Jeddah

The Bride of the Red Sea, with coral-stone tower houses in Al-Balad, the Corniche and the King Fahd Fountain; since Saudi tourism opened up, it forms a new route with AlUla and Riyadh.

Jeddah lies on the Red Sea coast of western Saudi Arabia. It is the kingdom's second-largest city and most important port, and the gateway for pilgrims to the Islamic holy cities of Mecca (about 80 km away) and Medina, and is known as the "Bride of the Red Sea." The historic old town of Al-Balad preserves multi-story tower houses built of Red Sea coral stone and decorated with carved wooden lattice windows (roshan), and was inscribed as a World Heritage Site in 2014; the new city stretches along the Red Sea with tens of kilometers of Corniche, parks and high-rises. The climate is hot and humid: from November to March daytime temperatures are around 25–32°C, the best season for travel, with the Red Sea International Film Festival in December and major events such as the F1 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix often held around the end of the year; May–October is scorching, often above 40°C with very high humidity, so outdoor activities need to be scheduled for early morning or night. Highlights: Al-Balad old town (Nassif House, traditional souks, night walks); the Corniche, the King Fahd Fountain and the Floating Mosque; and to the north, the Jeddah Yacht Club and diving and snorkeling in the Red Sea at Obhur Bay. Getting there: King Abdulaziz International Airport (JED); from China most routes connect via Riyadh or a Middle East hub (check with the airline for direct flights); public transport in the city is limited and mainly relies on ride-hailing apps (Uber, Careem); the Haramain high-speed railway links Jeddah with Mecca and Medina, but Mecca is open to Muslims only. Allow 2–4 days; it can be combined with Riyadh and AlUla (see "Riyadh & AlUla"). Notes: Chinese citizens can apply for a Saudi tourist e-visa, following Saudi Arabia's latest official rules; non-Muslims are forbidden to enter the urban area of Mecca and the core area of the Prophet's Mosque in Medina, and the highways have clear signs and checkpoints; dress conservatively, with both men and women covering shoulders and knees; women do not need to wear a headscarf in public places but are advised to carry one; during Ramadan, eating and drinking in public places is not allowed during the day; alcohol is prohibited.

Top sights

• Al-Balad (Historic Jeddah) – Jeddah's historic heart, a old town of coral-stone towers and carved wooden lattice windows. It has been a port on the route to Makkah sinc…
• King Fahd's Fountain – The world's tallest fountain, with jets reaching roughly 260 to 312 meters into the sky. Lit up at night, it looks like a white column of l…
• Jeddah Corniche – A waterfront promenade and park stretching about 30 km along the Red Sea, dotted with open-air sculptures, seaside plazas, and play areas…
• Nasseef House – The most famous coral-stone mansion in Balad's old town. King Abdulaziz stayed here when he entered Jeddah in 1925, and today it is a museu…
• Al-Rahmah Mosque (Floating Mosque) – A white mosque built on pillars above the Red Sea that appears to float when the tide rises. It is the most photogenic landmark along Jedda…
• Jeddah Yacht Club & Marina – A modern marina and leisure area on the Red Sea, with restaurants, a beach club and nightlife, next to the Jeddah Corniche Circuit that hos…
• Obhur & Red Sea Reefs – A deep-water bay on the northern outskirts of Jeddah, lined with resorts and beach clubs. It is the most convenient base in the city for Re…
• Tayebat City Museum – A large private museum complex in traditional-style buildings, with hundreds of galleries showcasing Islamic art, the history of the Arabia…
• Matbouli House Museum – A well-preserved 400-year-old coral stone house in Al-Balad Old Town, with rooms furnished with the everyday furniture and objects of a Jed…
• Al-Shafi'i Mosque – One of the oldest mosques in Al-Balad Old Town. Its 13th-century minaret is among the oldest surviving structural elements in Jeddah.
• Bab Makkah (Makkah Gate) – The eastern gate of Jeddah’s old city walls. Pilgrims once passed through it on their way to Makkah, and the outside is lined with a lively…
• Red Sea Museum – A new museum that opened in December 2025 in the Bab Bantah building in the old town. It tells the story of the history, trade and pilgrima…
• Jeddah Central Fish Market – A Red Sea seafood wholesale market on the western side of the old town. The morning auctions are lively, and you can buy fish and have it c…
• King Saud Mosque – One of Jeddah’s largest mosques, designed by Egyptian architect Abdel Wahed El-Wakil and known for its enormous stone and brick dome.
• Jeddah Flagpole – A 171-metre flagpole that was the tallest in the world when completed in 2014. The roundabout plaza where it stands is a city landmark.
• Khuzam Palace (Jeddah Regional Museum) – The former palace of Saudi Arabia’s founding king, Abdulaziz, where the kingdom’s first oil concession agreement was signed in 1933. It has…
• Fakieh Aquarium – Saudi Arabia’s first major aquarium, on the Corniche. It displays Red Sea coral reef fish and sharks, and offers dolphin shows.
• Al-Shallal Theme Park – A long-established amusement park on the Corniche with a roller coaster, Ferris wheel and indoor ice rink. It is a favourite evening destin…
• Island Mosque – A small white mosque designed by Abdel Wahed El-Wakil, standing on a rocky islet just off the Corniche. It is a classic sunset silhouette.
• Jeddah Open-Air Sculpture Museum – An open-air sculpture park on the northern stretch of the Corniche, showcasing works by Miró, Moore, Arp and other renowned artists.
• Jeddah Corniche Circuit – The street circuit for the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix and one of the fastest street circuits on the F1 calendar.

Where to eat

• Samia's Dish – A Hejazi home-style restaurant in the Al Zahra district, recommended by Michelin Bib Gourmand, famous for its honey-dri…
• Al-Basali Seafood Restaurant – A historic seafood joint in the old town operating since 1949, where you choose your fish at the counter to be cooked w…
• Albaik (Al Khalidiyah) – A homegrown fried chicken brand born in Jeddah in 1974; its garlic sauce fried chicken is an affordable must-try for lo…
• Karamna – A Lebanese restaurant at the Jeddah Yacht Club, offering dining on the terrace or on a moored boat; listed in the Miche…
• The Lucky Llama – A Nikkei restaurant by Saudi female chef Nihal Felemban, recommended by Michelin Bib Gourmand and highly popular in a r…

Itineraries

• Hejaz Route: 7-Day Medina, AlUla & Jeddah – Enter via Medina and depart from Jeddah, traversing Hegra's rock tombs, the AlUla Oasis, and Al-Balad historic district.
• Taif Highlands from Jeddah – Road trip from Jeddah up to the Hejaz plateau to visit rose farms, Al Hada, and Ash Shafa mountain villages.