Al Balad The Old City
Walk through coral-stone buildings, traditional houses, old souqs and hidden courtyards with a local host who brings the stories of Al Balad to life.
Wander in: Jeddah
Where the Red Sea meets the city
Jeddah is a city of contrasts historic and contemporary, bustling and relaxed, shaped by the Red Sea and generations of travellers, pilgrims and merchants.
Come for the gateway. Stay for the city itself.
WHY GO?
Its history lives in the food, architecture, markets and people.
Explore Al Balad, eat fresh Red Sea seafood, discover contemporary Saudi art, drink Saudi coffee or watch the sunset along the Corniche.
Jeddah isn’t a city you simply tick off. It’s a city you get to know.
The Jeddah Experience
Art, Coffee & Local Life
Discover galleries, independent cafés, artists and cultural spaces or simply sit with a Saudi coffee and watch the city unfold.
Underwater & By the Shore
Snorkel, dive or take a boat onto the Red Sea, or simply slow down along the Corniche at sunset.
Eat Like a Local
Taste traditional Hijazi dishes, fresh Red Sea seafood, local bakeries and neighbourhood favourites with someone who knows where locals actually eat. Come hungry.
WHEN TO GO?
WINTER - October to April
Culture, food & outdoor exploring. Wander through Al Balad, explore galleries and markets, enjoy outdoor cafés and spend an evening along the Corniche.
Our tip: Walk, eat, explore and linger.
SUMMER - May to September
Red Sea & Museums. Spend the day snorkelling, diving or boating on the Red Sea, then escape the heat in Jeddah’s museums and galleries. Have a free day? Take a trip to Taif for cooler mountain air, rose farms and a different side of western Saudi Arabia.
Our tip: Start early and save the Red Sea for later in the day.
HOW TO ARRIVE
By Air
Jeddah’s King Abdulaziz International Airport (JED) connects the city with destinations across the region and beyond.
By High Speed Train
The Haramain Railway connects Jeddah with Makkah and Madinah.
Our tip: Jeddah works beautifully at the beginning or end of a Saudi journey.
HOW LONG TO STAY?
Two nights is enough to explore Al Balad, discover the food scene, meet a local host and spend time by the Red Sea. In summer, one day can also be used for a trip to Taif.
Our tip: Give Jeddah two nights and let the city surprise you.
JEDDAH GUIDE
Carry Jeddah with you
A free PDF guide to help you make the most of your time in Jeddah.
MEET YOUR LOCAL HOST
Kholoud Abdulwasi
Jeddah Local Host · Your person on the ground
Icensed Saudi tour guide based in Jeddah, specializing in Historic Jeddah (Al-Balad).
With deep family roots in the area, she brings its history and heritage to life through authentic stories and local insights.
Her tours offer visitors a warm and meaningful experience of Jeddah’s culture, landmarks, and genuine Saudi hospitality.
How we do Jeddah?
Jeddah is said to have an ancient meaning connected to “grandmother.” And somehow, the city feels exactly like one.
Warm, welcoming and always ready to feed you.
Experience Jeddah like a grandmother’s home with a table full of food, stories over coffee and someone insisting you try just one more thing.
Come as a visitor. Leave feeling like family.