For centuries, Jeddah, where the desert meets the sea, has been a crossroads for traders, travellers, and pilgrims in the Red Sea. As Saudi Arabia’s second-largest city, it thrives with eclectic dining, bustling shopping districts, and a uniquely liberal social scene. Yet, its true significance lies in its role as the gateway for millions en route to the holy cities of Mecca and Medina. Rich in history and brimming with character, Jeddah offers a dynamic blend of tradition and modernity.
With a population exceeding four million, Jeddah is Saudi Arabia's second-largest city. Its rich history as a major port and commercial hub is evident in the diverse cosmopolitan mix of its people. Over the centuries, Jeddah has hosted millions of Muslim pilgrims on their way to Mecca and Medina, creating a vibrant blend of cultures, flavours, aromas, customs, and traditions. This melting pot is most vividly represented in Al-Balad, the historic Old Town, with its white coral buildings, winding souks, and ancient city gates.
Jeddah is also a city of enjoyment and luxury, offering fine dining, chic cafés, and exceptional shopping. It attracts the country’s elite, who come to savour its renowned seafood and embrace its more relaxed lifestyle.
The stunning Corniche embodies leisure, with its 35 kilometres of waterfront walkways where locals and visitors alike can enjoy sunset strolls, picnics on the grass, or lively gatherings at hotels and beach resorts.
Many of the city's attractions and entertainment can be found along the Corniche, from bizarre sculptures and a record-breaking fountain to parks, restaurants and museums. But savvy travellers will also want to stray a bit from there to discover the Old Town with its white coral buildings and historic city gates or visit some of the city's fantastic museums. There are also mosques, markets and a top-notch aquarium to explore, so visitors to Jeddah are sure to have a full itinerary.
Corniche
Al-Balad
King Fahd's Fountain
Al-Rahma Mosque
Fakieh Aquarium
City Gates
Al Taybat International City Museum of Science and Information
Pilgrims, traders, and voyageurs have been coming to Jeddah for centuries, bringing with them delicacies from their lands and cultures. As a result, Jeddah's dining scene today is rich in variety and quality. The city boasts a wealth of fine international restaurants, bringing together flavours from around the world, which are then combined with local ingredients to create truly unique dishes.
Chennai Darbar Restaurant
Section B
Sakura Japanese Restaurant
Yildizlar
Asia Restaurant
Jeddah has a long history with coffee and tea, as traders and travellers often brought different and exotic varieties of beans and leaves. Today, visiting cafés is one of the city's most beloved pastimes. Friends and families gather at the numerous Arabic and Western-style cafés to enjoy hot cappuccinos, fresh teas, and fruity shishas.
Caffe Aroma
Titanium Café
Papaya
The cultural environment in Saudi Arabia is highly conservative. Religious law forbids the sale or consumption of alcohol throughout Saudi Arabia, so there are no bars or nightclubs. Instead evening social activities are centred on shopping or dining out in one of the city’s many restaurants or cafés whilst indulging in a delicious mocktail (a mix of fresh fruit juices) or strong Arabic coffee.
Shopping in Jeddah, like the city itself, is a mix of old and new. Centuries-old souks still function as the commercial blood vessels of the city, selling everything from clothing and jewellery to fruit and spices in narrow alleys packed with people, colours and fragrances. At the same time, huge and modern shopping centres offer all manner of international products and entertainment for the whole family.
Souq Al Alawi
Tahlia Shopping Center
Mall of Arabia
Cultural Norms
When strolling and exploring the city please make sure you wear the appropriate attire. Women should be covered from neck to ankle and in certain areas, scarves are used to cover the face and head. Shorts and tank tops should not be worn outside of your accommodation by women. For men, loose clothing is recommended and shorts are prohibited.
When visiting, please make sure you respect and abide by the laws and culture of the country.
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Passport/Visa
Nationals from countries such as the United States, the UK, Canada, and most European Union member states must apply for an e-visa online in order to enter Jeddah. Certain nationalities, including citizens from Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries like the UAE, Bahrain, and Kuwait, enjoy visa-free entry. For those not eligible for e-visas, Saudi Arabia offers a visa-on-arrival option for select nationalities, although this is less common and typically depends on the purpose of the visit.
To secure a visa, travellers can apply through the Saudi Arabian embassy or consulate in their home country, or use the online platform for e-visas.
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Best Time to Visit
Jeddah is known for its hot and dry climate. Summers can be particularly challenging, with temperatures often exceeding 45°C. However, winters in Jeddah are quite pleasant and cooler, making this period an ideal time for visiting. From late October to March, temperatures typically range from 10°C to 25°C, providing a more comfortable experience compared to the scorching summer months.
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King Abdulaziz International Airport (JED)
King Abdulaziz International Airport, the largest airport in Saudi Arabia, is situated about 20 km north of Jeddah. It features a dedicated Hajj terminal for Muslim pilgrims heading to Mecca. Taxis are a convenient option for travel to the city. Be sure to confirm the fare with the driver or use a ride-hailing app for a smooth experience.
Address: King Abdulaziz International Airport
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Phone: +966 9200 11233
Website: www.jed-airport.com
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Public Transport
Taxis are, by far, the most popular and convenient option for tourists to get around Jeddah. Public buses, while inexpensive, are less commonly used by visitors and don't follow a strict schedule.
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Taxi
Taxis in Jeddah often do not use meters, so agreeing on the fare before starting your journey is a good idea. Ride-sharing apps like Uber and Careem are widely used and offer a convenient way to navigate the city.
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Post
In Jeddah, post offices are usually open from 8am to 4pm, Sunday to Thursday, aligning with the standard workweek in Saudi Arabia. Some branches may also be open on Saturdays. Services typically include mailing and parcel delivery, financial transactions, and the sale of postal supplies.
Address: Saudi Post Al Balad - King Abdulaziz, Al Balad District, Jeddah
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Phone: +966 12 642 3639
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Pharmacy
In Jeddah, several prominent pharmacy chains cater to various healthcare needs including Al-Dawaa Pharmacies (one of the largest and most well-known chains in Saudi Arabia) and United Pharmacies.
Address: Al Dawaa Pharmacy - Palestine, Al-Hamra'a, Jeddah
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Phone: +966 800 244 4444
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Telephone
Country code: +966
Area code: 2
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Electricity
In Saudi Arabia, the plug type used is type G, featuring three rectangular pins in a triangular arrangement. The country operates on a 230V supply voltage and a frequency of 60Hz.
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