Want arts? Want history? Want some fresh street food? Say no more.
→ GETTING THERE
Local flight:
Saudia, Flydeal, FlyNas
Flight duration:
Riyadh – Jeddah (1.5 hours)
Dammam – Jeddah (2 hours)
Abha – Jeddah (1.5 hours)
By Car:
Riyadh – Jeddah (11 hours)
Sharqiya – Jeddah (14 hours via Highway 40)
Abha – Jeddah (9 hours)
Jeddah has so much to offer! From arts and culture, food and coffee, to history and heritage, you’ll leave wishing you had more time.
→ ARTS AND CULTURE
- Sculptures
Jeddah is dotted with dozens of weird and wacky sculptures commissioned 40 years ago by visionary Jeddah mayor Mohamed Said Farsi. Be sure to keep an eye out for them:they’re easy to overlook sometimes.
- Art Galleries and Exhibitions
Jeddah is the arts capital of the Kingdom. If you’rea fan of the contemporary, Hafez and Athr Gallery are two modern exhibition spaces that host local and international artists throughout the year. But if you’re looking for something more unique, Darat Safeya Binzagr offers a special experience of the eponymous gallery.
- Pharan Studios
This hidden studio space is home to one of the more expansive arts and design libraries of the city. Stop by for a brief but authentic creative experience.
→ HISTORY AND HERITAGE
- Specialty Markets
(Afghan. South Asian. Yemeni) Jeddah is truly a melting pot, with people from around the world calling the coastal city home. As suck, there are distinct cultural markets to get specialty ingredients and goods. Why not soak in some diasporic experiences?
- Al Balad
Also known as Historic Jeddah, Al Balad is replete with heritage. You can experience it through the countless museums throughout the district, or you could walk through the streets and get a glimpse of history first-hand.
→ MUST VISIT
- Bab Jadid or the “New Gate” welcomes you to the o d Jeddah district.
- Visit Bait Naseef.a’s historical abode turned to a museum, with a rooftop that promises one of the best sunsets in the city.
- Discover master artisans nearby. Ahmed AngawiStudio converted one of the first public schools for girts into a maker’s haven.
- Get a bit of history at Bait AlBalad.a museum where you’ll find ancient artifacts. furniture.and some local artworks.
- Look for the Abu lnabah street and walk on the flamed cobblestone street to find an empty building believed to be a haunted house.
- A few steps away and you’ll see Rubal AlKhunji.a two-story white building that turned beige. locals say that was once home to widowed or single women before becoming a social initiative.
TIP
It gets pretty hot in the summer, so we suggest going in the later afternoon or evening. Don’t forget to work up an appetite: the street food here is legendary-especially the liver sandwiches!
AL BALAD CHECKLIST
Shopping List
- Abaya and Shemagh
- Dates and Spices
- Oud Perfumes
- Patterned Textiles
Al Alwai Souck
- Mistika and Essential Oils
- Coral Jewelry
- Subha (prayer beads)
Eat List
- Ful and Tamees (creamed fava beans and flatbread)
- Masoub (a sweet and savory dish made up of bananas and flatbread)
- Kebdah (liver)
- Shahi Adani (milk tea with spices)
- Balilah
→ SHOPPING
LUXURY SHOPPING
- Boulevard
Walkthrough the Boulevard plaza and enjoy a luxury shopping experience with brands such as Gucci, Prada, Dolce and Gabbana, Tiffany & Co., and much more.
Location: King Abduaziz Rd.
Instagram: boulevardksa
- El Khayyat Center
Located right in the heart of Jeddah’s shopping district. El Khayyat Center offers countless international luxury brands.
Location: Tahlia St., Al Andalus Dist.
Tel: +966-12-6655558
Instagram: elkhayyatcenter
MALLS
- Red Sea Mall
Satisfy all your shopping needs right by the Waterfront, maybe even sneak in a movie while you’re there. Not to mention the largest food court in town that hosts many international restaurants and food stalls.
Location: King Abdulaziz Rd., Ash ShatiDist.
Tel: +966-12-2151551
Instagram: redseamallksa
- Ana Ghair
A combination of a small mall and a large concept store, Ana Ghair Mall recognizes and sells all local brands to their niche market
Location: Prince Sultan Rd., Ar Rawdah Dist.
- Mall of Arabia
One of the biggest malls in Jeddah with endless brands to choose from while you shop.
Location: Al Madinah Rd., An Nuzhah Dist.
- Al Salaam Mall
A grand mall you won’t want to miss. Aside from shopping through countless international brands, you might find yourself roaming the halls of IKEA. Don’t forget the huge food court!
Location: King Abdullah Rd., Al Fayha’a, Dist.
Tel: 9200000262
Instagram: alsalaammall
CONCEPT STORES
- Makeen Space
Sip on some freshly brewed coffee while you shop the latest local designs. Makeen Space holds an array of interesting designs from clothing to household items.
Location: Tahia St., AlAnda us Dist.
Tel: +966-500024359
Instagram: makeenspace
- Grey Collective
Longing for a store that doesn’t sell all its items online. Grey Collective was founded to embrace all the creative concepts behind unique minds in one place. This concept store caters to all tastes and mindsets, making their brand coherent to everyone’s liking.
Location: Tahia St., Al-Andalus Dist.
Tel: +966-555029830
Instagram: greycollective.store
- Crate
From stationery to food and fashion. Crate is a small space with a lot of character. It offers space for startup brands.
Location: AlYamamah Rd AlSa ama Dist.
Tel: +966-507399956
Instagram: crate.ksa
- Homegrown Market
Best known for selling local Abaya designs, jewelry, and accessories. Homegrown is a staple for anyone looking for fashion and design.
Location: Pn Saud Al Fa sal Ar RawdahDist
Tel: +966-503077540
Instagram: homegrown_market
SOUKS
- Souq Al Shati
Shop like a budgeting Jeddawiat Souq Al Shati. Find items such as Saudithobes, abayas, scarves, gifts, house wear, and much more.
Location: AhmadAlAttas Rd..Al Zahra
- Mahmood Saeed
Visit this grand market with a variety of endless items from home decor to clothing stores.
Location: Sa mi IboRabiah Rd., Al Faisaliyah Dist.
→ FOOD AND COFFEE
-
Upscale restaurants
For those who appreciate the finer things in life, enjoy the best Michelin-caliber restaurants that del ver on all fronts, scrumptious flavor, expert plating, top service, and the most elegant of ambiances. These restaurants are sure to satisfy those who crave a fine dining experience that is as contemporary and vivacious as the city of Jeddah itself.
Nozomi, Toki, Miltaqa, Aromi, Sakura, Rasoi by Vineet
-
Casual eateries
There’s nothing better than enjoying great tasting food with great company. Jeddah is a full hub of distinctly varied cuisines that house delicious dishes and appetizing aromas.so you can be sure that no matter what you choose, it’s always a hit, never a miss.
Maison de Zaid, Shababik, Bateel, SectionB, Wakame, Urth Cafe.
-
Local flavors
For the ultimate authentic experience, he locals know where it’s at. Check out our selected picks of the best Jeddah’s cuisine has to offer. Enjoy delectable H1jaz1dishes at these all-time favorite local gems.
Al-Nakheel, Meez, Ful21, Mathaq Zaman, Shaker Shawarma, Falafel Al-Khaldiya
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Redefiningdining
Jeddah is a foodie paradise, with a lively food scene that excites the stalest of days. The city is bursting with new eateries and restaurants founded by up and coming Saudichefs in a dedicated effort to introduce the local community to innovative dining concepts and newly crafted flavors.
Social Kitchen, Baco, Street56, ShrimpAnatomy
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Crafted coffee
You can find coffee lovers all around the world, but Jeddawis really do value their brew. There are literally dozens of amazing coffee shops in Jeddah.such as Medd and Brew92. If you go to the latter, you have to try their ‘Iced Spanish Latte’-infamous amongst the sweet tooth community.
Brew92, Medd, Dose, Batarat, Overdose
-
S.afood feasts
As a coastal city. Jeddah’s fish reigns supreme. especially at the famous Fish Market. There are countless restaurants where you can pick a fresh catch and have it cooked for you on the right there, so you can enjoy a unique experience at the seaside.
Twina Park, Al Anbariya, Salamah, AISharah, AI Bangala FishMarket
→ Kiddie Fun
TIP:
We highly recommend checking the websites of these places to make sure they’re open when you visit. Book your tickets in advance to avoid waiting in line!
- Fakieh Aquarium is a great place for kids and adults to discover the wonders of the sea. Spen an afternoon here, learning about different marine creatures, watch the dolphin show, and have a fresh catch meal at the Blue Ocean Restaurant.
Location: Fakiehaquarium.com
Ticket Prices: SR 55
Swim with Dolphins for SR 550
- Let’s Bounce! Skip the sun and jump your way to some fun. Bounce is the biggest indoor trampoline park in Jeddah and a perfect place to get you and your kids active.
Web: bounce.sa
Ticket Prices: SR 85 for Adults, SR 75 for kids
- What if the kiddos took over? Head to Kidzania to give your children a chance to try out being a fireman, doctor, liceman, and more.
Web: Jeddah.kidzania.com
Ticket Price: SR 135