Tips for Spending a Weekend in Jeddah

Once a small fishing settlement, Jeddah has grown into a thriving city, largely thanks to its proximity to Mecca and Medina, the two holy cities of Islam. Spend a sunlit weekend enjoying the coastal views, intricate ancient architecture and the company of your loved ones. Right on the Corniche, the new Radisson Blu Hotel Jeddah Corniche is the perfect escape to sunnier shores. For a romantic holiday in Saudi Arabia's celebrated port city or a trip with your family, check out these suggestions for spending your weekend in Jeddah.

Sections of the Jeddah Wall and its seven gates, each constructed at a different point in history, surround the city. Within the wall's confines, Old Jeddah was divided into a number of districts that exist to this day and are named for significant events or their respective locations. Al-Balad also has several ancient mosques within its walls, including the Al-Shafi'i Mosque and Uthman bin Affan Mosque, the oldest mosques in the old city.

Follow Jeddah's story back more than 2,000 years in a museum highlighting artefacts that date back to the area's first inhabitants, a small community of fishermen. The museum includes a mosque, the front of the citadel, a public heritage exhibition and houses exploring Saudi Arabian heritage, Islamic heritage and international heritage.

Sunset is the perfect time for a romantic stroll along the coastal road of the Jeddah Corniche, Jeddah's waterfront. Covering almost 110 kilometers, it's known for its wide pedestrian walkways and expansive coastal views. From the Corniche you can see King Fahd's fountain, whose 312-meter geyser makes it the tallest fountain in the world.

Six of the 26 original outdoor sculptures from around the Corniche, installed in the 1970s, can still be seen standing in place, while the rest now reside in the Jeddah Sculpture Museum. Walk down to admire the ethereal Al-Rahma Mosque, known as the 'floating mosque' because it sits at sea level on stilts, appearing to float above the water.

As the commercial capital of Saudi Arabia, Jeddah gives you plenty of opportunities to pick up souvenirs for the folks back home. Select hand-crafted goods from the open-air markets known as souqs, or wander under the shade of a covered khan market. Oud, gold jewellery and delicate scarves all make thoughtful, easily transported presents.

No need to travel far for entertainment – our new Radisson Blu Hotel, Jeddah Corniche is the perfect spot to kick back and relax. With views of the Red Sea coast from your room and a beautiful male and female spa, you have everything you need for a rejuvenating break right from the comfort of the hotel.

For the perfect evening, get your fill of authentic Saudi Arabian cuisine or International cuisine at The Larder Restaurant and then head up to the Shisha Terrace to chill out. An array of shisha flavours are available at the roof top café, so you can sip a coffee, smoke a shisha, and reflect over the beautiful sea views of the Corniche.