Nomadlytics

Jeddah is a port city on the Red Sea in Saudi Arabia and it is an exciting mix of culture, history, modern attractions, and natural beauty. We happened to visit Jeddah because of our connecting flight. We liked the city a lot and most probably we will come back for a longer stay. With just one day to explore, it’s easy to create an itinerary exciting for adults and young kids. Jeddah has lots of family-friendly activities but I would not advice to spend the whole day in the aquarium or inside the worlds biggest indoor playground. Jeddah has some nice historical sites and the outdoor corniche is great for a long walk (well, if you are not visiting in the summer when it’s too hot for that). As said, Jeddah was just a connecting stop for me: I spent two nights and one full day in this port city and it was a great start for exploring this place but surely I wouldn’t mind staying longer. Here is my self tested itinerary. I hope you like it and try it.

Start your day in Al-Balad, Jeddah’s UNESCO World Heritage-listed historic district. Al-Balad offers a glimpse into the city’s past with its narrow alleyways, traditional houses, and vibrant souks. Currently there are lots of maintenance works on the buildings but it does not affect your walk. I didn’t sleep in the Al Balad but it was easy to catch an uber to get there.

• Must see in Al Bald
  • Nassif House Museum: A historic building where your child can learn about Jeddah’s history.
  • Souq Al Alawi: Perfect for wandering through vibrant stalls and grabbing small gifts, snacks or, my favorite: sugar cane juice.
  • a visual delight with its colorful buildings and intricate wooden balconies (called “rawasheen”).

• Tips:
  • Arrive early to avoid crowds and heat.
  • Wear comfortable shoes for walking.
  • Wear long sleeve shirt and long pants. If you are a woman you don’t have to necessarily cover your hair but you will be treated with more respect if you do. Plus, covering your head is almost mandatory because of the strong sun.

After exploring Al-Balad, stop for breakfast or a snack at one of the local eateries in the district. A serving of hot falafel, ful medames (a hearty fava bean dish), or fresh flatbread will energize you for the day ahead. In alternative, grab a fresh bread, some cheese and olive and seat on one of many benches in the main square.

For lunch, head to one of Jeddah’s seaside restaurants along the Corniche. You will find plenty of options between fancy restaurants, fast food and even healthy meals. You can seat at the table of get a take away and enjoy it in front of the Red Sea.

• Kid-friendly options:
  • Many restaurants serve pizza, pasta, and grilled dishes alongside local cuisine.
  • Some venues have play areas or space for kids to explore.
  • Anyway, there are plenty of playground along the Corinche so your kids won’t be bored.

The newly renovated Jeddah Waterfront is an extensive area perfect for an afternoon filled with fun and relaxation. You can stroll along the Red Sea promenade and kids will have tones of fun on the playgrounds along the way.

• Why it’s great for kids:
  • There are multiple play areas and water features designed for children.
  • Kids can ride bikes, scooters, or skateboards on designated paths.
• Must see:
  • The King Fahd Fountain, one of the tallest fountains in the world.
  • Stop by the art installations scattered throughout the Corniche for unique photo opportunities.
  • Al-Rahma Mosque (also known as Floating Mosque)
    This iconic mosque is a must-visit destination for its stunning architecture and serene setting by the Red Sea. Situated on the Corniche Road in the northern part of Jeddah, the mosque appears to float on the Red Sea during high tide, creating a magical atmosphere. It is known for its pristine white exterior and turquoise domes, this mosque is a beautiful blend of Islamic and contemporary design. Its unique feature is that it is built on stilts over the water, giving the impression of floating. The mosque is open to visitors throughout the day except during prayer times when it is reserved for worshippers. Non-Muslims are typically allowed to admire the exterior and surroundings but may not enter the prayer halls.

I am not a fan of the shopping malls and I didn’t visit them on my one day trip, but it’s true that the malls in Jeddah are much more than just a shopping places. They’re a real entertainment hubs. Red Sea Mall or Mall of Arabia, both are huge and have plenty of activities tailored for kids. You will have lot to choose between VR experiences, amusement parks, play areas and much more.

We visited Jeddah on Friday which is a holiday in Saudi. The Corniche was packed with locals who enjoyed the fine weather by the sea. This means that there was a certain amount of traffic at the sunset. Calculate well the way back to your hotel especially if you have kids. We dined at home but if you like to go out, I have been told that the Obhur area, north of Jeddah, is great for a dinner by the water. The serene environment is perfect for relaxing after a busy day and restaurants in the area often feature open-air seating and fresh seafood.

Additional Tips for a Great Day in Jeddah

• Use apps like Uber for convenience. It’s not worth it to rent a car for just one day. With Uber you don’t need to look for parking. It’s quick, we never waited for more than 5 minutes and the drivers know the city very well.
• If you are a woman you probably are asking yourself what to wear in Jeddah. Well, there is no obligation to cover your hear anymore but keep in mind that if you happen in a less touristy area, you will be watched. Dress modestly and respect the locals. Saudi is now open for tourist but it’s not ok to wear a short pants. I mean no shorts if you are a woman but neither if you are a man. Loose long pants or long skirt with legins under it are fine. Short sleeve t-shirt is ok as long as it’s not too tight. As said before, I covered my hair for the whole day. It didn’t cost me anything and it was actually comfy when the sun was strong and later during the day when the wind picked up at the sea side. All the local woman I have seen in the old town and at the Corinche were wearing the abaya and a veil. Most of the tourists and foreigners living in Jeddah had their hair covered. If you want to live your day like a local and interact with people for Jeddah, my advice is to wear a loose veil over your hair (you can use a scarf) and obviously long loose pants and long loose shirt. If you are planing to stay longer, consider buying a nice abaya – you will find plenty of options at the souk. It really doesn’t cost you anything, but I guarantee you that if you cover up, the locals will feel more comfortable in your presence.

The city really offers a mix of cultural, natural, and fun-filled activities and it’s perfect for families. Whether it’s wandering through historic streets or enjoying the Corniche’s vibrant atmosphere, Jeddah offers something for everyone in the family. One day is just enough to get taste of the vibe but it is surely worth to stay here longer.

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