Jeddah Holidays

Sea breeze, street art, and sunset strolls - Jeddah’s a laid-back legend on the Red Sea. It’s where history hugs the coastline, and beach days meet buzzing city nights.

Highlights

• Red Sea diving and snorkelling – coral reefs, crystal-clear water, and turtles galore

• Al-Balad old town – colourful buildings, spice-scented souks, and photo ops on every corner

• Seafront cafés and Corniche walks – breezy, bougie, and very sunset-friendly

• Art and culture everywhere – think open-air sculptures, galleries, and heritage sites

Getting around

Jeddah’s pretty easy to get around by car, and taxis or ride-hailing apps like Careem are the most convenient way to move between neighbourhoods. If you’re planning to visit spots along the Corniche or take day trips outside the city, hiring a car is a great shout. There’s a developing metro system in the works, but for now, the roads are your best bet — and traffic is much more chill than in Riyadh.

Things to do for families in Jeddah

Jeddah is packed with family-friendly fun - especially if you like the sea. Start at the Jeddah Waterfront, a long stretch of walkways, parks, playgrounds and pop-up food stands, perfect for a chilled afternoon by the beach. The Fakieh Aquarium is a hit with younger kids, with fish shows and colourful tanks. For a bit more action, head to Al Shallal Theme Park — think rollercoasters, go-karts, and ice skating in the middle of the desert. Families who love exploring can wander Al-Balad, where old coral-stone buildings and market stalls give you a taste of the past.

Things to do for couples in Jeddah

Looking for romantic vibes? Jeddah brings the soft life in spades. Start with a morning stroll along the Corniche, then hop on a boat tour along the Red Sea for serious couples’ goals. Fancy a culture fix? Lose yourselves in the winding lanes of Al-Balad, then refuel with fresh seafood in a cosy courtyard café. Sunset views from King Fahd Fountain (the tallest in the world, no big deal) are properly impressive, and when night falls, you’ve got rooftop restaurants, glowing beach lounges, and candlelit mocktail spots that dial up the romance without the faff.

Things to do for groups in Jeddah

Group trip to the coast? Yes please. Charter a boat and head out for a day of diving or snorkelling - the coral reefs here are unreal, and there’s a good chance you’ll spot dolphins along the way. Prefer to stay dry? Spend a day exploring Al-Balad, taking a group street food tour, or loading up on souvenirs in the souks. Want a glam evening? Book a beachfront chalet or VIP booth at a seaside lounge. For something a bit different, try a group art workshop, museum hop your way through the Jameel House of Traditional Arts, or just eat your way through the city’s endless shawarma stands and dessert cafés.

Things to do for foodies in Jeddah

If you love food (and who doesn’t?), Jeddah’s a full-on flavour fest. Start with fresh Red Sea seafood, caught that morning and grilled to perfection at one of the beachside fish markets. Don’t miss mutabbaq (savoury stuffed pancakes), kabsa (Saudi-style rice and meat), or saleeg – a creamy rice dish made for comfort eating. For sweet tooths, try sticky kunafa, honey-drenched luqaimat, and thick shakes from a local café. You’ll find everything from global fusion to traditional Hijazi home cooking, and the city’s café culture? Strong. Like, five-flat-whites-before-lunch strong.