Al-Balad old town tour
Coral-stone merchant houses, carved wooden balconies and the souqs of the UNESCO-listed old town, with a local guide.
Best for Late afternoon into evening
Check availabilityvia Klook
Destination guide
Jeddah
Saudi Arabia’s most relaxed city: coral-stone old town, a long seafront and the Red Sea on the doorstep. Two days is ideal.
Updated · by Daniel
Jeddah at a glance
- Best time
- November to March
- How long
- 2 nights
- Airport
- King Abdulaziz International (JED)
- Getting around
- Uber or Careem
- Don’t miss
- Al-Balad in the evening
- Note
- Non-Muslims cannot enter Makkah
Best experiences in Jeddah
Bayada Island boat & snorkel trip
A boat from the northern marinas to a sandbank island with clear water and reef snorkelling.
Best for A beach day without a resort
Check availabilityvia Klook
Also worth your time
The Corniche runs for kilometres along the sea; walk it at dusk when families come out. King Fahd’s Fountain, one of the tallest in the world, is lit at night and best seen from the Corniche. For beaches, head north to Obhur, where the private beach clubs and marinas are.
Book for Jeddah
Jeddah airport pickup
Fixed-price driver waiting in arrivals at King Abdulaziz International (JED).
Data eSIM
Install before you fly. Maps, ride apps and tickets all need data on arrival.
Travel insurance
The visa's built-in cover is medical only. Cover cancellations, delays and activities.
Questions travellers ask
Is Jeddah worth visiting?
Yes, for Al-Balad, the seafront and easy access to the Red Sea. It has a more relaxed feel than Riyadh.
Can tourists visit Makkah from Jeddah?
Only Muslims may enter Makkah. Non-Muslims cannot enter the city.
