“Travelers never did lie, though fools at home condemn them.”
-The Tempest

Welcome, fellow swagsters, to a captivating journey through the vibrant city of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. I know my title was a tad bit cheesy, but stay with me. ;-)

Often overshadowed and overlooked because of stereotypes about what this country might be like, Jeddah is a hidden gem that offers a unique blend of tradition and modernity. I actually made an Instagram reel that juxtaposes the two sides of this city. Join me as I recount my unforgettable visit to this city, where ancient history meets contemporary charm.

A tapestry of Culture and Tradition

Jeddah is a city that embraces its cultural heritage with open arms. Visiting the old, historical district will transport you back in time. The old buildings with their ornately carved shutters and wooden balconies tell a tale of this city’s past.

I found myself lost in the labyrinthine streets, discovering hidden gems like the Nasseef House, a beautifully restored 19th-century mansion that now serves as a museum, and also in the bustling atmosphere of Souq Al Alawi, a traditional market where shopkeepers enticed me with their colorful displays of spices, textiles, and traditional handicrafts. I actually bought some beautiful traditional Saudi shoes from a shopkeeper who inherited the shoe shop from his father.

A Gastronomic Delight:

No visit to Jeddah is complete without indulging in its expansive selection of cuisine.

Now, you can choose from traditional Saudi Arabian dishes like Kabsa (spiced rice with meat) and Mandi (slow-cooked meat and rice) to international flavors. Let me tell you, Jeddah's culinary scene is a true melting pot. I was SHOCKED to see a bevy of American restaurants there. It ranged from the Cheesecake Factory, to IHOP, to the Olive Garden, to P.F. Changs! To say I was flabbergasted, is an understatement. I actually even saw multiple Krispy Kreme doughnut stands!. Now, the above mentioned restaurants were just the tip of the iceberg. There were also the usual suspects ranging from McDonalds, Subway, KFC, and even Arby’s. Yes, you read that correctly! Arby’s. And many, many more! Now, I must say, that as a vegan, my pickings were slim. When I mentioned vegan dishes, I was often met with a lot of blank stares, flat out “NOs” with looks of confusion, and I even got offered chicken twice when I mentioned vegan. So, it was a bit of a struggle for me. However, if you aren’t vegan, then you’ll be in food paradise.

I found some vegan food at Paul’s Restaurant at the Red Sea Mall. The lentil soup was delicious.

A Shopper's Paradise.

No one is surprised when I say Jeddah is renowned for its vibrant souks, but when you type in “What to see and do in Jeddah” in your preferred search engine, various shopping malls appear. Since it was extremely hot during the day when I was there (temperatures reaching 40 degrees Celsius), people often only ventured out beginning at around 4:00 pm. (If I didn’t mention it earlier, I will mention it now, Jeddah comes alive at night. )Ok, back to the malls. For a more contemporary shopping experience, I explored the upscale malls like Red Sea Mall and Mall of Arabia, where international brands coexist with local boutiques. You can also by exclusive Saudi perfume and oils which will have you smelling aromatically unique.

CAUTION: If you choose to drive to the mall in the evening, be prepared to NOT find a parking spot. Also be prepared to wait for a VERY LONG time and possibly still not get a spot. Parking in malls in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia takes patience and more patience. (Sidebar: Driving, in general, in Jeddah may be dangerous for your health. I’ll leave it at that.)

Conclusion

My visit to Jeddah left me with unforgettable memories, as I discovered a city that seamlessly blends tradition and modernity. From the Red Sea to the Red Sea Mall, Jeddah offers a unique experience that is sure to captivate everyone. So, don’t hesitate to pack your bags and book your flight to go on your own adventure to experience the juxtaposition awaiting you Jeddah.

Thank you so much for your time. Join me on all my socials to see more. XOXO