Jeddah / Saudi Arabia

Jeddah (Jeddah) in Saudi Arabia is a significant port city on the coast of the Red Sea and the main gateway to Mecca for pilgrims from all over the world. Thanks to its strategic location, it has been an important center of trade and pilgrimage for centuries. An integral part of the city is the historic district of Al-Balad (UNESCO), which preserves a rich past and traditional architecture. Jeddah thus combines historical heritage with modern life.

What to taste in Jeddah?

The gastronomy of Jeddah reflects the diverse influences of Arabic, Indian, and African cuisines and offers an authentic taste experience.

• Kabsa – a national dish of rice, spiced meat (usually chicken or lamb), and aromatic spices.
• Mutabbaq – a stuffed pancake with meat, vegetables, or sweet filling, popular as street food.
• Shawarma – juicy meat grilled on a vertical rotisserie, served in bread with fresh vegetables.
• Saleeg – creamy rice cooked in milk, often served with chicken.
• Falafel – crispy balls made from chickpeas or fava beans, an ideal quick and tasty snack.
• Kunafa – a sweet dessert made from thin noodle-like pastry, cheese, and syrup, often flavored with pistachios.

Why will you love Jeddah?

• History hidden in the alleys – the Al-Balad district with traditional coral stone houses, wooden balconies (rawashin), and narrow alleys will take you back to the past of the Arab world.
• The Red Sea and the dynamic face of the city – the Jeddah Corniche promenade, the iconic King Fahd Fountain, and the ambitious Jeddah Tower project, which gradually changes the city's skyline, show the city's dynamic development.
• Gateway to Mecca – Jeddah is the main entry point for pilgrims heading to Mecca, giving it a unique cultural and spiritual significance.

Practical tips:

• Official language: Arabic, English is commonly spoken in tourist areas.
• Currency: Saudi Riyal (SAR).
• Opening hours: Shops are usually open from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM with a break in the afternoon; the city comes alive again in the evening. Restaurants often operate until late at night.
• Public transport: The city has buses and taxi services. An interesting feature is the Haramain high-speed train, which connects Jeddah with Mecca and Medina.
• Weather: Jeddah has a desert climate with very hot summers and temperatures often exceeding 35 °C. The best time to visit is from November to March when temperatures are more pleasant.

The most interesting from Jeddah's history:

Jeddah is one of the oldest cities on the Red Sea coast, and its story goes back more than a thousand years. From an original fishing village, it gradually became an important port and a key gateway for pilgrims heading to Mecca. Thanks to them, various cultures, traders, and traditions met here, giving the city its unique character. During the Ottoman Empire, Jeddah was fortified with walls, and its importance further grew due to trade in spices, textiles, and pearls. This atmosphere is still preserved in the historic district of Al-Balad, which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and represents an authentic example of traditional coral stone architecture. With the advent of the modern era in the 20th century, Jeddah quickly transformed into a dynamic economic center of Saudi Arabia, without losing its connection to its rich past.

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