Destinations

5 places to visit in Jeddah

An undiscovered jewel

Jeddah is a bit of undiscovered jewel as it is somewhat difficult to gain access to Saudi Arabia. This doesn’t mean that there are not an abundance of incredible experiences waiting once you do arrive though. In Jeddah, history and modernity share the same space and this makes for an interesting combination.  Ancient culture thrives side by side with contemporary architecture and the local cuisine is exciting and challenging. Before you can visit Jeddah though, you will have to acquaint yourself with the current requirements for Saudi Arabia eVisa. It might also be nice to have some suggestions regarding what to see and do once you arrive. 

Saudi Arabia eVisa

All foreign nationals except citizens from Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman and the UAE, wanting to travel to Saudi Arabia will need a visa. Currently, Saudi Arabia does not issue tourist visas, only Hajj visas which are issued for religious pilgrims. This is all going to change though as Saudi Arabia plan to facilitate tourism by implementing the process of online visas, the Saudi Arabia eVisa. Visitors wanting to travel to Saudi Arabia will then be able to complete the online eVisa application process from the comfort of their own home and there will no longer be any need to visit an embassy or a consulate. You will simply need to fill out some personal information and your passport details, then once approved, your visa will be sent to your inbox. This alongside your passport will then be sufficient as travel documents when visiting Saudi Arabia. For full disclosure of rules and regulations when it comes to visas for Saudi Arabia, it is best to visit official sources online. 

5 places to start

  1. King Fahd’s Fountainthe tallest fountain in the world is a spectacular view, especially in the evening when it is illuminated.
  2. The Floating Mosque – this incredible sight includes the stunning white mosque that seems to be literally emerging from the sea.
  3. Bicycle Square – this unique landmark is exactly what the name suggests, , measuring a staggering 50 feet in height.
  4. Gallery One – this art store is popular among visitors and a true cultural epicentre in Jeddah.
  5. Nasif House – this is the main attraction in old Jeddah and an absolute must if you are visiting the city.

The above list of suggestions of places to visit in Jeddah, is precisely that, suggestions. These places will give you a feel for the city and start you off on your journey through town. There is still much more to discover. The food culture in Saudi Arabia for instance is incredibly special and tastes delicious. The best way to learn about a city is to simply experience it for yourself. There are many sights and landmarks in Jeddah and it is a beautiful city filled with exciting things to do and see. Once you have secured your visa and made sure that you have made all the necessary preparations, there is nothing standing in the way of your Saudi Arabian adventure. 

Ollie McAninch

Ollie McAninch is a former public and private sector economist turned digital media pioneer. After working in the media for over a decade, he helped develop The London Economic to promote independent investigative journalism. When he isn't contributing articles, Ollie spends the bulk of his time looking after animals, pressing apples and planting trees.

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