17
SOUQS
Of the various marketplaces dotted around Al-Balad, there are perhaps four which prove most popular with inhabitants and tourists alike. Souq Al Nada predominantly sells gold and silver ornaments, while Souq Al Jamia is the city's primary textile market. Cutting through this district from east to west is Souq Al Alawi, with the Gabel Street Souq selling everything from perfumes, dates and household items to electronics and spices.
Each Souq may sell 21st Century goods, but they still offer an insight into how inhabitants lived centuries ago. Bartering is still the biggest practice between shopkeepers and customers keen to strike a bargain. With so many merchants offering similar goods, it's best to walk away and try elsewhere if a trader is unwilling to budge on price..
NASEEF HOUSE This is undoubtedly one of the city's most famous houses. Situated on Souq al-Alawi, the residence was home to the one of Jeddah's main trading families, the Naseefs. King Abdulaziz Al Saud, founder of modern-day Saudi Arabia, was a regular guest at the house whenever he visited Jeddah. The house has since been restored in the 1990s and now accommodates a cultural centre.
The buildings throughout the residence feature cut stones or mud bricks, carved woodwork windows and walls and horizontally placed latticed wooden poles.
Half-day afternoon tour Two to 20
Arrive early to ensure entry Visit at same time as old town
SCUBA DIVING Fantastic visibility coupled with spectacular flora and fauna marks Jeddah down as a city with some of the best scuba diving experiences in the world. With a vast array of underwater sites to explore, divers have many areas to venture into. In particular, the chicken wreck is a popular destination. The story goes that a boat carrying tons of frozen chicken hit the reef and sunk to between 10-18 metres in depth. A one-hour speed boat ride out to sea is usually required to reach the best dive sites.
Adventurous swimmers Two to 20
Arrive early morning in full daylight before the midday heat Make sure qualified divers bring their PADI certificates with them to enable them to dive
KING FAHD'S FOUNTAIN
Home to the world's tallest fountain, Jeddah's captivating aqua feature can project water 312 metres into the air. Some 625 litres of water are delivered by three huge pumps that propel the water at astonishing speeds of 375 km/h.
Part of city tour Two to 50
Can be enjoyed any time of the day or night
Take a tripod for a group photograph
Part of old town tour Two to 20
Best viewed in the afternoon when the shops all open after prayer
Great for seeking out unusual gifts
saudiarabia 2011
ATTRACTIONS KEY
Ideal for
Group size Timings Top tip
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