Best 10 Historical Places in Jeddah

Once a fishing village, Jeddah has now transformed into a core trade route for the Indian Ocean. From lively marketplaces to stunning beaches, well-preserved architectural wonders to historic sites, amazing museums, and religious sites, this city welcomes visitors from across the world to explore its captivating attractions.
Be it the idea of touring Al-Balad, the city's old area that highlights its rich past through elaborate wooden balconies and coral stone structures, or admiring the Al Rahma Mosque, which offers a stunning perspective of the Red Sea, Jeddah comes loaded with diverse surprises.
Here, we have rounded up the list of the best 10 historical sites in Jeddah that echo the richness of Jeddah’s past!

Looking for the best historical places to visit in Jeddah? Then, there’s no better place than the Floating Mosque, aka Al Rahma Mosque! Constructed on stilts above the water, Al Rahma Mosque's hallowed location and breathtaking design seem to defy gravity. With its pillars immersed in the Red Sea, this magnificent mosque appears to float on the sea.
Featuring a white marble mausoleum and elaborate Quranic inscriptions that surround its 56 colorful windows, the mosque's interior is decorated with exquisite chandeliers and provides a serene area for prayer and introspection.

Khuzam Palace & Museum is a prime example of an architectural wonder and holds a unique place in Saudi Arabian history. It earned its name from the region's plentiful tulip plantations and served as the residence of King Abdul-Aziz, the very first Saudi king, between the years 1928 and 1932.
Moreover, it was the first palace of the Saudi Kingdom to be made using cement and iron. The palace is surrounded by walls at least three meters high, with towers on either side of the main gate.

Located along the northern waterfront of the city in the posh Al Shati district, the Al-Farsi Mosque is a masterpiece of contemporary construction. Its design beautifully blends a fusion of traditional Islamic structural elements with modern styles.
Featuring architectural characteristics including open vaulted domes along with shaded wooden screens, this mosque not only captivates visitors with its aesthetically pleasing appeal but also regulates interior lighting and temperature naturally. Attracting both tourists and believers alike, it is cherished for its peaceful atmosphere and heavenly tranquility, making it one of the best places to go in Jeddah.

Situated in the Al Madani, Al Andalus region, the Abdul Raouf Khalil Museum invites you to step back in time with its various buildings. With a captivating collection of historic artifacts, cultural displays, and traditional crafts, it vividly depicts the city's varied cultural tapestry, spanning from the Ottoman Turks to the fishing tribes, the Bedouin culture, as well as the importance of trade in Jeddah.
Moreover, it has items dating back more than 2,500 years, records from the pre-Islamic period, and a chronological display of Islamic heritage.

Makkah Gate, a well-known Islamic historical place in Jeddah, was constructed in 1979 and served as an entrance to the sacred city of Makkah. It provides a breathtaking nighttime view of a landscape filled with trees and flowers, while its design resembles an arch over the road, with three main components: two wings reaching from premises to merge over the road, an open book above the road, and the two premises on both sides of the road.
At its center stands a Rehal with the Holy Quran on it. Near the gate, there is also a market with shopping centers, malls, and emerging marketplaces, as well as little eateries that are well-known for selling traditional Arabic food such as kibdah, raas mandi, and makadim.

Designated as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2014, Al Balad is Jeddah's old area where winding lanes, ancient alleyways, and historic structures captivate tourists. The museums of Bait Al Balad and Nassif House here serve as reminders of the city's history by displaying beautiful Arabic calligraphy and providing an insight into the life of its residents.
Every year, the Misk Historic Jeddah festival brings history to life with fun activities for everyone, adding a festive touch. Another gem is the Matbouli House Museum, a classic Hijazi merchant's house filled with antiques and regional artifacts that are kept by a Saudi family. Both adults and children may participate in a variety of enjoyable activities here and make their trip an unforgettable one!

The Tayebat City Museum transports tourists back in time with its 2,500 years of Jeddah’s rich history, highlighting the lives of fishing tribes, pilgrims, and Arabian traders. Built in the traditional Hijazi style, the museum features elaborate minarets and spacious window screens that reflect the region’s charm.
Spanning across four storeys and 18 wings, it houses more than sixty thousand artifacts, manuscripts, a reconstruction of the Kaaba, antique coinage, and traditional Saudi Arabian clothing. Furthermore, the museum also has a whole level dedicated to showcasing the Islamic past of the city, together with relics from Islamic civilizations and technological advancements.

Set in the center of the Old Jeddah neighborhood, Nassif House is a nineteenth-century landmark and one of the greatest historic Jeddah attractions. Named after the Nassif family, who used to be one of the most well-known families in Jeddah, the museum is also known as the Biet Nassif House Museum.
It is an old-style historical archaeological structure that has witnessed several events and served as a venue for hosting social events for the upper class. Today, it stands as one of the most aesthetically pleasing locations in Jeddah, with 106 rooms that display Arabic calligraphy and artwork.

Alawi Market, which is located on Qabil Street—the first street in the city to get electricity—is one of the top tourist destinations in Jeddah. By strolling through its historic streets, visitors may experience an authentic ambiance of ancient Jeddah.
From traditional apparel and jewelry to organic hibiscus flower tea, the souq provides a lovely shopping experience free from the encroachment of cars. The cheerful atmosphere is contagious, and you may locate distinctive mementos to bring home and bargain for the greatest deals. Remember to sample some delectable sweets and snacks from neighborhood sellers.

he Hassan Enany Mosque in Jeddah, located next to the Middle Corniche Park, exquisitely displays the magnificence of Islamic architecture. The mosque has a huge dome with Byzantine-style minarets and a golden tiled construction.
Its gates lead to a spacious hall adorned with repeated arabesque and calligraphy in Thuluth script. Furthermore, the mosque's expansive courtyard preserves Islamic beauty while reflecting the modern, progressive culture of Saudi Arabia and has enough space for several people to pray simultaneously.