Jeddah presents a different angle of Saudi Arabia when compared with the pristine capital city that is seen to be rapidly on the rise. Unlike the Riyadh city that is known for its high-rise buildings and its commercial areas, Jeddah is a perfect blend of its aged neighborhoods, old souqs, and its stunning coastline plus its diverse population.
By strolling around the place, visitors will understand that the place is worth a visit. Jeddah city is rich in history, old architecture, and enjoyable touristic attractions. The attributes of Jeddah include the tallest water fountain in the world.
Jeddah is located on the western coast of KSA and is recognized as a gate to Makkah. The city is of considerable importance to the Muslin pilgrims visiting Makkah due to the initial proximity of King Abdulaziz International Airport to the holy city. However, Jeddah itself is more than a transit point.
One of such places is Al-Balad, the historic area of Jeddah. In narrow streets, old buildings, small shops, local markets, and historical places, the visitor will feel the atmosphere of old Jeddah different from other contemporary districts of the city.
There are some constructions that were recently built in a traditional manner, while there are some others that are genuinely old. The mixture of these two different architectural styles makes the district very interesting, as it shows the ability of Jeddah to maintain its historic identity and develop at the same time.
Another interesting feature of the district of Al-Balad is its very narrow streets and alleys. While wandering along these passages, one can imagine how the area used to look, with its merchants, citizens, and pilgrims who walked through this very area centuries ago.
At the same time, the area is very well taken care of. One can often see people cleaning the streets and maintaining the status of this important historical and tourist center.
Al-Balad is not just an old district behind some glass. It is still a living part of Jeddah with shops, cafes, businesses, and residents who walk through the streets of this place daily.
The Historical Building of Al-Shona and the Structure of the Area
One of the historical landmarks of Al-Balad is Al-Shona, which was the private store of a merchant for much of the 20th century. Its history
The history of some of the buildings in the neighborhood is said to stretch back centuries, though not every building resembling traditional architecture can be considered authentic. Preserving the appearance of Al-Balad is done through restoration and renovation.
Architecture is one of the biggest draws for tourists in the area. Narrow streets, old-fashioned decor, and dense buildings contribute to an ambience that is not found in modern architecture.
Visitors interested in learning about the architecture of the city and its cultural heritage will enjoy discovering Al-Balad.
Why Do They Call Jeddah the Gateway to Mecca?
The history of Jeddah is closely connected to the history of Mecca.
The first thing that comes to mind while looking at the history of Jeddah is that it is located not far from Mecca, just about seven kilometers from it, making it a major arrival place for pilgrims heading for Mecca.
The close connection between the two cities is also evidenced by the Mecca Gate.
The Mecca Gate was built during Ottoman times in the 16th century and was part of the city walls of Jeddah, which were used for the passage of pilgrims.
The view from the gate provides an interesting historical outlook. Hundreds of years back, pilgrims passed through this gate as they made their way to one of the most sacred sites in Islam.
The Mecca Gate is still an important landmark that signifies Jeddah’s role in the history of pilgrim travel.
Another feature of Jeddah’s Old Town is the presence of numerous traditional shops.
The gold shops are especially noticeable here. In many Arab countries, gold markets were an essential part of traditional trade fair complexes, and the marketplace in Jeddah is no exception.
Thus, walking through Al-Balad feels like going from one market to another. There are shops selling clothes, souvenirs, home supplies, and food.
Unlike many tourist destinations that are too commercialized, the atmosphere in Jeddah is quite relaxed even though many locals try to attract visitors’ attention. This way the journey turned out to be pleasant; there were no annoying vendors or begging people.
While planning a trip to Jeddah Old Town, it is reasonable to visit different traders.
Fresh Orange Juice on a Warm Afternoon in Jeddah
Jeddah’s coastal climate makes the exploration of the old town a cumbersome affair, especially given the hot sun during the afternoon.
A smart option is to have a short break in one of the small juice shops located all over the city.
The freshly squeezed orange juice is the best option. The drink is prepared using fresh oranges and requires no added sugar.
One glass of fresh orange juice would cost travelers a few riyals during their exploration of the city.
Fresh juice shops also provide tourists with a unique opportunity to enjoy life in Jeddah.
Instead of just seeing typical tourist places, tourists can often stop at a small local business to witness local people living their lives.
Jeddah and Its Amazing Hospitality
One of the best memories about Jeddah is the hospitality of local people.
Throughout the exploration, tourists could receive directions, sit and have a conversation with local people, drink tea in the company of Jeddah residents, or even receive help with transportation. Some local people offered to help tourists reach the places which they could not find on their own.
Another extraordinary day occurred at a local store, where a man served mint tea without any expectation of reward or compensation.
These spontaneous meetings can turn into some of the most unforgettable experiences of overseas trips. Instead of just taking photos of the cities, the guests get a chance to communicate with the locals.
Jeddah’s multiculturality makes these amazing moments even more engaging.
A Multicultural City on the Shores of the Red Sea
Jeddah is one of the biggest cities in Saudi Arabia with its population that is almost 4 million people. The city is located on the Red Sea, and this fact plays an important role in both its historical and economical relevance.
During a walk in Jeddah, one can meet people from various countries. Jeddah is full of residents and tourists from Yemen, Pakistan, Indonesia, Malaysia, India, the Philippines, and many more.
Such an international character is especially evident in the places related to the religious tourism sphere. Muslims from different countries come to Saudi Arabia to visit Mecca and Medina, so the city is crowded with people coming from all corners of the world.
Jeddah Brings Together the Past, Urbanity, and the Sea
One of the positive points of going to Jeddah is that in the city visitors can get many different impressions out of one location.
The city features a historic quarter with traditional architecture as well as modern urban neighborhoods, shopping centers, restaurants, and long coastline along the Red Sea.
This fusion provides Jeddah’s unique character different from Riyadh’s.
Riyadh has amazing things to do and it is a key location for development in Saudi Arabia; nevertheless, Jeddah has a seaside location to offer travelers.
A person who is preparing to visit Jeddah for the first time can plan their day in such a manner as to see tourists’ gem streets in the morning, have a delicious lunch in the form of authentic local food in the afternoon, and reflect on the after-day experience while watching the sea.
The Remarkable Feeding Spot for Cats of Jeddah
Something that a traveler would not expect to find in the city, was a spot for the cats to be fed.
When following conventional sightseeing itineraries, it is easy to overlook pleasant surprises such as this. At the same time, they show that by walking through local neighborhoods, it is possible to stumble upon details that are not found in any guidebooks.
Discovering Indonesian Community in Jeddah
Jeddah’s cosmopolitism gets more evident, especially in places where foreigners have established their companies and restaurants.
Changing course slightly, an Indonesian restaurant was spotted, supplemented by some Indonesian signs. Indonesian travelers, who find Indonesian cuisine while in Saudi Arabia, get the impression of being closer to home.
In addition to Indonesian establishments, Jeddah boasts restaurants and shops of many other ethnic communities.
Thus, Jeddah can be called surprisingly international, while still managing to keep a strong Arab identity.
Special Features of Food in Jeddah
Food is yet another reason for exploring this city.
The expedition points to the importance of tasting dishes which people from the area suggest rather than just going to well-known tourist restaurants. Local people can provide visitors, who are not politically inclined, with some surprising gastronomy experiences.
If someone asks residents about where to eat in Jeddah, they will get useful tips. The best places to have food can sometimes be found in areas that do not seem interesting for tourists visiting the place for the first time.
Jeddah’s Red Sea Waterfront
Once the tour has spent time exploring the historical center, it begins to go to the waterfront.
This area provides visitors with different vibes.
Instead of old streets and ancient buildings, people meet open spaces, parks, places for walks, families resting during the evening, and picturesque views across the sea.
The waterfront is lovely at the sunset moment. When it gets dark, the sky becomes colorful while people sit along the coast. The beautiful combination of the Red Sea, open places, and the evening mood create great conditions for ending a long day.
The Tallest Water Fountain of the World
The major attraction of the evening is that of the renowned fountain of King Fahd, also known as the Jeddah Fountain.
With its water shot reaching around a height of 260m above the sea, the fountain is recognized as the tallest fountain in the world.
The fountain was constructed in 1985 and is said to be a gift from King Fahd. The fountain does not use plain tap water but seawater from the Red Sea.
Seeing the fountain during the sunset is a beautiful sight. The sunlight behind the water enhances the effect when the water shot is pointed against the sun.
The fountain is quite simple in comparison to several of the modern fountains that are present.
There may be little music or sophisticated lights, yet the height of the water makes the fountain spectacular.
In this regard, the areas of the waterfront and King Fahd Fountain become one of the ideal places to watch the sunset in Jeddah.
Is Jeddah better than Riyadh?
At the end of the day, it all relies on desires and what tourists want to see in Saudi Arabia.
Riyadh would be an ideal place to see all
Jeddah provides a more varied mix of experiences.
Visitors can explore the historic district of Al-Balad, see The Mecca Gate, visit the local souks, mingle with the local people, enjoy time at the Red Sea, and witness the amazing fountain.
However, it does not mean that Jeddah is better than Riyadh objectively. Each city presents its own experience.
Those who appreciate history, culture, coastal scenery, spontaneous interaction with the local population will probably enjoy Jeddah.
Is Jeddah Safe for Tourists?
Safety concerns are inevitable when going to a new country.
The above-explained journey went well in this respect. The traveler encountered only one bad cab experience but met nice people and felt at ease walking around.
The historical part of the city had a lot of people but it was well organized while the area by the sea was beautiful and laid-back.
But as with any other city, visitors must follow safety recommendations and obey the laws of the places they visit.
The True Allure of Exploring Jeddah
The attraction of Jeddah does not reside in a unique tourist spot.
Instead, it comes from the different sides of the city.
One can begin the day in the old part of the city featuring old buildings that have been preserved for generations, stroll through gold-filled and souvenir markets, meet people from different countries, drink orange juice, find out some details concerning the local culture, and end the day by the Red Sea.
It also unveils an interesting point of view on Saudi Arabia that differs from the super-modern impressions that spring to mind when the country is mentioned.
Being ancient, Jeddah does not make you think of backwardness. Being modern, it does not lose the traditions.
Is it Really Worth Visiting Jeddah?
So, is it worthwhile to visit Jeddah? Certainly yes.
Jeddah reveals an interesting diversity for those who are visiting Saudi Arabia for the very first time. The historic district Al-Balad shows you the old Saudi Arabia while the waterfront by the Red Sea and the new districts of the city prove how much the place has been developing recently.
The Mecca Gate is responsible for an extensive history of pilgrimages connecting the city, and King Fahd’s Fountain is a great ending to the travel day.
What makes travelling through this amazing city quite special is the fact that there are several unforeseen encounters and conversations with the locals which make your trip more exciting. The possibilities to enjoy the warmth of the local people and their hospitality greatly contribute to the travel experience and make it personal and memorable.
Although Jeddah is not as widely known as such cities as Dubai or Riyadh, its peculiarities make it appealing and interesting. The city is a great place for travelers who want to discover the historical part of Saudi Arabia and enjoy the Red Sea views and local markets, as well as the different cultures.
