Curator’s statement
Saudi Arabia has only recently opened to general tourism, which is such a gift to travelers because there are so many incredible places to visit in this vast country. Jeddah is a lovely antidote to the skyscrapers of the other Gulf cities; instead you’ll find accessible heritage, delicious food and sweets and hospitable locals who are eager to show you their unique city.
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Day 1: Learn About Saudi History and Heritage
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.
Day 2: Go Shopping and Visit a Mosque
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.
Need to know
Getting around: Ubers are plentiful and inexpensive, and a convenient way to bridge the language barrier if you don’t speak Arabic. Local taxis are also plentiful.
Dressing: foreign women are no longer required to wear abayas (the long, usually black, overgown), and are not required to cover their hair. Modest dress is still requested out of respect to the local culture. Men can wear t-shirts and longer shorts or long pants. The climate is pretty hot most of the year so do wear breathable fabrics.
Communication: Saudis are very friendly and helpful people. English is becoming more widely understood; on a recent trip to Jeddah about half of the Uber drivers I met spoke English. Many signs and menus have English translations, and in many cafés, restaurants and museums English is commonly spoken. It’s good to have the Google Translate app available just in case!
Hours: Many museums, stores and restaurants are open in the mornings, take an afternoon break and reopen from the late afternoon until late evening. Jeddah is quieter in the day and really comes alive in the evenings, so keep this in mind when planning your schedule.
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For more travel tips, check out Fora Advisor Nicole Brewer’s guide, A Guide to Visiting Saudi Arabia.
This guide is part of our ongoing series on travel to Saudi Arabia.