Discover Historical Highlights on a Tour of Old Town Jeddah

Jeddah is a popular tourist destination in Saudi Arabia, known for its stunning scenery, vibrant markets and bustling city centre. But if you’re looking to get a feel for the true history and culture of the area, then there’s no better way to do so than with a tour of Old Town Jeddah.Jeddah is also known as the “Bride of the Red Sea’, and is one of the oldest cities in Saudi Arabia – with a history stretching back more than four thousand years. A tour of Old Town Jeddah will take you back in time, immersing you in an ancient culture that remains alive to this day.On a tour of the old town, you’ll be able to explore a variety of ancient monuments and cultural sites, visit traditional markets and have the opportunity to experience a wide range of classic Saudi Arabian dishes. But before you go, here’s a guide to some of the historical highlights that you can find on a tour of Old Town Jeddah:

1. Al-Balad – The Historic Centre of Jeddah

The Al-Balad district of Jeddah is an absolute must-see on any tour of the old town. Located in the geographical centre of the city, Al-Balad is an historic and UNESCO-protected area, full of ancient buildings, winding streets and fascinating heritage sites. This bustling neighbourhood is where Jeddah’s traditional charm shines through, and it’s a fascinating place to explore with plenty of fascinating attractions to discover. From the towering Al-Birr Tower – built in 1490 – to the Souq al-Alawi – one of the oldest markets in Jeddah – Al-Balad is full of historical monuments, cultural attractions and popular pilgrimage sites. If you prefer shopping over sightseeing, then the Souq al-Alawi is the place for you – you’re sure to find plenty of interesting merchandise from carpets to souvenirs from all over the world. Al-Balad is also home to King Fahd’s Fountain – the largest fountain in the world – and many traditional restaurants offering some of the best authentic Saudi Arabian cuisine available.

2. Tahlia Street – An Elegant Shopping District

Tahlia Street is perhaps one of the most iconic roads in Old Town Jeddah. An elegant yet bustling shopping district that stretches along Tahlia Street between Tahliya and Palestine Streets is home to both luxury stores and traditional bazaars. This street is lined with countless fashion stores, designer labels, jewellery boutiques, art galleries and much more. Another highlight of Tahlia Street is that it leads to the Red Sea – providing stunning ocean views and offering plenty of opportunities for refreshment. The area is also full of sidewalk cafes and shisha lounges where locals and tourists alike can enjoy some traditional refreshments.

3. Al-Omari Mosque – One of the Most Holy Sites in Old Town Jeddah

For those looking for spiritual enlightenment on their old town tour, Al-Omari Mosque should be at the top of your list. This beautiful mosque was erected in 850 AD and is one of the most revered holy sites in Jeddah – it was also named after Usama bin Zayd Al-Omari, the son of Zayd ibn Haritha, who carried out many religious services here. Set in a tranquil yet breathtaking courtyard surrounded by towering minarets, it’s no surprise to discover that Al-Omari Mosque is one of the most photographed locations in Jeddah. It also offers free guided tours where visitors can learn about its history as well as some interesting facts about Islam.

4. Hejaz Railway Station – For Trainspotting Jeddah Style

Avid train spotters won’t want to miss the Hejaz Railway Station – one of the most popular attractions in Old Town Jeddah. Inaugurated in 1908 by King Abdul Aziz al-Saud as part of his grand plan to link three major cities between Damascus and Medina, this majestic railway station continues to attract visitors from far and wide with its impressive architecture and grandeur. Today, you can take a guided tour of the station which will take you through its historic past. You can also marvel at some fascinating exhibits including scale models of trains that travelled the historic tracks between Damascus and Medina in its heyday. And if you get there at just the right time, you may even be lucky enough to take a ride on one of the vintage locomotives which still occasionally arrive at Hejaz Railway Station.

5. King Fahad Road Mosque – An Architectural Marvel

As its name suggests, King Fahad Road Mosque is located near King Fahad Road, where it has stood since 1954 at a time when Saudi Arabia was beginning its transformation into the modern nation it is today. The mosque stands as a symbol of this growth – with its beautiful architecture that blends modern design principles with traditional Islamic architecture – and is considered one of the most architecturally impressive mosques in Saudi Arabia. The mosque can be accessed for free on Fridays (the traditional day off in Saudi Arabia). Guided tours are also available on weekdays – however visitors must obtain permission from the nearest police station before they can enter and must adhere to a strict dress code while inside mosque grounds with men being asked to wear long trousers and women being requested to wear hijabs or abayas (traditional Islamic clothing).

Conclusion

As you can see, there are many points of interest in Old Town Jeddah that offer a truly fascinating insight into this region’s rich history and culture. From ancient monuments to historic markets, popular pilgrimage sites to luxurious shopping areas, there’s something for everyone on this tour of Old Town Jeddah. With so much to explore, why not take yourself on an adventure and see for yourself why this area is considered one of the top tourist destinations in Saudi Arabia? To find out more about Old Town Historical Highlights Tour in Jeddah on GetYourGuide, see firsthand why this stunning city has been luring visitors for centuries with its rich history, culture and attractions. So book now and discover yourself why they say that “one trip toJeddah will make you fall in love with this unique city!