Jeddah

Travelers and traders have long journeyed to this bustling port city along the Red Sea.

A gateway for millions of Hajj and Umrah performers, Jeddah is automatically on the itineraries of pilgrims who arrive by air and sea.

Start your visit in Al Balad to take in centuries-old architecture, buzzing bazaars and historic monuments.

To the north, the Corniche area has sandy beaches, charming shops and the striking King Fahd’s Fountain. It is a popular place for families. Just west of the Jeddah airport lies Masjid Al Rahma, known as the Floating Mosque, because it appears to rest on the Red Sea at high tide.

Jeddah is 80km (about 50 miles) from Makkah, about a one-hour drive – longer during Ramadan and Hajj. The commercial capital of Saudi Arabia is known for its laid-back atmosphere and cosmopolitan offerings.

You can find historical markets and glitzy malls, white-coral buildings and gleaming skyscrapers, and cuisine from all over the world. Shoppers tend to agree that the prices in Jeddah are lower than elsewhere in the Kingdom, which is why many pilgrims purchase dates, abayas, jewellery and perfumes in the city.