© Saudi Tourism Authority

Destination Brief · Gateway to the Red Sea

Jeddah | Red Sea Gateway & Cultural Capital

Jeddah is Saudi Arabia's cultural melting pot, a centuries-old port city that has welcomed pilgrims, traders, and travelers from across the world, making it the Kingdom's most diverse destination. Its old town, Al Balad, is one of the best-preserved examples of traditional Hijazi architecture, with coral-stone houses and wooden balconies lining narrow alleys.

Along the Red Sea coast, the Jeddah Corniche and waterfront mosques like AlRahma Floating Mosque offer sunset views, while the city has become Saudi Arabia's art capital with galleries throughout Al Balad. Scuba diving and water sports on the Red Sea reefs are a major draw, alongside a thriving food scene spanning Hijazi specialties to international cuisine. King Abdulaziz International Airport connects Jeddah directly to Riyadh, Makkah, and beyond. Book a licensed guide below to explore Al Balad, the waterfront, and the Red Sea coast.

Plan Your Visit

650+
historic coral-stone buildings preserved in Al Balads old town
1,300
years since Jeddah became Meccas official sea gateway for pilgrims
2014
the year Historic Jeddah was inscribed a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Jeddah manifest

06 entries

// things worth crossing off

Heritage Site

Historical Jeddah (Al Balad)
Heritage Site
24hrs

Sightseeing

AlRahma Floating Mosque
Sightseeing
5am-9pm · 126202424
Jeddah Waterfront
Sightseeing
24hrs · 126149999
King Fahad's Fountain
Sightseeing
9am-5pm

Aquarium

Fakieh Aquarium
Aquarium
1pm-1am · 126066144

Museum

Abdul Raouf Khalil Museum
Museum
8am-12pm/5-9pm · 0126830042

Common Phrases

هلا واللهHello!
مساء الخيرGood evening
كيف الحال؟How's it going?
شكراًThank you

Top Dishes

SaleegOfficial Regional Dish (Makkah Province)
MantooDumpling
MutabaqStuffed Bread
MasoobDessert
Best visited October through March
From Riyadh
945 km
Airport
JED
Police
911
Tourism
930
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

Available Tours

Jeddah | Red Sea Gateway & Cultural Capital | Bucket List