Overview
Historic Jeddah, known locally as Al-Balad, is the old merchant quarter of the Red Sea port, on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 2014.
Why visit Historic Jeddah (Al-Balad)
Jeddah has been a major Indian Ocean port since the 7th century AD, and the gateway through which pilgrims arrived for Makkah by sea. That double role - trade and pilgrimage - paid for the quarter that survives.
The buildings are its signature: tower houses of coral stone several storeys high, their facades covered in roshan, the carved wooden bay windows that let air through while keeping the street from seeing in. Many are in poor condition and propped, and restoration is running building by building, so the quarter is genuinely half ruin and half work site.
Nearby: Jeddah.
Historic Jeddah is situated on the eastern shore of the Red Sea. From the 7th century AD it was established as a major port for Indian Ocean trade routes, channelling goods to Mecca. It was also the gateway for Muslim pilgrims to Mecca who arrived by sea.
History of Historic Jeddah (Al-Balad)
Historic Jeddah was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2014.
Tours that include Historic Jeddah (Al-Balad)
Riyadh, AlUla, Madinah & Jeddah
7 days, 6 nights. Riyadh, AlUla, Madinah and Jeddah, taking in Hegra, At-Turaif and the old quarter of Al-Balad.
Jeddah short break
4 days, 3 nights in Jeddah. The old quarter of Al-Balad, the corniche and a day out on the Red Sea.
Jeddah & AlUla
6 days, 5 nights. Two nights in Jeddah for Al-Balad and the Red Sea, three in AlUla for Hegra.
Riyadh & Jeddah
6 days, 5 nights. Three nights in Riyadh with Diriyah and the Edge of the World, two in Jeddah.
Jeddah & Taif
6 days, 5 nights. Three nights on the Red Sea coast at Jeddah, then two up in the Sarawat mountains at Taif.
Jeddah & Abha
6 days, 5 nights. The Red Sea coast at Jeddah, then the green Asir highlands around Abha and Rijal Almaa.
Travel Tips Before Visiting
Historic Jeddah is in Jeddah.
Plan your visit to Historic Jeddah (Al-Balad)
Want to include Historic Jeddah (Al-Balad) in your trip? Browse our journeys or ask for a custom plan.