What is Jeddah most famous for? It is the main gateway to two of the most holy cities– Makkah and Medina. Millions travel from all over the world to proceed to their pilgrimage. The flights to Jeddah are usually packed with most of them using the city as a pit-stop. Even if you live in the capital city, you will still have to travel from Riyadh to Jeddah if you wish to visit Makkah and Medina.

Perched along the coast of the Red Sea, it is a vital commercial hub with a huge number of expatriates who are working there. Juxtaposing the traditional with modern, the second-largest metropolis of Saudi Arabia is as much known for its quintessential coral architecture and ancient mosques as much as it is famous for its steel-and-glass skyscrapers piercing through the skyline, high-end eateries, upscale shopping complexes and so forth.

When it comes to sightseeing, take a walk down the memory lane as you explore the old-school charm of Al-Balad (Old Town). You will find Jeddah’s famous coral homes at Souq al-Alawi. Labeled as ‘Quran Gate’, travelers can catch a sneak peek of the renowned Makkah Gate, entry to the divine abode Makkah. The breathtaking architecture is crafted in the shape of the holy Quran perched on a rehal or book stand.

Dubbed as ‘Bride of the Red Sea’, this city houses a huge corniche that spans for more than 30 km. The waterfront promenade is one of the popular tourist haunts where one can stroll around and enjoy a relaxing evening. Scuba divers will be pleased to know that there are numerous coral reefs in the Red Sea, encompassing a diverse variety of aquatic life. You can also participate in other fun watersports comprising windsurfing, jet-skiing, snorkeling and deep-sea diving.

Are you a shopaholic? Jeddah is a haven for shoppers as it accommodates both the upscale urban malls as well as the ancient and traditional Arabic souks. If you want old-school wares, then take a walk around the bazaars in Al-Balad as they are packed with stalls overflowing with colorful and vibrant local merchandise. A holiday in Jeddah would be incomplete without gorging into their traditional delicacies like Shawarma or Hummus.

During peak pilgrimage season, the Jeddah hotels are usually packed. There are plenty of stay options that can cater to those who can afford to splurge as well as those who travel on a tight budget. What is the best time to visit? Known for its scorching summers, the winter months from October-March offer pleasant weather.