Jeddah for First-Time Visitors: What You Need to Know

Begin your own Arabian Nights, where History Meets the Red Sea and Adventure Never Sleeps!

The City of Jeddah is a bustling metropolis in Saudi Arabia, and if you are planning to visit for the first time, you might think, what are the best places to visit in Jeddah? Imagine a place where contemporary skyscrapers shout, "We have Wi-Fi!" and historic souks whisper stories of Silk Road merchants. This gorgeous city by the sea is more than simply a city; it's a feeling that should be experienced by everyone once in their life!

Because Jeddah knows how to leave an impression, from the breathtaking King Fahd Fountain that appears to be attempting to give the sky a high five to the historic allure of Al-Balad's UNESCO-listed lanes, Jeddah is your ideal combination of history, culture, adventure, and a little dilemma of "why didn’t I come here sooner?" thanks to its multiculturalism, attractions, top-notch food options (where else can you have sushi and falafel on the same plate?), and proximity to sacred places. Here is our detailed Jeddah travel guide so you don’t have to worry about planning the trip!

Traveling is not fun until you explore some of the most popular attractions in the city! Here are some of the top attractions and things to do in Jeddah that will keep you engaged throughout the day, making your trip memorable.

Start your fascinating diving into Jeddah's rich history with Al-Balad, the city's historic center, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The colorful Hejazi culture is openly displayed on its streets, which are occupied with traditional marketplaces and buildings made of coral stone. As you walk around this historic district you get to see vibrant souks, traditional restaurants, and sites like King Abdulaziz's (once-home), and the recently renovated Naseef House. If your curiosity about Jeddah's rich history is still not satisfied, visitors can take a guided tour, see displays, and attend lectures. Al-Balad is a journey back in time, in a modern city with its timeless marketplaces and old buildings.

Whether it’s a day or night, the bustling 30-kilometer Jeddah Corniche found alongside the Red Sea makes sure you have the best time of your life. It's an ideal destination for picnics, leisurely walks, or just taking in the coastal breeze because of its well-maintained parks, gardens, beaches, snack bars, and cafes. Visitors can also see the famous King Fahd's Fountain, which blows water up to 260 meters and provides a captivating view from the southern end of the beach. Additionally, the public art pieces and monuments like the spectacular Red Sea Mosque add more charm to its allure. Jeddah Corniche provides a vibrant yet tranquil haven for people who want to take in the expansive views of the Red Sea with modern comfort.

With more than a thousand ceramics, textiles, manuscripts, and antiquities, Jeddah's Islamic Art Museum collection showcases the rich global legacy of Islamic history and findings through art and displays. Every object, from rare calligraphy pieces to detailed carved tiles, narrates a tale of artistry and cross-cultural interaction. This intriguing collection provides a window into the Islamic world's creative, scientific, and spiritual accomplishments up until now, making it one of the most interesting  Jeddah tourist attractions.

As the saying goes, the way to one's heart is by the stomach, and Jeddah clearly knows how to steal yours with its diverse culinary fare offering local Saudi dishes, Indian cuisine, and Asian and European fare. So after you are done exploring the city check out these  to restaurants satisfy your hunger.

Popular in Jeddah for its madhab, midgut, and mandi dishes, Al Saddah restaurant is the place to go for the best Saudi food. Both residents and tourists love it for its tasty rice and properly cooked meat and its distinctive green sauce with fried onions on top is what really makes it stand out among all other local eateries. Al Saddah is always recommended by locals providing a genuine taste of Saudi food that makes sure the customers return for more!

Although the Ascott Sari Jeddah complex is full of many dining options, the 5 Rivers Indian restaurant is almost always packed. Providing a refreshing atmosphere, it offers a wide cuisine that highlights distinctive flavors from throughout India. Plan your next large family get-together here and order butter chicken, naan, biriyani, fish curry, and anything that sounds nice to split. It's a favorite among groups, and the restaurant's upper floor is set aside for families.

Inspired by the traditional Peruvian cuisine which is infused with Japanese flair, this new restaurant in Jeddah has immediately gained popularity, and you should go there to know why. Gather your friends and try every dish on the contemporary fusion menu including prawn gyoza, duck salad, shrimp gyoza, seafood risotto, and more, which is meant to be shared. The success of the Al Mohammadiyyah restaurant is mostly due to competence, friendly service, and creative cooking rather than luck.