Jeddah City Guide

General Information / Guide

Jeddah is the second-largest city in Saudi Arabia, located in the western part of the kingdom along the Red Sea. For centuries, Jeddah was a crucial port city and served as a trading and commercial center. Today, it is known as a cosmopolitan spot due to hosting numerous visitors for commerce and serving as a getaway to sacred places like Mecca and Medinah for the pilgrimage. Jeddah has a population of 3.9 million, and the historic Jeddah was inscribed to the World Heritage List in 2014. 

Climate / Weather / When to Go

Jeddah experiences a Subtropical Desert Climate, with an average temperature of around 28-30 °C. Due to having Subtropical Desert Climate and its location, Jeddah’s vegetation consists of mainly desert plants. Generally, the weather is dry and hot, which makes December, January, and February the best months to visit. From July to October, seawater temperatures become too hot, making the rest of the year ideal for watersport enthusiasts.

How to Get There

King Abdulaziz International Airport, located 15 km from the city center, is accessible via direct and connecting flights from various locations. To reach the city center, travelers can opt for taxis or airport buses, both taking approximately 35 minutes including transfers.

Food / Restaurants / What to Eat and Drink

Jeddah offers a variety of cafes and restaurants where you can enjoy both local and international dishes. But when you dine, be aware that most of the restaurants close for prayer for about 30-45 minutes at noon, sunset, and an hour after sunset. Besides international fast-food chains, you can easily find many alternatives in the city, you can try authentic street food like shawarma, falafel, and hummus. If you seek mid-range or luxury alternatives, try restaurants like Aromi Restaurant, Yildizlar, and Mataam Al Sharq, where you can find several examples of different international cuisines like Italian, Lebanese, and Turkish. For traditional food with sheesha, you can try Al Nakheel. For beverages, you can milky, warm drinks like Subia, the most famous local drink, which is made with special ingredients and malt, or Sahlab.

Important Places / Places to Visit

Al Balad: Al Balad is the historic old town of Jeddah, which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site,  known for its preserved traditional architecture and cultural significance.

The Jeddah Corniche: The Jeddah Corniche is a picturesque coastal promenade along the Red Sea, popular for its scenic views, parks, and recreational amenities.

Jeddah Regional Museum of Archaeology and Ethnography: This museum in Jeddah is within the Khuzam Palace, which was built in 1928. This museum displays different artifacts some of which date back to the Stone Age, providing insights into the history and culture of the region.

Al-Rahma Mosque: Al-Rahma Mosque, also known as the Floating Mosque, is a distinctive religious site on the Red Sea, offering a unique spiritual experience.

King Fahd's Fountain: King Fahd's Fountain is a prominent water fountain in Jeddah, known for its spectacular water displays and nighttime illumination.

Asfan Castle: Asfan Castle is an Ottoman fortress built in the 1800s, and has significance for the region's architecture and history.

Souq al-Alawi: Souq al-Alawi is a bustling traditional market in Jeddah’s old city, offering a wide variety of goods and a vibrant atmosphere with coral houses.

What to Do

Due to its location on the coast of the Red Sea, Jeddah is ideal for Scuba Diving. If you are interested in water sports, you can have a blast in this city. If you are interested in culture, history, and heritage you can visit numerous museums, famous landmarks like the Floating Mosque, the UNESCO Heritage Site Al Balad, and old souks like Jeddah Souk. Also, Jeddah has great theme and water parks such as Al Shalal, Atallah Happy Land Park, Water Park at Sail Island, and more. If you are a foodie, do not forget to try local delicacies like Kabsa, Madfoon, and Matazeez.

Nightlife / Bars / Entertainment

Jeddah doesn't have a vibrant nightlife due to the prohibition of alcohol in the city. Nevertheless, Jeddah has a growing entertainment scene, featuring a range of cafes, cinemas, and international restaurants that remain open until midnight.

Shopping / What to Buy

Numerous souvenir shops are scattered throughout different parts of Jeddah, offering an array of treasures, including khanjars, fragrances, intricate calligraphy, and more. For a quintessential shopping experience, consider visiting the traditional souks, particularly those located around Ahmet Al Attas Street, to buy authentic Arabic items like delicious dates, jewelry in gold or silver, leather footwear, traditional clothing, rugs, utensils, coffee pots called Dallah, and amber beads. If you prefer modern shopping venues, the Mall Of Arabia stands as the city's most popular choice, catering to both locals and tourists with local and international brands.

Festivals / Events

May to July: Jeddah Season

December: Jeddah International Book Fair

November to December: Jeddah International Film Festival

December: Jeddah International Motor Show

May: Jeddah International Luxury Week

Holidays / Festivals / Important Days

22 February - Saudi Founding Day

23- September - Saudi National Day

Eid Al-Fitr

Eid Al-Adha

Things to Pay Attention to / Important Information

• Bargaining is a common practice in Jeddah, as vendors often negotiate prices with tourists.
• Ensuring your skin is covered with lightweight, breathable fabric is essential due to the constant presence of the sun.
• Demonstrating public displays of affection with your partner is discouraged.
• Women should adhere to clothing guidelines that include covering their shoulders and knees
• Credit and debit cards are widely welcomed for transactions.

Transportation

In Jeddah, you can use taxis, buses, or boats to get around the city. Buses are not commonly used as a transportation besides the main streets and downtown of Albalad. Boats are also used not exactly as a means of transportation, but rather as a sightseeing the Red Sea. Taxis, on the other hand, are the most common way of transportation, as there are a variety of options, like regular yellow taxis, more comfortable white taxis, and cars or minivans, which are provided by hotels and also called taxis, that take its visitors to malls and famous spots around the city.