Somewhere between your first Iftar on the Corniche and a late-night wander through Al Balad's alleyways, Jeddah starts feeling like a city you have known all your life, yet somehow every corner reveals a new world to discover.
When the smell of freshly baked bread and salty sea air surrounds you, and charming cafes, galleries, shops, artisan studios, and restaurants call you in, leaving tomorrow suddenly feels like a decision you can keep making. That is the beauty of Saudi Arabia's Red Sea city.
It has a way of tugging at your sleeve - maybe it is that one gathering that led to another, that one late night that turned into three. Or perhaps it is its welcoming spirit, one that speaks through quiet celebration and reflection during the holy month, urging you to stay just a little longer.
When the sun sets, Jeddah’s Corniche wakes
The days may be quiet, but everything shifts to a different rhythm once the sun dips. And one of the best places to enjoy the vibrant atmosphere and take in Jeddahwi traditions, special decorations, and community get-togethers is the sweeping 30km Corniche. The sight of people strolling, children weaving between them with glowing toys and sticky hands from syrupy desserts is deeply warming. The food stalls, offering delights like grilled corn or luqaimat dripping in date syrup, and the scent of cardamom and bread, mingling with the Red Sea breeze, quickly engage your senses even more and show how naturally hospitality flows.
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Described as an open-air theatre, the coastal walkway is well-known for its arresting sculptors, attractions like King Fahd’s Fountain, and the best place to take in an extraordinary sunset view. It also has an excellent cafe scene, making it a natural spot to stop at one of the coffee shops that suddenly stir to life in the evening. You’ll spot groups of friends sharing Arabic coffee and late-night pastries at some of the most renowned, including Eng Cafe, with its stunning view of the famous Floating Mosque, Brew92, and Cup & Couch.
Additionally, the Corniche is where you can pick and choose from one of the numerous seaside iftar tents offering traditional, authentic Hijazi flavours in a lively, communal environment. Al-Mirkaz, widely recognised as one of Jeddah's most iconic Ramadan tents, is an elegant, more luxurious choice. For the best panoramic views of the skyline, plus a more peaceful, upscale Iftar, it is the rooftops, whether at lounges or hotels, that stand out the brightest. Whether it is the oud or qanun music, traditional, lavish buffet, live cooking stations, or marvellous views, there is a lot of memories to take back. Kaia at Shangri-La Jeddah, known for its Pacific Rim flavours, is a top choice for Iftar or Suhoor. The Jeddah EDITION’s Maritime, a contemporary French Asian restaurant created by the renowned Cédric Vongerichten, also offers both options, while Soleil Rooftop at Rosewood Jeddah is another fantastic choice for a pre-dawn meal.
Ramadan in the historic Al Balad District
After the buzz of the Corniche, Jeddah’s historic district moves at a different pace – softer, slower, and more reflective, reminding you of the beauty of slowing down. There’s a festive, welcoming spirit with music and lanterns swinging gently above the maze of narrow alleyways, casting warm light across the old coral-stone facades and mashrabiyas.
Whether it’s a small group inviting you to some mint tea on a woven carpet by Matbouli House Museum, the artisans displaying handmade jewellery and calligraphy under strings of fairy lights in Qabil Street, the stunning architecture of Bait Zainal and Bait Nassef, or hidden gem and photographer’s dream, Herbalists Lane, every corner holds a story.
The UNESCO World Heritage Site is also full of charming cafes perfect for soaking up the old soul atmosphere. These include Sobia Bar, famous for the time honoured drink, 1/15 Neighbourhood Café, where you can enjoy specialty brews and handcrafted beverages and Historical Nights Rooftop Café, a place that allows you to time travel to the past and admire various antiques and traditional decor. Heart of Al Balad Café is another fabulous place that brings people and stories together.
Al Balad’s shopkeepers keep their doors open long after dark, offering the likes of dates, incense, and spiced teas to passers-by. The smell of hot sambousek drifts between the restored heritage houses, but there are countless more street food choices, especially if you head to the Ramadan Street Food Festival.
Then there’s the bustling markets, wrapped in colour, history, aromas, and fabulous wares, which are central to the cultural experience. From Al Balad Souk (Souk Al Alawi), Jeddah’s largest and one of its oldest, and the Gold Souk, to Attarin Souk and Souk Bab Makkah, the markets thrive and combine spirituality with heritage during Ramadan.
Whether you’re on the hunt for the best traditional crafts, antiques, gold, silver, spices, clothing or bargain souvenirs, you won’t be disappointed.
It’s only later you realise that Jeddah is an easing into your spiritual journey rather than just a gateway to it. While you may be in transit, there’s nothing temporary about the way the Red Sea port city makes you feel. With no one in a rush during those Ramadan nights, Jeddah doesn’t push you along but invites you to linger. And you may just find yourself sleeping later, leaving later, maybe departing tomorrow instead of today.
Photography with thanks to Kawther Alrimawi
