Jeddah: Al-Balad Old Town
ID: GYG890902-1399716
Category:
Country: Saudi Arabia
Country: Saudi Arabia
Duration: 06:00 hours
Description
Al-Balad Old Town in Jeddah offers a glimpse into Saudi Arabia's rich history, featuring ancient buildings, vibrant souks, and cultural charm, making it a must-visit UNESCO World Heritage Site.
A tour of Al-Balad Old Town in Jeddah typically includes the following key experiences and activities:
1. **Historical Sites**:
- **Al-Balad's Traditional Architecture**: Explore the historic buildings made from coral stones, featuring intricate wooden windows and doors.
- **Naseef House**: Visit this iconic residence, once home to the influential Naseef family, and learn about Jeddah's history and culture.
- **Old Mosques**: Discover some of Jeddah’s oldest mosques, such as Al-Masjid al-Jadid (The New Mosque) and Al-Shafee Mosque.
2. **Souks (Markets)**:
- **Souk Al-Alawi**: Wander through one of the oldest and most famous traditional markets in the region. Here, you can shop for spices, textiles, perfumes, and traditional handicrafts.
- **Spice Markets**: The colorful spice markets in Al-Balad offer a chance to sample exotic flavors and scents unique to the region.
3. **Cultural Immersion**:
- **Traditional Souk Stalls**: Explore artisan shops selling local goods like jewelry, textiles, and crafts.
- **Interaction with Locals**: Learn about the life of local Jeddah residents and their traditions.
4. **Visit to the Old Gates**:
- **Historical Gates**: Tour the historical gates of Jeddah such as Bab Makkah, Bab Jeddah, and Bab Sharif, which were once entry points to the city during its time as a gateway to Mecca.
5. **Museum Visits**:
- **Jeddah’s Museum of Heritage and Antiquities**: Visit the museum that showcases the region’s rich history, artifacts, and cultural heritage.
6. **Street Food Tasting**:
- **Local Delicacies**: Experience Jeddah’s street food, such as "Shawarma," "Samboosa," and traditional Arabian sweets.
7. **The Corniche View**:
- Some tours extend to the Jeddah Corniche, offering views of the Red Sea and the city’s waterfront after a visit to Al-Balad.
8. **Photography Opportunities**: The distinctive architecture, bustling markets, and cultural richness of Al-Balad make it a photographer’s paradise.
The tour offers a deep dive into Jeddah's past, blending tradition with modernity, showcasing its vibrant culture, history, and commerce.
A tour of Al-Balad Old Town in Jeddah typically includes the following key experiences and activities:
1. **Historical Sites**:
- **Al-Balad's Traditional Architecture**: Explore the historic buildings made from coral stones, featuring intricate wooden windows and doors.
- **Naseef House**: Visit this iconic residence, once home to the influential Naseef family, and learn about Jeddah's history and culture.
- **Old Mosques**: Discover some of Jeddah’s oldest mosques, such as Al-Masjid al-Jadid (The New Mosque) and Al-Shafee Mosque.
2. **Souks (Markets)**:
- **Souk Al-Alawi**: Wander through one of the oldest and most famous traditional markets in the region. Here, you can shop for spices, textiles, perfumes, and traditional handicrafts.
- **Spice Markets**: The colorful spice markets in Al-Balad offer a chance to sample exotic flavors and scents unique to the region.
3. **Cultural Immersion**:
- **Traditional Souk Stalls**: Explore artisan shops selling local goods like jewelry, textiles, and crafts.
- **Interaction with Locals**: Learn about the life of local Jeddah residents and their traditions.
4. **Visit to the Old Gates**:
- **Historical Gates**: Tour the historical gates of Jeddah such as Bab Makkah, Bab Jeddah, and Bab Sharif, which were once entry points to the city during its time as a gateway to Mecca.
5. **Museum Visits**:
- **Jeddah’s Museum of Heritage and Antiquities**: Visit the museum that showcases the region’s rich history, artifacts, and cultural heritage.
6. **Street Food Tasting**:
- **Local Delicacies**: Experience Jeddah’s street food, such as "Shawarma," "Samboosa," and traditional Arabian sweets.
7. **The Corniche View**:
- Some tours extend to the Jeddah Corniche, offering views of the Red Sea and the city’s waterfront after a visit to Al-Balad.
8. **Photography Opportunities**: The distinctive architecture, bustling markets, and cultural richness of Al-Balad make it a photographer’s paradise.
The tour offers a deep dive into Jeddah's past, blending tradition with modernity, showcasing its vibrant culture, history, and commerce.
Highlights
- Souche
- Photography
- Market
Guiding languages
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
INCLUDED
NOT INCLUDED
When should I book?
To guarantee availability book as soon as possible. Early booking is worth consideration especially if you planning the trip during high season like public holidays or weekends.
Cancellations
This excursion you can cancel with no cost up to 24 hours before the start of the trip. If you cancel it after 24 hours or not show up on the excursion you will still be charged the full price of the activity. Being late on pick-up or departure will be considered as not showing up.