Despite being Saudi Arabia’s primary urban destinations, Jeddah and Riyadh really couldn’t be more different. And it has always been that way. Prior to Saudi Arabia opening up and embracing tourism, Riyadh was the rather staid centre of business, while Jeddah was its free-wheeling, liberal counterpart.
Riyadh was Saudi’s political heart, while Jeddah was its cultural hub. Riyadh is barely three hundred years old, and Jeddah has been around for millennia. Riyadh is in the desert, Jeddah by the sea, and on, and on.
To understand the Kingdom, you really need to visit both. But if you can’t, here are a few pointers to help you choose the perfect Saudi city for you.
Best city for culture
Jeddah
Jeddah’s cultural offerings are all very old: the historic Al Balad district is a museum in itself, and the restoration of houses such as Bait Nassif and some of the other traditional merchant houses and souqs since its UNESCO listing in 2014 has only accelerated that. It isn’t all about the past, either. Jeddah’s contemporary art scene is thriving, and galleries such as ATHR are unparalleled venues to check out modern Arabic art.
Jeddah is also an excellent hub for traditional food and music, all centred around the unique culture of the Hejaz and influenced by the city’s role as a stopping-off point for pilgrims from throughout the Muslim world over the centuries. Good music venues include Bait Ziryab in historic Jeddah and the Muse Centre, which organises events throughout the city.
Riyadh
Where Jeddah is traditional, Riyadh is modern: it is the capital that hosts the big-ticket events that Saudi Arabia has thrown its weight behind over the last five years, from ultimate fighting and boxing tournaments to horse racing and the Saudi Grand Prix. In 2024, Riyadh is hosting a plethora of big name music acts including Eminem and Muse.
But Riyadh has not neglected the past. It is home to a range of excellent museums, concentrated around the King Abdulaziz Historical Centre in the heart of the city. These include the gigantic National Museum and the Al-Masmak Palace, the oldest building in the city. More are to come: it was announced in February 2024 that there would be a new science museum hub in the capital. And just outside the capital is the historic and UNESCO recognised city of Diriyah.
The winner: Too close to call. If you really want your Saudi culture vulture credentials you’d need a week – at least – in both cities.
Best city for shopping
Jeddah
Jeddah is known for its traditional souqs, mostly concentrated in Al Balad, many of which have served visitors and locals in these same locations for hundreds of years. That said, the changes in shopping habits that have affected many countries have not evaded Jeddah, and gone are the days when you could browse multiple stalls full of fresh dates or Arabic coffee in the Historic District. There are a few traditional stalls left, but they are few and far between.
But Jeddah was also one of the first cities in Saudi to allow – and build – American-style malls and the Red Sea Mall was one of Saudi Arabia’s first. Many have been added in the years since, and you can expect the kind of high-end boutiques you’d see in Abu Dhabi or Dubai.
Riyadh
Riyadh’s Kingdom Centre Tower is one of the most popular and newest destinations for travellers, and its shopping facilities get rave reviews; for around 70SAR you can also take a trip to the top of the tower and take in epic views of the city. Al Nakheel Mall in Al Mughrizat is also popular with tourists and locals and includes a cinema – a nice way to spend a summer afternoon.
Riyadh is also home to the storied Souq Al Zal, a 38,000 square metre traditional market, which while a relative baby by Jeddah’s standards (it has only been around for a century), is home to many stalls that sell Saudi handicrafts and traditional goods.
The winner: A controversial viewpoint, perhaps, but Riyadh’s slick, smart new malls are better than Jeddah’s, and Souk Al Zal is the better place to pick up traditional Saudi goods. So Riyadh takes it.
Best city for eating out
Jeddah
As a port city that has been home to pilgrims from across the Middle East and Africa for centuries – and with its own Hejazi style of cuisine that has evolved independently of the rest of the country – Jeddah is arguably one of the finest culinary hubs in the region, let alone in Saudi.
Whether in the narrow streets of Al Balad or along the Corniche, whiling away the hours on a terrace with a soft drink, a coffee, or a huge meal is what Jeddawis do well. If you’re looking for something a bit smarter, head to one of the malls or – for really high-end – one of the hotels for everything from French steakhouses (Swiss Butter near Prince Majid Park) to contemporary Arabic cuisine (TwentyFour at the Assila luxury hotel).
Riyadh
Riyadh has always been a hub for Indian and Pakistani expatriates and, as a result, has some of the best Indian and Pakistani food outside of the subcontinent. Zafran Indian Bistro has outlets at several Riyadh malls (Nakheel, the View). For traditional food from the Najd, the province of which Riyadh is the capital and from which its ruling Al Saud family come, don’t miss Najd Village in Al Olaya.
Riyadh is also home to dozens of well-known European, Asian and American brands if you’re in search of a familiar meal.
The winner: For the atmosphere, the range, and the history, It has to be Jeddah.
Best city for a luxury experience
Jeddah
As Saudi Arabia’s most open city for many decades, Jeddah has always been home to internationally branded luxury hotels that come with the facilities – and the prices – to match. This legacy, as well as the robust conference and pilgrim crowd, has been a double-edged sword: while there are lots of luxury hotels to choose from, some of them have seen better days.
As of 2024, a huge amount of development is going on and new luxury hotels are springing up every month. Those that are clustered around the better beaches and resorts, especially to the north and south of Jeddah, are marketing themselves as ultra-luxurious escapes for discerning travellers.
Riyadh
Much of Riyadh’s luxury hotel stock is brand new and the capital has firmly hung its hat on a luxury market, whether wealthy Saudis or international tourists heading to the myriad events that the city now hosts year around. As such, standards are higher than in Jeddah: Riyadh, so new to tourism, simply has a lot more to prove, and high-class city living options abound.
The winner: If you’re looking for a luxury city break and to take in a show, Riyadh. If you want to chill out on the beach with a bit of history on your doorstep, Jeddah. We’re firmly on the fence on this one.
