Weekend itineraries from arts and culture, food and coffee, history and heritage to water sports and activities, this bohemian city will leave you wishing you had more time!
Jeddah, situated on the coast in the Western Region, is often referred to as the Bride of the Red Sea, a nod to its location on the Red Sea Coast. Being Saudi Arabia’s oldest city with a thriving and vibrant hub of activity, Jeddah has welcomed traders and pilgrims for centuries, a great melting pot of traditions and cultures from all over the world.
Located in the tropical and sunny Red Sea, Jeddah serves as a great travel destination for those looking to escape the concrete jungles of the Capital and travel into a historic port city. It has both beautiful beach resorts and historical sites. With a wealth of world-class dive sites along its coastline, ideal water temperatures and uninhabited desert islands surrounded by spectacular technicolor reefs, it is also one of the final frontiers for scuba diving.
Reasons We Love Jeddah
The arts capital of the Kingdom and a haven for culture-vultures
Take a stroll on the Jeddah Corniche and see the art sculptures the city is proud of. Whether you have 24 or 48 hours in the Red Sea city as part of your weekend itinerary, the best start to the day is with a brisk walk in the Corniche. The Coastline is a 30-km stretch featuring iconic art sculptures dotted along the waterfront and King Fahd’s Fountain, the highest fountain in the world, a spectacular sight at night, lit up against the dark sky. Feel that sea breeze and be sure to stop to soak up the stunning views of the aquamarine waters and take in the bustling atmosphere. It doesn’t matter where you start – every part of this seaside trail is enjoyable.
Also, visit the first ever Islamic Arts Biennale. Be prepared to journey across past, present and future perspectives into Islamic arts through the range of works from over 18 local and international intuitions including the Haramain Authority, the Benaki Museum in Athens and Paris’ Louvre.
Unique history and heritage
As the commercial heart of the Kingdom, Jeddah’s blend of old and new makes it among the country’s most magical places to explore. Al Balad is an open historic town dating back to 7th century AD, reconstructed today to display the city’s archeological sites and significant pasts. Al Balad is particularly famous for its intricately designed 500-year-old buildings, many of which were built using coral from the Red Sea.
In the heart of the old town is Saudi’s largest market, the colorful Souq Al Alawi. The souq sprawls maze-like through the narrow alleyways, filling the neighborhood with wafts of exotic spices and street hawkers selling their wares from dates, oud perfumes, patterned textiles, mistika and essential oil, coral jewelry and subha (prayer beads). Bab Jadid or the “New Gate” welcomes you to Jeddah district. Visit Bait Naseef’s historical abode turned into a museum, with a rooftop that promises one of the best sunsets in the city.
Delicious food and amazing culture
The sunshine-filled coastal city offers everything from Michelin caliber restaurants with international cuisine to the traditional taste of Hijazi cuisine. Being a coastal city, it is of course famous for its seafood! Here’s a list of what we like:
Blue Ocean
Are you really eating in Jeddah without a jaw-dropping backdrop of the Red Sea?
This seaside restaurant with sensational views will be a thrill for a family friendly lunch/dinner. It delivers superb seafood dishes, international cuisine, and gives a casual Miami Beach feel. For the ultimate kids’ treat day, spend the morning exploring the exciting underwater world of Fakieh Aquarium right next to the restaurant and then head here to reminisce and refuel in style
.Open (Sat-Wed 7AM to 12AM – Thur -Fri 7AM to 1AM), Al Kurnaysh Br Rd, Ash Shati, Jeddah 23413 (0126397462) fakieheats.com/blueocean
Al Seqala
With its stylish wooden nautical interiors, picture perfect views of the glittering Red Sea, and super fresh seafood, Al-Seqala restaurant is Jeddah’s hidden gem. Pick your own choice of seafood to be freshly prepared , while the rest of the menu is a hit too decked with prawns, octopus, and a selection of Lebanese mezze. What’s more, head to the rooftop lounge for an exceptional evening.
Open from 6am-2am, South Sail – Corniche Obhur, Jeddah. (+966 53 036 5000)
Nobu
Nobu, which is named after its Head Chef Nobuyuki Matsuhisa (Nobu san), owes its worldwide success to the high-quality, fresh ingredients and the unique concept of Japanese and South-American cuisine. Enjoy the sunset over water with a glass partition separating you and the sea. Look in the opposite direction and behold the city lights of the equally striking cityscape.
Enjoy Nobu Worldwide classics, such as Black Cod Miso, New Style Sashimi and Rock Shrimp Tempura, along with contemporary creations unique to Nobu Jeddah.
Open daily, 1pm-midnight. North Corniche Rd, noburestaurants.com (012 272 4646).
Fogo de Chão
There are loads of spectacular steakhouses in Jeddah. If you’re out for a steak-night with family and friends, you’re in luck! This Brazilian steakhouse serves up the tastiest meat cuts -fillet, rib-eye, sirloin cooked in churrascaria-style dining. The restaurant prides itself on cooking steaks‘the gaucho way’, otherwise known as slowly over an open flame to get the best of the flavor of the meat. Basically, the grills and meat keep coming as long as you keep asking. Come hungry.
Open daily 1pm-1am, Prince Sultan Road, Al Zahra, Jeddah 23424, fogodechao.com. (9200068150)
Al Nakheel
If it’s traditional Hijazi and Levantine cuisine you’re craving, this Middle Eastern eatery offers views over the Red Sea from the equally striking terrace. Take a seat on one of the patterned sofas and soak up the top notch vistas of the swaying palm trees as you dig into signature dishes like Shish Tawook, Shawarma and meaty mixed platters. This is pretty much the definition of what Red Sea living is all about!
Open Sun-Thu 5pm-1am, Fri-Sat 5pm-1.30am. Al Kurnaysh Rd (12 606 6644).
Main attractions in the city
Jeddah is really stepping up its game with A-list attractions. From hosting the Kingdom’s iconic Grand Prix, amazing concerts and top-notch dining experiences, Jeddah has become THE place to be. These attractions have kept us glued to what’s entertaining and interesting:
Jeddah Season- City Walk 2023
Second time round, the largest zones of Jeddah Events Calendar thanks to 10 subzones, City Walk offers fun and thrill for the whole family! This year, you can explore the live performances at food spots at Wonder Wall, enjoy discovering different aspects of Japanese culture at the Anime Village, tip-toe around Horror Village, visit Fun Theatre to catch Barney the big purple dinosaur, be wowed at the exclusive Vizion by Cirque du Soleil show and groove to the ‘70s and 90s music at the Roller Disco.
SAR55 (weekdays), SAR100 (weekends) 5pm-midnight (weekdays), 5pm-2am (weekends). Mon Apr 24-Wed Jun 7.
City Walk, Ash Shati, saudievents.sa. Follow @jed.calendar on Instagram for more updates.
Cyan Waterpark
If you’re looking to enjoy a pleasant time with family or friends, Cyan Waterpark is sure to impress. Plunge down on a single, double, or multiple-person raft for a high-adrenaline adventure or take a relaxing ride and float along the lazy river. There is an array of interactive water games for children including spouts, colorful slides and dumping buckets. Cyan Waterpark also offers two wave pools, (for children and adults) which will make you feel like you are in the middle of the sea.
Book your tickets via tickets.cyanwp.com, +966558855093. Open from 2PM-10PM, Thursday-Saturday.4740 King Saud Rd, Jeddah 23829
Jeddah Yacht Club and Marina
Jeddah Yacht Club and Marina is Saudi Arabia’s first west coast marina, designed to deliver a premium and luxurious yachting experience! Capture those magical moments with friends and family whether you are celebrating or unwinding or sailing into the horizon, diving to see the marine creatures and coral reef, or going on a fishing trip and eating what you caught, are all within reach. What’s more, the first ever Sailing Academy offers private sailing courses customized for both adults and children. Learn to sail or master a new skill to enhance sailing abilities customized based on your desired schedule. Sailing options available are 28-foot keelboats, laser dinghy for adults and families and optimist designed to teach 7-11 years old. Contact academy@jeddahyc.com to know more!
The club offers options of international restaurants, special menus, and various dishes to suit all tastes of its visitors including shopping the latest fashion right beside the Red Sea.
Al Kurnaysh Br Rd, Ash Shati, Jeddah 23613,
Jeddah is a city rich with tradition, history, and unique heritage. It is a place that holds true to its original charm, ideal for the cultural explorers of today and those looking for fabulous Red Sea adventures!
