This Ancient Tourist Destination Is Packed With Museums, History, and Modern Adventure

“Jeddah is the birthplace of tourism,” said Khalid Took, our trained and accredited tour guide through Riyadh and Jeddah in Saudi Arabia, as we sipped spiced coffee in espresso-sized cups and munched on sugary dates. With easy warmth and a contagious smile, he gestured grandly with sweeping hand movements as he spoke of the deep-rooted tradition of hospitality in the region.

Arabic coffee is infused with a unique blend of cardamom, ginger, and cloves. It’s a milky brew, always paired with a local sweet treat. It’s a fundamental part of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, woven into the very essence of their culture. It’s a symbol of hospitality, a way to provide sustenance for desert travelers, and a reminder of home for Saudis, no matter where in the world they are.

Arabic coffee and sweet dates. Photo: Saudi Tourism Authority

Serving coffee and dates is a deep-rooted tradition of Bedouin tribal hospitality. Hosts would welcome weary travelers into their homes, offering a place to rest along with Arabic coffee and and the small, sweet fruits from the date palm tree. Later, religion forged a new reason for travelers coming to Jeddah, and in many ways, tourism in the city began with the adoption of Islam. For centuries, Muslims from around the world on sacred pilgrimages stopped in Jeddah, where locals welcomed them with refreshments before they took their final steps to the city of Mecca.

Today, Jeddah exudes quintessential coastal vibes, framed by aqua waters and swaying palm trees. Yet, this Saudi Arabian city feels distinct from more popular beach towns. It’s steeped in tradition, where glowing mosques line the shore, most women wear niqabs that reveal only their eyes, and men don red-and-white checkered headscarves. Closed to leisure tourism since the 1970s, Saudi Arabia only opened its proverbial doors to the world in 2019. Today, Jeddah serves as a welcoming gateway to experiencing the country’s seaside and cultural allure.

Positioned between desert dunes and the Red Sea, Jeddah is a place where you can spend the morning scuba diving on coral walls teeming with brightly colored fish, but be strolling through a desert landscape by sunset. The city’s dichotomy of tradition and modernity coalesces in its historic town centers, where Arabic-inspired architecture and deeply rooted traditions blend with international tourism and modern hotels and restaurants. In Jeddah, the Middle East’s past and present mesh in a way you won’t find in too many countries around the world.

Here are the best things to do in Jeddah if it’s your first time visiting the historic city.

The author and her guide in Jeddah’s Old Town. Photo: Kelsey Wilking

Established as a UNESCO site in 2014, the city’s old town, called Al Balad, was granted the honor for its historical and cultural significance as a major trading port and pilgrimage destination. Visitors can see centuries-old whitewashed buildings, where brown-and-green latticed accents stand next to centuries-old fortresses made from coral. Walking through the streets and local souqs evokes a sense of lively community, with bustling markets selling everything from daily groceries to handmade home decor. Among the unique items is one of the earliest forms of toothbrushes: a natural Salvadora persica tree branch with bristles.

Many visitors start their walks on Qabil Street, admiring the traditional architecture of the 18th-century roshan tower houses — homes decorated with intricate wooden panels on the facades. A popular stop is the Bayt Nassif (Nassif House) museum, a former home where beloved Saudi King Abdulaziz Ibn Saud stayed after claiming Jeddah in 1925. It was a pivotal moment in the unification of Saudi Arabia.

Photo: Sergey-97/Shutterstock

Photo: Matyas Rehak/Shutterstock

Photo: Osama Ahmed Mansour/Shutterstock

Photo: Matyas Rehak/Shutterstock

During my visit, I passed by the Bab Makkah gate, a defensive town gate constructed in 1509 to protect Jeddah from invaders. Now, the carefully preserved structure, with its intricately laid coral stone, serves as one of the many entrances to the Old Town.

As evening deepened, I headed to Souq Al-Badu, one of Jeddah’s oldest markets, near the Bab Makkah gate. There, you can peruse shops filled with incense and selling all manner of colorful mounds of spices and freshly harvested dates. Traditional rugs hang from store windows, while Arabic coffee cups, intricately crafted dress swords, and brightly colored porcelain plates saturate everything in color. In the market, vendors offered local dishes and unique souvenirs, like abayas (a drapey robe that comes in many colors) and polished golden oil lamps.

Ending the night strolling through Jeddah’s Old Town while snacking on camel’s milk ice cream and watching the fairy lights flicker on felt both alluring and familiar. I loved being part of the city’s rich history, but also being in a bustling and lively market.

The sprawling Al Tayebat Museum in Jeddah. Photo: Sergey-73/Shutterstock

I never learned about the in-depth history of the Middle East in high school, or even much in college. Sure, I watched Lawrence of Arabia, but nothing compared to learning about it firsthand at the city’s museums, all of which celebrate the country’s unique and extensive history.

The Al Tayebat International City Museum offers an in-depth journey through Saudi Arabia’s past and present, showcasing how the kingdom evolved into what it is today. With 12 different buildings and 300 rooms, you can start on the ground floor to explore Saudi Arabia’s 2,500-year history, then move through the different floors to peruse exhibits on art, fashion, housing, coins, and more. Plan to spend three to four hours to hit the highlights. The museum can’t be fully consumed in a single day, so ask museum guides (either when you arrive or in advance through the website), for a guided tour of the most important displays.

For those eager to dive deeper into Saudi’s musical history, the eponymous Tariq Abdulhakeem Museum honors renowned Saudi musician’s legacy. He’s famous for writing the country’s national anthem: Chant of the Saudi Nation.

Al Rahma Mosque in Jeddah. Photo: Osama Ahmed Mansour/Shutterstock

Islam is a massive part of Saudi Arabian culture — you cannot separate one from the other. It shapes the country’s history, government, and daily life. Visitors can admire the stunning mosques that line the coast and serve as religious and landmarks very important to the Saudi culture. These sacred spaces showcase the unique heritage of the Hijazi region (the area along the Red Sea from Jordan to Yemen), reflecting the design influences of seafaring trade with other cultures and the daily rituals of Islam.

Note that non-Muslims are allowed to visit some mosques in Jeddah, but must avoid arriving during prayer times, and should observe proper etiquette out of respect for the space and its worshippers. Women are required to cover their hair and head before entering any mosque.

• Al Rahma Mosque: Also known as the Floating Mosque, the iconic structure appears to hover over the Red Sea. It’s a stunning architectural masterpiece and is likely the most famous mosque in the area.
• Island Mosque: This mosque stands out with a striking white-washed exterior against the backdrop of the Red Sea, on the seaside promenade.
• Al Shafee Mosque: In historic Jeddah, the dome-shaped towers serve as a place of prayer within the city center, surrounded by the charm of Al-Balad’s traditional architecture.

Sunset at the Jeddah Promenade. Photo: Kelsey Wilking

The promenade is a place to wander, people watch, and grab a snack while strolling along the shoreline. With its wide spaces and excellent sunset views, it’s a popular place for families to picnic on the grass or take leisurely walks, stopping at food trucks offering local favorites as well as Western-style grab-and-go treats like ice cream, iced coffees, and burgers.

This area comes alive at night after the heat of the day has passed, and is most crowded during late afternoon and sunset. After visiting a few mosques, visitors can head further north to the Jeddah Yacht Club & Marina to check out truly beautiful (and expensive) boats, and dine at one of its waterfront restaurants.

Photo: Lamcah Mosawer/Shutterstock

The Red Sea is bluer than I could have imagined. Snorkeling felt peaceful and meditative, with reefs towering three stories tall, coral arches, and rock caves to explore. Swimming in and out of these underwater wonders revealed an array of vibrant fish species, including massive pufferfish, colorful parrotfish, manta rays, and countless other rainbow-hued marine creatures.

For a fun day on the water in Jeddah, visitors can rent yachts for a variety of activities. Rental companies around the area offer private or group diving and snorkel trips. Group trips are around 400 SAR (about $106) per person, but private all-day rentals are available for around 2,550 SAR (about $680).

The author with her HiHome lunch hosts. Photo: Suzie Dundas

Many Jeddah locals pride themselves on their hospitality. HiHome, a Saudi platform, helps connect travelers with local Saudi families for immersive meals and homestays. It’s only available in Saudi and was created to give visitors an opportunity to share meals and activities with local hosts, ranging from coffee-making classes to home tours, hosted lunches, and other ways to experiences Saudi culture and customs.

During our visit, we were hosted by a friendly Jeddah family in their home, and greeted, of course, with traditional Arabic coffee and dates. We shared piles of chicken pilau, stuffed vegetables, and cheesy pastries — all common dishes the family would normally make and share with guests — in a feast that took considerable willpower to resist multiple helpings. Our hosts let us know it was a safe place to ask questions, and we talked openly about customary differences and perceptions. We left their house feeling completely stuffed, holding a thoughtful bag of local treats, and wishing similar experiences were available in more destinations around the world.

Photo: Kelsey Wilking

As with most places, Jeddah’s history and geography have profoundly shaped its culinary traditions. Having welcomed foreign pilgrims for more than a thousand years, the city has a diverse cuisine infused with multiple ethnic flavors. Thanks to its coastal location, Jeddah’s local dishes are prepared using freshly caught fish from the Red Sea. Popular options around the city include:

• Al Basli Restaurant: A no-frills seafood spot where the cooked fish is served whole (bones, eyes, and all). We were handed rubber gloves and dug in with our hands. It’s clearly well-loved, with walls covered in photos of celebrities who have dined there before. It’s consistently packed and is a messy, delicious experience that was my favorite meal of the entire trip. Suq Bab Makkah, Al-Balad, Jeddah 22236, Saudi Arabia
• Kuuru: A unique eatery serving an inspired mix of Peruvian and Japanese tapas and sushi. A great spot for those craving an upscale, modern dining experience in Jeddah with killer mocktails. Al Malik Road, Al Khalidiyyah, Jeddah 23422, Saudi Arabia
• Noug: A canvas-covered open stand lined with fairy lights along the road. Noug’s absolutely delicious camel milk ice cream is a must-try. My saffron-infused scoop was creamy, earthy, rich, and perfect. F5MP+PC8, Al-Balad, Jeddah 22233, Saudi Arabia

 

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The charming Beit Jokhdar Hotel is a historic roshan-style home in the center of Old Town, where heritage and hospitality mesh together flawlessly. It puts guests within easy walking distance of everything in Al Balad, ensuring they can experience Saudi history with sacrificing modern comforts.

Photo: Airbnb

This two-bedroom retreat in a central part of the city has a pool table and game corner, perfect for unwinding after a day of exploration. It’s in Al-Baghdadiya Al-Gharbiyah, putting guests just steps from Jeddah’s vibrant dining scene, charming cafes, and bustling local shops. Iconic landmarks like the Corniche and King Fahd Fountain are within easy reach, making it an excellent base for sightseeing. Rates start around $150 per night.

Blending seaside charm with desert allure, Jeddah seamlessly weaves centuries-old history and modern luxuries into an experience straight out of a dreamy travel novel. It should appease travelers anxious to go somewhere new, whether they’re drawn by daily adventures on the water or the architectural charms and museum of Old Town. No matter what you decided to do in Jeddah, just make sure you set some time aside to savor the Arabic coffee, sweet dates, and welcoming Saudi hospitality.