Saudi Arabia isn't exactly on your vacation list and I get it but if you don't keep it after the article, you're definitely missing out on things that are worth not missing out.
I think people fear: the worst and things they don't know enough about. Change both and head Saudi's way sooner than later.
Where's Jeddah, yo?
● Jeddah or Jaddah is the second largest city in Saudi Arabia after the capital, Riyadh.
● It's the commercial capital.
● It is the largest city in the Makkah province and the largest sea port on the Red Sea.
● The city has been termed "most open" and "different" by most Saudi states in an effort to promote tourism in the region.
● The area code is +966-12; the language that is commonly used in the region is Arabic although if you're South-east Asian you would find many immigrants. Although English is understood as well, not as well though.
When you have to decide on things to see in Jeddah, you'll have to understand that despite being open to tourists, Jeddah is quite popular for the display of cosmopolitanism as compared to the other Saudi states. However, Jeddah boasts of museums, art galleries and it might sound funny but amusement parks. Good ones actually, as I've been told.
Things To Do In Jeddah:
Jeddah being the gateway to Makkah and on the soil of Arabia is expected to have exceptionally celebrated architecture in their masjids. And so, that is where I shall begin.
About: Designed by the Egyptian architect, Abdel-Waheed El-Wakil, the mosque reached completion in the year, 1987. The layout is similar to the Great Mosque of Esfahan in Iran (Jameh Mosque of Isfahan) with four iwans opening to the central court. However, the minaret is modelled from the Mosque-Madrassa of Sultan Hassan, Egypt. The mosque is studied architecturally and rightly so, it's a splendor. You gotta be here when here.
About: Built in 1985, the mosque resides in a very picturesque location. But what fascinates is the architecture of the mosque itself. Also, known as the Jeddah Floating Mosque and Fatima al Zahra Mosque, it is located in the north coast of the Red Sea. You can't really not discuss the floating status while talking about the mosque. The mosque isn't really floating, it only appears so. The base is supported by several strong columns which give the impression of the 'floating mosque' during high tides.
About: None ends without the direction of the Mecca. The entrance to Mecca from Jeddah would be through the King Abdullah Gate which in itself is such a splendor that you have to spare a while just to marvel at the sheer beauty that it is. With the addition of 2 minarets to the King Abdullah gate, the total number of minarets in all of the Grand Mosque turns 11. The al-Masjid al-Haram or the Sacred Mosque is the largest mosque in the world. And the entrance was structured to fit the glory. You cannot not come here when in Jeddah.
There are several other mosques like Al-Harthi Mosque, Aisha Mosque, Khadija Baghlaf Mosque, Jaffali Mosque etc. And believe me you, they're all marvelous. If you were me, you'd not miss any of the mosques.
So what's there apart from the mosques? Hit the museums first. Then the art galleries and then you go to the other places of interest and then, you chill at malls. Because...? Because why not, why not.
Museums and Art Galleries-
About: The museum is a part of the International Tayebat City of Science and Knowledge. Built in the typical architectural style of old Jeddah, the Hijazi style, the museum is a city in itself. With 360 showrooms showcasing artefacts from the lives and homes from different periods, it doesn't take anything lesser than 4 hours to explore. On weekdays, a group of 10 is the only way to enter the museum. Or the smaller group would have to pay for the remaining members. However, one is free to visit as they like on Saturdays. The fee is 500 riyals for 10 members, 50 riyals per person.
About: Another beautiful example of Hijazi architecture, the Beit Al-Balad. It was built in the early 20th century to serve as the headquarters to the British. And so it was from 1915 to the mid-1930s. However, it now stands as museum housing artefacts, photographs and documents that witnessed Jeddah's beauty in the era.
● Biet Nassif
About: As you can see from the pictures, this is basically a really old house which has been preserved through time with much love by the owners. You don't have to be a student of architecture to admire the woodworks and ways of life that were prevalent back in the day. It was built in 1872 in the centre of the city by Mr. Omar Afandi Nassif, one of the prominent families that resided in Jeddah. The house is built from local materials and the woods in the ceilings were brought from India and Indonesia in addition to the woods used from a massive ship that sank in the Red Sea.
About: This is a typical chic art gallery that you must expect to find in every city. That space which promotes contemporary and modern art and artists and is quite Western in their display of art. However being true to their Arab roots, you'll not miss the predominant Arabic cultural influences. If I were you, I would surely visit this gallery with a cup of coffee in hand and a lot of time in my pocket.
Malls then...?
● Red Sea Mall
About: This is your typical rich people's mall. Every city has its own version of a rich people's mall. This, my friends, is a mall dripping luxury. Do not feel Saudi Arabia is all about moderation. The kingdom is all about living extravagantly albeit in private. I doubt you'd miss your fancy mall back home once here or worse, despise the malls you're used to. Sad life.
About: So there are malls that are so swanky that make you feel underdressed even in your fanciest dinner gown (or tux or anything formally fancy). That, my friends, is this mall. It's that kind of place that makes you trip on cash. And I recommend. I would go here. Sell my bus tickets for a cup of coffee and walk around in loafers but have that damned cup of coffee. The Arabs know how to rich right.
I'll end the article with an amusement park because if I were to push people to make their itineraries, I'd include one. And this one's totally worthy.
About: This is one amusing amusement park. Nothing like piggy back rides. From the looks of what's available, it's pretty adult and pretty daunting. I wouldn't say that you should cut out all plans for an amusement park but if you can manage to sleep a few hours lesser, I'd say hit it. Go to this place, get the blood rushing to your head and puke your lunch in some stray dustbin. Or maybe not.
Jeddah, most certainly, is very welcoming to tourists and has a lot to offer. Although a lot of elements seem new and specifically to attract tourists, she still has her old world charm intact. And even if it seems like a tourist-attractive place, I don't see what the harm is.
Jaddah it.
Happy Travels~