Along the coast of the Red Sea in the Hejaz region, you’ll find the beautiful, historic city of Jeddah.
For several centuries, Jeddah has been a thriving commercial city, as well as a prominent city for those starting an Islamic pilgrimage. While Jeddah is a key port city in Saudi Arabia, it is also a hub of tourism and top attractions.
Whether Jeddah is the main stop on your travels, your home city, or just a stop on the way to Mecca or Medina, there are plenty of things you won’t want to miss.
1) Explore the History of Jeddah
You should not visit Jeddah without seeing the Al-Balad site, which is the royal seaport in Historic Jeddah. It appears on UNESCO’s World Heritage list owing to the incredible history its walls represent.
For those interested in getting an in-depth tour, we suggest visiting one (or more) of the 10 ancient houses on the site, whose exquisite designs capture stories of individual families from many years ago!
If this isn’t enough history for you, continue on the journey and visit the renowned Tayebat Museum, which takes visitors through Jeddah’s 2,500 year history! The city is full of many other highly-acclaimed museums, so history and culture lovers will be satisfied!
2) Check out Fakieh Aquarium
We guarantee you’ve never experienced an aquarium like this one! Fakieh Aquarium, which is located in the north corniche, displays some of the wonders of the adjacent Red Sea.
With over 200 species on view, this is undoubtedly the best way to get acquainted with life in the Red Sea. In fact, 85% of the species on display are native to the area, so you can get an appreciation for the local species.
If you do decide to visit, make sure you enjoy the unique cavern wall design, which brings the tanks close to visitors, and the rare views you won’t get anywhere else.
3) Enjoy High Speed Thrills at Corniche Circuit
If you time your visit correctly, you could be watching one of the high-energy races of F1 at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit!
The breathtaking track takes advantage of the natural beauty of the surroundings, with the Red Sea coast close by, for the backdrop of car racing.
It has 27 corners, more than any other track, and has been called the “fastest street circuit ever seen in Formula One.” Any racing fan can’t miss the Jeddah Corniche Circuit!
4) Lounge on the Pristine Beaches
With the beauty of the Red Sea at its feet, it’s no surprise Jeddah has top-rated beaches.
The beaches in this city are known for being lively and unique, with the city views behind you and natural beauty spread out in front.
Enjoy the day strolling along the beaches, observing the Blue Dolphins at the South Obhur Corniche, or visiting the local stalls.
It’s a perfect place to appreciate Jeddah’s naturall beauty and relax a bit.
5) Take a Cruise Along the Red Sea
Since Jeddah is located along the Red Sea, it makes a great jumping off point for a Red Sea Cruise! Whether you’re interested in taking a multi-day cruise or just a spin around the Red Sea, Jeddah is the perfect place to start.
If you’re lucky enough to have your own yacht (or you just want to get a look at some), the Jeddah Yacht club offers amazing amenities and jumping off points for exploring the surrounding area.
6) See the Wonder of King Fahd’s Fountain
For a fun evening activity, head out of a nighttime viewing of the King Fahd Fountain. This Jeddah landmark has been active for more than 30 years.
Situated in the Red Sea, and visible from many parts of Jeddah, this fountain shoots water 312 meters high to make the Jeddah sunsets even more breathtaking.
You can get a great view of the fountain’s show from anywhere along the waterfront, especially the Jeddah Corniche. You can even grab a snack at the various food stalls as you take in the views. Now, that’s what we call a show!
7) Experience the Flavors of Jeddah
The multicultural history of Jeddah truly comes out in its food, which should not be missed! With fresh seafood nearby and a metropolitan clientele, there are always exciting flavors and restaurants to try.
Owing to its location, Jeddah has unparalleled seafood. You’ll also find elevated international flavors around the city!
Make sure you take some time out to explore all the flavors of this incredible city!
8) Dance and Jive with the Music Scene
With such a big historical footprint, you shouldn’t be surprised that Jeddah is also a key area for music. With the combination of many influences over the years, Jeddah has a thriving music scene, enjoyed by locals and tourists alike.
You can catch some music in many places, such as the Culture and Arts Association and Muse Center.
However, if you time your trip correctly, we suggest you enjoy some Saudi music in the heart of Historic Jeddah with the weekly event, “Bait Ziryab.”
9) Shopping Like Never Before
Traditional folk markets have always been part of the fabric of Jeddah. You can still experience this today, wandering through the markets’ combination of old alleyways and modern amenities.
You’ll find these markets teeming with artisanal goods, which make excellent gifts, or souvenirs! You can also get a high-end shopping experience at Jeddah’s boutique stores.
There are many boutiques featuring local designers, such as Nora Al Shaikh and Safiah Alaquil.Take home one of their beautiful designs, and we guarantee you’d be asked where you got it!
10) Spend a Day at the Amusement Park
If you spend any time in the North Corniche, you’re bound to hear the fun and excitement emanating from Al Shallal Theme Park!
This theme park features lots of rides and attractions to keep you busy all day! From the rollercoaster, which is visible from the surrounding area, and other high-energy rides, to arcade games and an ice-skating rink, Al Shallal theme park has fun activities for the whole family.
More Fun Activities in Jeddah
These are just a few of the top activities for travelers and families in Jeddah. As you can see, the city has something for everyone, so you can cater your activities to your interests.
To ensure you get the most out of your visit, check out all the amazing things Jeddah has to offer!