8 Must-Visit Places in Jeddah

1. Historic District (Al-Balad)

Immerse yourself in the charm of the old town, Al-Balad, the oldest tourist place in Jeddah. Explore its narrow alleys, and traditional houses with distinctive architectural features, and visit historic sites such as Naseef House and Al-Shafee Mosque.

Location: Historic Jeddah is located in the Al-Balad district of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. It is situated on the eastern shore of the Red Sea.Old Jeddah, Al Balad

Operating Hours:  Open 24/7. However, the best time to visit is during the day, when the light is good for taking photos and exploring the narrow streets. The area is also less crowded during the day.

The easiest way to get there: 

• By car: You can drive to Historic Jeddah from anywhere in Jeddah. The easiest way to get there is to use the Al-Hamra Corniche Road. Once you reach the Corniche, follow the signs to Historic Jeddah. 
• By taxi: Taxis are a convenient way to get to Historic Jeddah. You can hail a taxi from anywhere in Jeddah. The fare will depend on the distance from your starting point. 
• By public transportation: There are a few public bus lines that go to Historic Jeddah. The most convenient bus line is the 200 line. You can catch the 200 line from the Al-Sulaimaniyah bus station.
• By walking: If you are staying in the historic area, you can walk to Historic Jeddah. It is about a 15-minute walk from the Al-Balad district.

Tips for visiting:

• Wear comfortable shoes as you will be doing a lot of walking.
• Bring a hat and sunscreen as it can get hot during the day.
• Take a water bottle with you as there are no drinking fountains in the area.
• Be respectful of the culture and traditions of the area.
• Ask for permission before taking photos of people.

2. King Fahd Fountain

Marvel at the world’s tallest fountain, shooting water up to 312 meters high. Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the beautiful Corniche promenade and take in breathtaking views of the Red Sea when visiting this tourist place in Jeddah.

Location: Located on the Corniche of Jeddah, near the King Abdulaziz International Airport and the Jeddah Tower. King Fahad’s Fountain

Operating Hours: Open 24 hours a day, but the best time to see it is at night when it is illuminated.

The easiest way to get there:

• You can take the public bus line 50. The bus stop for the fountain is called “King Fahd Fountain.”
• You can also take a taxi or drive there.

Here are some tips for visiting:

• If you are driving, be aware that parking can be limited at night.
• The fountain is a popular tourist destination, so it can get crowded, especially on weekends.
• The fountain starts at 6:30 PM, so it is best to visit at dusk or night only.
• If you want to get a good view of the fountain, try to get there early, as the best spots tend to fill up quickly.
• You can also rent a boat or jet ski to get a closer look at the fountain.

3. Floating Mosque (Fatima Al-Zahra Mosque)

Admire the stunning beauty of this unique mosque, which appears to be floating on the Red Sea. Its intricate design and serene ambiance make it a must-visit tourist place in Jeddah.

Location: Located on the Jeddah Corniche, Al Shatee District Al Rahmah Mosque

Operating Hours: Open 24 hours a day, but the best time to visit is during the day when the sun is shining and the water is calm.

The easiest way to get there:

The easiest way to get to Al Rahma Mosque in Jeddah is by taxi or Uber. There is also a bus that runs along the Corniche, but it is not as frequent.

• If you are taking a taxi, tell the driver to take you to “Al Rahma Mosque” or “Fatima Al-Zahra Mosque”. The taxi fare should be around SAR 20-30 from the Jeddah International Airport.
• If you are taking Uber, you can use the promo code “WELCOME2SAUDI” to get a free ride up to SAR 35.
• The bus stop for the Corniche bus is located at the King Abdulaziz International Airport Terminal 1. The bus fare is SAR 2.

Tips for visiting:

Once you arrive at the mosque,

• You will need to cover your hair and shoulders.
• You will also need to remove your shoes before entering the mosque.

4. Jeddah Waterfront

Visit the newly developed Jeddah Corniche, a vibrant waterfront area with recreational facilities, cafes, and restaurants. Enjoy a relaxing walk, rent a bicycle, or take a boat ride along the coast.

Location: Located on the Jeddah Corniche Jeddah Waterfront Harbor

Operating Hours: Open 24 hours a day, but the best time to visit is during the day when the weather is cooler.

The easiest way to get there:

• You can take the bus from the airport to the Jeddah Waterfront. The bus stop is located at the airport terminal. The bus fare is SAR 2.
• If you are staying in the city center, then taking a taxi or Uber is the most convenient option. 

5. Al-Shallal Theme Park 

For a dose of excitement and fun, head to Al-Shallal Theme Park. This family-friendly tourist place in Jeddah offers thrilling rides, a massive indoor ice-skating rink, and a beautiful artificial waterfall. Enjoy a day filled with laughter and adventure in this popular amusement park.

Location: Located on Jeddah Corniche. It is accessible through: King Abdul Aziz Road, Exit 5, and Corniche Road Al Shallal Recreational Park

Operating Hours: Open from 4:00 PM to 12:00 AM. Admission is SAR 50 for adults and SAR 40 for children

The easiest way to get there: Take Exit 5 off of King Abdulaziz Road and turn left onto Corniche Road—the park will be on your right.

6. Red Sea Mall

Indulge in some retail therapy at the Red Sea Mall, one of Jeddah’s premier shopping destinations. With a vast array of local and international brands, entertainment options, and dining establishments, this modern mall caters to all your shopping desires.

Location: Located in the northern suburb of Jeddah, on the western side of the King Abdulaziz Road between the King Abdulaziz International Airport and the Red Sea coast. Red Sea Mall

Operating Hours: Open from 10:00 AM to 11:00 PM.

7. Al Tayebat International City

Delve into the rich heritage of Saudi Arabia at Al Tayebat International City. This expansive museum complex showcases traditional Saudi Arabian architecture and houses a remarkable collection of artifacts, costumes, and historical exhibits. Immerse yourself in the country’s cultural heritage and gain insights into its fascinating past when visiting this tourist place in Jeddah.

Location: Located in Al-Nakhil district متحف مدينة الطيبات العالمية للعلوم والمعرفة

Operating Hours: Open from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM. Admission is SAR 50 for adults and SAR 25 for children.

The easiest way to get there: From the Jeddah International Airport, take Exit 5 off of King Abdulaziz Road and turn left onto Corniche Road. The museum will be on your right after about 2 kilometers.

Tips for visiting:

• The museum is a religious and cultural site, so it is important to dress appropriately. This means covering your shoulders and knees.
• There is a lot to see and do at the museum, so take your time and explore at your own pace.
• There are many signs throughout the museum that explain the exhibits. Take the time to read them so you can learn more about the history and culture of Jeddah.
• If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask the museum staff. They are happy to help you.
• The museum is full of beautiful and interesting exhibits. Feel free to take pictures to remember your visit.

8. Diving and Snorkeling

Explore the underwater wonders of the Red Sea through diving or snorkeling adventures. Jeddah offers pristine coral reefs, vibrant marine life, and crystal-clear waters, making it a paradise for diving enthusiasts. Take the opportunity to swim with dolphins, and discover colorful aquatic animals and intricate coral formations.

Some of the best places to go diving and snorkeling in Jeddah:

• The Farasan Islands: The Farasan Islands are a group of islands located off the coast of Jeddah. They are a popular destination for diving and snorkeling, and they are home to a variety of marine life, including dolphins, turtles, and sharks.
• The Obhur Reef: The Obhur Reef is a coral reef located off the coast of Jeddah. It is a popular destination for snorkeling, and it is home to a variety of fish, including clownfish, butterflyfish, and angelfish.
• The Jeddah Corniche: The Jeddah Corniche is a long waterfront promenade that is popular for both locals and tourists. There are a number of dive and snorkeling operators located on the Corniche, and it is a great tourist place in Jeddah to get started with diving and snorkeling.

Snorkeling and Diving Costs:  

• Snorkeling gear rental costs around SAR 50 per day.
• Snorkeling tours typically cost around SAR 200 per person.
• Diving gear rental costs around SAR 100 per day.
• Diving courses start from SAR 500.
• Diving tours typically cost around SAR 300 per person.

The costs will vary depending on the operator, the duration of the activity, and the level of experience.

Here are some of the factors that can affect the cost of diving and snorkeling in Jeddah:

• The time of year: Diving and snorkeling is more expensive during the peak season, which is from June to August.
• The location: Diving and snorkeling is more expensive in the Farasan Islands than it is on the Jeddah Corniche.
• The level of experience: Diving courses are more expensive than snorkeling tours.
• The type of equipment: The cost of renting snorkeling gear is lower than the cost of renting diving gear.

If you are on a budget, there are a few things you can do to save money on diving and snorkeling in Jeddah:

• Go during the off-season: The off-season is from September to May, and it is the best time to find discounts on diving and snorkeling activities.
• Dive or snorkel on your own: You can rent diving or snorkeling gear and go on your own. This is the cheapest option, but it is important to have some experience before doing this.
• Take a diving or snorkeling course: Diving and snorkeling courses are a great way to learn the basics and get certified. This will make you eligible for discounts on diving and snorkeling activities.

Jeddah offers plenty of attractions for travelers. From museums and mosques to theme parks and snorkeling activities, Jeddah has something to offer for everyone. Start planning your journey and book the top hotels in Jeddah now with Umrahme.