If you are planning on visiting the Kingdom, Jeddah should be on the top of your “places to go” list.
Jeddah is a coastal city and the new Corniche is a must-see. Coming to Jeddah and not visiting the Corniche is like going to The Cheesecake Factory and ordering a brownie!
Early mornings and mid-nights are the best times to enjoy a quiet atmosphere and a lovely weather. And if you are a fan of busy and crowded places, some time between 4-10 p.m. is the best time.
There are seven areas designated as playgrounds for children, and 23 fountains in the Al-Nawras Lake. Also, there are four locations jutting into the sea for fishermen and visitors.
This magnificent view doesn’t complete without the world’s tallest fountain, the King Fahd’s Fountain.
I remember my 10-year-old cousin who came to Saudi Arabia last year, insisted on going on a special trip just to see the fountain, “I do not want a playground to play football nor I want to play swing sets, I just want to see the fountain live for the first time,” he said.
There are other outdoor and water activities for adults, such as surfing, jet-skiing, fishing and a lot more. Visitors can also enjoy a round on a yacht for an hour or two.
While on your trip to the Red Sea, you will notice a magnificent white building floating on the sea. The Floating Mosque is considered to be an essential monument to visit during your stay in the city. It’s perfect decoration is definitely worth the sight. Considering the time you chose to visit, you will also be able to enjoy the mosque enlightened.
One cannot speak of the Corniche without mentioning the beautiful beach resorts on the Red Sea coast. For those who would like to spend a couple of nights next to the sea, there is a big number of resorts and cabins designed to meet everyone’s needs.
Not a fan of beach resorts? Jeddah is full of hotels and furnished apartments in every district and street. Hotels attract tourists with their incredible offers and various prices suit everyone’s budget.
You may also want to take your kids to enjoy the sea world from a different aspect. The Fakieh Aquarium is the perfect place for that.
There are more than 7,000 marine animals of 200 species, mostly fish, but there are also a few more exotic animals, such as the leafy sea dragon and the four types of red sea turtles, some of which are now quite rare.
Also, there are dolphin shows between Saturday and Thursday at 1 p.m., 7 p.m., 9 p.m., 11 p.m., and on Fridays at 3 p.m., 5 p.m., 7 p.m., and 9 p.m.
Jeddah is well-known for its art galleries. The city is also called one of the largest outdoor art galleries in the world. The famous roundabouts give Jeddah an extraordinary charm. Make sure to pass by some of the famous galleries, such as, Athr Gallery, Arabian Wings and Ayyam Gallery and see the beautiful combination of local and international art under one roof.
Jeddah is known as ‘Arous Al-Bahar’, which means the ‘Bride of the Red Sea’. Many sculptures, statues, paintings and fountains are spread across the bride’s dress like magnificent pearls.
Another option for your kids are the amazing amusement parks. Perhaps, the most famous park is the Al-Shallal Theme Park, where the kids can enjoy outdoor activities.
Rawae Al-Maktabat Park is a nice place that combines both entertainment and learning and has different activities for all ages. Kids can pursue their interests, such as cooking, playing in sandy beaches, party rooms, a shooting gallery, swimming pools … and a lot more. Jungle Land is an amazing park that is worth a visit too.
After a long day in the park, you might want to take your family out for dinner. Jeddah is buzzing with restaurants that serve cuisines from around the world.
Jeddah has over 100 malls including Red Sea Mall, Mall of Arabia, Aziz Mall, Mega Mall, Oasis Mall, Stars Avenue Mall and the list goes on. As someone once said, “Between every two malls, there is a third mall.”
Another thing that makes Jeddah special is that there are tens of activities and events happening across the city every weekend. Malls usually host family and entertainment events while hotels host event such as seminars and bazaars.
There is also a place for those of you who like traditional/historical centers. Al-Balad is the center of the city, and it is known for its traditional ambiance.
Makkah Gate is one of the oldest places in the country. The gate serves as one of the main entrances for Haj pilgrims. Bab Makkah is another traditional souq that represents old Jeddah in a perfect way.
Jeddah being the getaway to Madinah and Makkah, is home to many museums offering a splendid journey into the rich culture and history of Islamic civilizations. There may be about a dozen museums in Jeddah, such as, the Jeddah Regional Museum of Archaeology and Ethnography run by the Deputy Ministry of Antiquities and Museums, the Jeddah Municipal Museum, Nasseef House, the Humane Heritage Museum, the private Abdul Rauf Hasan Khalil Museum and the private Arts Heritage Museum.
Last but not the least, Jeddah’s towers are a must-visit too. The Kingdom Tower, previously known as the Mile-High Tower, is a skyscraper currently under construction and will be the tallest building in the world, when completed as planned. No one would want to miss such a sight, for sure!
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