Jeddah is a timeless city. Eternal in its essence and endless in the experiences it offers, Jeddah’s charm has endured through the ages. One of the oldest seaports in the Gulf, the city has been a trade route and a destination for centuries. Located on the eastern shore of the Red Sea, Jeddah serves as a gateway for pilgrims to the holy city of Mecca.
Your visit will span a range of experiences. The old city of Al-Balad shows off its ancient heritage, you can go for shopping sprees to souqs and malls, add adventure sport to your day and get heightened culinary experiences here. Add museum hopping and fun at beach resorts to the list.
Accommodation
Choose from luxury to budget friendly hotels; or check into resorts and local accommodation.
The biggest names in hospitality line Jeddah’s Waterfront boasting beach views, proximity to the Corniche promenade and close views of the King Fahd Fountain. Book your stay at Jeddah Hilton, Sheraton Jeddah, Ritz-Carlton or Hyatt Park Jeddah. For city center luxury, try Hotel Galleria Jeddah or Assila Hotel on Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz Street. Everything from shopping malls, jewelry boutiques and lavish cafes to the best restaurants in Jeddah are here.
For the budget conscious, both Shada Al-Salama and Shada Al-Shati are located close to the International Airport and shopping malls. The four branches of Boudi Apartment Hotels are placed in bustling localities like Tahlia Street, Palestine, Quraish and Hira.
Feel like spoiling yourself at a resort? Consider Narcissus Hotel and Spa, Makarem Annakheel Village or Mövenpick Resort Al Nawras. For an amusement park and marina, head to Durrat Al Arus.
Book homestays through Gathern or Hihome. Rent small fully furnished rooms or large local homes to experience local culture.
Attractions
Have fun riding the massive rollercoaster at Alshallal Theme Park. Get launched into the air by the high adrenaline sling-shot, skate at the high altitude skating rink and become an explorer on the boat ride into its Amazon Forest. The park offers electronic games and children’s rides, boat rides, Ferris Wheel, zero-gravity rides and a free-fall into the lake! The King Fahd Fountain display is a Jeddah landmark, visible from across the city. Explore the kiosks around it or take in the spectacular fountain display and sunset.
Sample local cuisine, grab coffee at the iconic Culture Café or a meal at Café Aroma. Find your way to Fakieh Aquarium. The aquarium houses native species from Jeddah’s coral reefs providing a peek into the colorful life in the Red Sea. Visit Fakieh Planetarium nearby and go to Jeddah Beach. Tayebat Museum is the perfect place to get familiar with the city’s history, art, architecture, foundation of Jeddah and Saudi Arabia, and the History of Islam.
Food
Jeddah’s geographical location ensures a delectable mix on your plate. The choice of seafood is extensive. Try favorites najil, hamour, hareed and saijan. Local food includes traditional tateemah, tames bread and foul with ghee. Masoub and mutabbag from the region have also found their way into local cuisine. Try out the sweet and cool summer specialty subia, a distinctive Jeddah drink made with malt. Warm drinks include the famous sahlab and almond coffee. Sip tangy tamarind juice – a sweet and sour drink which is a must try. Up for a do-it-yourself experience? Head to the Central Fish Market where you can select freshly caught local favorites, carry them for cleaning and filleting and then hand them over for cooking.
Add adventure to the experience by hiring fishing equipment and catching your meal yourself! No visit to Jeddah is complete without coffee. The city’s best brews are at Broots Café, Hemi Café and Roastery, CAF Café, Medd Café and Roastery, Cup and Couch, Caffiene Lab, C Hub and Camel Step.
Shopping
Retail options include local stores, traditional folk markets, souqs and malls like The Red Sea Mall and The Mall of Arabia, designers and boutiques. Choose from local and international fashion, local jewelry, gold, French and oriental perfumes, home accessories, make-up, furniture, culinary supplies and souvenirs. Popular souqs are Souq Alshat’a, Souq Al-Murjan, Souq Al Bawadi and Souq Almena. The best place to buy gold is Oasis Mall.
Explore, shop, eat and sprawl on a beach – now that’s a vacation! Plan your summer trip to Jeddah, a timeless holiday destination in Saudi Arabia. Book your flights and hotels accommodation on Cleartrip now! Check out our summer offer here!
