Jeddah

Airport transfer to hotel(30-45 minutes)

Uber or Careem from JED airport, 15-25 SAR (~$4-7). Traffic can double the time during rush hour. Hotels in the Corniche area put you central

Check-in and freshen up(1 hour)

Mid-range hotels from 200 SAR/night. Radisson Blu on the Corniche or Centro Shaheen in Al-Balad for atmosphere

Sunset walk on the Jeddah Corniche(2 hours)

30 km waterfront promenade with sculptures, parks, and Red Sea views. The King Fahd Fountain — world's tallest water jet (312 m) — sprays from the harbor. Best after dark when illuminated

Dinner at Twina Restaurant on the Corniche(1.5 hours)

Fresh seafood with Red Sea views. Grilled hammour, jumbo shrimp, and Saudi sides. Mains 60-120 SAR. Book ahead for waterfront tables

Morning walk through Al-Balad(2.5 hours)

Best explored before 10 AM when it's cooler. 500+ coral-stone buildings with ornate wooden balconies. Visit Nassif House Museum (free, 8 AM-noon). Hire a local guide from 100 SAR (~$27) for the full story

Lunch at Al Baik (Jeddah institution)(45 minutes)

Saudi Arabia's legendary fried chicken chain — every Jeddah trip requires at least one visit. Broasted chicken meal 17 SAR (~$4.50). The Al-Balad branch has the most atmosphere. Expect queues

Souq Al Alawi browsing(2 hours)

Bustling market in Al-Balad selling spices, oud perfume, Arabic coffee, dates, and gold. Narrow alleys burst with color and aroma. Bargain at 50% of asking. The spice and incense sections are unmissable

Al Rahma Mosque (Floating Mosque) at sunset(45 minutes)

Built over the Red Sea on stilts, appearing to float at high tide. Non-Muslims admire the exterior. Best photographed at sunset from the Corniche nearby

Dinner at Mataam Al Sharq(1.5 hours)

Traditional Hejazi restaurant near Al-Balad. Try saleeg (creamy rice porridge with chicken) and bukhari rice. Mains 40-70 SAR

Morning two-tank dive with Dream Divers(4 hours)

Jeddah's offshore reefs are world-class — pristine hard corals, Napoleon wrasse, barracuda. Two-tank dives 350-500 SAR ($93-133). Hotel pickup included. Beginners can do discover scuba

Lunch at a dive center cafe(1 hour)

Light post-dive meal and debrief with your dive group. Hydrate well — the desert climate is dehydrating

Afternoon at Sharm Obhur creek(3 hours)

A sheltered inlet 30 min north of the city perfect for snorkeling. Calm water, good coral, accessible for beginners. Snorkel gear rental ~50 SAR. Beach clubs along the creek charge 50-100 SAR entry

Evening at Hayy Jameel creative hub(2 hours)

Free contemporary art space opened 2021. Saudi and international exhibitions, cinema, and a rooftop cafe. Open Tue-Sun, varying hours. Check hayyarts.sa for current shows

Morning at Athr Gallery(1.5 hours)

Saudi Arabia's most important contemporary art gallery on Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz St. Free entry. Cutting-edge Saudi and Middle Eastern art. Open Sun-Thu 10 AM-10 PM

Corniche open-air sculpture museum(1 hour)

Walk the Corniche sculpture collection — works by Henry Moore, Joan Miro, and Saudi artists placed along the waterfront. Free and always accessible

Lunch at Mama Noura(1 hour)

Famous local chain for shawarma and grilled meats. Chicken shawarma plate 25 SAR. Multiple locations across the city — the Al-Hamra branch is central

King Fahd Fountain viewing at sunset(1 hour)

Best viewed from the Corniche's southern section as the sun sets. The 312 m water jet is illuminated after dark in shifting colors

Dinner at Naia Beach on the Corniche(2 hours)

Upscale beachfront restaurant. Mediterranean and Asian fusion. Mains 80-150 SAR. The terrace with Red Sea views is worth the price

Free morning — sleep in(3 hours)

Jeddah's heat (even in winter) means mornings can be slow. Rest, hotel pool, or gym

Red Sea Mall exploration(2 hours)

One of the Middle East's largest malls with 480+ stores, an indoor theme park, and cinema. Good for air-conditioned browsing and lunch options

Spa treatment at a hotel spa(2 hours)

The Rosewood or Park Hyatt offer traditional hammam experiences from 400 SAR. Worth the splurge for the marble interiors and Arabian treatments

Hejazi cooking class(2.5 hours)

Learn to make mandi (slow-smoked lamb and rice), saleeg, and Arabic coffee. Cooking studios in Jeddah offer classes from 200 SAR. Check Cookpad Arabia or hotel concierge

Evening stroll and dinner in Al-Rawdah district(2 hours)

Upscale dining district with international and Saudi restaurants. Try Bu Qtair-style fried fish at a local spot — 30-50 SAR

Drive to Taif via the scenic mountain road(2 hours)

175 km east of Jeddah. The Al-Hada mountain road climbs dramatically from sea level to 1,800 m. Rent a car (100 SAR/day from JED) or hire a driver (300-400 SAR round-trip)

Al Shafa rose farms visit(1.5 hours)

Taif is famous for its rose harvest (March-April peak). Rose water distillation tours available year-round. A bottle of Taif rose oil from 50 SAR — the world's finest

Lunch at a Taif restaurant(1 hour)

Try Taif's famous honey with Arabic bread, plus lamb kabsa. Al Kar restaurant is popular with locals. Mains 30-50 SAR

Souq and old town walk(1 hour)

Browse the honey souq and fruit market. Taif grapes and pomegranates are renowned. Pick up Taif honey (100-300 SAR for good quality)

Return to Jeddah via sunset descent(2 hours)

The drive back down the escarpment at sunset is spectacular — views across the coastal plain to the Red Sea

Morning return to Al-Balad for shopping(1.5 hours)

Pick up oud perfume, Arabic coffee (with cardamom), Taif rose water, or gold jewelry. Souq Al Alawi opens around 9 AM

Farewell lunch at Shalimar(1 hour)

Popular Pakistani-Hejazi restaurant near Al-Balad. Biryani and kebabs from 25 SAR. A Jeddah institution

Airport transfer and departure(45 minutes)

Uber or Careem to JED, 15-25 SAR. Allow 3 hours before international flights. Duty-free has oud and dates

Airport transfer to hotel(30-45 minutes)

Uber or Careem from JED, 15-25 SAR. Hotels in the Corniche area are most central

Sunset walk on the Jeddah Corniche(2 hours)

30 km promenade. King Fahd Fountain — world's tallest water jet (312 m) — best after dark when illuminated

Dinner at Twina Restaurant(1.5 hours)

Fresh seafood with Red Sea views. Mains 60-120 SAR

Morning walk through Al-Balad(2.5 hours)

500+ coral-stone buildings. Nassif House Museum (free, 8 AM-noon). Guide from 100 SAR. Best before 10 AM

Lunch at Al Baik(45 minutes)

Saudi's legendary fried chicken. Broasted chicken meal 17 SAR. The Al-Balad branch has most atmosphere

Souq Al Alawi(2 hours)

Spices, oud perfume, Arabic coffee, dates, gold. Bargain at 50% of asking

Al Rahma Mosque at sunset(45 minutes)

Floating Mosque built over the Red Sea. Best photographed at sunset

Dinner at Mataam Al Sharq(1.5 hours)

Traditional Hejazi restaurant. Saleeg and bukhari rice. Mains 40-70 SAR

Morning two-tank dive with Dream Divers(4 hours)

Hard corals, Napoleon wrasse, barracuda. Two-tank dives 350-500 SAR ($93-133). Hotel pickup

Snorkeling at Sharm Obhur(3 hours)

Sheltered inlet 30 min north. Calm water, good coral. Gear rental ~50 SAR

Hayy Jameel creative hub(2 hours)

Free contemporary art space. Saudi and international exhibitions. Check hayyarts.sa

Morning at Athr Gallery(1.5 hours)

Saudi's top contemporary gallery. Free entry. Sun-Thu 10 AM-10 PM

Corniche sculpture museum walk(1 hour)

Henry Moore, Joan Miro, and Saudi artists along the waterfront. Free

Lunch at Mama Noura(1 hour)

Famous shawarma chain. Chicken shawarma plate 25 SAR

King Fahd Fountain at sunset(1 hour)

312 m water jet illuminated in shifting colors after dark

Dinner at Naia Beach(2 hours)

Upscale beachfront. Mediterranean-Asian fusion. Mains 80-150 SAR

Red Sea Mall exploration(2 hours)

480+ stores, indoor theme park, cinema. Air-conditioned escape

Hotel spa hammam(2 hours)

Rosewood or Park Hyatt offer hammam from 400 SAR

Evening in Al-Rawdah dining district(2.5 hours)

Upscale restaurants. Bu Qtair-style fried fish, 30-50 SAR

Drive to Taif via Al-Hada road(2 hours)

175 km. The mountain road climbs dramatically. Rent car (100 SAR/day) or hire driver (300-400 SAR round-trip)

Al Shafa rose farms(1.5 hours)

Rose water distillation tours. Taif rose oil from 50 SAR — world's finest

Lunch in Taif(1 hour)

Taif honey with bread, plus lamb kabsa. Al Kar restaurant. Mains 30-50 SAR

Honey and fruit souq(1 hour)

Famous Taif honey (100-300 SAR) and local grapes and pomegranates

Sunset descent to Jeddah(2 hours)

Spectacular views across the coastal plain to the Red Sea

Morning dive at a new reef site(4 hours)

Request different sites from Day 3. Jeddah has dozens of dive spots. Red Sea Divers is another excellent operator. 350-500 SAR

Lunch at a local seafood grill(1 hour)

Fresh Red Sea fish grilled to order at the fish market restaurants near the old port. 40-60 SAR

Evening cycling on the Corniche(1.5 hours)

Rent bikes along the Corniche (20-30 SAR/hour). The cycling path stretches for kilometers. Best after sunset when it cools down

Hejazi cooking class(3 hours)

Learn mandi (slow-smoked lamb and rice), saleeg, foul (fava beans), and Arabic coffee. From 200 SAR. Check Cookpad Arabia or hotel concierge

Free afternoon(2 hours)

Rest, pool, or hotel gym

Night walk through Al-Balad(2 hours)

Al-Balad transforms after dark — fairy lights illuminate the mashrabiya balconies, shops reopen, and the alleys fill with incense smoke. Thursdays and Fridays are most vibrant

Late dinner at a Hejazi rooftop(1.5 hours)

Several Al-Balad restaurants have rooftop seating overlooking the historic district. Mains 50-80 SAR

Drive to Yanbu(3 hours)

325 km north on the coastal highway. Flat desert road. Rent car or hire driver

Yanbu old town (Al-Balad Al Qadimah)(1 hour)

Smaller and quieter than Jeddah's Al-Balad but charming. T.E. Lawrence (Lawrence of Arabia) stayed here during WWI

Snorkeling at Yanbu reefs(2 hours)

Less-visited reefs than Jeddah. Shore entry snorkeling at several beach resorts. Visibility is excellent

Lunch at a Yanbu fish restaurant(1 hour)

Freshly caught Red Sea fish. Grilled hamour or shrimp, 30-50 SAR

Brunch at a Jeddah specialty coffee shop(1.5 hours)

Jeddah's third-wave coffee scene is booming. Brew92 or Moico Coffee serve Saudi single-origin beans. Flat white from 20 SAR

Al Rabie neighborhood walk(1.5 hours)

A residential neighborhood with colorful murals, local bakeries, and a feel for real Jeddah beyond tourism

Evening at Jeddah waterfront dining(2 hours)

Dinner along the new waterfront development. Multiple cuisine options. Mains 50-100 SAR

Drive east to the desert camp(1.5 hours)

Several operators run desert excursions from Jeddah. Half-day from 200 SAR, full day with dinner from 400 SAR

Camel ride and dune experience(2 hours)

Short camel ride, sandboarding on dunes, and 4x4 dune bashing. The desert landscape east of Jeddah is vast and empty

Bedouin-style lunch(1.5 hours)

Zarb (underground-cooked lamb) with fresh bread and Arabic salads. Eaten on carpets in a tent

Whale shark snorkeling trip(4 hours)

Seasonal (March-June) encounters with whale sharks off Jeddah. Operators run morning trips from 400-600 SAR. Even outside whale shark season, manta rays and dolphins are common

Beach club afternoon(4 hours)

Jeddah's private beach clubs (Durrat Beach, Jeddah Yacht Club) offer pools, beaches, and dining. Day passes from 100-200 SAR

Sunset dinner at a Corniche restaurant(2 hours)

Final Corniche meal with fountain views. 80-120 SAR per person

Early morning Al-Balad photography(2 hours)

The morning light on coral-stone buildings is magical. The alleys are empty before 9 AM

Corniche modern architecture tour(2 hours)

Photograph Jeddah's ambitious modern buildings. The Headquarters Business Park and waterfront developments showcase Saudi 2030 ambitions

Last-minute shopping for oud and dates(1.5 hours)

Abdul Samad Al Qurashi for premium oud perfume (from 100 SAR). Date shops near Al-Balad for boxed Medjool dates

Farewell dinner at Heritage Village(2 hours)

Traditional Hejazi restaurant in a reconstructed village setting. Full feast for 80-120 SAR. Live oud music some evenings

Morning hotel pool or beach(1.5 hours)

Last swim in the Red Sea region

Checkout and final shopping(1 hour)

Hotel lobby stores often have good oud and date selections

Airport transfer and departure(45 minutes)

Uber or Careem to JED, 15-25 SAR. Airport duty-free has oud perfume, dates, and Saudi crafts

Airport transfer(30-45 minutes)

Uber or Careem, 15-25 SAR

Sunset walk on the Corniche(2 hours)

King Fahd Fountain illuminated after dark — 312 m water jet

Dinner at Twina Restaurant(1.5 hours)

Seafood with Red Sea views. Mains 60-120 SAR

Morning Al-Balad walk with guide(2.5 hours)

500+ buildings. Nassif House Museum (free). Guide from 100 SAR

Lunch at Al Baik(45 minutes)

Legendary fried chicken. Meal 17 SAR

Souq Al Alawi(2 hours)

Spices, oud, Arabic coffee, dates, gold

Dinner at Mataam Al Sharq(1.5 hours)

Hejazi saleeg and bukhari rice. 40-70 SAR

Two-tank dive with Dream Divers(4 hours)

Hard corals, Napoleon wrasse, barracuda. 350-500 SAR

Sharm Obhur snorkeling(3 hours)

Sheltered creek 30 min north. Gear rental ~50 SAR

Hayy Jameel creative hub(2 hours)

Free contemporary art. Check hayyarts.sa

Athr Gallery(1.5 hours)

Top contemporary gallery. Free. Sun-Thu 10 AM-10 PM

Corniche sculpture walk(1 hour)

Henry Moore, Joan Miro, Saudi artists. Free

Lunch at Mama Noura(1 hour)

Shawarma plate 25 SAR

Dinner at Naia Beach(2 hours)

Beachfront fusion. Mains 80-150 SAR

Red Sea Mall(2 hours)

480+ stores, theme park, cinema

Hotel hammam spa(2 hours)

Rosewood or Park Hyatt from 400 SAR

Dinner in Al-Rawdah(2 hours)

Upscale dining district. 50-100 SAR

Drive to Taif(2 hours)

Al-Hada mountain road climbs dramatically. Car rental 100 SAR/day or driver 300-400 SAR

Al Shafa rose farms(1.5 hours)

Rose water distillation. Oil from 50 SAR

Lunch at Al Kar(1 hour)

Taif honey with bread, lamb kabsa. 30-50 SAR

Honey souq(1 hour)

Taif honey 100-300 SAR

Morning dive at new reef site(4 hours)

Red Sea Divers, different reefs from Day 3. 350-500 SAR

Lunch at the fish market restaurants(1 hour)

Fresh Red Sea fish grilled to order. 40-60 SAR

Evening Corniche cycling(1.5 hours)

Bike rental 20-30 SAR/hour. Best after sunset

Hejazi cooking class(3 hours)

Mandi, saleeg, foul, Arabic coffee. From 200 SAR

Night walk through Al-Balad(2 hours)

Fairy lights on mashrabiya, incense smoke, reopened shops. Thursdays and Fridays most vibrant

Late dinner at Al-Balad rooftop(1.5 hours)

Overlooking historic district. 50-80 SAR

Drive to Yanbu(3 hours)

325 km north on coastal highway

Yanbu old town(1 hour)

Where Lawrence of Arabia stayed during WWI. Quiet, charming

Snorkeling at Yanbu reefs(2 hours)

Less-visited reefs, excellent visibility

Lunch at fish restaurant(1 hour)

Grilled hamour or shrimp. 30-50 SAR

Specialty coffee at Brew92(1.5 hours)

Third-wave coffee scene. Saudi single-origin beans. Flat white from 20 SAR

Al Rabie neighborhood walk(1.5 hours)

Colorful murals, local bakeries, real Jeddah

Evening waterfront dining(2 hours)

New waterfront development. 50-100 SAR

Drive to desert camp(1.5 hours)

Full day with dinner from 400 SAR

Camel ride and dune bashing(2 hours)

Camel ride, sandboarding, and 4x4 dune experience

Bedouin zarb lunch(1.5 hours)

Underground-cooked lamb with bread and salads on carpets in a tent

Whale shark snorkeling trip(4 hours)

Morning trips 400-600 SAR. Outside whale shark season, manta rays and dolphins common

Beach club afternoon(4 hours)

Durrat Beach or Jeddah Yacht Club. Day passes 100-200 SAR

Flight from JED to Al-Ula(1.5 hours)

Saudia or flynas operate flights. Book ahead — limited frequency. From 300 SAR one way

Check into Al-Ula accommodation(1 hour)

Habitas AlUla (luxury eco-resort from 1,500 SAR/night) or Shaden Resort (from 500 SAR). The desert setting is otherworldly

Al-Ula Old Town walk(1.5 hours)

Abandoned 12th-century mudbrick town being restored. Atmospheric labyrinth of crumbling buildings

Sunset at Elephant Rock (Jabal Al-Fil)(1.5 hours)

A massive sandstone formation shaped like an elephant. Open to visitors, entry 50 SAR. The golden hour light is spectacular

Dinner at one of Al-Ula's restaurants(1.5 hours)

Annabel's or local restaurants. Mains 60-100 SAR

Morning guided tour of Hegra(3 hours)

UNESCO site with 111 monumental Nabatean tombs. Entry from 95 SAR with guided tour (mandatory). Book at experiencealula.com. The Qasr al-Farid (Lonely Castle) is the most photographed

Jabal Ikmah open-air library(1 hour)

Thousands of ancient inscriptions in rock — Nabatean, Lihyanite, and Dadanite. A separate ticket, from 50 SAR

Dadan archaeological site(1.5 hours)

Ruins of the ancient Dadanite and Lihyanite kingdom. Less visited than Hegra but equally fascinating. From 50 SAR

Return flight to Jeddah or overnight(1.5 hours)

Evening flight back or stay a second night to explore more of the desert landscape at dawn

Two-tank dive at outer reefs(5 hours)

Farther offshore sites — larger pelagics, wall dives, and potentially whale sharks (seasonal). 500-700 SAR for outer reef trips

Shubra Palace Museum(1 hour)

Former royal residence with ornate architecture. Small museum inside. Entry 10 SAR

Al-Rudaf Park and mountain hike(2 hours)

A park with gardens at altitude. Light hiking trails with mountain views

Traditional souq and craft shopping(1.5 hours)

Silver jewelry, traditional Hejazi crafts, and more honey

Early morning Al-Balad photography walk(2 hours)

Best light before 9 AM. Empty alleys, coral-stone textures, mashrabiya shadows

Visit Al-Jamjoom House and other restored buildings(1.5 hours)

Several Al-Balad houses have been restored and opened to visitors. Ask at Nassif House for current open houses

Jeddah modern architecture tour(2 hours)

The Headquarters Business Park, new waterfront towers, and Saudi 2030 developments

Farewell shopping for oud and dates(1.5 hours)

Abdul Samad Al Qurashi for premium oud (from 100 SAR). Date shops for boxed Medjool

Free morning(4 hours)

Your choice — beach, pool, neighborhood exploration, or rest

Beach time at Obhur(3 hours)

Return to Sharm Obhur or try a different beach club. The Red Sea water is warm year-round

Evening at a rooftop lounge(2 hours)

Several hotels have rooftop lounges with Red Sea views. Non-alcoholic cocktails and shisha

Morning at a mosque or cultural site(1.5 hours)

Revisit Al Rahma Mosque or explore a new neighborhood mosque exterior

Lunch at Shalimar(1 hour)

Beloved Pakistani-Hejazi institution. Biryani and kebabs from 25 SAR

Final Corniche walk and fountain viewing(2 hours)

Last sunset with the King Fahd Fountain. The Corniche is magical at this hour

Farewell dinner at Heritage Village(2 hours)

Hejazi feast in reconstructed village. 80-120 SAR. Live oud music some evenings

Final shopping at hotel or airport(1 hour)

Oud, dates, and Saudi crafts at the airport duty-free

Airport transfer(45 minutes)

Uber or Careem to JED. Allow 3 hours before international flights