About Jeddah

Jeddah is a mood, a memory in the making, a place where salt-kissed sea breeze meets centuries-old stories whispered through coral-stone buildings. Sitting on the Red Sea’s shimmering edge, Jeddah is Saudi Arabia’s most captivating coastal city, often called the gateway to Mecca. But beyond its role in religious pilgrimage, Jeddah is a cultural cocktail of history, modern flair, and raw, unfiltered charm. Once a humble fishing port and stopover for weary traders and pilgrims, Jeddah has blossomed into a vibrant metropolis without shedding its soul. You’ll still find fishermen casting nets at dawn along the Corniche, just blocks away from luxury malls and cutting-edge skyscrapers. It’s a city where the scent of oud dances with the aroma of sizzling shawarma, and neon-lit highways lead you to centuries-old souks. The historic district of Al-Balad, with its latticed windows and crumbling Hejazi homes, tells stories of spice traders, pearl divers, and whispered barters beneath wooden balconies. Walk its narrow alleys and you’re time-traveling. Then just 15 minutes away, you’ll hit modern Jeddah with glass towers, global cuisine, and creative art spaces like Hayy Jameel. The city doesn’t just evolve, it reinvents itself constantly. With over 4 million residents, Jeddah is cosmopolitan at its core. It’s more laid-back than Riyadh, more humid too, and definitely more artistic. Locals are proud of their city’s unique character, open-minded yet deeply rooted in tradition. Whether you’re exploring ancient souks, snorkeling over coral reefs, or watching the King Fahd Fountain pierce the night sky, Jeddah grabs your senses and doesn’t let go. Whether you’re after luxury hotels in Jeddah, beachside bliss, or a taste of Hejazi hospitality, this city delivers with depth, color, and a rhythm all its own. It’s not just a stop, it’s a story you’ll want to tell over and over again.

Jeddah tour packages offer the perfect blend of history, seaside charm, and cultural exploration, whether you’re diving into Al-Balad’s heritage or relaxing along the stunning Red Sea coast.

Jeddah airport Address

King Abdulaziz International Airport (KAIA), Jeddah
Location: ~ 19 km north of the Jeddah city center.
Contact Phone: +966 12 615 0005 (for some airport hotels / inquiries), this is the same number as MENA Airport Hotel, which is in the airport’s Southern Departure Hall.

If you land late or depart early, choosing hotels in Jeddah near airport or a dedicated Jeddah airport hotel will spare you the traffic and tension.

The Best Time to Visit Jeddah

• Autumn and winter (October through March) are golden: milder temperatures, clear skies, evenings breezy by the Red Sea.
• Summer months (June‑August) can scorch; high heat, strong sun, and many locals seek to escape to cooler areas.
• Try to avoid the Hajj period unless that’s your reason to travel; accommodation fills up, prices spike, and movement is busy.
• If you can time it, Ramadan evenings are magical (though many eateries adjust hours).

How to reach Jeddah

By air:

Most international arrivals fly into King Abdulaziz International Airport (JED). From terminals, you’ll find taxis, ride‑shares, and some hotels offering pick‑ups. If your hotel in Jeddah is near the airport, travel is simpler.

By rail:

Saudi Rail plan expansions are ongoing. Currently, there are train lines linking some regional cities, but no high‑speed rail from Riyadh directly into central Jeddah (yet). For now, most people arrive by air or road.

By road:

Jeddah is connected via highways to Mecca (via the Al Haramain high‑speed road), Taif, Medina, and other Saudi cities. Buses, private cars, and caravans roll in. Once inside the city, be ready for traffic, especially at peak hours, getting a ride to the best hotels in Jeddah might take longer than expected.

Things to do in Jeddah

1. Walk the Jeddah Corniche — sunset by the Red Sea, sculptures, food stalls.
2. Explore Al‑Balad (old town), with coral‑stone houses, markets, historic gates.
3. Visit the Floating Mosque (Al Rahma Mosque) for beauty & photography.
4. Check out King Fahd’s Fountain — tallest in the world, especially dramatic at night.
5. Shop at Red Sea Mall, Mall of Arabia, Tahlia Street boutiques.
6. Experience art at Jeddah Sculpture Museum and open‑air installations.
7. Swim or relax at North Corniche beaches.
8. Taste seafood on the pier – grilled kingfish, shrimp, local flavors.
9. Visit the Jeddah Waterfront (New North Corniche redevelopment).
10. Tour Edge of the World if you want wilderness; though it’s a drive out.
11. Visit science and children’s museums, e.g., Fakieh Aquarium.
12. Explore local food markets: fish markets, spice souks.
13. Enjoy traditional coffee and sweet shops in Al‑Balad.
14. Discover Nisr’s art galleries and hidden cafés.
15. Watch the city skyline at night from rooftop lounges on Corniche.

Shopping in Jeddah

1. Red Sea Mall
2. Mall of Arabia
3. Tahlia Street (Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Street)
4. Al‑Balad Souks / Al‑Shafei Souq
5. Haifa Mall
6. Aziz Mall
7. Stars Avenue Mall
8. Arab Mall
9. Boulevard Al Hamra
10. Panoramic Spa & Mall areas
11. Aziziyah District local markets
12. Souq Al Alawi (if open)
13. King Road boutiques
14. Luxury brand stores in Obhur and Corniche
15. Retail parks near Northern Jeddah outskirts

Famous Restaurants in Jeddah

1. Al‑Nakheel Restaurant (seafood on the corniche)
2. Toki Turkish Restaurant
3. Al Baik (for its fried chicken fame)
4. Smada Old Town Cafés
5. Poulet Rouge
6. Globe Restaurant (fine dining, high view)
7. Depth Seafood Restaurant
8. Al Khayam Traditional Restaurant, Al Balad
9. Al‑Falamanki (Lebanese cuisine by the water)
10. Splash Fish Restaurant
11. Mahmoud Restaurant (Haddock and Kingfish)
12. Shogun for Japanese Fusion
13. Spiral at Jeddah Hilton
14. Cafe Bateel (dates + coffee + desserts)
15. Lusin Restaurant (Armenian/Lebanese fusion)

Popular Hotels in Jeddah

1. Waldorf Astoria Jeddah ‑ Qasr Al Sharq
2. Hilton Jeddah Hotel (Red Sea views)
3. Jeddah Marriott Madinah Road
4. JOUDYAN Red Sea Mall Jeddah By ELAF
5. MENA Airport Hotel Jeddah
6. Elaf Jeddah Hotel
7. Ibis Jeddah City Center
8. Novotel Jeddah Tahlia Street
9. Intercontinental Hotels Jeddah By IHG
10. Holiday Inn Jeddah Corniche By IHG
11. Centro Shaheen Jeddah by Rotana
12. Crowne Plaza Jeddah By IHG
13. Voco Jeddah Gate By IHG
14. Radisson Blu Hotel, Jeddah Al Salam
15. Warwick Hotel Jeddah

Popular Resorts in Jeddah

1. Waldorf Astoria Jeddah ‑ Qasr Al Sharq
2. Jeddah Hilton (Red Sea Corniche)
3. JOUDYAN Red Sea Mall Jeddah By ELAF
4. Jeddah Marriott Hotel Madinah Road
5. MENA Airport Hotel Jeddah (close to Airport)
6. Elaf Jeddah Hotel (sea view rooms)
7. Novotel Jeddah Tahlia Street (upper mid‑range, resort feel)
8. Ibis Jeddah City Center (affordable, modern)
9. Holiday Inn Jeddah Corniche By IHG (sea‑bordered, family amenities)
10. Intercontinental Hotels Jeddah By IHG (luxury amenities)
11. Radisson Blu Hotel, Jeddah Al Salam
12. Crowne Plaza Jeddah By IHG
13. Centro Shaheen Jeddah by Rotana
14. Voco Jeddah Gate By IHG
15. Coral Beach Resort 

Where to Stay in Jeddah

When you’re hunting hotels in Jeddah, think about what mood you want. If you want the sea, go for hotels along the Corniche with beach access. If shopping and restaurants are your thing, the Tahlia Street / Prince Mohammed Street area is lush. For cultural depth and history, Al‑Balad (old town) gives you winding alleys, coral architecture, and spice markets, where hotel apartments in Jeddah or smaller boutique stays feel authentic. Business travelers will lean toward Madinah Road / Kilo 5 / Obhur with sleek 5 star hotels in Jeddah and big chains clustered there. If your itinerary demands early flights, consider hotels in Jeddah near the airport so you’re not stressing over traffic.

Places to Stay in Jeddah near Popular Attractions

Want to step out your door and hit something memorable? Stay near the Red Sea Corniche, near King Fahd Fountain, near Al Balad, or the Floating Mosque. Hotels in Jeddah near beach give you sea views at sunrise; hotels near the old city let you wander alleys of heritage. Being near Mall of Arabia or Red Sea Mall means food, movies, shopping are onsite. For pilgrims, staying close to the airport and transport hubs cuts down transit time. Locations that combine water, shopping, culture plus good food tend to be favorites.

Budget Hotels in Jeddah

If your budget is tight, don’t worry, there are cheap hotels in Jeddah and even decent 2 star hotel Jeddah options that won’t make you compromise too much. Look in neighborhoods a bit off the prime Corniche / Tahlia stretch: maybe Olaya, Al Faisaliyah, or near transport hubs. Expect smaller rooms, fewer frills, but often clean beds, air conditioning, decent bathrooms. If you’re okay with simplicity, these budget stays let you spend more on food, travel, and sea‑side vibes. Always check whether WiFi and breakfast are included; sometimes paying a bit more upfront saves headaches later.

Jeddah Hotels by Star Rating

Here’s how star ratings map to what you get in hotel Jeddah stays:

• 2 star hotel Jeddah: Basic, functional, clean, maybe no restaurant, small rooms.
• 3 star hotels in Jeddah: Add nicer decor, modest restaurants, sometimes pools or fitness centers.
• 4 star hotels in Jeddah: More luxurious rooms, more amenity variety, nicer locations (Corniche, near major roads).
• 5 star hotels in Jeddah / Jeddah 5 star hotel: Full luxury; spa, fine dining, grand lobbies, sea or view, impeccable service.

When you compare Jeddah hotel price comparison, 2 and 3‑ stars tend to be much more affordable, 5‑stars charge a premium, especially during peak seasons or religious pilgrimage periods.

Best Hotels in Jeddah based on Location

• Corniche / Red Sea waterfront: hotels in Jeddah near beach shine here with gorgeous views, breezes, walking paths.
• Airport / Northern Jeddah: Best if your flight schedule demands it; hotel in Jeddah near airport or airport hotel.
• Old Town / Al‑Balad: For history, local flavor, markets; smaller, boutique hotel apartments in Jeddah do well.
• Business districts (Madinah Road, Tahlia Street): Ideal for meetings, shopping, upscale food.

Family-Friendly Hotels in Jeddah 

If you’re traveling with kids or an older family, pick hotels in Jeddah that offer pools, beach access, big space, and kid’s dining. Resorts on the Corniche or large hotels near malls are good bets. Also check whether breakfast is included (kids benefit), whether rooms are spacious, and how close you are to emergency services / hospitals. Family‑friendly hotels in Jeddah often have leisure zones, separated pools, maybe play areas. For more homely stays, hotel apartments in Jeddah with kitchenette can make longer family stays easier.

Jeddah Hotels Tariff

Here’s a rough sketch of Jeddah hotel prize ranges so you know what to expect. Prices fluctuate a lot (season, pilgrimage times, holidays).

• Budget / 2‑star hotel Jeddah: expect something like SAR ~150-400 per night (simple, clean).
• Midrange (3‑star to 4‑star): SAR ~400–900+ depending on location and amenities.
• Luxury / 5 star hotels in Jeddah: SAR ~900 to SAR 2000+ per night for top‑tier places (sea view, high service).
• Cheap hotels in Jeddah will be toward the lower end; hotel apartments in Jeddah can sometimes offer better value for longer stays.

Jeddah Travel Tips

1. Book Your Flights Early for the Best Deals: Jeddah flight prices are like the Red Sea tide; they go up and down without much warning. To snag cheap flights to Jeddah, book well in advance (especially if you’re visiting during Hajj or school holidays).
2. Respect the Local Dress Code: Modesty matters here. Men should avoid shorts in public areas, and women (including tourists) are expected to dress conservatively; long sleeves, loose-fitting clothes, and a scarf in religious spaces. An abaya is often worn, though not legally required for foreigners.
3. Download Ride-Share Apps Like Uber or Careem: Public transport is limited, so ride-shares are the smoothest option. Uber and Careem are widely used and reliable, and they often have English-speaking drivers.
4. Plan Around Prayer Times: Shops and restaurants may close temporarily during prayer (especially Friday afternoons). It’s best to check the timing and plan your meals or shopping around it.
5. Weekends are Friday and Saturday: The Saudi workweek runs from Sunday to Thursday. So if you’re planning visits to malls, parks, or popular restaurants, Friday and Saturday are peak times. Expect crowds.
6. Carry Cash and Cards: While Jeddah is pretty card-friendly, smaller markets and local eateries may prefer cash. ATMs are easy to find, but always have some Saudi riyals on hand, just in case.
7. Explore Al-Balad in the Evening: The historic Al-Balad district comes alive after sunset; cooler air, glowing lanterns, and open shops make for a magical walk through time. Bring your camera and comfy shoes.
8. Mind the Heat, Hydrate Constantly: Jeddah’s heat can be brutal, especially in summer. Drink more water than you think you need, wear sunscreen, and stay in shaded or air-conditioned spaces during peak afternoon hours.
9. Try Traditional Saudi Cuisine: Don’t just stick to international chains. Go local! Dishes like kabsa, mandi, and mutabbaq are rich, flavorful, and tell a story in every bite. Many Jeddah famous hotels have restaurants that serve authentic Saudi meals too.
10. Visit the Corniche at Sunset: Whether you’re at the North or Central Corniche, this is the place for long seaside walks, food trucks, and people-watching. It’s one of the best places to stay in Jeddah too, especially if you love sea views.
11. Book Hotels Based on Your Purpose: Need quick airport access? Choose hotels in Jeddah near airport. Want to explore the beach or the city center? There are tons of hotels in Jeddah near beach or in shopping districts. Know your plan, then book accordingly.
12. Don’t Drink Tap Water: The tap water isn’t unsafe, but it’s desalinated and can taste funky. Bottled water is cheap and everywhere; stock up, especially if you’re staying in a 2 star hotel Jeddah or smaller apartment where bottled water isn’t provided.
13. Be Aware of Prayer Volume: Mosques are part of the city’s soundscape, and the call to prayer (Adhan) is broadcast loudly. If you’re a light sleeper, bring earplugs, especially if your hotel Jeddah is close to a mosque.
14. Stay Connected with a Local SIM: Get a Saudi SIM card at the airport or local shops, data is cheap and fast. It’ll help you navigate, translate, and hail rides without racking up international roaming fees.
15. Know the Rules During Ramadan: During Ramadan, eating or drinking in public during daylight is prohibited. That includes tourists. Many restaurants are closed until iftar (sunset), so plan snacks or meals accordingly if you’re out exploring.

You can easily apply for a Saudi Arabia visa online through the official eVisa portal, making it quick and convenient for tourists to explore destinations like Jeddah, Riyadh, and beyond.