Jeddah

The UNESCO-protected historical district at the core of the city, Al Balad, is comprised of more than 650 historical buildings made of coral stone, limestone, and wood, dating back at least 200-300 years. A wave of modernity and wealth saw residents move out in the 1960s and 70s in favor of a new suburban lifestyle with modern comforts and conveniences, leaving much of the the once grand multi-story structures to fall into disrepair. The historic district has been recognized for its historical significance and is currently undergoing much needed renovations as part of the country’s grand masterplan to diversify Saudi Arabia’s economy. The goal is to transform Al Balad into an attractive residential district once again that also exists as a living museum that preserves its past.

The city’s waterfront, the corniche’s 18 mile stretch is lined with restaurants, hotels, an aquarium, gardens, civic sculptures including the famous King Fahd’s Fountain, and the the floating mosque to the north. It is a popular spot during the mornings and late afternoons when people come to congregate with friends and family and enjoy the seaside breeze and views. The Jeddah Corniche is also known as the area for the F1 street circuit which stretches over 3.5 miles along its length, inaugurated in 2021.

Famously known as the Floating Mosque, the Al Ahma Mosque sits on the northern tip of Jeddah’s waterfront and appears to float atop the water during high tide. The mosque features classic Islamic design with a distinctive domed aquamarine roof and pearly white minaret. All guests are welcome, both pilgrims and tourists; it is popular to stroll the outdoor courtyard and enjoy the sea breeze and coastal views.

Although modern shopping malls dominate the scene with shiny buildings and international brands, Jeddah’s colorful souqs and their warren of stalls offer a true taste of Jeddah’s culture and history. These storied marketplaces are where locals come to gather, socialize, and shop. While some souqs specialize in certain products such as handwoven carpets and cloths, the majority showcase a variety of goods, fresh baked breads, spices, food and juices.

A four-hour drive outside of Jeddah, this spectacular natural wonder beckons visitors with its dramatic size at 2.5 miles wide and 820 feet deep. The crater was believed to be formed by a meteorite crashing to earth but research revealed it to be a maar crater, a shallow hollow caused by volcanic eruptions that occur when groundwater comes into contact with hot lava. The lunar landscape can be enjoyed from above at the crater’s rim as well as from close up where an opaque lake is located at its center. It is a 45-minute hike down, and a more difficult 90-minute hike back up.

A popular summer getaway from Jeddah, Taif is an evocative mountain city known for its damask roses that grow in the surrounding wadis and mountains. The roses bloom in April and are collected to turn into rose water and perfume, a large industry of the city, though August is a popular time to come as well when its popular Souq Okaz festival and Crown Prince Camel festival occur.