10 Best Things to Do in Jeddah
Just like pilgrimage sites, Jeddah is also important for pilgrims. It connects pilgrims to their religious destinations. Pilgrims first arrive in Jeddah and then move to Makkah. Generally, Umrah Packages facilitate this airport transfer from Jeddah. As a trading port, Jeddah plays an important role in the Saudi economy.
It controls the entry of pilgrims into the kingdom throughout the year. It also keeps check and balance of pilgrim needs and ensures they have a complete experience.
Besides, Jeddah also becomes a post-Umrah destination for pilgrims. Pilgrims visit Jeddah with their families and have a good time together. Not only pilgrims, but tourists also enjoy exploring Jeddah. Its coastline, history, traditions, and shopping experience attract crowds of visitors.
If you are also planning to visit Jeddah, what do you do there? Or do you know how to enhance your trip with family? Well, we have the best activities for you to try in Jeddah. Go through them and mark what matches your interest.
Things to Do in Jeddah
What do you think is why Jeddah comes first when it comes to serving visitors? And if you are a pilgrim, why should you visit Jeddah? Well, first thing first. Jeddah has multiple family-friendly options to entertain visitors. Similarly, it's also closer to Makkah. Therefore, pilgrims also extend their pilgrimage by visiting Jeddah for a while.
The best part is that Umrah packages also facilitate a group tour to Jeddah. The purpose is to make pilgrims feel refreshed and active after getting free from rituals. Similarly, affordable deals do the same. For instance, the 7 Nights 4 star Umrah package also offers additional tours for pilgrims.
However, if you were a visitor, what you do? Well, Jeddah is still worth your visit. Its luxury malls, traditional markets, coastline, and stunning city views can mesmerize everyone. So, it's not hard to get there on your own. You just have to ride a public bus or a private car and that's it. It's that much you are away from your dream visit.
1. Explore the Jeddah Art Scene
Jeddah offers a unique art experience to visitors that one cannot find anywhere else. The open-sitting art galleries and public art installations enhance the beauty of the city. Visitors love exploring art galleries because they are easily accessible to all.
The artwork refers to a perfect blend of colors, traditions, and creativity. The purpose of presenting artwork to visitors is simple. The city attracts more visitors per year while introducing its Arabian culture to international tourists this way.
Common art galleries include the Athr Gallery and Arabian Wings Gallery of Jeddah. These represent regional themes and cultural values of Arabs that also entertain visitors as well. Similarly, Jeddah also organizes cultural events during specific days of the year that reflect the culture and heritage of the kingdom in one place.
2. Enjoy a Traditional Saudi Cuisine
It's no more surprising that the Arabic Cuisines also reflect their culture and traditions. The Saudi cuisines maintain their delicious mouthfeel with a classic vibe of presentation and experience. For instance, imagine sitting together with fellows or family members and dining with authentic Saudi cuisines full of taste and nutrients. It's mouthwatering to think so, right?
Saudi Arabia serves Kabsa, Mandi, and Mutabbaq to visitors as savory masterpieces. These are authentic meat dishes that Arabs love the most. Similarly, Kunafah and Baklava are famous sweet treats that visitors try during their trip to Saudi Arabia.
The top restaurants to taste classic Saudi dishes are Al Nakheel and Kosebasi in Jeddah which serve visitors at best. Their peaceful surroundings and diverse range of dishes make these restaurants unique to Jeddah. So, it's the best way to have memorable dining in Jeddah to taste authentic Arabic flavors.
3. Al Rahma Mosque
Don't forget, Jeddah doesn't only entertain visitors. Rather it's also a famous landmark for pilgrims who want to have a good time in a refreshing atmosphere. Jeddah lies in proximity to Makkah which encourages Umrah packages to include an extended trip to Jeddah in groups.
So, if you are planning to visit Jeddah during the pilgrimage, what would you explore? Well, Jeddah offers a unique experience of spirituality for pilgrims as well.
For instance, the Al Rahma Mosque refers to a floating Mosque in Jeddah that helps pilgrims offer daily prayers on time and connect them with Islamic history. Besides spirituality, seeing this mosque looks like it's floating on the water due to its unique architecture.
As the mosque is located closer to the Red Sea, pilgrims also enjoy water activities there and unwind their stress. In short, visiting Al Rahma Mosque is perfect for maintaining spirituality while enjoying the beauty of the coastline of Jeddah.
4. Enjoy Shopping at Red Sea Mall
Do you know that some people only visit Jeddah to shop at Red Sea Mall? Well, it's true. The Red Sea Mall of Jeddah is famous for its diversity of collections and ease of accessibility. The mall hosts different international brands as well as local retailers that meet the varying shopping needs of everyone.
Visitors love to shop for trendy items and new arrivals that look pretty unique. For pilgrims, the Red Sea Mall offers traditional experiences like gold jewelry, textiles, crafts, and souvenirs. Shopping traditional at this mall saves money as well as provides an interesting shopping experience in Jeddah.
The best part is that the mall also caters to the needs of families which further adds up the shopping experience. This way, every member of your family can choose what he wants to get.
5. Relax at Obhur Beach
The coastline and beaches of the Red Sea make Jeddah a well-known location for planning a trip. However, the Red Sea usually presents crowds of visitors every time. They all want to spend quality time at the beach and explore the nearby locations at the same time. This is a reason, why pilgrims avoid visiting the Red Sea during their usual routine.
However, it's not the right way. Rather Jeddah offers a peaceful and pristine experience at Obhur Beaches in the northern area of the city.
In particular, the Obhur Beach is perfect for families to enjoy picnics and relax by the shore of clear water. There are also playgrounds for children and shaded areas for seniors. In short, pilgrims can have a complete experience in terms of serenity and peace of mind there.
6. Visit Jeddah Corniche
Jeddah Corniche is a site that looks out of this world, especially during the night. The surrounding area of Jeddah corniche lit up in the night and was complemented by the lively atmosphere.
Those who want to explore the Red Sea but in a unique way should visit Corniche. It's a beautiful waterfront area that looks like a path stretching long. Visitors stroll along the path and relax in an open sitting area that enhances their experience at the Red Sea.
Besides seeing the beauty of corniche, trying authentic food at nearby restaurants also makes the Jeddah trip memorable. The beauty of Jeddah Corniche encourages cheap Umrah deals like the 7 Nights 4 star Umrah packages plan a short trip to Jeddah. It definitely makes pilgrims feel excited and relaxed throughout the journey.
7. Discover King Fahd Fountain
Red Sea doesn't limit its water activities in Jeddah, rather King Fahd Fountain is a great site to visit during your trip to Jeddah. The larger size and high-rising structure of the fountain make it worth seeing for visitors. It shoots water high in the air up to 30 meters which looks beautiful in the evening.
Visitors love to visit the King Fahd Fountain in the late evenings to capture the magical sunset. The solid colorful rays of sunlight complement the falling water and create a stunning visual. After observing the sunset, it's time to see the fountain water dancing on the music and lights wonderfully. No doubt, it's a relaxing experience for pilgrims who want to have a good time outdoors.
8. Visit Al Balad (the Old Jeddah)
The modernity of Jeddah attracts visitors throughout the year. Its natural scenery, beautiful art scenes, and thoughtful infrastructure make it an ideal place to visit in Saudi Arabia. However, it's obvious that Jeddah was not the same in old age as it looks today. But how would it look like many years back? Well, Al Balad represents the old version of Jeddah you are curious to see right now.
Al Balad offers unique insights into the culture and traditions of previous people living in Jeddah. The place is open to visiting and exploring narrow streets while seeing traditional buildings made of limestone.
Locals name these buildings as Hijazi structures that use a unique wood structure inside. In addition to exploring the history, Al Balad also serves visitors with its lively marketplaces and Souks. So, it's perfect for pilgrims who want to shop for traditional souvenirs from Jeddah.
9. Take a Desert Safari
Do you think that Jeddah has only water activities to experience? After all, it's full of water landmarks like the Red Sea, King Fahd Fountain, and Obhur Beach. However, it's not right. Jeddah also offers a desert adventure to visitors as well.
Those who are interested in finding out how caravans survive in the heat of deserts should plan a desert trip. Nafud Desert and Hijazi Desert are famous in Jeddah and serve a large number of visitors.
These deserts provide a chance to experience camel riding and camping under the clear sky.
10. Explore Fakieh Aquarium
Fakieh Aquarium provides a complete experience to families and entertains all ages. The larger structure and beautiful creatures at Fakieh Aquarium amaze children. They love to spot their favorite marine creature and enjoy it a lot.
Similarly, adults spend their time dining at nearby restaurants and relaxing in front of the aquarium.
The aquarium also organizes dolphin shows and educational sessions for visitors so that they can know marine creatures better.
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