There is no lack of places to stay in Jeddah, ranging from five-star luxury hotels, cool budget options, and traditional furnished apartments. To be honest, while they have started developing good options in the old town, few highly recommended places exist due to their proximity to Al Balad. A new hotel on the market is <a href="https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/jedla-assila-a-luxury-collection-hotel-jeddah/overview/?scid=f2ae0541-1279-4f24-b197-a979c79310b0" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Assila </a>that has many great reviews and is a few kilometers from the old town. If you are here only for the Al Balad then the <a href="https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g295419-d306508-Reviews-Red_Sea_Palace_Hotel-Jeddah_Makkah_Province.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Red Sea Palace Hotel</a> is a few steps away from the old town. Our favorite and reasonably priced hotel in Jeddah is the traditionally inspired and beautifully done <a href="https://shadahotels.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Shada Hotel </a>with multiple locations including a soon-to-open branch in the Al Balad. However, Shada's Salama branch is a good budget option while its Shatae' location (see Photo) is within walking distance from Jeddah Waterfront. Furnished Apartments can be found in every part of the city and are popular with locals who like a home-style stay with a small kitchen. There is a wide range of options in Al Hamra area near the King Fahd Fountain.

While accessible throughout the year, the best time to visit Al Balad is from November to April when the temperatures are cooler, both during the day and at night. During the hotter months, it is best to visit in the evenings or early in the morning.On the other hand If you're visiting in Summer between May and September, we suggest going after sunset, from 6:30 pm to 10:30 pm. In Fall/Spring from October to April, you can visit in the early morning between 7.30 am to 10.30 am or in the afternoon and evening from 3.30 to 10.30pm.

Al Balad is free to visit and includes lots of Bazaars. It's a great place to grab some affordable yet authentic street food such as Adani tea, mutabbaq, etc., or buy gold or souvenirs such as Hejazi-style headscarves, jalabiyat (traditional wear for women) or gift items. The modern area around the old town also hosts a few shopping centers that are popular with Jeddah's Asian expat community and also has lots of affordable eats.

Originally an ancient fishing village, Jeddah was established in the 7th century AD as a center for trade and a gateway for pilgrims heading to Makkah by sea. The city developed over the centuries into a thriving multicultural center, with a distinctive architectural style and busy markets.Many travelers have visited Jeddah over the centuries including Al-Bishari (9th century AD) who says of the town "secure, full of people of trade and wealth. Water is carried to them from afar and inhabitants are mainly Persians, who have wonderful palaces. It has straight alleyways and its overall condition is good, but very hot". The famous Muslim traveler Ibn Jubayr (12th century AD) describes the people of Jeddah during the Christian Crusades and the disputes between the Muslim Seljuq and Ayyubid dynasties: "They endure such hardships that inanimate objects would feel sympathy for them. They work in all professions: renting camels, selling milk and water, picking up fallen dates, or cutting down wood", while Ibn Al-Mujawir, tells of a flourishing city a century later.Finally, the Moroccan traveler <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ibn_Battuta" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Ibn Battuta</a> (13th century AD) said, "It is an ancient town on the coast.. there was little rain this year, and water was brought to Jeddah over the course of the day, and pilgrims would ask for water from the residents of its houses" as the wells of the town dried out during the dry season and water was brought in on mules from the surrounding hills and valleys.<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/T._E._Lawrence" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">T. E. Lawrence</a>&nbsp;(Lawrence of Arabia) also visited Jeddah around 1916 and describes a remarkable town where "The streets were alleys, wood roofed in the main bazaar, but elsewhere open to the sky in the little gap between the tops of the lofty white- walled houses.. Every storey jutted, every window leaned one way or other; often the very walls sloped." An apt description that is still relevant today.In the 1940's, the walls were removed and the town expanded outwards, leaving the Al Balad frozen in time, making it one of the best-preserved old towns in the Middle East. The area is still a vibrant living neighborhood and is free and safe to visit 24/7.For us, Al Balad is a place to explore and experience. I tend to go twice when I am showing people around as the calm experience at dawn and the vibrant sunset/night atmosphere are completely different.

If you are coming to Jeddah you probably have this figured out already. That said, Jeddah is connected to just about everywhere in some way or form.Air: Jeddah has a brand new airport that connects to many local and international destinations directly and indirectly to everywhere else.Land: If you are in the country or are traveling from neighboring nations, the road system is amazing and covers the whole country.Local Transportation: There are many options for local transportation from Taxi's, apps, and even golf carts.

While cards are accepted in many places, smaller shops, street vendors, and local markets may prefer cash. It's a good idea to carry a reasonable amount of cash for these situations.

Experiencing Al Balad is a uniquely resonating journey through Jeddah's historical areas.&nbsp;It doesn’t matter if the travelers are from Jeddah or outside of Jeddah, it will leave them mesmerized not just because of the art, the culture, the architecture but most importantly the moments in which to experience them all. Like any tour, visitors will get to visit the key sites within Al Balad but it’s the emotional experience that they will cherish the most.We love it because of the soulful experience that emerges for the traveller, by discovering Al Balad. The overview through <a href="https://www.visitsaudi.com/en/see-do/destinations/jeddah/summer-night-adventures-in-al-balad" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">visit Saudi </a>shall give you a heartwarming feeling towards Jeddah.

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Discover Al Balad 

Jeddah's Bus service is one way to move around. It connects many different parts of the city and allows for a different experience in travel.

Use careem to move around the city in an easy and convenient way.

Uber is another great way to move around. If you have the app, you're already on your way to move around.

Shift is another Gem of a service that allows for almost endless possibilities for moving around the city. You can pre-book from before your arrival and have a complete chauffeur experience during your entire stay. In addition, you can use them as ride sharing and digital car rentals.

Before naming it as the official seaport for Makkah in 657 AD, the site of Al Balad&nbsp;(also referred to as “Historic Jeddah”), was built on a beautiful coastal area of the Red Sea. It gathered people from all cultures and walks of life throughout the ages. This part of the world unveils a human heritage whose walls challenged different historical factors with eight gates; with each being known for its historical significance. In addition, it holds more than 10 historic residences praised for their distinctive designs and named after the families who lived there for centuries. It is here, you will get the opportunity to photograph history along side modernity.

Historical background of Al Balad

The old city gate, also known as Bab Jeddah or Bab Jadid, is one of Jeddah's most iconic historical landmarks. The gate dates back to the 13th century, making it several centuries old. It reflects traditional Arabian architectural styles, with intricate details and geometric patterns. Situated along the city's historic waterfront, the gate is the entry point of the Historic District due to its proximity to the old houses near the the Red Sea. This strategic location made it a significant point of entry for travelers and traders historically.

Bab Jadid

One of Old Jeddah's architectural treasures to find yourself lost in.&nbsp;Al-Sharif Abdulilah Mihanna Al-Abdaly built the iconic mansion in 1910, and it is one of the oldest homes in historical Jeddah, that has fascinated Jeddawis and tourists alike for over a century.A remarkable example of Hijazi-style architecture, Bait Sharbatly represents the region's unique architectural heritage. The House's design elements reflect the cultural and historical significance of the area. The stunning architectural features include a whitewashed facade, charming wooden lattice balconies, mashrabbiya (wooden screens), and rawshan wood design have made it a beloved landmark.Today, Bait Sharbatly has transformed into an art and event venue. It hosts art exhibits and various events, making it a dynamic and culturally significant space in Jeddah.

Beit Al Sharbatly

The charmingly antique three-floored&nbsp;Bait AlBatterjee will catch your eyes as you enter AlBalad area with its attractive colors and thick construction. It was the first headquarters of the American embassy in Jeddah. Today, it has been renovated to reflect its ancient belongings from furniture and rare devices, such as the first Saudi telephone with a “Two swords and a palm” slogan. Inside the house, visitors can admire the pictures portraying the significant role it has played over the decades. The unique details and history stemming from this house and its surrounding area make it a special destination for tourists.

Bait AlBatterjee

Once you reach Historic Jeddah, you will notice several doors. These doors that go back to ancient times used to get closed at night as a form of security and protection to the markets of the old alleys they surrounded. Almost every side has a door, the most famous of which is “Bab Jadid”. This latest addition to the doors was built during the Saudi rule at the beginning of the 1940s. Next in importance comes “Bab Makkah” facing Souq Al Badu intended to protect this market and form a passage. Then, from the south side comes “Bab Shareef” used by the people of these alleys for outings and visiting outside markets, such as “Haraj Al Asr”, which has developed into a large local market.

Doors of Al Balad

A treasure trove of history and culture, offering visitors a glimpse into the rich heritage of Hijaz, along with well-preserved artifacts and a beautiful representation of traditional Hijazi architecture.Located in the Al-Mathloum neighborhood of historical Jeddah, Salloum House, also known as Bayt Jeddah, is a testament to the rich cultural heritage of Hijaz. It was built by Abdullah bin Obaid Salloum in 1301 AH (1880) and has been recently restored. This four-story house covers an area of 497 square meters and is designed in the traditional Hijazi style. It stands as one of the most prominent houses in the Balad District, showcasing the architectural elegance of the region.Salloum House has preserved its heritage remarkably well. The house is adorned with antique furniture dating back over a century, with many pieces imported from India due to their durability. Visitors can explore various vintage items, including traditional Hijazi seats, an antique iron, a vintage gramophone, an old wall clock, and even a kerosene-powered fridge.

Beit Salloum

Bait Baeshen took the lead as a social and cultural center as it was the gathering place of the notables of Jeddah in the past. Nowadays, it is an amazing tourist destination with its splendid architecture manifested in its gorgeous Rawashins and its meticulously built balconies. It was built according to the highest standards of Islamic art by Shaikh “Muhammed Saleh Ali Baeshen” in 1273AH. Today, the house displays exquisite handicrafts and documents on rare photographs and manuscripts.&nbsp;

Bait Baeshen

Registered as one of UNESCO’s world heritage sites، Al Shafei Mosque was built during the reign of The Caliphate Omar Bin Khatab.&nbsp;Its marble pillars and Al-Mangabi Stones date back to 1400 years. However, its minaret goes back 850 years as a recent addition because old mosques are built without minarets. Here, lessons on Alshafii school of thought were held, and, thus, it was named after it. Close by, you may find an ancient building called “Waqf Alshafei”. It is distinguished by its Rawashins. This is a great stop in your journey to witness the classic Hejazi architectural designs and the impact of time on them.

Al Shafei Mosque

Start your journey through history inside the ancient houses of Al Balad with Bait Nassif. As you enter Bait Nassif, you stand on the grounds of the first orientally designed Arabic house in Jeddah. It has been used ‎throughout the years as a temporary residence for kings and scholars. With 40 wide rooms with high ceilings, its floors ‎transformed into art galleries and cozy cafes, where you can enjoy the company of your family or friends in evenings full of joy ‎and storytelling.‎

Bait Nassif (Nassif House Museum)

Zawiya 97 is a cultural haven located in the heart of Jeddah, offering a unique blend of art, culture, and creativity. It stands as a testament to the city's growing art scene. Housed in a beautifully restored traditional Hijazi building, Zawiya 97 seamlessly combines the charm of old Jeddah with contemporary artistic expressions.Regularly hosting art exhibitions, Zawiya 97 features works by both local and international artists. It's a vibrant platform for emerging talents to showcase their creativity. Beyond exhibitions, Zawiya 97 organizes cultural workshops and hosts live performances. From painting to calligraphy, and from music to spoken word, this allows visitors to engage with various art forms.Perhaps the most exciting fact is that Zawiya 97 is open to everyone. Whether you're an art aficionado, a curious traveler, or a local resident, this cultural gem welcomes all to explore the world of art in Jeddah. Zawyia 97 is a cultural destination and a point of departure for arts, crafts and design that sits in a cluster area in the old historical Jeddah. A hub for the Saudi creative and traditional arts scene.

Zawiya 97

Jeddah's traditional folk markets, like Souq Al Alawi, are not just shopping destinations; they are living heritage sites. They echo the city's cultural openness and heritage, where ancient alleys intersect with modern structures, creating a unique atmosphere that welcomes people from all corners of the world. Offering an authentic window into the soul of the city, souks are where history, culture, and commerce intersect in a vibrant tapestry of colors, scents, and experiences.

Souq Al Alawi 

Immerse yourself in the age-old Arab culture by exploring a museum that was once home to a Hijazi merchant. With its classic stairwells, delicately carved wooden ceilings and beautiful paintings at every turn, Beit Matbouli is a specimen of oriental architecture.

Bait Al Matbouli

The heart of the stage where all the entertainment happen. Orchestra's and live bands. Chefs and painters. They all gather in Sahat Hazazi and bring it out to live with their astonishing heart of talent.

Sahat Hazazi 

Jeddah’s staple diet has been seafood due to being a port city. This is one of the best restaurants in the Historic District serving seafood in grilled as well as fried varieties. Their supply is fresh every day.Hours:&nbsp;1:00 pm–11:00 pmReservations: +966503674710

Baeshen Restaurant

The taste of authentic goat head mandi perfected over many years, welcomes you for a delicious lunch! They're open for only 2 hours a day so it's best to make sure you reserve and are ready to eat! (For Reservations: +966126448314)

Baissa Mandi Meat

A 200-year-old bakery known for signature rusks ‘Shaborah’, and other baked goods, ‘Al-Shareek’ and ‘Futt’, and welcomes you early in the morning.

Al Saidy Bakery

Located in the bustling heart of Jeddah’s Suq Bab Makkah, Al Basali offers a delightful escape into the world of fresh seafood and authentic flavors. Nestled conveniently behind AlFallah School, this hidden gem invites locals and travelers alike to indulge in a rich selection of oceanic treasures. From the sizzling grills laden with the day’s catch to the aromatic herbs and spices that dance through every dish, Al Basali Restaurant is a must-visit for anyone craving a genuine taste of Saudi Arabia’s maritime cuisine. Step in to enjoy the warm hospitality and leave with a memorable experience that lingers as pleasantly as the taste of their fresh seafood. (For Reservations: +966504301163)

Al Basali Seafood Restaurant

Sobia Klay, nestled in the historic heart of Al-Balad, Jeddah, is renowned for its superbly crafted traditional Sobia drink, a Ramadan staple enjoyed by the local community. The place got it's name when Muhammed Ali visited the store and tried one of their staple drinks. This beloved spot draws significant attention especially before sunset during Ramadan, as people gather to savor this refreshing, historically rich beverage made from ingredients like barley, oats, or bread. The venue is praised for maintaining the authentic taste and high quality of its Sobia, which has been a favorite among locals for many years. Despite its simple and traditional setup, Sobia Klay has made a name for itself as one of the best places to enjoy Sobia in Jeddah and the wider Western region​

Sobia Klay

The newest edition to the family of coffee shops in Al Balad. What makes this one different is that they are the only roasters in the area. Enjoy fabulous drinks in a truly unique atmosphere.

Minaa Cafe and Roastery

Discover this UNESCO World Heritage site, wherein Jeddah's historic residences have been transformed into art galleries and specialty cafes, using the latest technologies and preservation expertise. Which is why whenever you look up Al Balad, you see the wooden Rawashin hanging overhead representing authentic architecture that oversees the modern life that passes beneath it.

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Tour Al Balad

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Ali is the founder of Discover Jeddah and a certified tour guide

Kholoud is par of the discover jeddah Team and she is a certified tour guide