I’ll be honest with you.
When I first looked out that airplane window and saw Jeddah stretching out along the Red Sea, I wasn’t sure what to expect.
I’d heard whispers about this place—about ancient alleyways and impossibly tall fountains, about a city where history crashes into the modern world.
But nothing really prepares you for the actual feeling of walking through Al-Balad at sunset, or watching that fountain shoot water higher than you thought physically possible.
I spent days here, and I’m kinda obsessed.
This isn’t just another Middle Eastern city—it’s got this energy, this vibe that’s completely its own.
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Get Your Japan Guide NowWandering Through Al-Balad’s Ancient Streets
Al-Balad dates back to the 7th century and earned UNESCO World Heritage status, and trust me, there’s a reason for that.
The moment I stepped into these narrow alleys, I felt like I’d traveled back in time.
The houses are built with coral blocks from the Red Sea, framed by wooden roshan windows that jut out from the facades.
I’m not gonna lie—I stood there for a solid ten minutes just staring up at these multi-story structures, thinking about the merchants who built them centuries ago.
When I visited in the evening, the area was buzzing with activity.
Families walking together, vendors calling out, the smell of spices hanging in the air.
What really got me was how authentic it felt—not some sanitized tourist trap, but a living, breathing piece of history.
You know what I loved most?
Just getting lost.
No map, no plan.
Just wandering until I stumbled onto something incredible.
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When I first landed in Tokyo, I thought I was prepared. Spoiler alert: I WASN’T. 😅
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Masjid Al Rahma, known as the Floating Mosque, sits on top of the Red Sea, and it’s one of those sights that makes you stop dead in your tracks.
At high tide, it looks like it’s floating.
I’m not exaggerating.
I went at sunset, and the way the golden light hit the white structure with the water beneath it—man, I must’ve taken fifty photos.
It’s open to both worshippers and non-Muslims, but bring proper clothing.
For me, that meant long pants, and women need hijab and abaya.
The peaceful atmosphere inside is something special.
The sound of the waves, the sea breeze coming through—it feels like a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
If you’re staying in Jeddah for more than a day, put this on your must-see list.
Seriously.
You’ll thank me later.
Strolling the Jeddah Corniche at Sunset
The Jeddah Corniche stretches 30 km along the Red Sea and features coastal roads, recreation areas, and large-scale sculptures.
I rented a bike one evening and just rode for miles.
The breeze coming off the water, the sun dipping low, families having picnics on the grass—it was perfect.
The Corniche faces west, making it one of the best places to watch the sunset in Jeddah.
And boy, do the locals know it.
By early evening, the place comes alive.
Along the promenade, you’ll find cafes and shops, plus carnival games and fun activities, and at night, the entire promenade lights up with colorful lights.
One thing that surprised me?
How chill everyone was.
People invited me to sit with them, offered me coffee and dates.
That Saudi hospitality is real, and it’s something I won’t forget.
My tip: Go in the late afternoon, stay through sunset, and just soak it all in.
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Get Your Japan Guide NowWatching King Fahd’s Fountain Reach for the Sky
King Fahd’s Fountain is the highest fountain in the world, shooting water up to 1,024 feet (312 meters) in the air.
When I first saw it from the Corniche, I thought, “That can’t be real.”
But it is.
It’s particularly magical at night when lit, creating these captivating patterns against the dark sky.
I watched it for probably half an hour, just mesmerized.
The fountain’s elegant water dances against the backdrop of the Red Sea, creating a mesmerizing scene.
It’s visible from most parts of the Corniche, so you don’t have to hunt for it.
But get close if you can.
The sheer power of it, the sound, the mist that occasionally drifts over—it’s an experience.
And it’s totally free, which is always a win in my book.
🗾 I Wrote a Book About My BIGGEST Japan Travel Mistakes!
When I first landed in Tokyo, I thought I was prepared. Spoiler alert: I WASN’T. 😅
💸 I brought a suitcase that was WAY TOO BIG for the tiny hotel rooms and train aisles. I completely missed the last train because I didn’t understand the schedule. I spent HUNDREDS extra on things I could’ve gotten for cheap. Sound familiar?
“Things I Wish I Knew Before Going to Japan” is your shortcut to avoiding ALL my stressful mistakes. ✨ Inside, you’ll find practical, NO-NONSENSE tips on etiquette, transport, money, and hidden gems that will save you time, money, and a whole lot of confusion.
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Nassif House Museum is a massive multi-floor historical house from the late 19th Century, built by the governor of Jeddah and used as a royal residence.
When I walked through those rooms, I could almost picture the conversations that happened there.
Inside, you’ll see the rooms the way they used to be, with exhibitions dedicated to local history.
The place is free to enter and open from 8 AM to 11 PM every day.
That’s my kind of deal.
What I appreciated was how they’ve preserved the authenticity.
It’s not overly curated or sterile—it feels lived-in, like you’re stepping into someone’s actual home.
If you’re into architecture or history (and honestly, even if you’re not), this place gives you real insight into how Jeddah’s elite lived.
Spend an hour here before heading back to the souks.
Shopping the Traditional Souks
The souks in Al-Balad are where Jeddah’s heartbeat really pounds.
Souq Al Alawi is the main gateway to Al-Balad, and when I visited in the evening it was packed with visitors.
The energy was unreal.
Vendors selling everything—textiles, jewelry, spices you’ve never heard of, perfumes that smell incredible.
I bought some incense and a traditional coffee set.
I recommend buying incense, tea sets, and gold at the souks.
The prices are good if you’re willing to haggle a bit.
And honestly, the haggling is half the fun.
Just be respectful, smile, and don’t be afraid to walk away if the price isn’t right.
They’ll usually call you back.
What hit me most was the sensory overload—in the best way.
Colors everywhere, voices mixing, the smell of fresh bread from nearby bakeries.
It’s chaotic and beautiful and so very Jeddah.
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Get Your Japan Guide NowExperiencing the Red Sea Underwater
Jeddah is a fantastic diving destination, and the Red Sea is famous for its vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life.
I’m a dive lover, so this was non-negotiable for me.
I booked a day trip to one of the nearby sites, and the visibility was incredible.
Colorful fish darting between coral formations, the water so clear you could see for what felt like forever.
If you’re not certified, there are snorkeling options too.
Bayada shallow reef is popular for snorkeling and swimming.
The water’s warm, the conditions are usually calm, and it’s a totally different perspective on Jeddah.
One of those underwater moments where you forget about everything else.
My advice: Book through a reputable operator, and don’t skip the sunscreen.
The Red Sea sun is no joke.
Getting My Adrenaline Fix in the Desert
Quad biking in the Jeddah desert lets you experience dune bashing and escape the city’s hustle and bustle.
I’d never done this before, and let me tell you—it’s a blast.
Racing over those golden dunes, the sand flying, the engine roaring—pure adrenaline.
The tour I joined was about four hours, and they provided all the gear.
Just bring sunglasses and a sense of adventure.
What I didn’t expect was how peaceful the desert felt between the rides.
The silence, the vastness, the way the light plays on the sand.
It’s a completely different side of Jeddah.
If you’ve got a day to spare and you want something totally different from the city experience, do this.
You won’t regret it.
Sipping Coffee Like a Local
Coffee is called karak in Saudi Arabia, and there’s a cafe everywhere—hosts invite you in for coffee and dates.
The coffee culture here is real.
Most cafes come alive at night, and you’ll see many women ordering coffee and hanging out with friends.
I hit up a few spots, and Jadeel Coffee has great desserts (though there’s a wait when it gets busy), while Cup & Couch Cafe and Local Cafe are known for great coffee and cozy atmospheres.
There’s something about sitting in a Saudi cafe at night, watching people come and go, that just feels right.
The pace slows down.
You’re not rushed.
My go-to order became a strong karak with cardamom and whatever sweet they recommended.
Never disappointed.
Pro tip: Strike up a conversation with locals if they’re open to it.
Some of my best recommendations came from random coffee shop chats.
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I wasted THOUSANDS on travel mistakes you can EASILY AVOID. ✨ My book shares every lesson I learned the hard way in Japan—so you can have the smooth, amazing trip you deserve without the stress and extra cost.
Get Your Japan Guide NowExploring Jeddah’s Modern Shopping Scene
Jeddah’s malls have options for every budget level, with local boutiques and international brands like Sephora—Red Sea Mall and Mall of Arabia are popular spots.
Now, I’m not usually a mall guy, but in Jeddah, they’re worth checking out.
Especially when it’s scorching outside.
You’ll find prayer rooms and women-only shopping floors in some malls, which was interesting to see.
I wandered through Red Sea Mall one afternoon—massive place, tons of dining options, and yeah, air conditioning that felt like heaven.
I highly recommend buying beautiful abayas and dresses while you’re here if you’re shopping for gifts.
The quality is incredible, and the designs are stunning.
Even if you’re not buying, just walking through gives you a sense of modern Saudi life.
It’s a different energy than the old town, but equally fascinating.
Tasting Jeddah’s Food Scene
Street food in Jeddah is unmissable—Balad Street Food offers shawarma and falafel wraps for just SR4, plus Middle Eastern dishes like Kabsa, Madfoon, and Matazeez.
I ate so much here.
Like, embarrassingly much.
The seafood is fresh (you’re right on the Red Sea, after all), and the local restaurants know how to cook it.
Albasali Seafood Restaurant has been around since 1949, serving salmon, grouper, grilled crab, and classic sayyadiyah rice.
That meal alone was worth the trip.
But honestly, some of my best food experiences were random—grabbing a shawarma from a street vendor at midnight, trying a dish I couldn’t pronounce because the guy next to me recommended it.
Jeddah’s food scene rewards the adventurous.
Don’t be afraid to point at what someone else is eating and say “I’ll have that.”
Works every time.
Taking in the Public Art Installations
The Corniche features iconic lighted sculptures from abstract forms to cultural motifs, and they come to life with vibrant colors and lights at sunset.
I wasn’t expecting Jeddah to have such a strong public art scene, but it does.
Walking along the waterfront, you encounter these massive sculptures—some modern, some traditional, all impressive.
There’s this one sculpture that evokes fish, a timely reminder of Jeddah as a seaport.
At night, the lighting transforms them completely.
I found myself stopping at each one, trying to figure out the story it was telling.
Some were obvious, others more abstract.
What I loved was how they’re just there—not hidden in galleries, but part of everyday life for people walking by.
It makes art accessible.
And it makes the city feel alive in a way that’s hard to describe.
