leisure: Jeddah
Jeddah
AL-BALAD (OLD TOWN)
The gates to Al-Balad (old town) still stand, but the city wall that once surrounded Al-Balad has long since been torn down. Nevertheless, there is still much to see inside the complex, including ancient houses and traditional souks built of coral. Most structures have suffered over time, with many dilapidated, but there remains several buildings to explore. The main market street, Souq al-Alawi, is lined by coral houses on either side.
Ideal for: Half-day tour
Group size: Two to 20
Timings: Best viewed in the afternoon when the shops all open after prayer
Top tip: Great for seeking out unusual gifts
JEDDAH CORNICHE
Considered one of Jeddah City's main landmarks, the Jeddah Corniche is a culturally vibrant spot. The 35 km area was recently refurbished, and took five years to complete from start to finish. Several open exhibitions of sculptures and monuments created by internationally revered sculptors and artists, such as France's Ceasar, Varselli and Henry Moore, line the boardwalk.
Entertainment for children includes camel rides and Shetland ponies at the nearby beach, which is often a hive of activity. Adults wishing to indulge in water-sports can hire jet skis and sailboats.
Ideal for: Early evening promenade
Group size: Two to 20
Timings: Can be enjoyed anytime throughout the day
Top tip: Pick up a work of art from one of the local artisans
NASEEF HOUSE
This is undoubtedly one of the city's most famous houses. Situated on Souq al-Alawi, the residence was home to the one of Jeddah's main trading families, the Naseefs. King Abdulaziz Al Saud, founder of modern-day Saudi Arabia, was a regular guest at the house whenever he visited Jeddah. The house has since been restored in the 1990s and now accommodates a cultural centre. The buildings throughout the residence feature cut stones or mud bricks, carved woodwork windows and walls and horizontally placed latticed wooden poles.
Ideal for: Half-day afternoon tour
Group size: Two to 20
Timings: Arrive early to ensure entry
Top tip: Visit at same time as old town
SCUBA DIVING
Fantastic visibility coupled with spectacular flora and fauna marks Jeddah down as a city with some of the best scuba diving experiences in the world. With a vast array of underwater sites to explore, divers have many areas to venture into. In particular, the chicken wreck is a popular destination. The story goes that a boat carrying tons of frozen chicken hit the reef and sunk to between 10-18 metres in depth. A one-hour speed boat ride out to sea is usually required to reach the best dive sites.
Ideal for: Adventurous swimmers
Group size: Two to 20
Timings: Arrive early morning in full daylight before the midday heat
Top tip: Make sure qualified divers bring their PADI certificates with them to enable them to dive
KING FAHD'S FOUNTAIN
Home to the world's tallest fountain, Jeddah's captivating aqua feature can project water 312 metres into the air. Some 625 litres of water are delivered by three huge pumps that propel the water at astonishing speeds of 375 km/h.
Ideal for: Part of city tour
Group size: Two to 50
Timings: Can be enjoyed any time of the day or night
Top tip: Take a tripod for a group photograph
SOUQS
Of the various marketplaces dotted around Al-Balad, there are perhaps four which prove most popular with inhabitants and tourists alike. Souq Al Nada predominantly sells gold and silver ornaments, while Souq Al Jamia is the city's primary textile market. Cutting through this district from east to west is Souq Al Alawi, with the Gabel Street Souq selling everything from perfumes, dates and household items to electronics and spices. Each Souq may sell 21st Century goods, but they still offer an insight into how inhabitants lived centuries ago. Bartering is still the biggest practice between shopkeepers and customers keen to strike a bargain. With so many merchants offering similar goods, it's best to walk away and try elsewhere if a trader is unwilling to budge on price..
Ideal for: Part of old town tour
Group size: Two to 20
Timings: Best viewed in the afternoon when the shops all open after prayer
Top tip: Great for seeking out unusual gifts
