Jeddah
A city well known for its diverse cultures, breathtaking beaches, traditional souks reflecting the local customs, attractive folklore and mouthwatering traditional dishes.
Spend a short break or a weekend on Jeddah’s coasts and enjoy the sunset and sunrise along with the sound of the rushing waves. Experience historical sites, souks, culture filled festivals and events, and shop in large upscale commercial centers.
The city that never sleeps won’t allow you to sleep from all the variety it offers. To discover Jeddah you will have to sail its raging coasts, visit the luxurious Corniche, devour popular seafood delicacies, enjoy majestic palaces, and historical and archeological landmarks.
For a longer vacations, wishing to extend your holiday go ahead and discover the diversity in neighboring tourism destinations such as Riyadh, Taif, and Medina.
Historical Jeddah
Historical Jeddah is considered an open air museum for the generations. It contains heritage that tells the history of Jeddah. It is located in the city center and comprises a plenty of historical places. Because of its location, it was considered as a port for Makkah to receive the province’s traders and visitors of all nationalities. A major landmark is the Jeddah Wall, built to protect it against outside attacks. Also, there are inner districts that tell the story of a beautiful past in addition to several historical mosques and markets still visited by locals today.
Khuzam Palace
It is a landmark that reflects the beauty of modern architecture. It was named Khuzam after all the lavender (Khuzama in Arabic) surrounding it. The construction of the palace began in 1928, and was completed in 1932. It is the first building to be constructed using cement and iron in Jeddah. King Abdulaziz ordered its construction during his stay at the Nassif House for a period of time. Khuzam Palace today is one the most important museums in Saudi Arabia.
Tahaliyah Street
One of the most prestigious and vital main streets in the city of Jeddah. It is a commercial hub of shopping centers given the many brand name shopping centers lining its sides, as well as the finest restaurants, multiple shopping centers and lavish offices, not to mention its beauty and strategic location, divided into two sections.
Jeddah Corniche
The Northern Corniche extends from the Gulf of Salman north of Sharm of Ubhor to the Southern Corniche of Jeddah and the Jeddah Islamic Port. The importance of such areas, as integrated entertainment zones is apparent in the utilization of the vast waterfront and its transformation into tourism areas with the establishment of numerous luxury hotels, such as the Park Hyatt Jeddah, which includes a marina for yachts, and Jeddah Intercontinental hotel, and Jeddah Hilton hotel. Enjoy the beauty of the beach and recreational services that make it easier for families to enjoy the time they spend, especially since the area is close to the city center.
Jeddah Municipality Museum
This museum occupies an old building, which was restored and rehabilitated for museum display by the Jeddah Municipality. It is located opposite to the National Commercial Bank building on the south side of King Abdul Aziz Street in Al-Balad neighborhood. On display at the museum are a variety of antiquities and heritage item dating back to pre-Islam and the Middle Ages, as well as samples of handicrafts, fishing tools and traditional furniture of Jeddah homes.
Bedouin Souk
Although the old name came from the large number of Bedouins attending this market long ago, as it is located in the eastern part of old Jeddah near Makkah Gate, today it receives visitors from almost all social classes. Visitors go there either to shop or explore the area. However, some shoppers still visit the souk which is exclusive to some products passed down from one generation to the other. The souk also maintains an old style of architectural and a diversity of goods.
Ubhur
Ubhur water bay had black basaltic rocks on a hill showing forms of human and animal shapes: cows, hunting dogs and a crab-like form. The Antiquities and Museums Agency conducted a small excavation, 400 m away from the hill, where sea shells, broken pottery and coffee cups made of fine china were found.
Wast Al-Balad (Downtown)
It is the Jeddah’s core and historic center and a commercial hub filed with centers such as Corniche Mall, Mahmal souk and Faisaliah Mall. It includes the Bai’ah Square, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the National Commercial Bank. Al-Balad is a very important landmark of Jeddah, and definitely worth a visit, as it clearly reflects the customs of early locals with customary dress, displayed goods and traditional dishes. Traditional Hijazi phrases, however, there are additional aesthetic touches that will increase your enjoyment of the trip, and will make you smile every now and then.