Here we have covered the best places to visit in Jeddah, in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Jeddah, as one of Saudi Arabia's most liberal cities, has acquired the exciting elements required to attract visitors from all over the world. They are recognized as the country's second-largest metropolis. You should experience their bustling commercial hub with a fascinating past and a confluence of cultures. The pace of the city is noticeably different from the rest of the nation. Let’s dive deeper into the best places to visit in the fascinating city of Jeddah!
Al Balad
Al Balad, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is without a doubt Jeddah's crowning achievement and one of the best remaining old towns in the Middle East. The old town of Al Balad is treated as the historical center of Jeddah. This area of the city was established in the seventh century AD and received UNESCO recognition in 2014.
Al Balad, which translates as "the town" in Arabic, is now a living open-air museum with distinctively built structures. The Red Sea coral stone is used to construct traditional dwellings, which have balconies and windows covered in teak wood latticework. Emerald green beauty covered several of the wooden roshan screens, while vibrant pink bougainvillea flowers were scattered across others—the scene you'll enjoy there!
One of the most interesting places to visit in Jeddah after passing through Mecca Gate is Al Balad. A stroll around Al Balad will lead you through an intriguing maze of winding streets, to ancient mosques, into souqs filled with incense, and to traditional tea shops. The oldest mosque in the city, Shafi Masjid (Al-Atiq Mosque), is arguably the most famous. It was constructed under the rule of Caliph Othman ibn Affan, one of the first companions of the Islamic prophet Muhammad, in the seventh century, with the same materials as conventional homes.
Experience the Modern Jeddah
Modern Jeddah includes numerous impressive views that stand in stark contrast to the historical area, such as the partially constructed Jeddah Tower, which when finished is estimated to be the tallest building in the world.
New Corniche
Locals have long been attracted to the Jeddah Corniche, and now the Jeddah Waterfront, as it is often known, is a popular destination. This stretch of the Red Sea beachfront is well-liked by both local families and tourists and is lined with statues, fountains, and parks.
Take a stroll along Jeddah's coastal promenade to experience modern city life. The four-kilometer coastal pathways are specially designed for an evening bicycle ride or just a stroll down the pier to take in the stunning views of the Red Sea.
King Fahd Fountain
The record-breaking King Fahd Fountain is located across the bay from the Corniche on an island. It jets water at 320+ miles per hour and is now the tallest fountain in the world at 312 meters. It is visible throughout the city. The best time to see this well-known Jeddah landmark is just before or just after sunset when the Red Sea serves as a backdrop and its cloak of mist rises. The fountain is dramatically lit at night. Note that the King Fahd Fountain only comes to life in the early evening; it is not a daytime beauty.
Museums in Jeddah
Many museums in Jeddah have already converted mosques, homes, and palaces, providing a vivid glimpse into both past and present life in Saudi Arabia.
Museum Tayebat
The Tayebat Museum, a revered Jeddah landmark, is the best choice for the city's top museum. The Tayebat Museum, which was built in the classic Hijazi style, is home to a diverse collection of artifacts with a touch of Saudi and Islamic skill, including weaponry, ancient manuscripts, pre-Islamic antiquities, coins, and Saudi Arabian dresses.
Other Museums
Similar to Tayebat Museum, the Abdul Raouf Khalil Mosque is a component of a museum complex that highlights the city's rich Islamic cultural legacy. The Jeddah Our Days of Bliss Magad Museum and the Nassif House Museum are other museums to take into account if you're interested in Saudi Arabia's retro vibe.
Stunning Mosque Architecture
The Floating Mosque
Many impressive mosques, both old and new, can be found in Jeddah. After the Shafi Masjid in Al Balad, the Al Rahma Mosque is one of the most beautiful structures. The marble mosque has gorgeous, ornately tiled prayer halls and is known as the floating mosque because of the illusion it produces with its stilted setting right off the waterfront. The mosque appears to float on the ocean during high tide, and if sunrise or sunset are present, the effect can be breathtaking.
Quirky Jeddah
The city of Jeddah broke a Guinness World Record! Jeddah possesses numerous world records in addition to the titles past, present, and future that have already been listed. Have fun learning about some of the city's records, such as the largest fruit sculpture, the tallest lighthouse, and the world's tallest unsupported flagpole. The biggest marble cake and the biggest portion of the regional delicacy sayadieh, a combination of fish and rice, are two further, more obscure world records.
