Offering a perfect blend of the old and new, Jeddah is one of the most beautiful cities located in Saudi Arabia. It is truly a cosmopolitan hub and the second-largest city in the country. It is well-known as the commercial city of Saudi Arabia owing to its vicinity to the two holiest places that is Makkah and Madinah. Jeddah is known as the traditional gateway to the sacred city of Makkah for Muslims around the world. There are a number of tourists places to visit in Jeddah.
From vibrant markets to beautiful beaches, well-preserved architectural marvels to historical landmarks, and wonderful museums to soul-stirring religious sites, this city welcomes all types of travellers from across the globe to discover its mesmerising attractions. Jeddah doesn’t disappoint anyone, be it families, couples or solo travellers. The ideal months for visiting Jeddah are between November and March, during which the best places to visit in Jeddah look all the more beautiful and serene.
Top Religious Sites to Visit in Jeddah
1. Al Rahma Mosque: Al Rahma Mosque is built on the coast of the Red Sea and is one of the most beautiful and popular tourist places to visit in Jeddah. It is a magnificent religious site constructed on stilts that seems to float and hence the name, the Floating Mosque. Featuring incredible architecture, this mosque is a beautiful blend of classic Islamic architecture and contemporary art. The mosque’s windows feature Quranic verses in Arabic script.
2. King Saud Mosque: One of the top places to go to in Jeddah is King Saud Mosque. It is well-known for its majestic domes. Sprawling over an area of 9700 square meters, this holy site’s largest dome has a width of 20 meters, while its minaret has a height of 60 meters. It is named after Saudi Arabia’s second king, King Saud and is the largest one in the city. Situated in Al-Sharafiyah district, this religious site was designed by an Egyptian architect named Abdel-Wahed El-Wakil.
3. Island Mosque: Also designed by Egyptian architect Abdel Wahed El-Wakil, the Island Mosque is another must-visit place in Jeddah. Situated near the Red Sea Corniche, this mosque is one of Jeddah’s most beautiful places of worship. This mosque features a simple, yet stunning, design and a rectangular prayer hall.
4. Corniche Mosque: As the name suggests, the mosque is situated along the Jeddah Corniche. It is the winner of the Aga Khan Award for Architecture, 1989. It is amongst the best religious places to visit in Jeddah that features classic Islamic architecture and looks absolutely stunning at dawn and dusk.
Historical Landmarks in Jeddah
5. Al Balad: Jeddah’s historical area, Al Balad is best known for tight-knit lanes, maze-like streets and traditionally constructed buildings. Once known as the gateway to Makkah, Al Balad is a UNESCO Heritage Site. It is home to buildings that are nearly 500 years old, including Al Nassif House, Al Qabal Mosque and Al Jamjoom House. Al Balad also features marketplaces and old shops wherein one can find some of the most magnificent souvenirs and antiques.
Suggested Read: 10 Most Beautiful Mosques In The World
6. Abdul Raouf Khalil Museum: One of the best historical places in Jeddah, the Abdul Raouf Khalil Museum showcases the city’s approximate 2500-year old history. From displaying archaeological collections of the Ottoman Empire to showcasing pre-Islamic history to exhibiting rare artefacts related to Saudi heritage, this museum is worth adding to Jeddah’s sightseeing itinerary.
7. Khuzam Palace Museum: It is located within the magnificent Khuzam Palace in the south of Jeddah and showcases artefacts from the Stone Age era, various items belonging to pre-Islamic cultures as well as artefacts that demonstrate the rise of Islam. The museum also has an Islamic Hall, which showcases the beginning of the emigration of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) from Makkah to Madinah. There is a Jeddah Hall as well that displays the city’s development over a period of time via old maps and images.
8. Athr Gallery: One of the best places to visit in Jeddah to discover contemporary art, this amazing gallery was founded in the year 2009. It supports artists, both amateur and professional, from the Arab region and hosts diverse exhibitions from time to time.. It is one of the best tourist attractions in Jeddah that brings you the best work of different artists under one roof.
Architectural Marvels in Jeddah
9. Khuzam Palace: Situated in the Al-Nuzlah al-Yamaniyah quarter, Khuzam Palace was the home of King Abdul Aziz, who was Saudi Arabia’s foremost monarch. This palace is quite iconic as during the 1950s, its gate was featured on the country’s currency note. Khuzam Palace is also home to a museum that showcases historical artefacts belonging to the Stone Age, in addition to featuring a collection displaying Jeddah’s culture.
10. Jeddah Lighthouse: Having a height of 436 feet, the Jeddah Light is the world’s tallest lighthouse. Situated on the northern side of Jeddah Seaport’s entrance, this active lighthouse is one of the most popular places to visit in Jeddah. Although there is a ban on tourists’ entry in the seaport, one can get breathtaking views of the tower from nearby locations, including Corniche Commercial Center as well as Central Fish Market. This architectural marvel, built in 1990, is absolutely breathtaking at night.
11. Globe Roundabout: This giant and eye-catching metal globe sits where Assalam Street and King Abdul Aziz Road intersect. Its strategic location makes it a must-visit tourist attraction in Jeddah. Saudi Arabian flags surrounding this globe make it look all the more attractive. Designed by the Spanish architect Julio Lafuente, this beautiful sculpture illuminates at night featuring green and blue lights.
12. Jeddah Flagpole: Jeddah Flagpole is situated in the middle of King Abdullah Square and stands at 561 feet height. Awarded Guinness World Records title for the tallest unsupported flagpole across the globe, it was erected in the year 2014. Hoisting the official flag of Saudi Arabia, the flagpole is easily visible from various tourist attractions in Jeddah. It is even equipped with high-tech cameras and a lighting system.
13. King Fahd’s Fountain: Or the Jeddah Fountain is amongst the most fascinating and popular tourist attractions in Jeddah. Donated by King Fahd to the Saudi Arabian city, this fountain was built between the years 1980 and 1983 and was inaugurated in 1985. This majestic fountain is situated on the western coast of the country and it illuminates at night as it is lit up with more than 500 spotlights. This much-loved landmark is also known to be the tallest fountain across the globe.
Must-visit Places in Jeddah for Family
14. AlShallal Theme Park: One of the must-visit places in Jeddah with family, AlShallal Theme Park enjoys a wonderful location on the Jeddah Corniche. It sprawls over an area of 60,000 square meters and is suitable for all types of visitors, be it couples, kids or adrenaline junkies. The theme area of this amusement park is a hot-favourite amongst visitors. Featuring a game arcade and a host of party rooms, another one of the park’s key features is the Amazon ride that sprawls over an area of 1800 square meters. AlShallal theme park also has shops and dining facilities, thereby making it a complete entertainment package.
15. Al-Saif Beach: Al-Saif Beach is one of the best beaches in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and a popular tourist spot in Jeddah. Well-known for family picnics, water adventures and swimming, the beach has a peaceful and calm ambience, which makes it a favourite amongst the visitors. Here, one can indulge in water sports or witness the mesmerising sunset at dusk or even enjoy a long walk along the shores.
16. Jeddah Waterfront, Corniche: Well-known for its stunning beauty, Jeddah Waterfront is one of the must-visit tourist attractions in the city. It is situated along the beautiful Red Sea and features a winding pier, sculptures, swimming bays, leisure activity areas, lush-green parklands and pavilions. The renowned Al Rahma Mosque is also located here, which draws millions of devotees annually. Travellers can indulge in a range of water sports or go biking on the 4.2 km stretch of the Corniche or even witness the mesmerising sunset while enjoying a long walk down the pier. Also featuring a range of cafes and restaurants, Jeddah Corniche is undoubtedly one of the best tourist attractions in the city.
17. Silver Sands Beach: One of the most beautiful beaches in Jeddah, Silver Sands Beach is a private beach located along the Red Sea. Azure blue waters coupled with long sandy stretches of the coastline and mesmerising views of the plush environment make this beach an attractive tourist destination. Here, visitors can simply relax in the sun on the comfortable beach chairs or look forward to enjoying some water sports or take a dive in the cool turquoise waters before heading to the onsite café for a light meal and drinks.
18. Moon Valley: Moon Valley, one of Jeddah’s famous attractions, is an ideal spot for camping. It is situated in Jabal al Jadib and is well-known for its peculiar rock formations coupled with its stunning landscape. It is frequently visited by nature lovers, adventure junkies and photography enthusiasts. Famous for stargazing and hiking, Moon Valley is worth adding to Jeddah’s itinerary.
19. South Obhur Beach: Offering a perfect blend of fun and adventure, South Obhur Beach is one of the most amazing public beaches in Jeddah, situated on the eastern coast of the Red Sea. It has a diverse range of beach activities and has a host of cafes and eating joints in close proximity.
20. Fakieh Aquarium: Among the top tourist places to go to in Jeddah, Fakieh Aquarium is the only public aquarium in the entire Saudi Arabia. Featuring marvels of the Red Sea’s underwater environment and over 200 aquatic species brought from oceans and seas from across the world, it is one of the must-visit tourist attractions in Jeddah. It also organises dolphin and sea lion shows, which are hot-favourites amongst kids.
Best Places for Shopping in Jeddah
21. Souq Shatee: Jeddah city is quite renowned for traditional souks, among which Souq Shatee is quite famous among locals and tourists alike. One of Jeddah’s famous marketplaces, Souq Shatee is located on the King Abdulaziz Road and features a range of regional shops coupled with a few of the well-known global showrooms. Here, one can find a range of products, like apparels, jewellery, souvenirs, abayas, toys, footwear and accessories.
22. Red Sea Mall: Featuring a 5-star hotel, this mall has a total of 18 entrances, thereby paving way for a hassle-free entry. It is home to a range of international brands, amazing eating joints, office space and movie theatre.
23. Al Salam Mall: One of the biggest shopping malls in Jeddah, Al Salam Mall is home to a number of outlets, thereby making it a one-stop shop for fulfilling all your shopping requirements. It is located on Prince Majid Road. The in-house food court has a host of food joints and cafes, thereby helping visitors enjoy delicious meals following a great shopping experience.
24. Mall of Arabia: A major entertainment centre, this mall attracts a lot of visitors from every age group. Mall of Arabia also features an indoor games park, which is a major attraction for kids. Also it has an array of international as well as popular local brands under one roof.
The beautiful city of Jeddah is an ideal holiday destination that is home to a diverse range of tourist attractions, from cultural to historical to religious to natural. This vibrant city ensures a memorable getaway for tourists. Adding the above-mentioned destinations to the Jeddah itinerary is sure to make the entire experience all the more pleasing and fulfilling.
FAQs About Best Places To Visit In Jeddah
Which are the top tourist places in Jeddah?
Also known as Saudi Arabia’s cultural capital, Jeddah is home to beautiful tourist attractions. Famous for holy sites, beautiful beaches, magnificent structures and cultural landmarks, there is no dearth of things to do in Jeddah. Visitors can go stargazing at the Moon Valley, be at one with Allah at Al Rahma Mosque, explore the historical Al Balad region or satisfy their innate shopaholic at one of the many malls and marketplaces in the city.
Which are the best places to eat in Jeddah?
Apart from being home to attractive tourist destinations, Jeddah is also quite renowned for its amazing food culture. The city has a large number of cafes and restaurants that not only serve delicious traditional dishes but are also known for offering gastronomic international cuisines. Some of the famous restaurants in Jeddah are Byblos, Mataam al Sharq, Al Baik, KUDU, Moon Shell, Toki and Shobak.
Which are the top mosques in Jeddah?
Jeddah is home to a number of beautiful and important mosques. A few of them that you must see are the Al-Rahma or the floating mosque, the Island mosque, the Corniche mosque, Khadija Baghlaf Mosque, and the Jaffali Mosque.
Are there any museums in Jeddah?
Yes. Tourists can visit the Abdul Raouf Khalil Museum, Khuzam Palace Museum, Al Tayebat International City, and Nassif House Museum.
Are there any natural wonders in/around Jeddah?
Yes, the Obhur Beach and Moon Valley are two of the naturally beautiful places to visit in Jeddah.
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