Saudi, with its ancient wonders and vibrant cultures, has more to offer than most people realize. One of its hidden gems is Historic Jeddah, the historic heart of the coastal city of Jeddah, where the past and present beautifully intertwine.
In 2014, Historic Jeddah was recognized as one of the eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Saudi. Its maze-like, bustling streets and narrow alleyways are lined with stunning coral-stone buildings, many of which have been carefully restored to preserve their intricate wooden balconies, known as Rawasheen.
Here are five reasons why you should venture back to the 7th century and explore Historic Jeddah, the multicultural beating heart of Jeddah – welcome to the Heart of Arabia:
Immerse yourself in a treasure trove of history
Walking through the winded cobbled streets, you’ll find yourself immersed in a living museum where 400-year-old towers and intricately carved doors tell the stories of a bygone era. The distinct Hijazi architecture, featuring coral stone, wood, and Roshan box balconies, offers a unique glimpse into the lives of the city’s elite merchants who once thrived here.
As the cultural and historical heart of Jeddah, the district is a must-visit destination for travelers seeking to experience the heart of Arabia. The streets of Historic Jeddah come alive in the evening, especially at the Historic Nights Rooftop Café, where you can watch the sun set against the Jeddah skyline while browsing through antiques. Historic Jeddah’s lively markets, including Souk Al Alawi, the oldest souk in Jeddah, are perfect for treasure hunting. Here, you can find everything from leather goods and Arabic perfumes to jewelry and traditional clothing.
For a deeper understanding of the area’s passionate history, visit Bait Baeshen, a social and cultural center which used to be the gathering place for the notables of Jeddah. The house offers a splendid example of traditional architecture, gorgeous Rawasheens and meticulously built balconies. Inside, exquisite handicrafts and documents, rare photographs and manuscripts are on display
Experience Historic Jeddah’s Unique Party Scene
Yes, Historic Jeddah has a party scene! MDLBeast, Saudi’s top music entertainment company, host weekly gatherings for Jeddah’s music lovers and dancers at Balad Social in Bait Zainal, right in the heart of Old Town. With iconic views and carefully curated tunes by the finest homegrown and international DJs, these intimate events offer a one-of-a-kind nightlife experience. Earlier this year, world-class acts like Wu Tang Clan, Ty Dolla $ign, and Seth Troxler played in Historic Jeddah, cementing its status as a hotspot for music and culture.
It’s Super Safe
Saudi is one of the safest countries in the world, ranking safest among G20 nations. Hospitality and care for others are deeply ingrained in the culture, making Jeddah a unique blend of tradition and modernity. Here, you will experience the warm Saudi welcome that everyone talks about and feel at ease as you explore the vibrant streets of the district.
Be the First Amongst Your Friends
Saudi remains a mysterious and unexplored destination for many international travelers. Historic Jeddah, with its bright history and metropolitan depth, offers the perfect backdrop for creating memories that will spark interesting conversations and elevate your Instagram and TikTok game.
Travel for the culture, stay for the beach
You don’t need to venture far from the city to enjoy Saudi’s pristine waters and long stretches of sandy beaches. Jeddah has some of the best diving spots in the world, as well as thriving coral reefs and rare marine life. There are endless options – from scuba diving adventures to famous shipwrecks, to hiring a boat or jet ski, or relaxing at beach clubs such as local favorite Shades Beach.
Where to Stay in Jeddah
For a truly authentic experience, stay at Beit Jokhdar, a boutique hotel in Historic Jeddah that just opened this year. Set in a one-time family home, it has been carefully designed by a team of historians, local artists, carpenters and architects, and is filled with locally sourced products. Guests can enjoy authentic local cuisine at the restaurant and unwind on the rooftop terrace with Saudi coffee.
Jeddah is home to Assila, Saudi’s first art hotel. Paying homage to Saudi’s vibrant art scene, the hotel features over 2,000 pieces of original art by Saudi artists. The design is sleek and sophisticated, with Arabian-style interiors, including patterned carpets, vibrant tapestries, bespoke handwoven rugs and beautiful hanging lanterns.
For a modern yet authentic cultural experience, Shada Hotel Al Shatea is a female-run, homegrown boutique hotel that offers a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Just a short walk from the Corniche, this hotel blends playful design with Saudi culture and tradition. The brand collaborates with local artists and designers to fill the hotel’s public spaces and rooms with nods to Saudi traditions creating a space that’s both stylish and culturally immersive.
For those seeking modern luxury, the new EDITION Hotel on the Jeddah Waterfront is a must-visit. It’s the brand’s third property in the Middle East and its first in Saudi, located right by the Jeddah Yacht Club & Marina and the F1 racetrack.
Experience Hassle-Free Travel
Getting to Jeddah has never been easier. With daily, direct flights from within Saudi and direct international flights from the UK, France, Germany, the USA, India, and more, your journey to Historic Jeddah is smooth and convenient. Saudi’s eVisa program now covers 66 countries, and the free 96-hour Stopover Visa makes it possible to explore Historic Jeddah even on a layover.
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