Ashwag Falata is a Jeddah native, a seasoned traveler, and a passionate blogger.
Harnessing her passion and pride for her hometown, Ashwag uses her Instagram as an digital diary documenting and sharing her deep connection to both Jeddah and Saudi Arabia with the world — showcasing its locally loved locations, its stunning vistas and its hidden corners.
Ashwag's journey of discovery and exploration began in the U.S., where she made it a point to explore a different state each weekend, embodying her philosophy that 'vacation days should be used to discover new worlds.'
Now, effortlessly guiding visitors through the city's unique experiences and the rich selection of local and traditional cuisine, Ashwag believes the best way to experience Jeddah is through the eyes and recommendations of its locals. It those who have grown up in the city and love it to its core, who can reveal the city's historical depths and share stories of their ancestors who forged its distinctive heritage.
And in this piece, Ashwag guides us on her personally curated guide for a perfect day in the Red Sea port city of Jeddah.
Start Bright and Early
Spending a day off in Jeddah is a unique experience Ashwag says, unlike anywhere else in the world, thanks to Jeddah's rich cultural heritage and vibrant tourist attractions.
For Ashwag, the perfect day off begins with an early start to make the most of the daylight for outdoor activities. She shares, "I travel frequently around the world, so when I'm in Jeddah, I always make sure to spend my time doing what I love. In our home, weekend breakfasts are a cherished tradition—something we’ve inherited from our grandparents, much like many Saudi families. Our Friday breakfast typically consists of foul (fava beans) and tamees (flatbread), two staples in Jeddah’s cuisine."
Jeddah is deeply intertwined with its coastline, making a visit to the city's beautiful corniche a must. Ashwag describes it best: "Jeddah is a warm and welcoming city where everyone seems to know each other. The sea is at the heart of everything here—whether it’s the food, activities, or even the city’s rich historical and cultural significance."
Taste the Flavours of the Red Sea Cuisine
Food has the unique ability to unite people, even where backgrounds, experiences and languages are different. And by sharing local dishes and traditional flavours, Ashwag notes that sharing a meal offers visitors an intimate glimpse into the heart of Jeddah.
For the people of Jeddah, Fridays are all about fresh seafood. Ashwag shares, "No Friday passes without families and locals gathering around the table to enjoy seafood, and there are many well-known places to try it."
So, where does she recommend visitors try for incredibly fresh, locally caught seafood dishes?
Al-Basali Fish Restaurant
As Jeddah’s first seafood restaurant, Al-Basali has gained immense popularity among both locals and visitors since its establishment in 1949. The restaurant offers a wide variety of fresh seafood, including Najil, Hamour, Hareed, shrimp, calamari, and lobster, all served with traditional Sayadiya rice.
For those visiting Jeddah for the first time and looking to savour authentic Red Sea seafood, Ashwag highly recommends enjoying a meal at Al-Basali, as the freshly caught fish is expertly prepared, and either grilled or fried to your preference.
Twina Restaurant
Another standout option is Twina Restaurant, which Ashwaq describes as a great choice for families. In addition to its delicious selection of seafood, the restaurant also has a dedicated children’s play area and regularly hosts entertainment events.
Discover More with Water Activities
Dive Beneath the Surface
When the sun shines, the people of Jeddah are full of excitement, a feeling that is particularly palpable for those eager to explore the depths of the Red Sea and its vibrant marine life and colourful corals. For Ashwag, diving is an essential part of her trips to Jeddah. "I've always loved diving and seeing coral reefs in crystal-clear waters. The underwater world of the Red Sea is breathtaking, and I highly recommend snorkelling for those who don't know how to dive."
Diving can be done both during the day and at night, and unusually Ashwag says she prefers the latter, saying, "Night dives are my favourite because the underwater scene becomes even more tranquil under the moonlight and its reflection on the sea."
Rent a Boat or a Jet-Ski
For those who love the sea, renting a boat is an excellent way to spend the day - and see the shape of the cityscape from the water. Visitors can enjoy a meal on board with family and friends or opt for a more thrilling experience by renting a jet ski, which costs around SAR500 per hour.
Fish with the Locals
Of course, as might be expected, fishing is another time-honoured and still much-loved activity amongst Jeddawi locals. And thanks to the city's ideal location on the edges of the Red Sea, there is an abundance of fish and marine life.
Stop and Watch the Sun Set
Beyond typical water sports and water-based activities like diving and fishing, Ashwag says that she never misses the opportunity to witness Jeddah’s stunning sunsets. The avid traveller encourages visitors to take a moment or two to breathe in and enjoy the view of the endless horizon at sunset, while strolling along the corniche or unwinding at a waterside café with a cup of coffee. "People in Jeddah love their corniche; they spend their weekends there barbecuing, walking, cycling, or riding scooters."
A Journey Through Historic Jeddah
What is a visit to Jeddah without embracing and exploring the historic heart of the city?
To end your day in Jeddah on a cultural note, Ashwaq recommends setting aside two to three hours to explore historic Jeddah, specifically the Al Balad District. Here, visitors can immerse themselves in the city’s rich heritage by seeing the carefully restored, traditional buildings of the historic district and the unique home-style museums to be found on almost every corner.
Fully immerse yourself in the buzz of he city's traditional markets, wander and discover the wares of local sellers in the souqs, and stop for a while to savour the authentic Hijazi cuisine. Additionally, Ashwaq encourages visitors to experience Jeddah’s vibrant shopping scene, which boasts numerous stores selling a selection of items from handmade crafts, to spices and herbs, traditional perfumes and textiles, and even gold.
Ashwag explains, "Touring Jeddah is easy and doesn’t require much planning. All you need to do is book a ticket to visit, and spend the day wandering through its streets."
You Might Also Like: Your Guide to Jeddah's Historic AlBalad District
When is the Best Time to Visit?
Although the answer is likely to differ slightly from person to person, when it comes to answering the question of when we should visit Jeddah, Ashwag recommends "The best time to visit this coastal city is from November to May."
Let's Talk Budget
Of course, when we talk about budgeting - it all depends on how much you want to do, and where you want to do it and how many people are in your group. But, Ashwag says when it comes to budgeting for a day in Jeddah, (taking into account that costs vary depending on the chosen activities), typically visitors should budget between SAR300 - 500 per day.
Follow more of Ashwag's adventures on Instagram
@new.destinationtour
