Top 5 Jeddah Attractions

Exotic, historic and cultural. Jeddah is without doubt a unique destination with a lot to offer for everyone. Here are five top attractions.

Jeddah's history dates all the way back to approximately 500 year B.C, when it was a quiet fishing village. Today, this city, located next to the Red Sea, has more than 3.4 million inhabitants. It is fair to say that it's become a vibrant destination filled with culture, history and is plentiful in sights and attractions. There is something here for everyone. However, there is so much to choose from, it may be difficult to know what to see first. So to help you, here's a list of travelers top five favorite attractions according to Tripadvisor.

1. King Fahad's Fountain

King Fahd's Fountain located along the coast is also known as the Jeddah Fountain. It is actually the tallest fountain of its kind in the world and is a spectacular sight. The water rises to a height of more than 260 meters above the Red Sea. King Fahd donated the fountain in the 80's. It uses saltwater from the ocean and more than 500 spotlights illuminate it under the night sky.

Reviewers say:

"The Kings fountain is absolutely beautiful! As you travel throughout Jeddah there's always a chance you'll get a peek of this fountain since it's so big”.

“Because of how high it shoots up, the water kind of floats with the wind making it almost look like a flag made of water”.

“Better to visit before sunset to not miss the fabulous view at the sunset behind the fountain”.

2. Al Tayebat International City

If you want to discover the city's rich history, Al Tayebat International City Museum is the place to go, located in Al Faisaliah district. The museum consists of 10 000 square meters of displays in 300 rooms across 12 buildings. It was originally the palace of late sheikh Abdul Rauf Khalil, but is now filled with artworks, monuments, historical artefacts and much more.

Reviewers say:

“Amazing. Many traditional and historical Bedouin places with artworks and swords”.

“We had heard about the museum but only drove by it by chance, but what a fantastic building”.

“I dropped in just before sunset and enjoyed the sights of the very interesting architecture that is typical of this part of the Middle East”.

3. Al-Balad

In short, Al-Balad is the historic center of the city of Jeddah and is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is a busy souk area, with both indoor and outdoor markets. If you are traveling by taxi, get it to drop you off at the Queens Building. Opposite here, you will find indoor souks offering everything from perfumes to watches, electrical devices, clothes and more. Afterwards, take time to browse the outdoor souq and nearby Municipality Museum.

Reviewers say:

“Nice place to have a walk through at night where you can see all the old coral houses and markets”.

“I like Balad mostly because of the old houses. If you walk through the souk, you can see a few beautiful houses”.

“It is a historical site with old buildings made from sea corals. During the holy month of Ramadan you can find a lot of kiosk selling the traditional food and sweet, also you can buy traditional clothes and Islamic arts”.

4. Floating Mosque

Make sure to pay a visit to the Floating Mosque at Al-Shati. Although it is not actually floating on the Red Sea, it appears to be, standing on great stilts in the water. The interior of the building is as beautiful as the exterior, with a mix of traditional architectural styles and modern technology.

“Come to the Floating Mosque at sunset to enjoy magnificent views. This is best viewed outside the mosque. Also if you manage to catch it during high tide, the mosque literally looks like it is floating”.

“You must see it from both sides and different times of the days. The way the light reflects of the white exterior makes for a fun day of photographing”.

5. Jeddah Corniche

Jeddah Corniche is a 30 kilometer stretch of coastline. It promenade winds along the edge of the Red Sea and is packed with recreational areas, a coastal road, pavilions, beautiful sculptures, as well as restaurants and cafes. It is this part of the city where the stunning King Fahd Fountain is located.

Reviewers say:

“The Cornish is one of the attractions that tourists have to visit at least once while they are in Jeddah”.

“If you are looking for a nice sea side drive in Jeddah this would be the place to come. It has a pleasant feel to it as you drive by the Red Sea and take in all of the sights along the way”.

“Perfect place to pack a picnic or a light snack and sit and watch the sun set whilst the children play”.

These are just some of the great sights to visit whilst in the city, but there is much more to discover. Enjoy a comfortable stay at the Radisson Blu Royal Suite Hotel, Jeddah and hotel staff will be happy to assist you with making the most of your holiday.