Jeddah is Saudi Arabia’s historic port on the Red Sea—the centuries-old gateway for pilgrims traveling to Makkah, and today a lively coastal city where coral-stone merchant houses rise beside contemporary art and a brilliantly lit waterfront. Its historic core, Al‑Balad, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, celebrated for roshan-latticed windows, spice-scented souqs, and hidden courtyards.

Beyond the Old Town, the city stretches along a revamped Corniche lined with sculptures, family parks, bike paths, and views of King Fahd Fountain—the world’s tallest water jet. Offshore, reefs around Bayada Island teem with tropical fish, making morning boat trips a favorite Jeddah experience.

Practical notes: modest, heat-friendly clothing is wise, with Friday midday prayer affecting some opening hours. Ride-hailing (Uber/Careem) is common; tap water is filtered, but bottled water is widely available. Many nationalities can obtain an eVisa; always check current guidance before travel. Hejazi cuisine worth seeking out includes saleeg (creamy rice with chicken), sayadieh (spiced fish and rice), and mutabbaq (stuffed savory pastry).

Jeddah

Jeddah mixes maritime grit and modern glamour. Wander Al‑Balad’s coral-brick lanes for a feel of the old Hejaz, then cruise the Jeddah Waterfront at sunset as the fountain roars to life. In between, cafés roast excellent coffee, art pops up along the promenade, and seafood arrives fresh from the Red Sea.

• Top sights: Al‑Balad (UNESCO Old Town), Souq Al Alawi, Beit Nassif (Naseef House; access via guided visits), Jeddah Waterfront & King Fahd Fountain, Al Rahma “Floating” Mosque (North Corniche), Tayebat Museum (history and heritage; check hours), Fakieh Aquarium.
• Neighborhoods to know: Al‑Balad for heritage and souqs; Tahlia Street for restaurants and dessert cafés; Jeddah Yacht Club & Marina for modern dining with sea views; North Corniche for the Floating Mosque and sculpture route.
• Food you’ll love: saleeg, sayadieh, grilled lamb kabsa, fresh shrimp, and kunafa for dessert. Don’t miss a quick stop at Albaik, the cult fried-chicken chain born in Jeddah.

Where to stay (handpicked):

• Waldorf Astoria Jeddah – Qasr Al Sharq: Palatial suites, sea views, and superb service on the Corniche. Check availability
• Mövenpick Hotel Tahlia Jeddah: Central for dining and shopping along Tahlia Street; great for café-hopping and quick city access. See rooms and rates
• Holiday Inn Jeddah Gateway: Reliable comfort near business and mall areas; convenient to the airport by car. View deals
• Browse more stays on Hotels.com (Jeddah) or apartment-style options via VRBO (Jeddah).

How to get there: Fly into King Abdulaziz International Airport (JED). Search fares on Trip.com (flights) or Kiwi.com. From Riyadh it’s ~1h45 nonstop; from Dubai ~2h30; from Cairo ~2h15. Typical regional fares range ~US$90–250 round-trip depending on season.

Onward rail (if pairing with Makkah/Madinah): The Haramain High-Speed Railway links Jeddah with Makkah (~35–45 minutes) and Madinah (~2 hours). Check schedules on Trip.com (trains).

Getting around: Uber/Careem are reliable; airport to the Corniche is ~25–35 minutes in normal traffic (roughly 60–100 SAR). Many sights cluster, so you can combine Al‑Balad on foot and the Waterfront by short rides.

Day 1: Arrival, Al‑Balad Old Town, and the Jeddah Waterfront

Morning: Travel to Jeddah. If you arrive early, fuel up with specialty coffee and a light breakfast at Brew92 (award‑winning Saudi roaster; try the Spanish latte) or classic Saudi morning staples—foul, tamees, and kebdah—at Abu Zaid or Al Qarmoshi. Check in to your hotel and freshen up.

Afternoon: Dive into the UNESCO‑listed lanes of Al‑Balad with a guided walk. You’ll see coral-stone houses with intricately carved roshan balconies, spice merchants along Souq Al Alawi, and heritage museums if open.

Recommended tour: Historic District Tour in Jeddah By a Local Guide (typically ~2–3 hours; afternoon departures common). Expect stories of merchant families, restoration efforts, and photo stops at hidden courtyards.

Between alleyways, pause for an iced pour‑over at Medd Café & Roastery (Al‑Balad), or sample a warm mutabbaq from a street griddle. Pick up frankincense, oud, or handwoven baskets from the souq as easy-to-pack souvenirs.

Evening: Head to the Jeddah Waterfront for a golden-hour stroll. As dusk falls, watch King Fahd Fountain blast seawater up to ~300 meters, illuminating the sky—a Jeddah icon since the 1980s. For dinner:

• Shababik (Lebanese): mezzes, grills, and pomegranate molasses flavors; elegant yet relaxed—great for sharing.
• Byblos (Lebanese fine dining): long-running local favorite with sea views; book if you want a dressier night.
• Al Seddah or Al Romansiah (Saudi cuisine): order saleeg (silky rice with roasted chicken) or lamb kabsa for a classic Hejazi taste.

Cap with dessert at Bafarat Café (est. 1952)—try the pistachio éclair or soft‑serve and a cardamom latte.

Day 2: Red Sea Morning and Farewell Jeddah

Morning: Start with pastries and a flat white at Bafarat or a V60 at Brew92, then choose one of these experiences before your afternoon departure:

• Primary pick – Red Sea boat and snorkel: Discover the Secrets of the Sea on a Boat Trip to Bayada Island. Expect a morning departure, ~4–5 hours total with snorkeling, swimming, and time on deck; gear is typically included. Return around midday, perfect for checkout and the airport.

• Land-based alternative (great in windy seas): Half Day Jeddah Traditional City Tour to cover the Corniche sculptures, the Floating Mosque, and coastal viewpoints, with photo stops built in.

Afternoon: Quick lunch before you go: grab a famous spicy broast at Albaik (expect a short queue that moves fast), or opt for grilled shrimp and sayadieh rice at a local seafood spot. If time allows, make a last stop for dates and nuts in Al‑Balad’s souq, then head to JED. From the Corniche, plan ~25–35 minutes to the airport plus generous time for check‑in.

Evening: If your flight is later, unwind with a waterfront walk near the Jeddah Yacht Club & Marina or peek into Fakieh Aquarium for a quick marine-life fix. Coffee fans can snag a final bag of beans at Medd or Brew92 for the flight home.

Optional add-ons (if extending):

• Jeddah’s Traditional Tour for a comprehensive overview of Corniche icons and city landmarks.
• Adventurers: a Moon Valley hike at sunset on a longer stay; surreal rock formations and stargazing outside the city.

Booking pointers: For flights and times, compare on Trip.com and Kiwi.com. For stays, scan Hotels.com and VRBO early, especially in cooler months (Nov–Mar) and during peak Umrah travel.

With Al‑Balad’s evocative history, a breezy morning on the Red Sea, and evenings along the glittering Corniche, this 2‑day Jeddah itinerary balances heritage and seaside leisure. You’ll leave with spice‑market memories, sea‑salt air, and a shortlist of dishes to crave long after you fly home.