Two days in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
Jeddah Chronicles: Taxis, Turkish Cuisine, Traffic, and Midnight Adventures
After touching down at King Abdulaziz International Airport, Mustafa and I got visas on arrival, and the process was smooth. By the time we got out of the airport after buying sim cards, it was around 10 pm at night. After a long flight, we chose a taxi over a rental car in Jeddah, anticipating a more relaxing start to our holiday to Jeddah. Little did we know, the roads on the way to our hotel would bring us face to face with the city's thrilling traffic chaos which is not for the faint-hearted. It seemed like everyone was out of their homes and on the roads. We were glad to let the taxi take the wheel and experience the pulse of the city.
After freshening up with a much-needed shower at the hotel, our growling stomachs led us on a mission to find a delicious meal. With the help of Google, we managed to find a Turkish restaurant not far away. It was supposed to be a 10 minutes walk. However, as we set out on foot, we were in for a wild surprise. The roads of Jeddah were void of any dedicated pedestrian walkways, making our 10 minutes walk to the restaurant feel like a high-stakes game of "Mission Impossible." Instead of 10 minutes it took us half an hour. It's not easy to cross roads there. Braving the scorching heat and suffocating humidity, we pushed forward, determined to indulge in a delicious feast.
Taken at Lobby of our hotel ibis Jeddah City Center
It was 11ish pm at night and everything seems open for business. Upon arrival at the restaurant, we were greeted by a menu written entirely in Arabic and a bustling atmosphere of locals. But, our saving grace came in the form of a single waiter who stood out among the crowd, armed with impeccable customer service skills. Despite the restaurant's popularity, with takeaway orders flying out the door, this charismatic waiter made us feel like royalty. And as for the food? Trust me when I say, this feast was an epicurean explosion of awesomeness! Despite my modest appetite, my taste buds have a sophisticated palate.
With full bellies and newfound knowledge of the road now, we confidently made our way back to the hotel. This time, the journey was filled with intrigue as we paid closer attention to our surroundings. The towering buildings loomed above us, some appearing abandoned and haunted in the moonlight. Strange air conditioning units jutted out from the walls of apartment buildings, creating an eerie atmosphere. But, despite the strange surroundings, the sight of cats gracefully leaping from car to car added a touch of charm to the eclectic cityscape. It was a fascinating contrast between old and new, and we couldn't help but be mesmerized by Jeddah's strange atmosphere. Did I say it was hot and humid? It was April, why was I expecting any different. We had a good night sleep in our comfortable beds.
A little intro
Located on the coast of Red Sea, is a great destination for holiday to Jeddah. City has a rich history and cultural heritage that dates back to the 3000 year ago according to Saudi officials. Jeddah is a melting pot of tradition and modernity. Explore its bustling markets, savour delicious local cuisine, and visit iconic landmarks like the Floating Mosque and the Jeddah Corniche. Lets get down to how to spend two days in Jeddah.
Day 1
Visit the Jeddah Corniche: This scenic walkway along the Red Sea is a must-visit for tourists. Take a stroll, relax on the beach, and enjoy stunning views of the sea and the city skyline.
Explore Al-Balad: This historic neighborhood is the oldest part of Jeddah and a great place to learn about the city's heritage. Visit traditional souks (markets), admire the old houses, and try some street food.
Visit the Floating Mosque: The unique design of this mosque, built on a platform over the sea, is a must-see for anyone visiting Jeddah.
Take a boat trip to Farasan Islands: If you want to escape the city for a day, take a boat trip to the Farasan Islands. The islands offer a chance to see some of the area's marine life.
day 2
Visit the Al-Rahma Mosque: This mosque, also known as the Mosque of Mercy, is one of the largest in Jeddah and a popular place for prayer and reflection.
Check out the Jeddah National Museum: This museum provides a fascinating glimpse into the history and culture of Jeddah and Saudi Arabia.
Visit the Red Sea Mall: This shopping center is one of the largest in Jeddah and a great place to find souvenirs and gifts.
Visit Prince Majed Park: This large park is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike. Enjoy a picnic, watch street performers, or just relax in the green surroundings.
These are just a few suggestions for activities during your holiday to Jeddah. Of course, there are many more things to see and do in this fascinating city, so feel free to explore and make your own itinerary. Even we spread out our two days in Jeddah in two parts. Once when we entered the country at night and the next day was our Day 1, and 2nd Day at Jeddah was spent on the way back when we were getting out of the country.
The experience in Jeddah was elevated to new heights thanks to my school friend Ali
Now Ali received us from the Jeddah Airport when we came back from Madinah. Despite his efforts to greet us earlier in Makkah, our busy eight-day itinerary prevented us from crossing paths. Jeddah is his home, and he is the one who showed us around there. This time around we stayed in a hotel called Al Balad Inn Corniche. And It was serendipitous that my friend Ali, whom I hadn't seen since high school, turned out to be the accountant at the Hilton Hotel located few metres away from where we were staying. That made catching up easier.
Ali introduced us to some heavenly food right before we were due out of the country. It was so good that let's just say our taste buds were transported to heaven with every bite of the delectable dishes of Deer and Ostrich. It was a dining experience like no other and one we won't soon forget. Place is called Brasa De Brazil Jeddah. Highly recommended.
Being welcomed by Ali's unparalleled hospitality was a true privilege, making our visit all the more memorable and special. He dropped us off at the airport and we left the country with so many beautiful memories.
But you my friend are probably looking for how to spend two days in Makkah after reading about two days in Jeddah. Please click on the next orange button that says Makkah. And if you have landed on this page accidentally then you can read all about my Saudi adventure by clicking the previous button that says Saudi.