Jeddah, a cultural melting pot

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Jeddah, a cultural melting pot – Saudi Arabia

Say hello to Jeddah, the second largest city in Saudi Arabia. Offering a glittering skyline, bustling souks and white-sand beaches along the shores of the Red Sea, you'll find a visit to this captivating port city is always stimulating. Oh, and did we mention it's the westernmost gateway to the Islamic holy cities of Mecca and Medina, too? If you're looking for Jeddah travel tips before planning a break to Saudi Arabia, you need to know that the city is loaded with everything from luxury shopping centres, such as the Mall of Arabia, and scenic coastal walkways to fact-packed museums, historical landmarks and restaurants that serve up the finest Middle Eastern cuisine. Tick off the floating Al Rahma Mosque, the Jeddah Flagpole which holds the Guinness World Record title as the tallest unsupported flagpole in the world, and more.

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Top Attractions in Jeddah

Explore Al Balad, Jeddah's oldest town

Take a trip through Jeddah's ancient past in Al Balad, the city's old town and explore the narrow streets lined with old, coral-stoned buildings. This UNESCO-listed town was once an ancient trading port and acted as the primary gateway to Mecca. Haggle for souvenirs on Al Dahab Street – it's bustling with street vendors and carts loaded with trinkets and colour-popping stores selling nuts, spices, shoes and more. Then take photos of Bait Nassif, a building where King Abdulaziz, the founder of Saudi Arabia, stayed. Complete your historic trip with a visit to Masjid Shaffie, Jeddah's oldest mosque.
Scenic Red Sea views from the Jeddah Corniche

Overlooking the iconic Red Sea, the Jeddah Corniche, a 30-kilometre stretch of coastal road, is the perfect place for sweeping waterfront views. Walk or jog along the picturesque, palm-tree dotted promenade and take in the grassy recreation areas, impressive pavilions and large-scale sculptures. You can relax here as well, plus pick up some traditional Middle Eastern or international fare in one of the nearby cafes or restaurants. The floating Al Rahma Mosque and towering King Fahd's Fountain are in this part of the city too, so have your camera at the ready.
Marvel at the stunning King Fahd's Fountain

Get ready to be wowed because at 312 metres high, King Fahd's Fountain is one of the tallest fountains of its kind in the world. The most impressive part? The fountain blasts a stream of water from the Red Sea into the air to a top height of over 800 feet. You can watch this spectacle during the day, but it's even better appreciated at night when it's illuminated by spotlights. Rising above the Red Sea, this unique fountain is one of the most memorable sights to see in Jeddah.
Top up your tan at Silver Sands Beach

Soft white sand awaits at Jeddah's Silver Sands Beach, a private stretch of coast along the Red Sea. Thanks to the clear and calm waters, it's the ideal spot to go snorkelling and swimming. There's a little island you can swim out to and sometimes the locals offer watersports. You will need to pay a small fee to access the beach, but that includes entry to the washrooms and changing rooms nearby, as well as loungers and chairs for relaxing in the sun. If you get peckish, you can always retreat to the small cafe serving drinks and light meals.

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