Jeddah walking tour & city guide
A Red Sea port with a coral-stone old town.
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Jeddah, on the Red Sea, has long been the gateway for pilgrims to Mecca. Its historic district, Al-Balad, is famous for coral-stone houses with carved wooden balconies.
Al-Balad
Al-Balad, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has tall houses built of coral stone and decorated with wooden lattice windows called rawasheen. Its souks sell spices, perfumes and fabrics.
The corniche
The Jeddah Corniche runs for 30 kilometers along the sea, with sculptures, parks and the floating mosque. King Fahd's Fountain shoots water over 300 meters high.
A day in Jeddah
Start in Al-Balad, the historic quarter and a UNESCO site, where tall coral-stone houses have wooden latticed windows called rawasheen. Wander through its souqs, visit the restored Nassif House and stop for Arabic coffee in a traditional café.
In the evening, walk along the Jeddah Corniche, a long seafront with sculptures, parks and the floating Al Rahma Mosque. King Fahd's Fountain, one of the tallest in the world, shoots water high into the air.
Good to know
Jeddah is the main gateway for pilgrims to Mecca, and it has long been the most cosmopolitan city in the country. The Red Sea offers excellent diving and snorkeling.
Winter is the best time to visit, though the city is humid all year. Try ful and mutabbaq for breakfast.
Top sights in Jeddah
- 1
Al-Balad
The historic coral-stone district.
- 2
Jeddah Corniche
A long seafront promenade.
- 3
King Fahd's Fountain
One of the tallest fountains in the world.
- 4
Floating Mosque
A mosque over the sea.
- 5
Nasseef House
A historic merchant's house.
Food markets & where to eat in Jeddah
Al-Balad souks
Street food and sweets.
Corniche
Seafood restaurants.
Tahlia Street
Cafés and dining.
Food to try in Jeddah
Saleeg
Creamy rice cooked in broth.
Mutabbaq
A stuffed fried pastry.
Grilled fish
From the Red Sea.
Opening hours and prices change often. Please check with each place before you visit.
Plan your trip to Jeddah
Enjoyed the walk? Here is everything you need to see it for real.
- Hotels in JeddahCompare places to stay and prices.
- Tours & ticketsWalking tours, museums and day trips in Jeddah.
- eSIM for Saudi ArabiaStay online from the moment you land.
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