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The city’s motto, “Jeddah Ghair” or “Jeddah is different” truly stands true. Jeddah city is truly an outlier among many metropolises. Saudi’s second largest city, commercial centre, and the principal gateway to two of the holiest cities of Islam, Mecca and Medina, is chock full of experiences and tourist attractions that are hard if not downright impossible to find elsewhere. It is where prehistoric petroglyphs meet pristine precision, a place people have been inhabiting since the dawn of history. We have gathered a list of more than 25+ Places to Visit in Jeddah. All to help you sort through the vast array of options so that you can avail of only the best.
Top 25 Places To Visit In Jeddah
Al Balad or Historical Jeddah
Need cosy photographs along iconic streets and among the best places to visit in Jeddah that would enthral history buffs by a wide margin? Historical Jeddah is a 2,000-year-old ancient and absolutely stunning location that has since been restored to perfection. The sights here will surely linger in your mind for years to come, much like a timeless ballad. Here, you will marvel at the ancient doors of the city wall and houses of the most prominent families in the region through the years, such as Bait Nassif, Matbouli, Nour Wali and many more.
Location: Al Balad, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
Saudi Grand Prix
The Jeddah Corniche Circuit, home to the Saudi Grand Prix, made its debut in 2021 to much acclaim. When we talked about past colliding with futuristic precision, Jeddah’s very own F1 circuit being just a hop, skip and a jump away from Al Balad was just one of the many examples we had in mind. Experience the mind-boggling adrenaline that the world’s largest, most influential, exacting race offers after a quiet saunter through the streets of Al Balad.
Location: Jeddah Corniche, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
Speciality Cafes
Your saunter through Al Balad’s streets, one of the remarkable places to visit in Jeddah would be incomplete without checking out speciality cafes, which cater to parched patrons, even in this historically significant part of town. Coffee tradition is an innate part of Saudi culture. It is no wonder then that cafes like Layali Tarikhiya (which translates to Historical Nights in English) pictured above and a host of others have become so popular of late, particularly among the younger generation with a plethora of offerings. So enjoy a delectable cup of coffee in these cosy and quaint cafes, surrounded by thousands of years of history.
Location: Al Balad, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
Tayebat International City and Museum
If you’re someone who’s looking for exploration at its very best, then you needn’t look any further than Tayebat International City and Museum. Widely considered to be home to the best-curated representation of Jeddah’s 2,500-year-old history, it has been constructed in the traditional Hijazi architectural style that harks back to the days of the old city. It helps one take a deep dive into Jeddah’s long and cosmopolitan past. With several floors of in-depth exhibits and artefacts, it truly is a city in itself.
Location: Raihanat Al Jazirah, 8786, Al Faisaliyah District 3170, Jeddah 23442, Saudi Arabia.
The Waterfront
On occasion, Jeddah’s waterfront has been called one of the hottest, latest waterfronts in the world, and with this scintillating attraction, we transport you back to the world of today and tomorrow. The wharf offers tantalising evening views of the Red Sea while you and your loved ones can enjoy strolls, the kind of artwork that is exclusively found in galleries by famous artists such as Henry Moore and Jean Miro, not to mention a 4.5 km long sports track and much, much more.
Location: Ash Shati, Jeddah 23610, Saudi Arabia.
Al-Rahmah Mosque
Just a 16-minute walk from the waterfront, venture out beyond the shore ever so slightly, to witness the floating mosque at Jeddah, a mosque standing on pillars buried deep into the seafloor. It firmly stands as one of the best places to visit in Jeddah and its most iconic and distinctive landmarks. With its iconic blue-coloured dome sitting atop eight pillars painted pristine white, set against the backdrop of the Red Sea is truly a sight to behold.
Location: Corniche Road, Ash Shati, Jeddah 23610, Saudi Arabia.
Jeddah Port Lighthouse
Just half an hour down the coast from Al-Rahmah Mosque, you can find the world’s tallest light tower, standing at 431 ft, the Jeddah Port Lighthouse, a very illuminating and thus very attractive tourist destination indeed. Discover the splendour and play of lights in and around this engineering marvel.
Location: Jeddah Islamic Port, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
The Ritz-Carlton, Jeddah
In a bid to take in as much as one can, you would inevitably be faced with the need for close, convenient and equally impressive lodging, especially with so many fantastic tourist attractions that you will find mentioned in this exhaustive list of the best places to visit in Jeddah, being on and around the coastline. Then what would be a better choice than the Ritz-Carlton Jeddah, located precisely halfway between the Al-Rahmah Mosque and Lighthouse, it treats you to panoramic views of Jeddah’s expansive coastline and the mesmerising Red Sea.
Location: District Southern Corniche, Al-Hamra’a, Jeddah 21493, Saudi Arabia.
King Fahd’s Fountain
Right next to the Ritz, overlooking the Red Sea, you will find King Fahd’s Fountain, or Jeddah Fountain, the largest water fountain in the world, jetting water up to a height of 853 ft and can be seen from miles away. Illuminated by 500 high-powered LED spotlights, the water jets out of a mabkhara-shaped base providing for a thrilling scene that is somehow ethereal at the same time.
Location: Al Andalus, Jeddah 23311, Saudi Arabia.
Al Shallal Theme Park
Let loose and get your adrenaline pumping at Al Shallal Park, one of the unique places to visit in Jeddah, where you and the entire family can thoroughly enjoy themselves. You can rest assured there won’t be one dull moment in your visit to this world-famous tourist place with rollercoasters, educational boat rides, gravity-defying rides (some more literally so than others), with one such being a zero gravity experience, and so much more. Travel and experience the excellent opportunities for tourism Saudi Arabia has on offer.
Location: Corniche Road, Ash Shati, Jeddah 23413, Saudi Arabia.
Fakieh Aquarium
A few minutes up the road, Fakieh Aquarium, too, is sure to grab your attention. It has on display in all its tunnels, caverns, and tanks over 200 species of marine life, of which 85 per cent are native to the unperturbed and undisturbed Red Sea coral reefs. This makes the aquarium one of a kind amongst stiff competition from within the country itself. Stare in awe at the many different species that display the strangest of traits. Such as the Napoleon wrasse, who are all born female before some transform into males on maturity. Or the upside-down jellyfish known as the Cassiopea. Not to mention the sharks and penguins who constitute the biggest tourist attraction at the aquarium.
Location: Al Kurnaysh Rd, Al Nawras، Jeddah 23413, Saudi Arabia.
Jeddah Art Promenade
Imagine you’re taking in all the sights, sounds and scents of the sea along the waterfront at Jeddah city. You will then invariably come across Jeddah Art Promenade. With its art on open display for all to admire, it is quite hard to miss. Sculptures abound in this tourist place, which has been constructed to give those who visit a profound cultural experience making it one of the best places to visit in Jeddah.
Location: Corniche Road, Ash Shati, Jeddah 23612, Saudi Arabia.
Art Galleries
Jeddah city has a slew of galleries teeming with art, old and new. That is to be expected given Jeddah holds the title of the ‘Art Capital of Saudi Arabia’. Jeddah’s sculpture museum, for one, is an especially attractive tourist place. This is because it is an open-air art gallery open 24 hours a day! It would be a shame if we didn’t mention ATHR Gallery, which showcases contemporary art from brilliant Saudi, and international artists. Or the Hisham Punjabi Studio and Workshop, which houses an art academy in one of Al Balad’s converted ancient houses. So let your creativity flow much like the waters of the Red Sea.
Location: Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
Jeddah Flagpole
Speaking of rising to meet tall claims there is the iconic Jeddah Flagpole. It is the second tallest in the world, having lost the top position to a flagpole in Cairo in 2021. It stands strong at 561 ft tall, and the flag of Saudi Arabia it supports, weighs a whopping 570 kg! The flagpole is in the centre of King Abdullah Square, surrounded by 13 lights representing Saudi Arabia’s 13 governorates.
Location: Al-Baghdadiyah, Al-Gharbiyah, Jeddah 22231, Saudi Arabia.
Iceland Amusement Centre
Hosting Jeddah’s first snow city, the Iceland Amusement Centre is a must-visit as it offers an extensive range of entertainment activities under one roof. These include ice-skating, karting in the world’s largest air-conditioned rink for car racing of its kind, not to mention bowling, trampolining, and a full-fledged arcade, and that’s just to name a few. When this much fun is in store for you and your family, don’t wait much longer!
Location: Prince Sultan Road, Al Salamah District, Jeddah 21577, Saudi Arabia.
King Abdullah Sports City
King Abdullah Sports City, better known as the Shining Jewel of Jeddah in Arabic, is the largest stadium in Jeddah and the second-largest in Saudi Arabia. Many smaller stadiums and sports fields surround the behemoth, forming the sports city. It has hosted many extraordinary events, including the first WWE Freestyle Wrestling Championship, the King’s Cup and the Dakar Rally in 2021. There can be no better place than KASC to get your sports fix.
Location: Prince Talal Bin Mansour Bin Abdulaziz Road, Jeddah 23737, Saudi Arabia.
Jeddah Superdome
Barely a minute’s walk from KASC, you will come across the largest free-standing dome in the world, the Jeddah Superdome. It is also the largest free-standing building, the largest geodesic dome, and the largest connected roof dome in the world. It bears the honour of hosting world-renowned sports, music, entertainment and industry exhibitions. These include one of the largest JTTX music festivals, the WWE Elimination Chamber, the Jeddah International Motor Show and the Seventh International Perfume and Incense Exhibition. Your visit here is sure to be memorable.
Location: Al-Madinah Al-Munawarah Rd, King Abdulaziz International Airport, Jeddah 23735, Saudi Arabia.
South Obhur Corniche
Forming the southern part of the waterfront, the South Obhur Corniche has a lot for you to see and discover. The Camel Roundabout or Al Jamal Square is one such attraction where artefacts, namely massive camels made of metal, measuring 36 ft tall, fascinate all. Right next door you will find many exciting and top-of-the-line restaurants and cafes. You can grab a bite at Dijon or Kunafa Factory while you watch the sunset against the Red Sea. You might also witness Blue Dolphins jump out of the Red Sea’s waters, in a playful yet enchanting spectacle.
Location: 6420 Alkurnaysh Road, Abhur Al Janubiyah District, Jeddah 23734, Saudi Arabia.
Jeddah Yacht Club
With unparalleled luxury and conservation under one roof, who’d miss a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to visit the Jeddah Yacht Club? Measuring in at 122 thousand sq. m., it can comfortably host yachts, big and small, from all over the world. Its pier also functions as an official port through which you can carry out all customs formalities with ease. Impeccable views of the Red Sea and coral reef diving are within arm’s reach of luxury accommodations at the Club. So are tantalising restaurants, and avenues to shop.
Location: Jeddah 23613, Saudi Arabia.
Malls of Jeddah
Two of the largest malls in Saudi Arabia, the Mall of Arabia and the Red Sea Mall, offer ample shopping and amusement opportunities to keep you hooked. Aside from hosting swanky high-fashion brands such as Mont Blanc, Next, DKNY and many more, the Red Sea Mall has quite the trick up its sleeve. This ‘trick’ is a walk-in history section with specimens and artefacts to keep families roaming the mall for hours. You can find luxury accommodations right within the complex with the attached Elaf Jeddah Hotel. Not to mention VOX Cinemas, Jeddah’s first cinema multiplex, where you can entertain the whole family, again in the utmost luxury.
The Mall of Arabia also houses luxury and mid-tier brands, as well as gold shops on the ground floor. However, it also provides exciting edutainment opportunities for children with KidZania Jeddah, a thoroughly unique experience they shall truly cherish.
Location: Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
KidZania Jeddah
Speaking of great amusement activities for kids, KidZania offers a truly unique experience that combines learning and entertainment. Kids can choose from nearly 80 occupations to try their hand at ‘adulting’. KidZania gives them the freedom to earn, spend, commute and socialise independently albeit under qualified supervision. All within the confines of a massive interactive kid-sized city.
Location: Intersection of Madinah Al Munawwarah Road with Al Nuzha Road, Al Nuzha District, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
Gabel Street Souq
Nestled in the heart of Al Balad, the Gabel Street Souq is the oldest and busiest market in Jeddah. The street is famous for selling perfumes, dates, honey, household items and electronics. Over and above, the souq offers unique commodities, exotic antique items, savoury Middle Eastern spices, and rare souvenir items at very affordable prices. Don’t forget to visit the souq for upscale garments you can find and purchase at dirt-cheap prices.
Location: Al Balad, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
Hawiyat Namar
A three-hour drive from Jeddah, a picturesque natural landscape comes to unfold in front of your eyes, called Hawiyat Namar. Far from the hustling, bustling big city, at this campsite, you’ll connect to nature in all its glory. All this while you admire the sprawling green sitting beside the calming sounds of the gushing river nearby.
Location: Wadi Almuhamadiyah Rd 28317, Saudi Arabia.
Dhahban, The Gold & Salt Village
This ancient coastal village 20 km from Jeddah gives a whole new meaning to tranquillity. If you ever find yourself looking to put your feet up in Jeddah, Dhahban is the place to be. Especially with its seaside resorts ready to cater to your every need in the utmost luxury. Here, jetskis and trees line the landscape giving you a plethora of activities to choose from. So take up a villa and experience the seachange that is Dhahban compared to bustling Jeddah.
Location: Dahaban 23861, Saudi Arabia.
Makkah
The gateway city of Jeddah wouldn’t be much of a gateway without the holiest city in all of Islam, Makkah. It is only an hour’s drive or just under 35 minutes via Haramain high-speed rail. While the city itself is only accessible to Muslims, Makkah province with its largest city, Jeddah, its capital, Makkah and the second holiest city of Islam, Medina, make it a must-visit for all planning a trip to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Location: Makkah, Makkah Province, Saudi Arabia.
