Jeddah is the Red Sea gateway to the Arabian Peninsula, a historic port that welcomed pilgrims and merchants for centuries. Its old town, Al-Balad, is a UNESCO World Heritage site where coral-stone houses wear intricate wooden roshan balconies like lacework. Today, contemporary galleries, sleek marinas, and the palm-lined Jeddah Waterfront sit alongside souqs perfumed with cardamom and oud.

Food is a highlight: try Hejazi staples like sayadieh (spiced fish and rice) and saleeg (creamy rice with ghee), alongside iconic local institutions such as Al Baik. Families flock to Fakieh Aquarium and the promenades, while divers and snorkelers chase reefs and shipwrecks off Obhur. Art lovers will find a surprise in the city’s open-air sculpture museum and independent galleries.

Practical notes: dress modestly (shoulders and knees covered in most public settings), and expect some businesses to pause during prayer times, particularly around Friday noon. Alcohol isn’t served; cafés are social hubs late into the night. The best weather runs roughly October to April. For hotels and apartments, browse Hotels.com Jeddah stays or VRBO Jeddah apartments. Fly into King Abdulaziz International Airport (JED); compare fares on Trip.com flights or Kiwi.com.

Jeddah

Jeddah blends old and new with flair. Wander Al-Balad’s shaded lanes into historic homes like Beit Nassif; then fast-forward to the Jeddah Yacht Club & Marina and the art-splashed promenade. Sculptures by international artists dot the corniche, while the skyline’s silhouette—often crowned by the King Fahd Fountain’s plume—glows at dusk.

• Top sights: Al-Balad (UNESCO), Jeddah Waterfront & Corniche, Al Rahma “Floating” Mosque, Fakieh Aquarium, Tayebat Museum, Jeddah Sculpture Museum.
• Food highlights: Hejazi sayadieh, saleeg, mutabbaq, and can’t-miss Al Baik fried chicken. Great seafood at Twina; grills at Khayal; refined Asian at Toki or Myazu; burgers at Section-B.
• Where to stay: For sea views and easy strolls, look along the Corniche and North Obhur; for heritage charm, consider a night in restored homes near Al-Balad. Search Hotels.com Jeddah stays and VRBO Jeddah apartments.
• Getting around: Use ride-hailing (Uber, Careem) or taxis. Distances are long; walking is great on the Waterfront but limited elsewhere.
• Optional train experiences: The Haramain High-Speed Railway connects Jeddah with Makkah, KAEC, and Madinah. Browse schedules on Trip.com trains.

Day 1: Arrival, Waterfront Breeze, and a Hejazi Welcome

Morning: Fly into JED. Compare routes and prices on Trip.com flights or Kiwi.com. Direct flights are common from Dubai (~2.5 hours), Cairo (~2 hours), and Istanbul (~4 hours).

Afternoon: Check in via Hotels.com or VRBO. Start gently with a stroll along the Jeddah Waterfront: landscaped parks, kids’ play areas, bike paths, and sea air.

Evening: Dinner at Twina Seafood (order the sayadieh and charcoal-grilled hamour; family-friendly with seaside seating). For dessert, try kunafa or baklava at MADO on the corniche. Nightcap coffee at Brew92 (specialty roaster; reliable pour-overs) before turning in.

Day 2: UNESCO Al-Balad—Coral Houses, Souqs, and Street Snacks

Morning: Traditional breakfast at Abu Zaid—ful (stewed fava beans) with hot tamees bread and shakshuka. Explore Al-Balad: the wooden mashrabiyya balconies of Beit Nassif, Beit Al-Matbouli’s inner courtyards, and the Souq Al Alawi lanes selling incense, fabrics, and spices.

Afternoon: Grab a quick, beloved local classic at Al Baik (crispy chicken, garlic sauce; expect a line, but it moves). Coffee at Medd Café & Roastery (try the cold brew and date cake). Continue to Bab Makkah and the old city gates.

Evening: Head to the Art Promenade for sunset. If visible, the King Fahd Fountain makes a dramatic backdrop after dusk (operation can vary). Dinner at Byblos (elegant Lebanese; order fattoush, grilled kebabs, and spicy potato harra) or Toki (refined Asian; signature Peking duck and dim sum; advance booking recommended).

Day 3: North Corniche, Floating Mosque, and Aquarium

Morning: Coffee and light pastries at Barn’s—a Jeddah-born chain—then visit the Al Rahma “Floating” Mosque, whose white domes seem to hover above the sea at high tide. Dress modestly; non-Muslims may visit the exterior and courtyard areas.

Afternoon: Explore Fakieh Aquarium (roughly 60–80 SAR; check for dolphin show times). Lunch next door at Blue Ocean (casual seaside diner; fish tacos and shrimp baskets) or head to Al Nakheel Restaurant for Arabic grills amid palm gardens.

Evening: Walk the Jeddah Sculpture Museum stretch of the corniche to spot monumental works by international artists. Dinner at Myazu (contemporary Japanese; wagyu tataki, miso cod) or casual comfort at Section-B (beef burgers, truffle fries). Finish with date gelato at Naseef, a heritage name in local sweets.

Day 4: Obhur Red Sea Day—Boat, Snorkel, and Beach Time

Morning: Early start to North Obhur. Join a reputable operator like Desert Sea Divers or Blue Reef Divers for a snorkel/dive trip (typical half- to full-day excursions run ~350–500 SAR including gear; book ahead). Expect coral gardens, friendly fish, and clear, warm water.

Afternoon: Return to shore and unwind at a private beach such as Silver Sands (day passes often available; book ahead, typical weekday prices ~150–200 SAR). Relax under an umbrella or paddle along the calm lagoon.

Evening: Seafood feast back in Obhur at Twina (choose your fish by weight; try the tahina or spicy sauces) or casual shrimp boils at Shrimp Anatomy. Sweet finish and espresso at Bafarat Café (a stylish local brand known for patisserie).

Day 5: Museums, Culture, and Modern Jeddah

Morning: Dive into Jeddah’s story at the Tayebat Museum—a sprawling complex styled like an old Hijazi town, with exhibits on trade routes, traditional dress, and early Jeddah (allow 2–3 hours; tickets often ~50–80 SAR).

Afternoon: Lunch at Khayal (Turkish grills, fluffy lavash, and pide). Shop at Red Sea Mall or the boutiques along Tahlia Street. Coffee pit stop at Brew92 for a V60 or flat white.

Evening: Celebrate Saudi flavors: try Al Romansiah for mandi or kabsa (slow-cooked lamb or chicken over spiced rice) and saleeg (creamy rice dish from the Hijaz). For a relaxed post-dinner stroll, head to the landscaped Prince Majid Park or back to the Waterfront.

Day 6: Waterfront Play, Galleries, and Marina Sunset

Morning: Rent bikes or simply walk a longer section of the Jeddah Waterfront—there are wide paths, fitness stations, and play areas. Brunch at Urth Caffé (hearty omelets, green salads, and matcha drinks).

Afternoon: Explore Jeddah’s contemporary art scene: Athr Gallery (major contemporary space) and nearby independent galleries often rotate Saudi and regional artists. Then swing by the Jeddah Yacht Club & Marina to ogle superyachts and cafés.

Evening: Dinner at Piatto (Italian; wood-fired pizza and garden salads) or Shababik (Levantine plates, muhammara, mixed grill). For late-night dessert, try saffron milk cake or pistachio gelato at a local dessert bar; coffee at Medd or Barn’s keeps things local and lively.

Day 7: Last Sips, Last Souvenirs, Departure

Morning: Breakfast in Al-Balad at Naseef (foul, tamees, balila chickpeas, and fresh juice). Pick up souvenirs—dates, oud incense, handwoven baskets—around Souq Al Alawi.

Afternoon: Airport transfer for your flight home. If you haven’t booked yet, compare options on Trip.com flights or Kiwi.com. If you have extra time before departure, squeeze in one last seaside walk along the Waterfront.

Where to Stay (Bookable via Affiliate Links)

• Corniche & Waterfront: Best for sea views, promenades, and easy dining. Search options on Hotels.com.
• Obhur (North): Handy for beach clubs, marinas, and dive boats; quieter, resort-like vibe. Browse apartments on VRBO.
• Near Al-Balad: For heritage lovers who want to wander the old town mornings and evenings.

Getting In and Around

• Flights: JED is well-connected across the Middle East, Europe, Africa, and Asia. Compare fares on Trip.com or Kiwi.com.
• Train (optional day trips): The Haramain high-speed line reaches KAEC, Makkah, and Madinah; check Trip.com trains for schedules and fares (Jeddah–KAEC often ~35–50 minutes; prices vary by time).
• Local transport: Ride-hailing is the easiest. Allow extra time on weekends (Fri–Sat) and around prayer times.

Dining Cheat Sheet (save for quick decisions):

• Breakfast/coffee: Brew92 (specialty roasts), Medd Café (cold brew, pastries), Barn’s (classic Saudi coffee chain).
• Lunch: Al Baik (budget-friendly, cult favorite), Twina (seafood, multiple cooking styles), Urth Caffé (salads, omelets).
• Dinner: Toki (Asian fine dining), Myazu (Japanese contemporary), Byblos (Lebanese), Khayal (Turkish grills), Section-B (burgers), Al Romansiah (Saudi mandi/kabsa).
• Dessert: Naseef (date ice cream), Bafarat (patisserie), MADO (Turkish sweets).

Optional add-ons if you extend: a KAEC beach day by high-speed rail; a cooler-climate mountain escape to Taif (2.5–3 hours by car; rose season roughly March–April); or, for Muslim travelers, an Umrah visit to Makkah via the Haramain train. Always check current entry rules and book in advance.

Seven days in Jeddah lets you trace trade winds through Al-Balad, taste the Red Sea on your plate and under your fins, and linger on a waterfront built for golden light. You’ll leave with dates in your bag, sea salt in your hair, and a new appreciation for the Hijaz’s welcoming rhythm.