Saudi Arabia

Jeddah

Jeddah: Red Sea gateway where old coral alleys meet modern malls.

Local time
UTC+3
Population
4.7M
Safety

Cost of a day

$$$$$
Moderate
  • Food$$$$$About $29 a day: light breakfast, cheap lunch, mid-range dinner
  • Stay$$$$$3-star hotel about $78 a night for two
  • Transport$$$$$About $3.7 a day: 4 public transit rides

Exchange rate

🇸🇦 SAR =
Rates from 2026-10-23, refreshed monthly.

Getting in

JEDKing Abdulaziz International AirportMain international hub, about 21 km north of the centre.
HowCostTime
BusCity centrecheck locallycheck locally
Cheapest option; confirm route and stop locally.
TaxiCity centreSR50-7025-40 min
Agree the fare before you set off.
Uber / CareemCity centreSR50-8025-40 min
App pickup points are signposted outside arrivals.
TrainAl-Sulimaniyah stationcheck locallycheck locally
Airport has its own station; not all trains call at both stations.

Estimates, checked October 2026. Wikivoyage: Jeddah

Getting around

Ride apps or taxis for most trips; walk in Al-Balad and take a taxi along the Corniche.

  • MetroNo metro yet. Don't plan around rail inside the city.
  • BusCity buses are common and timetabled on Google Maps. Cheap but slow; SAPTCO covers long-distance routes.
  • Taxi / ride apps ★Green taxis and ride apps are plentiful; Uber and Careem both work. Agree the fare before you set off, especially from the airport.
  • Rental carEasy to rent and fuel is among the cheapest in the world. Watch for speed cameras and heavy traffic.
  • WalkingBest in Al-Balad. The Corniche is long, so plan on a taxi for the full stretch.
  • TrainA high-speed rail line links Jeddah with Mecca and Medina. Book seats early.
  • BoatBoats from Obhur marina are for views, not transport; about SR 200 for an hour.
Recommended stay★ 1 night (2 days)

One night suits you: Al-Balad and the Corniche are the core of a first visit, which fits one and a half days unless you dive or resort.

Best for
  • CultureAl-Balad's coral houses, old souqs and the city's galleries.
  • FoodRed Sea fish, Hijazi street food and long evening meals.
  • BeachCorniche swims, Obhur boat rides and Red Sea sunsets.

Weather by month

27°20°Jan🌧 3d
28°20°Feb🌧 2d
30°21°Mar
32°24°Apr🌧 1d
34°26°May
35°27°Jun
36°28°Jul
36°29°Aug
35°28°Sep
34°26°Oct🌧 1d
31°24°Nov🌧 3d
29°22°Dec🌧 4d

Average daily high / low (°C), sea temperature and rainy days. Typical figures, not a forecast.

Climate

Hot desert coast: sunny most of the year, humid summers and a short, mild winter with a little rain.

  • Best time: November to MarchDays around 27–31°C and nights near 20–24°C. Ideal for Al-Balad, the Corniche and boats.
  • Summer is hot and humid (June to September)Highs of 35–36°C and muggy nights near 28–29°C. Sightsee early or late; rest indoors at midday.
  • Humid by the seaSticky evenings from May to October. Light, loose clothing helps more than heavy cotton.
  • Little rain, mostly in winterRain days peak in December (about 4) and November (about 3). Showers are usually short.
  • Strong sun all yearEven in winter, use sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses. Shade is scarce on the Corniche.
  • What to packLight breathable clothes, a hat and sunscreen; a light layer for cool winter nights and strong AC; modest clothing for mosques and the old town.

Landmarks 8

Must-see · 2

  1. 1

    Al-Balad

    The historic old town is Jeddah's heart, a UNESCO-listed maze of coral-stone houses, carved wooden balconies and narrow lanes that show the city's Red Sea trading past. It is the one place every first-time visitor should walk. Go in the late afternoon or evening when the heat eases and the souq lanes come alive; wear modest clothing and expect plenty of walking.

  2. 2

    King Fahd's Fountain

    This giant fountain shoots seawater high above the Red Sea and is Jeddah's best-known modern sight, especially dramatic after dark when it is lit. It is a quick, free stop rather than a long visit. Come at night for the best view from the Corniche; no tickets are needed.

1Al-Balad2King Fahd's Fountain

Cultural

Old Town 1

Islamic 1

Harbor 1

Modern Architecture 1

Market 1

Activities

Amusement Park 2

Football Stadium 1

Overview

History & significance

Highlights

    Plans

    Jeddah rewards visitors with historic Al-Balad lanes, a breezy Corniche and superb Red Sea diving. Pick how long you have and what you enjoy most. Prices checked October 2026; ≈ marks estimates.

    How long?

    What do you enjoy most?

    1 night · Culture ★ Recommended length

    Old Jeddah first, then the Corniche at sunset — the classic one-night taste of the city.

    Tickets & tours
    ≈ SAR 120
    per person
    Taxis
    ≈ SAR 71
    per taxi, up to 4 people
    Day 1

    Al-Balad in the morning, Corniche at sunset

    Tickets ≈ SAR 120 pp · taxis ≈ SAR 71
    12345
    Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors
    1. 1

      09:00–11:30 · Free to walk · guided tours often SAR 50–150

      Al-Balad (Historic Jeddah) Landmark quest

      Start early before the heat. Coral houses and narrow lanes; shops pause during prayer.

      Open Streets always open · shops roughly 10:00–22:00, closed during prayer · Source

    2. 2

      11:30–12:30 · Free to enter · bring cash for shopping

      Souq Al Alawi Landmark quest

      A short walk from the main lanes. Good for spices, coffee and small snacks.

      Open Roughly 09:00–22:00, closed during prayer

    3. Taxi · 2 km · ≈ 9 min · ≈ SAR 19
    4. 3

      13:00–14:00 · Free to browse · buy by weight

      Jeddah Central Fish Market

      Busiest at dawn, quieter by midday. Check the day's catch and eat nearby.

      Open Early morning to midday; busiest at dawn

    5. Taxi · 10 km · ≈ 28 min · ≈ SAR 34
    6. 4

      17:45–18:30 · Free

      Corniche sunset viewpoint

      Taxi to the Corniche. Arrive before sunset to get a spot.

      Open Always open

    7. Taxi · 2 km · ≈ 9 min · ≈ SAR 18
    8. 5

      19:00–20:30 · ≈ SAR 80–180 per person

      Seafood dinner on the Corniche

      Red Sea fish by the water. Check each restaurant's evening hours.

      Open Mostly evening; check each restaurant

    Swap in instead

    • Add a day for the Red Sea: a boat trip from Obhur marina (about SR 200 for an hour) or a dive check with local operators.
    • History fans can take the high-speed train to Medina for a night; book seats early.
    • Swap one city day for a desert or wadi trip outside Jeddah; check on the day for operator schedules and heat.

    Getting around

    • No metro yet; a high-speed rail line links Jeddah with Mecca and Medina.
    • SAPTCO buses cover long-distance routes; city buses are common and timetabled on Google Maps.
    • Green taxis and ride apps are plentiful; Uber and Careem both work.
    • Agree the taxi fare before you set off, especially from the airport.
    • Renting a car is easy; fuel is among the cheapest in the world.
    • Walking is best in Al-Balad; the Corniche is long, so plan on a taxi.
    • Boats from Obhur marina are for views, not transport; about SR200 for an hour.

    Where to stay

    • Al-Balad · ≈ SAR 250–700 a night
      Step out into the old town's alleys and souqs. Best for history and photography; some streets are quiet at night.
    • Corniche · ≈ SAR 400–1,200 a night
      Waterfront hotels with sea views and easy walks at sunset. Good for first-time visitors.
    • Al-Hamra · ≈ SAR 350–1,000 a night
      Central and calm, close to the Corniche and good restaurants. A practical base for most trips.
    • Obhur · ≈ SAR 450–1,400 a night
      North-coast resorts and marina boats. Quieter and beach-focused; far from Al-Balad.

    Food & drink

    • Eat Hijazi food: sayadiyah (fish and rice), saleeg (rice porridge) and mutabbaq stuffed pastries.
    • Fish is the local star. Try a Red Sea fish grill; prices vary by catch, so ask per kilo first.
    • Al-Balad evenings: small cafeterias and juice stalls, about SR 10–30 for a snack.
    • Book ahead for popular seafood and Lebanese restaurants on the Corniche, especially on weekends.
    • Alcohol is not sold in Jeddah. Expect tea, coffee and fresh juices instead.

    Tips

    1. Visit Al-Balad, the historic district and UNESCO World Heritage site with traditional coral-stone architecture
    2. The city is noticeably more relaxed and diverse than Riyadh
    3. Summers are dangerously hot; stick to indoor activities or the coast during the day
    4. Use Uber or Careem for convenient and reliable transport
    5. Dress modestly in public, respecting the local culture
    Sources for prices and hours

    Taxi costs are estimates from straight-line distance and the metered fare. Map positions are approximate.

    Tours & activities

    Take this tour to unlock 1 landmark quest

    Al-Balad
    • Explore the alleys and heritage houses of Al-Balad with a local guide
    • Learn about Jeddah's history as a Red Sea trading port
    • 52 reviews · 4.9 rating
    Guided tourHistorical focus

    Al-Balad Old Town Historical City Guided Tour

    GetYourGuide · ★ 4.9 (52)

    Take this tour to unlock 1 landmark quest

    Al-Balad
    • Walk through the old town's traditional architecture
    • See the famous wooden balconies and souqs
    • 50 reviews · 4.7 rating
    Guided tourSmall group

    Al-Balad Old Town Tour with Guide

    GetYourGuide · ★ 4.7 (50)

    Take this tour to unlock 3 landmark quests

    Al-Balad
    Jeddah Corniche
    King Fahd's Fountain
    • Visit Al-Balad and the Corniche
    • See King Fahd's Fountain and other city landmarks
    • 13 reviews · 4.4 rating
    City highlightsLocal guide

    City Highlights Tour with Local Guide

    GetYourGuide · ★ 4.4 (13)

    Take this tour to unlock 1 landmark quest

    Jeddah Corniche
    • Leisure boat trip from the Corniche area
    • Snorkeling in the Red Sea
    • 190 reviews · 4.3 rating
    Boat tripSnorkeling

    Bayada Leisure Boat Trip with Snorkeling

    GetYourGuide · ★ 4.3 (190)

    Souvenirs

    Maamoul cookies

    SAR 35–80500g box · estimate

    Maamoul is a buttery Arabic cookie filled with dates, and it is a popular treat across the Arab world. Jeddah has many bakeries that make it fresh.

    Where: Saadeddin Pastry, Jeddah branch
    Check the expiry date before you buy.

    Oud perfume

    SAR 100–200010 to 50 ml · estimate

    Oud is a rich, woody fragrance made from aged agarwood resin. It is a traditional scent in Saudi Arabia and is often given as a gift.

    Where: Al Balad souq, Red Sea Mall
    Prices vary a lot by grade, so compare quality before you pay.

    Flights

    Dates are departure dates at each airport, which may differ from your itinerary arrival date. Select your flight and complete payment on Trip.com.

    Search flights · Trip.com

    Hotels

    Search all Jeddah hotelsHotels.com

    Popular hotels

    eSIM

    Get an eSIM for JeddahStay connected in Saudi Arabia from day one · Airalo
    Compare all 1 plans · choose data and duration

    Check that your phone supports eSIM and is carrier-unlocked. Data-use estimates are a guide; verify coverage, activation rules and the final price on Airalo.

    Luggage storage

    Store your bags in JeddahDrop luggage at nearby shops and hotels · Bounce