck,” because its cargo was mainly cables, fences, and huge steel beams. Other favourite wrecks include the “Ann Ann wreck”, a challenging dive that requires artificial lights and the “marble wreck” named after to its marble cargo – it’s a shallow water wreck and suitable for rookie divers! Book a Red Sea diving adventure, Red Sea scuba diving course, fishing trip or hire a yacht for a dreamy day out.
Head back to Jeddah for the evening and head to Al Bassali for fresh seafood straight off the boat. It’s been one of the most-loved spots in Jeddah since 1949. Make sure you try the fried Najil (this fish is a local delicacy, with soft and succulent white meat) and see who you know on the wall – it’s covered in pictures of celebrities who have visited.
Day 3: Escape the hustle and bustle of the big city: go hiking in Moon Valley
In the morning, head to wider Jeddah for brunch in Ext. Seventeen. The Saudi, female-run café serves cuisine inspired by authentic Saudi flavours in an innovative way – think shakshouk, madini oatmeal and labneh toast.
An hour north-east of the city lies Moon Valley but the mystical rock formations and endless desert views may as well be a million miles away. An otherworldly landscape of huge rounded rocks that look like the surface of the moon, stunning rock formations, each hollowed out and left jagged by the wind, and low desert shrubs, it’s an adventure and outdoor lover’s paradise. Activities include mountain biking, climbing and hiking best arranged through a local licensed tour operator or hiking guide.
If at all possible, camping overnight at the remote location means there’s zero light pollution, making this the perfect spot for stargazing. Or if you’re here when the moon is out, the ethereal landscape will look even more beautiful under its soft light.
Day 4: Discover Jeddah’s ever-evolving foodie scene
Start the day with a breakfast of traditional pastries. Follow mouth-watering scents coming from Jeddah’s restaurants, cafes and bakeries. Visit the authentic Al Saidi Bakery in Al Balad, established in the mid-90s, for traditional treats such as its signature “Shaborah” rusks.
If you are inspired and want to try your hands at making traditional Saudi food yourself, head to Nassif House Museum to join one of their cooking class and learn to prepare authentic Jeddawi food. The experience is a distinctive blend of cultural immersion, historical exploration, and hands-on culinary adventure. Starting with a small tour, visitors can explore the narrow alleyways, traditional architecture, and historical landmarks that have shaped the city’s identity. They will then have the chance to engage with local vendors, discovering unique spices, and ingredients that are integral to Jeddawi cuisine. The cooking session itself is a true celebration of Jeddawi culinary traditions, as participants are guided through the preparation of an authentic cultural meal by a local hosts.
End a day of culinary exploration by heading to The Social Kitchen, opened in 2019, to discover fine Mediterranean cooking and international flavours, in a light-flooded, loft-style restaurant that offers lounge seating – with views over the open kitchen – a cocktail corner and an in-house bakery offering fresh-from-the-oven breads, cakes and giant, US-style cookies. Founded by local Saudi entrepreneur Basma Elkhereiji, The Social Kitchen is designed to be a relaxed, welcoming space where you can enjoy bold flavours in imaginative dishes made with quality ingredients: think tuna tacos, truffle risotto, quinoa kale salad, beef carpaccio and veal limone.
Visit Saudi has partnered with Anghami, the largest music-sharing app in the MENA region, to curate four exclusive summer playlists as part of Saudi’s Summer Program. The Red Sea Beach Vibes, Mountain Disconnect, AlUla Wellness, and City Summer Weekends playlists capture the essence of Saudi’s summer destinations to enhance your weekend getaways and trips to disconnect in Saudi. Discover the perfect soundtrack for your summer by searching “Saudi Summer Sounds” on Anghami.
With increased flight options, there are now more pathways than ever for global travelers to visit Jeddah. Flydubai has just announced a new twice-weekly service from Dubai to the Red Sea International Airport, starting April 18, 2024.
Truly, it has never been easier to visit Saudi – visa initiatives have been continuously developed, with the eVisa program now including 66 countries and special administrative regions, and the GCC residents visa and free 96-hour Stopover Visa. UK, US, or Schengen visa holders, as well as residents of the UK, US, or European Union countries, are eligible for the instant eVisa.
Should you need, Visit Saudi has a 24/7 tourist helpline (dial 930) for travellers who require assistance or have any concerns.
