Free things to do · Jeddah · Saudi Arabia
7 free things to do in Jeddah
Jeddah without the ticket prices: sights, walks and views that cost nothing.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Quick answer
You can fill at least 2 days in Jeddah without paying an entry fee: Al-Balad (Historic Jeddah), King Fahd's Fountain, Souq Al Alawi and Bab Makkah and its souq are all free. Eat Hijazi breakfasts and street food in Al-Balad, which cost a fraction of hotel meals.
Key facts
- Free sights in this guide
- 7
- Low-cost extras
- 4
- Cost level
- Moderately priced
- Lowest hotel prices
- May–September
Free sights and experiences
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Historic site · Al-Balad
1.Al-Balad (Historic Jeddah)
Walk in the late afternoon and stay into the evening, when the souqs fill and the restored houses are lit.
- Time needed
- Half a day
- Cost
- Free
- Iconic
- History
- Architecture
- Free
- Photo spot
- After dark
Landmark · Al Hamra and the Corniche
2.King Fahd's Fountain
Watch it from the Corniche promenade in Al Hamra after sunset, when it is lit and the sea breeze cools the air.
- Time needed
- 30 minutes
- Cost
- Free
- Iconic
- After dark
- Free
- Views
- Kids
Market · Al-Balad
3.Souq Al Alawi
Buy a small bag of Hijazi sweets or balila from a street vendor and wander the side lanes off the main souq.
- Time needed
- 1–2 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Shopping
- Food
- Free
- After dark
Landmark · Al-Balad
4.Bab Makkah and its souq
Combine it with Souq Al Alawi; the two souqs connect through the old town on foot.
- Time needed
- 45 minutes
- Cost
- Free
- History
- Shopping
- Free
Waterfront · Al Hamra and the Corniche
5.Jeddah Corniche and open-air sculptures
Walk or cycle a section at sunset; the central Corniche near the sculpture museum is the most interesting stretch.
- Time needed
- 1–2 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Art
- Outdoors
- Couples
Waterfront · Al Shati
6.Jeddah Waterfront
Bring a picnic and stay for the evening; weekdays are calmer than Thursday and Friday nights.
- Time needed
- 1–2 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Kids
- Outdoors
- After dark
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Religious site · Al Shati
7.Al-Rahmah Mosque
Photograph it from the shore at sunset; if you go inside, dress modestly and avoid prayer times.
- Time needed
- 30 minutes
- Cost
- Free
- Architecture
- Free
- Photo spot
- Views
Free sights by area
| Area | Free sights | Time needed |
|---|---|---|
| Al-Balad | Al-Balad (Historic Jeddah), Souq Al Alawi and Bab Makkah and its souq | Half a day + 1–2 hours + 45 minutes |
| Al Hamra and the Corniche | King Fahd's Fountain and Jeddah Corniche and open-air sculptures | 30 minutes + 1–2 hours |
| Al Shati | Jeddah Waterfront and Al-Rahmah Mosque | 1–2 hours + 30 minutes |
Worth a small ticket
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Historic site · Al-Balad
Nasseef House
Look up at the rawasheen on the facade from the small square in front, then visit the upper floors for views over the rooftops.
- Time needed
- 45 minutes
- Cost
- Low cost
- History
- Architecture
- Iconic
Gallery · Al Rawdah and Tahlia
Hayy Jameel
Check the programme before visiting and pair it with a film screening or a talk.
- Time needed
- 1–2 hours
- Cost
- Low cost
- Art
- Rainy day
- Off the beaten path
Market · Al-Balad
Central fish market
Go early in the morning for the auction and the freshest choice, then have your fish cooked for lunch.
- Time needed
- 1 hour
- Cost
- Low cost
- Food
- Photo spot
- Off the beaten path
Street · Al Rawdah and Tahlia
Tahlia Street
Visit in the evening, when the street is busiest and the temperature is lower.
- Time needed
- 1–2 hours
- Cost
- Low cost
- Shopping
- After dark
- Food
More ways to save
- Eat Hijazi breakfasts and street food in Al-Balad, which cost a fraction of hotel meals.
- Buy fish at the central market and have it cooked nearby rather than ordering at Corniche restaurants.
- Public beaches and the Waterfront are free; beach club day passes add up quickly.
- Summer brings the lowest hotel prices, if you can manage the humidity.
- Avoid the peak weeks around Hajj and major events, when hotel prices and airport queues rise.
- Cards and mobile payments are accepted almost everywhere; keep a little cash for souq stalls.
Questions travellers ask
+Is Jeddah expensive to visit?
Jeddah is moderately priced for most visitors, but 7 of its best-known sights are free, which makes a tight budget workable.
+What is the best free thing to do in Jeddah?
Al-Balad (Historic Jeddah): Walk in the late afternoon and stay into the evening, when the souqs fill and the restored houses are lit.