Jeddah, Saudi Arabia 7 Day Itinerary
Jeddah, Saudi Arabia: 7-Day Travel Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrival & Settling In
Accommodation: Al Faisaliah Hotel (www.alfaisaliahhotel.com) or similar luxurious accommodations in the heart of Jeddah. Activities: Relax and acclimate to the local time, explore nearby attractions like the King Fahad’s Fountain and the Corniche. Where to Eat: Albaik (www.albaik.com) for traditional Saudi fast food. Things to Know: Dress modestly, avoid public display of affection, and respect local customs. Transportation: Taxis are widely available, or consider renting a car for greater flexibility.
Day 2 - Exploring Jeddah’s History & Culture
Activities: Visit the historic district of Al-Balad, including the beautiful Masmak Fortress and the vibrant Al Naeem Souq. Don’t miss the stunning Floating Mosque (Masjid Al-Salam). Where to Eat: Al-Hadim (www.alhadimrestaurant.com) for authentic Saudi cuisine. Things to Know: Haggle at the souq for traditional goods like spices, coffee, and handicrafts.
Day 3 - Journey to Mecca (Umrah)
Activities: If you’re eligible, make a religious pilgrimage to the Holy City of Mecca (Makkah). Be sure to hire a knowledgeable guide for this journey. Where to Eat: Local restaurants near Masjid al-Haram. Things to Know: Dress extremely modestly; women will be provided with an abaya and hijab upon arrival.
Day 4 - Relaxation & Shopping
Activities: Spend the day at the Red Sea, visiting places like Sharm el-Sheikh Street or Al-Tahya Beach for water sports and relaxation. Visit the Mall of Arabia for modern shopping and dining experiences. Where to Eat: The Cheesecake Factory (www.thecheesecakefactory.com) at the Mall of Arabia. Things to Know: Be aware of local customs regarding mixing with the opposite gender in public places.
Day 5 - Day Trip to Al-Lihya & Mada’in Saleh
Activities: Embark on a day trip to Al-Lihya (Al-Ula) and Mada’in Saleh, ancient Saudi archaeological sites with stunning desert landscapes. Visit the Elephant Rock formation and the Hegra archaeological site, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Where to Eat: Local restaurants in Al-Lihya for traditional dishes. Things to Know: Bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and a hat, as temperatures can be extreme.
Day 6 - Exploring Jeddah’s Modern Side
Activities: Discover modern Jeddah by visiting attractions like the Jeddah Corniche Circuit, Kingdom Centre Tower, and the Reem Mall (opening in 2021). Where to Eat: Nolu’s Kitchen (www.noluskitchen.com) for healthy, flavorful Middle Eastern cuisine. Things to Know: The Kingdom Centre Tower houses an observation deck with panoramic views of Jeddah.
Day 7 - Last-Minute Sightseeing & Departure
Activities: Spend your last hours in Jeddah exploring any attractions you may have missed, like the Jeddah Museum or the Jeddah Arts and Crafts Center. Where to Eat: A final visit to your favorite local eatery for a farewell meal. Things to Know: Plan your journey to the airport in advance and allow plenty of time for security checks.