Jeddah, the heart of Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea coast, is a city that beats with its own special rhythm. It is a place where ancient history drones through narrow alleys and modern skyscrapers pierce the blue sky. Jeddah is a mosaic made of the threads of trade, religion, and culture that provide so much for one to see and experience as a traveler. Here is more about Jeddah, its architecture, beauty, and more. Have a look:
Contents
- Jeddah’s Architectural
- Jeddah or Riyadh
- Jeddah’s Treasures
- What are the most popular tourist sites in Jeddah?
- Beyond the City Walls
- Jeddah: A City for All Seasons
- Jeddah: It is more than just a destination
- People May Also Ask
- If I am to visit Jeddah, do I need an entry visa?
- Do I need to submit documents with my visa application?
- Am I granted a visa on arrival?
- When should one go to Jeddah?
- What is the way to the city centre from the airport?
- What can I see in Jeddah?
- What should you wear in Jeddah?
- What is Jeddah’s currency?
- Is it safe to go to Jeddah?
- What language is spoken in Jeddah?
- Conclusion
Jeddah’s Architectural
Jeddah’s architectural heritage tells a lot about its rich and colourful past. The historic center of the city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the maze-like set of coral-stone houses decorated with fancy mashrabiya lacework. These traditional windows, usually made out of wood, were a platform for intricate geometric designs and necessary privacy in the desert heat.
One of Jeddah’s most striking architectural forms was the tower house, a multi-stored structure which dominated the city skyline in the 19th and early years of the 20th centuries. These massive structures, constructed by wealthy merchants, were houses and commercial centres at the same time. Their upper floors, ornate with intricate wooden balustrades called “roshans,” had grand vistas of the city and into the Red Sea beyond.
Modern design influences started to enter Jeddah as the city’s boundaries began to stretch beyond its ancient city walls. The latter half of the 20th century witnessed the construction of high-rise buildings that completely changed the look of New York City’s skyline with a combination of international and Islamic architectural design.
Jeddah today is a happy mix of the old and the new, where bright skyscrapers throw their shadows on dusty alleys and contemporary art galleries are found in beautifully restored historical buildings.
Jeddah or Riyadh
Feature |
Jeddah |
Riyadh |
Location |
Red Sea coast |
Inland |
Atmosphere |
Cosmopolitan and laid-back |
Modern, business-oriented
|
Culture |
Relaxed |
More conservative
|
Cost of living |
Lower |
Higher |
Things to do |
Beaches, historical sites, souqs, diving |
Cultural centers, museums, shopping malls, desert activities
|
Jeddah’s Treasures
Jeddah is more than just a collection of buildings and structures; it is a pack of cultural energy where tradition and modernity are closely intertwined. Souq al-Balad and other bazaars in the heart of the city are overflowing with sights, sounds, and scents. Here, you can negotiate for spices, marvel at intricate jewelry, and get lost in the streets.
To take a look at Jeddah’s rich artistic legacy, go to the Al-Tayebat Museum. Located in a wonderfully renovated historical mansion, the museum houses a collection of traditional artefacts of Hejazi culture, like furniture, clothing, and calligraphy.
A visit to Jeddah would not be complete without tasting its cuisine. The city’s restaurants serve various delicious local and international flavours. Eat fresh seafood at a waterfront restaurant, have hearty Mandi rice with roasted meat, or make your own camel milk lattes, a popular local treat.
What are the most popular tourist sites in Jeddah?
These include the historical and cultural attractions of Jeddah.
- Historic Jeddah (Al-Balad): Al-Balad is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, it is typical maze-like structure composed of coral-stone architecture and conventional bazaars.
- Jeddah Tower: 2nd tallest building in the world, 75 Floors high building with wonderful city and Red Sea views located in Saudi Arabia.
- King Fahd’s Fountain: 312 meters tall, one of the highest fountains in the world, gushing water.
North Corniche: Fabulous views of the Red Sea by a magnificent promenade at the waterfront, great for walking or biking. - Souq al-Balad: A bustling local market overflowing with spices, fabrics, handmade tchotchkes and regional delicacies.
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Beyond the City Walls
Jeddah is an excellent place to find the beauties of the Red Sea. Spend a day visiting the local coral reefs among multicoloured fish and coral structures. Or travel south to the ancient port town of Al-Lith, where the ruins of a time gone by silently stand sentinel.
This waterfront promenade will run for many kilometers along the Red Sea shore for a genuinely different venture, the North Corniche. Here, you could hire a bicycle, take a stroll along the palm-laden walkway or sit back and enjoy a sunset as the sky turned red with fiery colours.
Jeddah: A City for All Seasons
Jeddah’s appeal transcends seasons. The city’s pleasant climate and glorious days drenched in sunshine make it an all-year destination. However, the period from November to March is characterized by cooler months that provide relief from the heat of summer, thereby making it the best time of the year to see the city attractions outside.
Jeddah: It is more than just a destination
Jeddah is not simply a city on a map but an experience that stays with you long after you depart. It is a place where old traditions go hand in hand with new trends, where fragrances of spices meet with marine scents, and where life goes at its own unique, addictive rhythm. So, collect your luggage, prepare your mind, and get ready to be thrilled by the miracle of Jeddah.
People May Also Ask
If I am to visit Jeddah, do I need an entry visa?
Saudi Arabia, including Jeddah, requires a visa for most nationalities. However, in 2019, Saudi Arabia started an e-visa program for citizens of 49 countries. You can check the visa requirements and apply online through the official Saudi Arabia e-Visa portal: https://visa.visitsaudi.com/Visa/Index
Do I need to submit documents with my visa application?
The necessary documents for your visa application will vary based on your nationality. Generally, you will need a valid passport, a recent photo of passport size, proof of travel insurance, and a flight itinerary.
Am I granted a visa on arrival?
An eVisa for citizens of such a country can be obtained upon arrival at King Abdulaziz International Airport, Jeddah. Before travelling, it is advisable to apply for a visa online in order to avoid unnecessary delays.
When should one go to Jeddah?
Jeddah is all year round, but the summer months can be very lovely if you are able to endure the extreme heat of this region.
What is the way to the city centre from the airport?
Various means can be reached from the King Abdulaziz International Airport to the city centre, such as taxi rides and Uber, Jeddah Metro. Taxis are readily available at the airport and Uber is another useful service. Jeddah Metro is a fast and clean public transport system in the city, and it has an airport station.
What can I see in Jeddah?
Jeddah offers the following activities
- Diving: Look at the active coral reefs of the Red Sea.
- Shopping: Wander through the old souks or new malls.
- Dining: Enjoy local or international delicacies.
- Cultural experiences: Go and see museums, watch traditional performances or take an Arabic calligraphy class.
- Relaxing: Lie down on the beach, go for a swim in the Red Sea, or treat yourself to a spa.
What should you wear in Jeddah?
Jeddah also has no strict dress code, but it is recommended for visitors to dress modestly, especially in religious sites. For women, this entails dressing in clothes that cover your shoulders, knees and chest areas.
What is Jeddah’s currency?
The currency of Saudi Arabia is the Saudi riyal SAR.
Is it safe to go to Jeddah?
Jeddah is generally a safe city for tourists. However, similar to any travel, it is also important to be aware of what is around you and avoid small-time theft.
What language is spoken in Jeddah?
Arabic is the official language of Saudi Arabia, but English, especially in tourist areas, is widely spoken.
Conclusion
Jeddah is not just a location but an adventure that stays with you even long after your departure. It is the scent of delicious seafood eaten in a seaside restaurant, it is also a melody of loud music that fills in the evening air, it is the pleasant warm water of Red Sea touching your skin. It is the little smile of a local supplier, the thrill of haggling with vendors in the busy bazaar, or it can be an unexpected joy after opening the door to find oneself in a secret courtyard decorated with splendid mosaics.
As you leave, Jeddah does not fade into the horizon. It haunts your heart as a mosaic of memories that is forever changing and on fire, each bit gives you another perspective of this incredible town. So beloved traveller, buckle your brave soul, open yourself to the mystery and wander out of not knowing into the melody of Jeddah. This is a beautiful, charming city that will leave you gasping, its charm deeply rooted in every cell within your body.
This is all about Jeddah and its beauty. To know all about the beauty of Saudi Arabia, stay tuned with us.
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