One of the main complaints from travellers heading to any of Saudi Arabia’s cities is that they are expensive, and Jeddah is no exception. From taxis and hotels to meals out, Jeddah is not a budget destination by any means.
But it is a city where street life is a huge part of the social lives of its residents, and much of that is free, or at least, more affordable. Hang onto your riyals with our favourite free things to do in Jeddah.
1. Get lost in Al Balad
The best way to take in Jeddah’s UNESCO-listed Historic District – known as ‘Al Balad’ in Arabic, meaning simply ‘the town’ – is to get a taxi to either Bab Jadeed or Bab Makkah, one of the two historic gates to the old city, and start walking.
Even in the heat, the narrow lanes between the houses are relatively cool – that’s why they were built like this in the first place. Spend a happy couple of hours gazing at the traditional Hijazi architecture, such as the wooden screens and balconies of the houses, and enjoy the sights and smells, and the sound of the call to prayer ringing through the alleyways.
If you stop for tea or a kebab or to buy something in one of the four souks that dot the old city, it will not cost you much: try to find a shreek, a milk-bread donut or a kubz, a Saudi pitta. You can have the latter with hummus or moutabal for a budget-friendly and authentic snack.
Meanwhile, visits to the increasing number of restored old merchant houses – the best of which is Nassif House – are rarely more than SAR10 and well worth it.
2. Walk Jeddah’s Corniche for sunset views and cheap eats
The sunset is free and there are few better places to take it all in than while strolling along Jeddah’s vast Corniche. Bear in mind that because the Corniche is long – more than 50km from one end to the other – you’ll need to pick a good point to start your stroll.
The Al-Rahma Mosque, known as the “floating mosque”, is a good option. From here to City Walk and back again is around 6km, and it's fringed by a running and cycling path.
Nearby is the epic, 853ft King Fahd Fountain, reputed to be the tallest fountain in the world, which makes quite a sight after sunset.
There are spots all along the Corniche to sit and get an inexpensive meal, or bring your own food and picnic on the rocks or on one of the numerous stretches of green space.
3. Check out some street art at Lake Arbaeen and the northern Corniche
At the centre of the newly developed Lake Arbaeen site is a sculpture garden and a series of interesting walkways around the restored lagoon near Al Balad. There are lots of spots to picnic or grab a cheap bite to eat, and the Historic District is just about walking distance. Further north, the Jeddah Art Promenade is a free display of international art and sculpture by artists including Swiss Beatz and Key West.
4. Educate yourself at one of Jeddah’s amazing – and affordable – museums
If you’re looking to kill some time on the cheap, head to the Al Tayebat Museum in Al Faisaliyyah, a huge museum complex spread across 10,000 square metres, including 12 buildings and more than 300 rooms. Built to reflect Jeddah’s traditional Hijazi architecture over 15 years, it contains myriad artefacts, Islamic manuscripts, ancient tribal costumes, and coins, as well as weapons, furniture and utensils from across the Arab world. Entry is just SAR80 on Saturdays.
The Matbouli House Museum in Al Balad, meanwhile, was originally a traditional Hijazi merchant’s home and contains many of the unique features of Jeddah architecture. It is maintained by a Saudi family who charge a very reasonable SAR 10 to look around.
5. Cool off at the mall
Riyadh may have stolen Jeddah’s thunder somewhat when it comes to shopping, but it was Jeddah that hosted Saudi Arabia’s first malls, and outlets like the Red Sea Mall remain popular draws for both visitors and locals to this day. You don’t need to spend money to enjoy the air conditioning and do some window shopping, especially during the sweltering summer months when being somewhere cool is all that matters.
6. Hit the beach
Out-of-town and public beaches are popular and (mostly) free for all visitors to while away an evening, have a picnic and perhaps a paddle in the warm water of the Red Sea. Facilities will vary depending on the beach but it’s a very popular way to cool down in the hotter months and the shallow waters are ideal for little swimmers. Bring a picnic and make a day of it.
7. Take the kids to the playground
Unlike in some cities, Jeddah’s parks, beaches, and public areas are very much geared towards children, and you will always stumble across climbing frames and swings and occasionally full-size funfairs in otherwise regular municipal parks. Public beaches too are very much geared towards families, and Jeddah – as with much of the Arab world – is kid-friendly and welcoming in a way that other destinations are not.
