48 Hours in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

Start your day off at the Al Taybat Museum, which is a complex showcasing traditional Hijazi architecture and featuring a multi-story museum. Learn more about traditional Saudi life and heritage, and view an expansive array of regional garments- you may be surprised how colorful and bedazzled they are! The museum’s morning hours are from 8 a.m. to noon, and it’s recommend to spend a couple of hours there so you don’t have to rush through the exhibits.

Enjoy a leisurely lunch or a catnap at your hotel before heading to the Al Balad heritage area. Be sure to keep an eye out for the giant flagpole as you’re driving! Once you arrive to Al Balad, get lost in the winding alleys of the old city and souk marketplace, where you can find textiles, perfume, spices and dates! Take a quick break to try the cardamom-heavy Saudi coffee, called gahwa, at Diyab. Tour through Nassif House Museum and Matbouli House Museum to learn more about life in the past and Saudi culture. Keep an eye out for hints of modern art sprinkled around town - a mural by Tunisian calligrafitti artist eL Seed on Al Dhahab street, or the billowing pink fabric of the Andrés Reisinger installation in the heart of Al Balad.

You’ve likely worked up an appetite by now so head over to Al Basali for freshly-caught seafood- the modest eatery boasts some of the best seafood in the city. Finish the day with dessert and tea on the rooftop of Historic Nights Cafe, where you can soak in Al Balad’s charm.

Begin the day with a leisurely brunch, then head to pick up some sweet souvenirs at Halwiyat Halwani in Faisaliyyah. This boutique is tucked into an unassuming row of shops but once inside you’ll find shelves and glass cases bursting with all sorts of honeys, treats and sweets. The hospitable store owner will let you sample the local sweets, which make great gifts for friends back home. Peruse the nearby carpet shop for home decor, or if you’re a lady who’s been inspired by the local women’s fashion you can browse over 100 abaya designs at Abayat Sara to find the right color, cut and embellishments for you!

By now you’ll be ready for a coffee break so head to Music and Antiques for a caffeine recharge amidst a huge collection of board games with a rock’n’ roll vibe. Head upstairs to see where workshops fostering the local music culture are held, alongside a karaoke space and vinyls for sale.

Grab an Uber or taxi to the Rahmah Mosque, whose gleaming white structure appears to float on the sea. The long corridors of arabesque arches next to the mosque make for great photos and the area is a peaceful place to reflect for a moment as you watch the palm trees sway in the breeze. Afterwards, walk south down the corniche to discover the Golden Eagle statue, one of the many intriguing sculptures along the Art Promenade. Children will love all the carnival rides and games, but be prepared to carry a giant stuffed animal home if you win! Your walk will eventually take you to Little Asia, a part-carnival, part-food festival themed area that will transport you to Asia. Grab dinner there from one of the myriad vendors.

Enjoy a view of Jeddah by night at one of the city’s rooftop lounges, such as the Rosewood’s Sky Lounge or The Roof Lounge in Al Khalidiyyah. Finish the day by grabbing a ride to the lower part of the corniche, from where you can watch the King Fahad fountain, which shoots water 200 meters in the air.