Jeddah travel guide

About Jeddah

Jeddah is the largest city in Mecca Province, the second-largest city in Saudi Arabia after Riyadh, and the country's main commercial center. It is in the Hejaz region on the Red Sea coast. The city's metropolitan area is coterminous with Jeddah Governorate. Its prominence grew in 647 CE when the Caliph Uthman of the Rashidun Caliphate designated it as the main port serving travelers to Mecca.

Cheap flights to Jeddah

The lowest round-trip fare found by Destina Holidays travellers in the last 30 days was $804 from Washington, travelling 16 Feb – 2 Mar. These are the cheapest fares from the most searched cities.

• NYC New York to Jeddah22 Oct – 26 Oct · JED from$850
• WAS Washington to Jeddah16 Feb – 2 Mar · JED from$804
• ORD Chicago to Jeddah23 Mar – 6 Apr · JED from$829
• DTW Detroit to Jeddah13 Nov – 24 Nov · JED from$923
• ATL Atlanta to Jeddah17 Mar – 25 Mar · JED from$830
• DFW Dallas to Jeddah4 Feb – 11 Feb · JED from$900
• MSP Minneapolis to Jeddah22 Feb – 11 Mar · JED from$1,179
• SFO San Francisco to Jeddah25 Jan – 9 Feb · JED from$1,022

Cheapest month to fly

Airlines travellers compared most often: Qatar Airways, Emirates, Saudia, Austrian Airlines.

Prices are per adult in US dollars, taken from searches between 20 Sep and 20 Oct 2026. Fares change often, so search your dates for live prices.

Places to visit in Jeddah

1. 

   Al-Balad

   Historic · 3 mi from centre

   The historic district of Jeddah, with coral-stone tower houses and carved wooden balconies, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore its souks, mosques and restored merchant homes on foot.

2. Jeddah Corniche

   Viewpoint

   A long seafront along the Red Sea with promenades, public art, playgrounds and small beaches. It is most popular in the cool of the evening when families come out to walk.

3. 

   King Fahd's Fountain

   Landmark · 1 mi from centre

   One of the tallest fountains in the world, shooting a jet of seawater high above the Red Sea off the corniche. It is best seen illuminated at night.

4. Al-Rahmah Mosque

   Religious

   Known as the Floating Mosque, this white mosque on the corniche is built on stilts over the sea, so at high tide it appears to float on the water. Visitors should dress modestly.

5. Nasseef House

   Historic

   A historic merchant house in Al-Balad with traditional coral-stone architecture and wooden lattice windows. It now serves as a cultural center with exhibits on old Jeddah.

Things to do in Jeddah by type

14 tours, tickets and experiences across 4 categories. Pick a type to see what is available for your dates.

• Shows, sports and special events 5 experiences Formula 1: Saudi Arabian Grand Prix 2026 - Ticket
• City tours 3 experiences Discover Traditional City of Jeddah - Half-Day Tour
• Day Trips & Excursions 2 experiences Day Trip to Obhur and Beach - Full-Day Tour
• Gastronomy & nightlife 2 experiences Dining in Jeddah at Al Nakheel Restaurant

Top experiences in Jeddah

Tours, tickets and experiences you can book with Destina Holidays, from 14 available.

City tours

Discover Traditional City of Jeddah - Half-Day Tour

• 4 hours
• Free cancellation

From $45 per adult

City tours

Historical Tour of Jeddah - Full-Day Tour

• 8 hours
• Free cancellation

From $63 per adult

City tours

Visit Taif - Full-Day Tour with Lunch

• 9 hours
• Free cancellation

From $103 per adult

Day Trips & Excursions

Day Trip to Obhur and Beach - Full-Day Tour

• 7 hours
• Free cancellation

From $138 per adult

Gastronomy & nightlife

Dining in Jeddah at Al Nakheel Restaurant

• 4 hours
• Free cancellation

From $137 per adult

Gastronomy & nightlife

Dinner at Al Multaqa Restaurant in Jeddah

• 4 hours
• Free cancellation

From $253 per adult

Travel Services

Plaza Premium Lounge in International Departures - Ticket

• 1 day
• Free cancellation

From $53 per adult

Where to stay in Jeddah

Popular hotels in Jeddah, out of 254 properties you can book.

Joudyan King Road Hotel

• Jeddah

From $76 per night

InterContinental Jeddah

• Jeddah

From $114 per night

Rosewood Jeddah

• Jeddah

From $256 per night

Holiday Inn Jeddah Gateway

• Jeddah

From $90 per night

ibis Jeddah Malik Road

• Jeddah

From $85 per night

Donatello Hotel

• Jeddah

From $111 per night

Centro Shaheen Jeddah by Rotana

• Jeddah

From $107 per night

The Hotel Galleria Jeddah, Curio Collection by Hil

• Jeddah

From $127 per night

Al Hayatt Jeddah Hotel

• Jeddah

From $94 per night

DoubleTree by Hilton Jeddah Al Andalus Mall

• Jeddah

From $120 per night

Areen Hotel

• Jeddah

From $51 per night

Movenpick Hotel City Star Jeddah

• Jeddah

From $102 per night

Best time to visit Jeddah

Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Jeddah is February, when average daytime highs are around 84°F and rain falls on about 4 days a month.

Average daily low and high temperatures and days with at least 1 mm of rain, from recent weather records. Highlighted months are the most comfortable for sightseeing.

Jeddah weather forecast

• Wed 21 Oct 96° 80° 0%
• Thu 22 Oct 94° 78° 6%
• Fri 23 Oct 95° 79° 0%
• Sat 24 Oct 95° 79° 0%
• Sun 25 Oct 97° 80° 24%
• Mon 26 Oct 96° 82° 27%

Know before you go

Currency

Saudi riyal (SAR)1 US dollar ≈ ر.س3.75

Language

Arabic

Calling code

+966

Driving

On the right

Time zone

Asia/RiyadhUTC+3

Capital

Riyadh

Getting to Jeddah

These are the airports closest to central Jeddah. Compare fares into each one, as a slightly longer transfer can sometimes mean a much cheaper flight.

• JED King Abdulaziz International Airport9 mi (15 km) from the city centre

Getting around Jeddah

Like the other big Saudi cities, regular green taxis and Ubers are plentiful.

By boat

Boats are not particularly a means of transportation, but rather a way to enjoy the views of the Red Sea. You can catch boats in Obhur north of Jeddah at the marina; a one hour ride in a small boat is around SR200 (US$55).

Jeddah travel FAQ