24 Hours In Jeddah

Set aside some time to explore this Red Sea city during your next business trip; you won’t be disappointed

Jeddah is Saudi Arabia’s oldest city; a lively, cosmopolitan centre that is home to stunning architecture, pristine beaches and world-class cuisine. If you are lucky enough to find yourself in this historic mercantile hub, take some time out to discover how an ancient port has evolved into one of the region’s most popular ‘hidden’ gems.

1 Awaken your taste buds with Arabic coffee

Jeddah is known for its café culture and there are numerous places to grab a cup of coffee around the city – from a thimble-sized cup of aromatic Arabic coffee to an international-style latte with a local twist. Situated in Old Jeddah, Café Magad (@cafe_ magad) blends modern speciality coffee with a traditional Arabic brew, while Medd Café (meddcoffee.com/ en), the first café of its kind in Jeddah, sources its beans from international organic fair-trade farms.

2 Wander through Jeddah’s Old Town

Spend the morning exploring the narrow streets of Jeddah’s historic old town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Known as ‘the Bridge of the Red Sea’, Jeddah has welcomed traders and pilgrims for centuries and has been the official seaport for the Holy City of Makkah since 647CE.

The best way to explore the old city is on foot. Start at the eastern edge of Al Balad (old town) by Makkah Gate. The city walls have been reconstructed to give you a sense of how this medieval city’s ancient walls once looked. Notice the beautiful architecture of the houses, built using coral from the Red Sea.

The Matbouli House Museum is an example of a traditional Hijazi merchant’s home, minimally refurbished and converted into a museum containing wood lattice balconies and old artefacts.