Whether you are a returning or first-time tourist, every time you choose to visit Jeddah, you will ask yourself, “What should I know before visiting Jeddah?” Before visiting Jeddah, one should know about Visa Requirements, where to Stay, Safety Tips, cultural etiquette, cultural norms, etc.
Jeddah is a city of rich heritage, epic landscapes, and vibrant culture on the Red Sea coast of Saudi Arabia. It has an exclusive balance of tourist attractions, a rich history, and an energetic culture. I will give advice like a friend rather than acting like a guide.
What should I know before visiting Jeddah?
Jeddah is a gateway to the Arabian Peninsula’s rich culture, history, and beauty. Knowing the answers to “What should I know before visiting Jeddah?” can greatly enhance your travel experience. Visa Requirements, flights to Jeddah, Jeddah hotels booking method and Jeddah transportation is something to note before visiting Jeddah.
Jeddah visa requirements:
Choose the kind of visa you require for your visit, work, leisure, religious travel, or family visit and then fast travel into Saudi Arabia. Muslim visitors for the Hajj or Umrah must have a specific trip visa; tourist visas are valid for up to 90 days under Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 plan.
Business visas require a request from a Saudi firm together with proof of immunisation.
You must get health insurance from Saudi Arabia. For non-U.S citizens, copy of a green card or document confirming legal residence in the U.S.
To complete the online visa application and make a visa payment, log in https://visa.mofa.gov.sa.
Flights to Jeddah:
Jeddah is a popular destination for travellers for business, pleasure, and religious reasons, including the Hajj and Umrah. It serves as the entrance to Mecca and Medina. To save time and money, consider flights from Saudi Arabia’s official carrier, British Airways, Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Turkish Airlines.
Jeddah airport transportation:
Among the largest airports in Saudi Arabia, King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah is the biggest and popular one. Every year millions of individuals make use of it. Travelers arriving in Jeddah should be aware of available airport transportation choices to quickly get to their ultimate destination. It can be a Jeddah hotel or one of the well-known cities of Mecca or Medina.
Best Time to Visit Jeddah
You can visit Jeddah during winter or early spring. The colder months, from October to March, are the best times for visiting Jeddah. The weather and scenery are ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing.
If you visit Jeddah in September, you will witness many beautiful and interesting scenes because of their national day. Summer months can be rather hot, so make appropriate plans.
Discovering Jeddah’s Historical Landmarks And Cultural Sites
Jeddah is known as the gateway to the Islamic holy cities of Mecca and Medina. It is a city steeped in history, offering a fascinating array of historical landmarks that reflect its rich cultural heritage. Among the most prominent Jeddah historical landmarks are:
Al-Balad:
Renowned historical location Al-Balad, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Jeddah.It has Shafi’i Mosque and traditional coral-stone homes. Having been founded in the 7th century, it has been the hub of business and residential activity for ages. Discover the little lanes of the neighbourhood and the energetic souks, where generations of traders have exchanged goods.
Naseef House:
In Jeddah, Naseef House is a late 19th-century estate. It is a quite important historical site. Built for a wealthy merchant family as a stately residence, it features elaborate wooden balconies in classic Hijazi design. It is a museum today displaying the life of Jeddah’s aristocratic Ottoman era residents. As King Abdulaziz’s home, the house also became quite important for Saudi Arabia’s history.
The Jeddah Wall:
An important historical landmark reminding of Jeddah’s strategic significance as a port city is the Jeddah Wall, often called as “Jeddah’s Old City Wall. Through its gates, it also controlled trade and kept the city free from intruders.
Floating Mosque:
The Al Rahmah Mosque is also known as the Floating Mosque. It is a holy place. It often draws pilgrims and visitors at sunrises and sunsets. The mosque’s spiritual atmosphere is enhanced by its 56 vivid windows displaying complex Quranic texts.
Abdul Raouf Khalil Museum:
Jeddah’s Abdul Raouf Khalil Museum is an Islamic historical landmark. For anyone interested in the city’s Islamic legacy it is a must-visit place. It highlights the varied cultural tapestry of over 2,500 years from fishing tribes to Ottoman Turks.
Tayebat City Museum:
Comprising more than 60,000 objects, manuscripts, and a Kaaba re-creation, the Tayebat City Museum in Jeddah presents 2,500 years of history. It presents an engaging trip via Arabian merchants, pilgrims, and fishing communities.
These Jeddah historical landmarks allow visitors to connect with the rich history that has shaped Jeddah into the vibrant metropolis it is today.
Jeddah Cultural Etiquette and Cultural Norms
Jeddah has customs and social norms deeply rooted in Islamic traditions, like the rest of Saudi Arabia. Jeddah is a city of rich heritage, epic landscapes, and vibrant culture on the Red Sea coast of Saudi Arabia.
Jeddah’s Cultural Etiquette
✿ Impermanent dressing: Women wear an abaya, a long black cloak covering their bodies. Hair covering is optional for non-Muslim women.
✿ Men’s dressing: Men should avoid shorts and sleeveless tops.
✿ Public behaviour: Love presents are frowned upon. Prayer times are respected, with businesses closing temporarily during prayer.
✿ Interaction with locals: Greeting with “Assalamu Alaikum,” meaning “peace be upon you,” is polite and respects local culture.
Where to Stay in Jeddah
Jeddah is a large city in Saudi Arabia well-known for its elegant Red Sea beachfront, sophisticated architecture, and lengthy history. Your experience will be far better if you choose the correct area for residence.
✿ Al Hamra District: Ideal for proximity to the Red Sea and Jeddah Corniche.
✿ Al Andalus District: Ideal for business travelers due to its proximity to important business centers and the Jeddah Exhibition Centre.
✿ Al Rehab District: Ideal for religious visitors due to its proximity to King Abdulaziz International Airport and Mecca transportation hubs.
Hotels in Jeddah for luxury travelers
- Ritz-Carlton Jeddah
- Waldorf Astoria Jeddah – Qasr Al Sharq
- Rosewood Jeddah
- Shangri-La Hotel
Top boutique hotels in Jeddah
- Narcissus Al Hamra Boutique Hotel
- Palm Boutique Hotel
- Shada Hotels
- Palm Boutique Al-zahra
Mid range hotels in Jeddah
- Radisson Blu Hotel
- Jeddah Corniche
- Crowne Plaza Jeddah
- InterContinental Jeddah
Hotels for budget travellers
- Ibis Jeddah Malik Road
- Al Fahad Hotel Suites
- Green Leaf Hotel
- Aquila Hotels
Jeddah Hotels Booking Consultation
From cheap to luxurious, Jeddah boasts a variety of hotels. You can book a hotel by visiting directly or through online booking. It would be better if you booked the hotel online. Agoda and Booking.com allow you to reserve hotels online for reasonable prices.
Choosing a perfect hotel will help to make your journey more meaningful and less stressful. Your body will be exhausted from a long day of travel, hence you need rest. It will be your worst travel experience when you cannot stay in a better place.
I always recommend choosing Boutique Hotels. I stay at Shada Hotels every time I travel to Jeddah. They are family-owned boutique hotels that are unique and stylish and focus on comfort and quiet.
Best Local Cuisine in Jeddah
Exploring the local cuisine in Jeddah offers a delicious gateway into Saudi Arabia’s rich culinary heritage. From traditional Saudi fare to international cuisine, Jeddah cuisine is an excellent fusion of tastes and inspirations.
Best food recommendation in Jeddah:
✿ Kabsa
✿ Sayadiyah (a spiced rice and fish dish)
✿ Samak Mashwi (grilled fish)
✿ Shawarma
✿ Mutabbaq
✿ Kunafa
Shopping In Jeddah
Shopping in Jeddah is an entirely different experience. No specific market is required. You will shop while travelling. You’ll come across local and international brands in the shopping mall here.
Top 5 shopping malls in Jeddah
- The Red Sea Mall
- Mall of Arabia
- Le Château
- Al Balad
- Tahlia Shopping Center
Safety Tips for Travelers
Safety in Jeddah is generally good, but taking precautions is always wise.Follow the Instruction for safety.
✿ Keep personal items safe.
✿ Avoid showing valuables.
✿ Be mindful of surroundings.
✿ Obey local rules and customs.
✿ Stay hydrated.
✿ Use approved taxis.
Final Thoughts
To travel to Jeddah being well-prepared will help you make the most of your trip to this fascinating city. This blog provides a comprehensive guide to help you understand “what I should know before visiting Jeddah?” It will also ensure a memorable and enjoyable experience.
After knowing everything about Visa Requirements, the most important thing is hotel selection. Choosing the perfect hotel can greatly enhance your travel experience. Boutique Hotels are perfect places to stay.