A Jeddah weekend itinerary combines centuries of heritage…
“A Jeddah weekend itinerary offers the perfect way to explore both heritage and modern coastal life in just two days.”
As Saudi Arabia’s gateway to the Red Sea, Jeddah dazzles with coral-stone houses, art-filled alleys, luxury malls and seaside promenades. Two days are enough to sample both history and innovation—wander through UNESCO-listed Al-Balad, dine on freshly caught fish, and enjoy ocean breezes along the Jeddah Corniche. Whether you arrive Friday morning or tweak the schedule, this guide helps you make the most of your Jeddah city break.
Continue your Red Sea road trip Saudi Arabia northward along the coast to , affectionately known as the Saudi Maldives. The drive takes around three hours, with plenty of stops for photos and quick swims at secluded beaches.
After checking into a beachfront resort or eco-camp, set sail on a boat tour to the Umluj Islands. Here, turquoise lagoons, white sands, and vibrant coral reefs create postcard-perfect scenery. Keep an eye out for dolphins and dugongs that sometimes glide through the calm waters. Spend the afternoon kayaking or snorkelling before enjoying a fresh seafood dinner at the harbour’s market stalls.
Jeddah’s King Abdulaziz International Airport welcomes global flights, including budget connections from Dubai, Doha and Istanbul. With an e-Visa, entry is smooth. Domestic travellers can take the Haramain high-speed train from Medina or Mecca, or long-distance buses from Riyadh and Dammam.
Taxis and apps like Careem and Uber are common; renting a car offers freedom but plan for heavy traffic around the Corniche during rush hours.
Jeddah is relatively liberal yet modesty remains appreciated. Women are no longer required to wear abayas, but sleeveless tops and shorts are rare. Alcohol is prohibited, and public affection discouraged.
Friday is a holy day—shops close for Jumu’ah prayers until late afternoon. Always ask before photographing people. English is widely spoken, but a simple “shukran” (thank you) goes a long way.
Begin your Jeddah weekend itinerary in Al-Balad, the 7th-century old town and UNESCO World Heritage Site celebrated for its coral-stone houses and intricate mashrabiya balconies.
Wander shaded lanes where restoration projects have turned mansions into cafés, art studios and boutique guesthouses. Don’t miss Naseef House, a 19th-century merchant residence featuring carved teak doors and coral walls. From its rooftop, enjoy panoramic views of minarets rising above the historic skyline.
Nearby stands Al-Jaffali Mosque, admired for its coral façade and slender minaret. Non-Muslims may view it from outside except during prayers.
End your walk at Souq Al-Alawi, one of Arabia’s oldest markets, where vendors sell oud, incense, prayer beads and colourful fabrics. Pause for strong Saudi coffee and dates—a gesture of warm Hejazi hospitality.
Continue north to the Abdul Raouf Khalil Museum (Al-Taybat International City), built in 1980 to showcase Saudi heritage and global civilizations. Inside its labyrinth of galleries you’ll find Islamic manuscripts, ethnographic displays, and model Hijazi homes.
Opening hours: 09:00–12:00 and 17:00–21:00 daily except Friday; entry SAR 50 (25 students).
After exploring, visit the nearby House of Islamic Arts or smaller restored heritage homes. Outside, vendors sell roasted corn and mutabbaq—a savoury stuffed pancake popular across Jeddah.
For lunch, sample Hejazi dishes such as sayadiya (spiced rice with fish) or bukhari rice with chicken at a family-run eatery.
At sunset head to the Jeddah Corniche, a 30-km promenade lined with public art and sculptures. Locals stroll, cycle, and gather for the sea breeze.
Choose an open-air restaurant overlooking the Red Sea—grilled shrimp, lobster and mutabbaq samak are favourites.
After dinner, explore the Corniche night market where artisans sell jewellery and handmade souvenirs. If you enjoy fishing, join locals on the pier and take in the relaxed coastal atmosphere that defines Red Sea Jeddah travel.
Start early at the Al-Rahma Mosque, famously known as the Floating Mosque. Built on stilts above the sea, its turquoise dome and marble minarets reflect the sunlight, creating the illusion of floating on water. Non-Muslims may enter the outer courtyard when services aren’t in session.
From the boardwalk, admire migrating seabirds and calm turquoise waters—an iconic photo stop on every Jeddah city break.
Continue along the Corniche to view monumental sculptures by international artists. Families picnic under palm trees while joggers enjoy scenic paths. Grab roasted peanuts or shawarma from food trucks for a quick snack before continuing your explore Jeddah adventure.
Spend your afternoon shopping and relaxing. Begin at Souq Al-Yamamah or the Fish Market for spices, dried limes and seashell souvenirs.
Prefer air-conditioning? Visit Red Sea Mall or Mall of Arabia, which combine local designers and global brands.
Jeddah’s café culture thrives in Al-Rawdah and Jeddah Waterfront. Order a saffron latte or rose milk at a minimalist café surrounded by greenery. Late afternoon is perfect for browsing small art galleries or walking shaded boulevards in upscale neighbourhoods.
As daylight fades, choose between a boat cruise or a cultural performance. Glass-bottomed boats depart from the Corniche, revealing coral reefs beneath. Diving enthusiasts can join beginner tours with equipment rental included.
On land, check the Jeddah Waterfront Amphitheatre for open-air concerts, theatre, or film screenings.
For a farewell dinner, enjoy grilled lamb skewers or fusion cuisine blending Middle Eastern and international flavours. End your Jeddah weekend itinerary with a moonlit stroll by the water or tea at a seaside lounge.
If you have an extra day:
Obhur Creek north of the city offers swimming, private beach clubs and sailing.
King Abdullah Economic City (KAEC) boasts manicured marinas and cycling paths.
The Bayada Islands make a superb half-day snorkelling trip to see coral gardens and tropical fish.
Adventure seekers can even drive toward Thuwal or explore desert dunes surrounding the city’s outskirts.
Jeddah’s dining scene ranges from humble seafood stalls to fine-dining restaurants. In Al-Balad, try foul madames (spiced fava beans), mutabbaq, kabsa and maqluba.
Along the Corniche, order fresh hammour or spicy seafood stew. Trendy restaurants fuse Hejazi flavours with global twists—perfect for Instagram-worthy plates.
After dinner, join locals in outdoor cafés or attend a maqam music show in the Al-Balad arts district for a taste of authentic culture.
Accommodation spans restored heritage homes, mid-range hotels, and luxury beachfront resorts.
Heritage Guesthouses in Al-Balad immerse you in Jeddah’s past.
Business Hotels near Tahlia Street provide comfort with rooftop pools.
Luxury Resorts on the Corniche deliver five-star service and direct beach access.
Book early during holidays and festivals, as the city attracts both locals and international visitors year-round.
A weekend in Jeddah blends the past and present with ease. From the coral-stone lanes of Al-Balad Jeddah to the modern skyline of the Corniche, the city reveals how heritage and innovation coexist beside the Red Sea.
Whether you’re exploring souqs, sipping coffee in Al-Rawdah, or diving among reefs, each moment reflects the unique spirit of this coastal hub.
Use this Jeddah weekend itinerary as your framework—but leave time for spontaneous encounters, a friendly chat with a shopkeeper, or a sunset walk that captures the true heart of Jeddah.
