If you’re traveling to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia right now…congratulations, you’re ahead of the curve. I believe in a few years it is going to become a tourist hot spot, and not just because the sun is scorching.
I had such a great time exploring Saudi Arabia for a few days. The people were incredibly welcoming, the history is almost unmatched, and it’s just a little mysterious. Here are 7 things to do in Jeddah when you visit.
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Walk The Corniche
The best way to get acclimated to a country is to just simply…walk. If you have any nervousness when you land in Saudi Arabia, it will probably disappear once you get to the corniche. Your brain will think you’re in California.
You’ll see families having picnics, friends riding bikes, and uncles drinking coffee (no matter the time). It’s a great first impression to Jeddah.
You probably had no clue there are beach clubs. Were you expecting a Dunkin Donuts? Probably not. Go walk the Jeddah Corniche with no agenda and just see what you see.
Go To The Red Sea Mall
Like I said, it’s good to get comfortable in a country before truly exploring. What’s more global than an airport? A mall, and Saudi mall culture is no exception. You will see endless families and children running around during the day…it’s too hot to be outside all day.
The Red Sea Mall is absolutely massive. When the uber dropped me off, you could really feel the scale. Anything you want is inside, but if not…don’t worry there are countless other malls.
If you’re non-muslin, you obviously can’t go to Mecca. But you can go to the American Food Chain Mecca™ aka the Red Sea Mall food court. PF Changs, Texas Roadhouse, Five Guys, Nandos, Burger King, Shake Shack, and more. All things I was not expecting to see in Saudi Arabia.
You should eat at Al Baik there and try out their iconic fast food chain. The chicken nuggets are amazing.
Explore Al Balad – Jeddah’s Old Town
Al Balad is what you’ve seen in all the dopamine reels you have been scrolling. This historic district in Jeddah is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a must visit.
The distinctive architecture is amazing to see, it feels like you are going back in time. Souqs, shops, cafes, museums…you could spend a lot of time here.
Don’t plan, just go and walk. (The Bayt Nassif Museum might be worth planning though).
I entered a souvenir shop for some magnets as they were closing and the owner of the shop only stayed open for me because he was a big fan of Denzel Washington, an iconic American Actor. The people I met really liked America, despite what your traditional news might say.
You could easily visit during the day, and also at night.
Al Rahmah Mosque
It’s extremely likely that you have seen the Al Rahmah Mosque on social media as well. Other known as the “Floating Mosque”, this is a crazy sight to see along the Red Sea.
The floating mosque is located at the north end of the Jeddah Corniche. You could walk, take an uber, ride a bike, whatever you want.
Go and just take in the peace and beauty of this structure. I will not give more details so you can gain courage to ask a local about it.
Check Out The Jeddah Cafe Scene
If you’re unaware, there is a no alcohol in Saudi Arabia. If you’re unaware, Saudi is quite hot. So if it’s daytime, people are drinking coffee inside…and if it’s night, people are drinking coffee outside.
Cafe culture in Jeddah is crazy. Not just Qahwa (traditional arabic coffee), but coffee that you know from where you are from. You’ll see skilled baristas and high quality beans everywhere. It’s a big part of everyday life.
Find a good spot and plan your day at a cafe, unless you have a balcony at your hotel like the Jeddah Hilton (which I stayed at).
There are little drive thru coffee cups that are hilarious, I will add a picture below.
Relax At The Beach
This is not something you’ll be able to do in Riyadh, but it’s surely a thing you can do in Jeddah.
There are literally so many beach clubs. Don’t feel bad, I also had no clue before my trip. Not just that, there were just entire piers that I had to myself. The Jeddah coast is truly one of the most peaceful places I have been.
King Fahad Fountain/Jeddah Flag Pole
It’s time for high things. King Fahad’s Fountain is the tallest fountain in the world that reaches 312 meters. Yes it’s in the record books.
Launched in 1985, this is an iconic landmark to put on your Jeddah travel itinerary.
You can view King Fahad’s Fountain from the Corniche. It’s recommended to go around sunset for the best viewing.
The Jeddah Flagpole is exactly what you think it is…a flagpole with the Saudi Arabia Flag. This was the tallest flagpole in the world for about a decade, but no longer holds that record.
Don’t plan your day around this, but you will probably drive by at some point.
If you’re reading this Saudi Arabia government, it’s time we take that title back. Yes I know the Jeddah Tower is coming…but the flagpole is iconic.
Those are 7 things to do in Jeddah. As you read this post and visit Saudi Arabia, just remember…you are “early”. Sure influencers have hopped on the Al-Ula wave, but the tourism infrastructure is still being built.
I’m probably going to have to update this post in 5 years and add crazy new things that are likely being built.
Vision 2030 is a mission to really boost tourism and show the world how great Saudi Arabia really is.
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