Jeddah , Saudi Arabia

Jeddah Old Town Tour (Al Balad)

Active

(18 reviews)

2h - 3h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Manual confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

During this tour you will pass by many shops where they offer different merchandise such as perfumes, cloth, jewellery , antiques and souvenirs where you can buy and bargain ! we will also introduce you to some local shops to see some crafts being made such as the local sandals , perfumes and gold jewellery crafts. You will pass by different local communities within Al Balad which each community gather for tea and chat , kids playing around and street cats strolling for food ! the Balad spirit

Available options

Jeddah Old Town Tour (Al Balad)

What's included

Entry to museums

Local snacks and drinks

Local Guide

Detailed itinerary

This is half day experience to tour Al Balad as local call it which means “ the town” as reference to the base of Jeddah.

Al-Balad was founded in the 7th century and historically served as the centre of Jeddah. Al-Balad's defensive walls were torn down in the 1940s. In the 1970s and 1980s, when Jeddah began to become wealthier due to the oil boom, many Jeddawis moved north, away from Al-Balad

Al Balad is registered as a world heritage UNISCO site and since then the old buildings with its unique window designs and doors are being preserved along with its unique buildings which some have been built using seashells and stones !. The old buildings once housed the famous Jeddah families and hosted the founder the late King Abdulaziz when first entered Jeddah.

Our tour will go through the history of these building including going inside one of the buildings to see the interior designs , furniture and life back then

The old Mosques is another tourist attraction where some were founded over 300 years ago and still functional as a mosque.

The main attraction in this tour is the food and snacks of Al Balad where we will pass by some famous vendors known to offer the best local snacks such as the local drink made of bread “ Sobia” and the old bakery which its famous for its fresh bread. Another local snack that consists of Bean and pickles “ Balilah”.

We will stop for rest in one of the local coffee open air places and try famous local tea mixed with milk and herbs

We will move to visit the center of Al Balad to see the first hotel built in Jeddah influenced by Italian architecture then pass by the first school built in Saudi. We will also visit one of the art houses and museum offering its unique local art collection and antiques.

Available languages

Guide guide

AR EN

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.7

12 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 4.5

6 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

Jeddah Old gate (Bab Nadeed)

About Jeddah

Jeddah, the vibrant port city of Saudi Arabia, is known for its rich history, bustling markets, and stunning Red Sea coastline. As the gateway to the holy city of Mecca, it blends modern luxury with traditional charm, offering a unique cultural experience.

Top Attractions

Al-Balad (Historical Downtown)

Al-Balad is a UNESCO World Heritage site featuring ancient coral houses, traditional markets, and historic mosques. It's a must-visit for history and architecture enthusiasts.

Historical Half day Free (some attractions may have entry fees)

Red Sea Mall

One of the largest shopping malls in Jeddah, offering a wide range of international and local brands, entertainment, and dining options.

Shopping A few hours Free entry (shopping and dining costs vary)

Fakieh Aquarium

A popular family attraction featuring a variety of marine life, including sharks, rays, and colorful fish. The aquarium also has a small petting zoo and a 4D cinema.

Entertainment 2-3 hours Moderate (around 50-100 SAR per person)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Kabsa

A fragrant rice dish cooked with spices, meat (usually chicken or lamb), and served with a side of yogurt or salad.

Main dish Contains meat, can be spicy

Shawarma

Marinated meat (chicken or lamb) roasted on a spit and served in pita bread with vegetables and sauces.

Street food Contains meat, can be customized for dietary preferences

Mandi

A traditional dish of spiced meat (usually lamb or chicken) cooked in an underground pit and served with rice.

Main dish Contains meat, can be spicy

Popular Activities

Scuba diving Snorkeling Desert safaris Beach lounging Spa treatments Yoga Visiting historic sites Attending cultural festivals

Best Time to Visit

November to February

The best time to visit Jeddah is during the cooler months when the weather is pleasant and ideal for outdoor activities. This period is also popular for religious tourism.

20-30°C 68-86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Arabic
Widely spoken: English
English: Moderately spoken

Currency

Saudi Riyal (SAR)

Time Zone

GMT+3

Electricity

230VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Jeddah is generally safe for tourists, but it's important to be aware of local customs and laws. Petty crime can occur, so take precautions to protect your belongings.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure
• Be cautious of strangers offering help or services
• Avoid walking alone at night in less crowded areas

Getting there

By air

King Abdulaziz International Airport • 20 km north of the city center

By bus

Central Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

The bus system is affordable and connects major areas, but can be crowded during peak hours.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Careem

Rentals

Car

Neighborhoods

Al-Balad Al-Salamah Al-Kandarah

Day trips

Obhur Creek

15 km north of Jeddah • Half day

A scenic creek with beautiful views, perfect for a relaxing day trip. Enjoy a boat ride, visit the nearby beach, or dine at one of the waterfront restaurants.

Al-Hokair Land

30 km south of Jeddah • Full day

A popular amusement park with a variety of rides, attractions, and entertainment options for all ages.

Festivals

Jeddah Season • December to January

Pro tips

Visit Al-Balad early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the heat and crowds
Hire a local guide to learn more about the history and culture of Jeddah
Try local dishes at traditional restaurants for an authentic culinary experience
Use the Sary app for bus schedules and routes
Carry cash for small purchases and tips, as some places may not accept cards