If you are planning to visit the best places in Saudi Arabia, specifically in Jeddah, Wildyness thinks about you, and the best thing is to get the 3-day itinerary planned.
We checked everything and we believe that 3-4 days are the best period you can discover Jeddah.
This is an itinerary on how to spend 3-4 day trip in Jeddah, and Wildyness will guide you through from the first day to the 4th.
A travel guide that would help you spend your best with no need to the travel agent! If it is your first time, we got you. This itinerary includes a best bet to get the most out of your time.
Flights to Jeddah
Wildyness wants to cover also the calculation and give you an idea about ticket prices. If you need cheap flights, a local guide, and travel tips to visit popular spots like a pro, we are whispering to your ears a comprehensive guided tour to visit Jeddah with less effort, and more fun guaranteed.
Check here to find a list of the best direct flights deals to Jeddah
Easy Online Touristic Visa
The good news is that you don't need hassle to get your paper done for this trip. KSA opened a tourist visa to visitors from all over the world in 2019, so all you need to do is to apply here: https://visa.visitsaudi.com/
Once you get that done, the first thing to do is to prepare your backpack, we would highly recommend starting your visit with the must-visit tourist attraction in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Then you have to find a good place where you can stay and get a rental car at the best prices. Here is a list of amazing hotels you won't want to miss if you need some rest and comfort during your visit:
- Waldorf Astoria Jeddah - Qasr Al Sharq
-Here is another top 10 hotels in Jeddah near Jeddah Corniche, or the old town, where you can check in and spend the night.
Day1 The Herbalists Lane
The Herbalists Lane
Welcome to Jeddah, a place out of an Arabian fairytale, you really want to start your day with an Arabic coffee, it is also called Qahwa!
Then, the first place to head to, to get Jeddah vibes is the Herbalists Lane, one of the most mysterious hidden gems of Jeddah.
Here is the direction to the most telling lane you might visit in Jeddah to understand the culture of the old town of Jeddah.
Trees cover most of the narrow alleyways. A calm peaceful place, to watch closely the streets, the style of houses, and the architecture of the old buildings which will tell you a lot about the story of Jeddah.
The Nassif House Museum / Or the National Museum of Saudi Arabia
The restored building contains a flag mast that is 700 years old and a 15th-century cannon.
The 19th-century old mansion is only 14 minutes away from the city center check here to get directions to one of the best places you want to be to understand the history of Jeddah and KSA in general.
This is the right place, in your first day. If you are really interested in being introduced to a comprehensive cultural journey of Islamic history in the area!
It is important to know of course that Nassif House Museum is open from 8 a.m. to noon and 5 to 9 p.m. every day but Friday.
You might want to start with the ground floor, where you will find all about the history of Islam in the region. The place is a small museum, but don't expect less than the whole history of this original place.
It will start with the prayers's origin and rituals, and will also add to that the great contribution in knowledge and science.
Nothing less than a historical journey to be fair, that will walk you through the origin of Kaaba, the square building, and how it was built and changed through time.
The visual history, is a collection of artifacts, photos, and displays that demonstrate Jeddah's history.
This might take your morning for the first day, you might be done by noon or slightly later. Our suggestion of to have a relaxing evening. The nearest beautiful views are around the corner, and here is a list:
-Adventures and Hobbies Restaurant; if you would love to keep the experience authentic, this place serves Saudi Arabian food, the way locals eat it.
Rise and meat, or rise and chicken. The food is well served, and traditional the local way. You might want to try this place if you never tasted the real local cuisine l in KSA.
-Al Basali Restaurant is another favorite place if you keep up with the traditional dishes, the place is as old as 1949,
-However, if you would like to go with fancy, or let's say classic restaurants here is two of the best options you might get:
Other nearby international restaurants are listed here based on best rated on the internet:
Swissbutter : this place promises a great food experience, listing Beef filet or Ribeye, Chicken & Salmon smothered in our secret Swiss Butter sauce.
200 Restaurant & Lounge: a welcoming place, with high-rated dishes and service.
The second half of the day can be dedicated to a nearby place. You still have the afternoon right?
2end Option: National Museum of Saudi Arabia
It is the main Museum in KSA, believe us a ticket here is a ticket to a time machine, to know what happened in this hot area before you came to the world!
It was actually established 25 years ago, furnished with the history of Saudi Arabia, starting from 1932 when researchers found the A Wabar meteorite in the Empty Quarter of Saudi Arabia till modern days. You can learn more about Empty Quarter and Wabara meteorite on the first floor of the Museum.
Locals in 1932 called the area where the meteorite was found, the iron place, where they found what they called at that time irons the size of a camel. The place was later discovered by one of the British researchers there. Thirsty for more! Check the National Museum's first floor, it is called the Hall of Man and the Universe!
Now on the ground floor, there is a different hall, another window on the history of Saudi Arabia, a Hall of the Arab Kingdoms. Not one or two, but the Arabian Peninsula was home to 14 pre-Islamic Arabian kingdoms from 5 BC until 700 AD. You can get to know about them all in this hall.
The first floor of the National Museum of Saudi Arabia, is a whole history line of the pre-Islamic and Islamic eras.
A Hall of the Pre-Islamic Era, a Hall of the Prophet's Mission, a Hall of Islam and the Arabian Peninsula, a Hall of the First Saudi State and Second Saudi State, a Unification of the Kingdom Hall, and of course a Hall of Hajj and Two Holy Mosques. Each with its specific remains and details.
This is indeed a guaranteed walk through the great culture with real witnesses and heritage that lives to prove the real story of Saudi Arabia.
Al Balad Historic District
You can visit Al Balad, also known for its interesting name: the Jeddah Historic District. A place that would tell you about the rich history of Jeddah.
This place will take you back in time. Hold your hand and walk you through the old building, a UNESCO World Heritage site, narrow lanes, narrow streets, and old city traditional architecture.
Check the picture below and you will understand what we are talking about. This is the real picture of historical Jeddah.
Al-Sham neighborhood
While you are in Al Balad, don't pass without visiting the Al-Sham neighborhood, a great place!
The Al-Sham neighborhood can be found in the northern part of Al Balad, where you can find the neighborhoods of Dar al-Sarti and Dar al-Zahid. A must-visit attraction, and a perfect place to discover heritage sites.
Try wandering in this neighborhood, and the feeling will be as if you got a time machine and got to visit the city back in the day. In the 7th century.
Check Jeddah's old town, the streets, the mesmerizing colorful buildings, and the palm trees reflect on those. A scene you don't see every day!
It is indeed a relatively small town, but inside of it, there are thousands of stories and historical wonders. Here is the direction to it!
Al-Rahma Mosque
Still in the old town is the old mosque, which is also known as the Shafi'i mosque, it was built in 1250 AD. It is located in the heart of old Jeddah. A must-see place in old town! Here are the directions.
Another wonder in the old town is the Public Park. The reflection of palm trees on the water of the park would take you to the atmosphere of the Aladdin Agrabah fairy tale!
All you need is a flying carpet! Now for real. Check this place if you are into calm and natural Arabian parks.
Later on. We recommend spending a relaxing evening at Al Seif Beach. Just watch the sundown, and sit on the sand. The best thing to do during this time is to watch the sunset, right?
Well, a sunset cruise could be a perfect idea to end the day. That would give you the energy to continue the trip to discover Jeddah the next day.
A sunset cruise in Jeddah will include a start of the trip to the beach, a ride on the boat/yacht, and, then a unique diving experience in the Red Sea.
Day 2!
You really don't want to miss trying traditional Saudi dishes, especially a leisurely breakfast. A real culinary delight of Jeddah. A nice traditional Arabic breakfast would be a whole meal. It is super healthy and it contains the following: bread, milk, local dates, and even ice cream! Who said that breakfast could get both ice cream and dates in one dish! Something to try in Haif & Kaif Cafe. Here is the direction.
Here is where you can check and find other breakfast places to get a good breakfast in Jeddah:
1 Healthy Breakfast at Early club - Breakfast & Brunch
2 Traditional Breakfast at TimeOut
3 Breakfast with a view at Blue Ocean Restaurant
Done with food! You are ready and energetic enough to kick off your second day!
Jeddah Desert
The most convenient top places in Jeddah are the ones that would tell you the story of the place and feel the climate and ambiance of Jeddah. This definitely means in day in the desert. Get your 4*4 ready. We are heading to the desert!
A tour in the golden sand would provide you with what you are eager to know. The desert lifestyle. A delightful visit to the most challenging place to be; away from the city noise, and the busy life.
Agency organized or not, the most important thing is that you don't miss, the dunes, the quad bike tour, the camels, the 4*4, and of course the tent you would use to camp in the heart of the desert.
Let's first talk about clothing, don't wear less, that's not the trick to keep it cool in the desert. It is highly recommended that you wear clothing that is both wide and long-sleeved, with a light color, and made from cotton or linen which is ideal.
Stay hydrated with your favorite drinks, most importantly water! Of course you need sunscreen don't be careless! And wear traditional desert clothing, you will definitely look cool! But believe us it is so efficient!
The weather will be hot, and it could get to more than 40°C degrees there. By the way, have you ever known that Jeddah got the hottest degree on Earth in 2010!! It reached 52°C (125.6°F) in June that year! Can you imagine that?
No matter what the weather is, check the forecast that day and be always prepared! The desert adventure is always worth it! A golden wonder, and a tranquil adventure! Here is the direction to the Jeddah Desert.
Don't worry about where to spend the night! A tent would do it! But you can also check your surroundings for desert camps, the place is super equipped is you prefer to be hosted. One of them is the Jeddah Desert camp or Full Moon Camp.
Day 3!
The Floating Mosque, Al Rahma Mosque
You must feel at home by now. After getting your nice nutritious breakfast you will be ready to head to a new wonder! The Floating Mosque or what they call Al Rahma Mosque in Jeddah. The mosque was established in 1985 and covers 2,400 m2.
It is a must-see tourist attraction in Jeddah! A nice place in the middle of the Red Sea. An actual floating mosque with a historic architectural style.
It must be the local favorite, as it is both a place to be spiritual and an astonishing view at the same time! Here is the direction to get to the floating mosque, and discover the place.
After visiting this near Rea sea area, you must be eager to try fresh seafood! Our recommendation is only 4 minutes away! Try checking Alaaly Seafood Restaurant nearby, and enjoy your late lunch. Here is your direction to it.
Jeddah Waterfront
Now for the afternoon! Only 18 to 23 minutes away is a tour of the Jeddah Waterfront. The place is perfect for a walk or a bike ride and has more entertainment venues.
You can take a look at the huge sign for Jeddah, definitely worth a selfie! Roshn Waterfront is a leading destination for Jeddah, it feels like a window on the Red Sea to show you the vibrant marine life! Here is the direction to take you directly to it!
Fakieh Aquarium
While in the same area! We can only recommend paying a visit to Fakieh Aquarium! A place full of Red Sea wonders. A sea adventure from transparent glass, you will feel like in a dream. Check their website to know more about this unique visit.
The adventure starts with saying hi to the aquarium's two main rulers, the sharks! Then, it will take you to check on sea turtles!
Of course, a dolphin show is included! An amazing tour will take you all over the place to discover more about the secrets of the Red Sea. Check here for directions.
Suppose you have a day to spare! Here are more recommendations!
Day 4 ! : Bonus Day
If you are still around in Jeddah, you can still visit one of the coolest museums there:
Al Tayabat City Museum
The building is a multi-complex structure, which is made based on the Hijazi architecture. An amazing view with traditional bay windows which decorated with wooden traditional design work and coral buildings.
Inside, there is a living history lessons, and exhibitions of the story of Jeddah, KSA, and the Arabian Peninsula. A trip you would take to understand the history of the region.
Al-Wa'bah Crater
Visit the crater is you are into volcanic scene. This is the largest and deepest one in Saudi Arabia: 3000 meters of land surrounded by a group of mountains.
Check here if you want to go to this destination. The place is surrounded by Hiking centers, and places you can rest in. So no worries where to spend the night if you are thinking about that.
That's all about Jeddah, for now! You can always suggest new places if you encounter any on the road! Our recommendations are made based on safety and fun.
Jeddah is one of the most interesting places you might visit to get a mixture of views of the desert, mountains, volcanic crater, and old town. This place is a must-see if you really love discovery and old history.
