Jeddah Landmarks: Historic Places & Top Things to See

The historic city of Jeddah is a popular Saudi Arabian resort city and is the largest port on the Red Sea. The city is frequently used as a gateway to Mecca and Medina and has a rich food culture focused on fish and seafood—and its charm extends beyond its role as a transit point for religious pilgrimages.

The city’s coastal location has fostered a vibrant and cosmopolitan atmosphere, blending ancient traditions with modern aspirations. The city’s historical districts, like Al-Balad, a UNESCO World Heritage site, offer a captivating glimpse into its past, with intricately designed coral buildings and winding alleyways that whisper tales of bygone eras. There’s also a notable maritime heritage is deeply ingrained in its identity, reflected not only in its bustling port but also in its thriving souks, where merchants have traded goods from across the Red Sea for centuries. This rich tapestry of cultural exchange has shaped Jeddah’s unique character, evident in its diverse cuisine, architectural styles, and artistic expressions. Furthermore, Jeddah’s commitment to preserving its heritage while embracing contemporary development is evident in its numerous museums, art galleries, and cultural centers.

This blend of historical significance and modern vitality makes Jeddah a captivating destination for travelers seeking a unique and enriching experience. This is why tourists globally are drawn to this beautiful city all year round.

The Corniche Area of Jeddah

The beautifully landscaped Corniche area of Jeddah is the pretty commercial area that stretches 30 km along the city’s waterfront. The area has always been a space for public enjoyment and recreation and it still has plenty of restaurants, cafes, and shops, and is home to many beautiful buildings. Sometimes spelled Cornish, the Corniche area has walkways and pavilions with sculptures and public art.

Explore the area and its selection of hotels including Areen Hotel, located at 8175 Prince Sultan Road. The 3-star hotel offers easy access to diving and snorkeling tours and has an on-site golf course.

Jeddah Beaches

People have been enjoying the refreshing waters of the Red Sea for centuries. A city by the ocean would naturally have many places for enjoying the water and Jeddah has beaches aplenty. Families will go to the beach to play in the sand and the water. Many beaches have children’s playgrounds and picnic areas to enjoy. Check out this list of popular beaches in Jeddah, and come enjoy the fresh ocean air and sunshine.

• Silver Sands Beach
• al Saif Beach

Jeddah Waterfront

Historic Jeddah is a very pretty city during the day and at night many of the facades and fountains are illuminated. Check out the fantastic King Fahad’s Fountain which stretches over 1,000 feet into the air and is brightly illuminated at night. It can be seen from much of the city and is the world’s tallest fountain.

Floating Mosque

Jeddah is a city full of beautiful buildings including many mosques. One of the more unique of the famous mosques is the Floating Mosque which doesn’t actually float of course but is built on stilts over the water so it appears to float on top of the water. It is an active mosque but is still open to visitors.

The nearby Radisson Blu Hotel Jeddah offers a private beach, an indoor swimming pool and spa and massage services.

Historic Museums in Jeddah

Jeddah has so much history packed into its streets that you can find historical museums both small and large throughout the city. Check out some of the unique collections and historic buildings in Jeddah.

Abdul Raouf Khalil Museum of Jeddah

The Abdul Raouf Khalil Museum of Jeddah stretches over several buildings in the Al Madani, Al Andalus area of Jeddah. The museum complex protects the Islamic heritage of the area as well as chronicling the record of pre-Islamic cultures stretching back over 2,500 years. The collection includes artifacts from the Ottoman Turks as well as pieces from early local fishing tribes.

Khuzam Palace Museum

The Jeddah Regional Museum of Archaeology and Ethnography is located in Khuzam Palace. The Palace Museum is located in the Al-Nuzlah al-Yamaniyah quarter in southern Jeddah and houses exhibits on the history of the area as well as artefacts from pre-Islamic cultures and even has some pieces dating back to the stone age.

Photo credit: Yousefmadari

Mecca Gate (Makkah Gate)

Just outside of Jeddah, on the road to Mecca is the Mecca Gate, sometimes spelled “Makkah”, which has welcomed many travelers on their pilgrimage to Mecca. The gate forms an archway over the road and was built in 1979. The gate takes on a more modern look at night as it is illuminated and landscaped with trees and gardens.

Desert Tours

The vast desert sand dunes have shaped the history and culture of Jeddah and are full of surprising opportunities for fun. Take a 4 x 4 trip through the desert and smash some sand dunes. For a quieter and more organic experience, tours by camel can be arranged, or look for an operator offering an overnight experience, much like the early nomadic inhabitants of the area. The desert may be a desert, but this place isn’t lacking for fun things to do in and around Jeddah.

Historic Al Balad

Get a sense of the city’s extensive history by exploring the Al Balad region. Steeped in history, Al Balad is the oldest part of Jeddah and where the city began. The historic laneways and maze-like streets will take you back in time. Burj al Balad Hotel, located on King Abdul Azis Street in the Al Balad district, offers air-conditioned apartment-style accommodations and is located very near to public transit so you can easily explore the historic city of Jeddah.

Nassif House

The Biet Nassif House Museum is an impressive historic house built on the main street of Jeddah in the late 1800s. It served as a gathering place for people of high social standing, and is currently home to works of art and examples of Arabic calligraphy displayed in the mansion’s 106 rooms. It now primarily functions as a museum.

Beit al Balad

Beit al Balad is a historical museum exhibiting artifacts and photos detailing the history of people in Jeddah. The museum is housed in a restored and maintained cream-colored stone structure typical of local Hejazi architecture.

Saudi Flag Roundabout

The unique Saudi Flag Roundabout is home to the world’s tallest unsupported flagpole and has an entry in the Guinness Book of World Records to prove it. The flagpole, erected in 2014, flies a large Saudi flag from the center of a roundabout in King Abdullah Square. It is one of several scenic traffic roundabouts in the city and the only one – so far – to reach worldwide fame.

Secret Historic Site in Jeddah

Jeddah is a very old city and historic sites can be found in unexpected places throughout the city. The King Saud Bench is one such ruin of a historical structure dating back to the time of King Saud. It is not maintained as a tourism site, but is interesting and can be found in Al Falah, Jeddah.