Joanna James
A record-breaking oasis metropolis full of cutting-edge glamour and nature-kissed simplicity, Saudi's second-largest city is a medley of contrasts. Here are some unmissable bucket-list-worthy experiences to sample.
Jeddah brims with a myriad of atmospheric allurements, from shimmering sun-drenched dunescapes and windswept stretches of pristine coast to vibrant spice-infused souqs and fascinating museums in addition to its astonishing number of Guinness World Records! One of these record-breaking marvels, King Fahad's Fountain, can be admired from the famed waterfront Corniche promenade with its gigantic jewel-toned lanterns and artistic sculptures. Here, not only can you ogle at the world's tallest water fountain, jetting up to 1024 feet over the Red Sea and gleaming with over 500 spotlights every evening, but the Corniche is also full of rustic tourist-savvy pastimes, from scenic cycling tracks and refreshing parks to picturesque mosques, luxury resorts, and enthralling eateries.
The futuristic flair of this desert cosmopolis enables the most thrilling and eccentric diversions, from ice skating under the desert sun and rollercoasters that hurl you 35-metres above sea level to 6-D theatres and artificial lagoons with 15-metre-high waterfalls to splash through. However, its quaint old-world enclaves have a unique charm, such as the UNESCO-listed Al Balad quarter with its beautiful warren of traditional coral and wood houses, kaleidoscopic souqs, antique alleyways, and picturesque corners. The street food is not to be missed, especially mouthwatering staples like spicy kebabs dipped in cooling yoghurt, creamy hummus, and the delectable combo of crisp flatbread with fava beans.
The mammoth shopping complexes in Jeddah are avant-garde realms catering to every brand of shopaholic, from the hip and upmarket Red Sea mall, hosting the world's largest indoor fountain, an art gallery, and a plethora of luxury brands, to the Mall of Arabia with its myriad of entertainment zones, restaurants, and top-notch selection of stores. If you're looking for sophisticated furnished apartments for rent in Jeddah, venture no further than Ascott Tahlia Jeddah.
If you have an appetite for adventure and otherworldly natural curiosities, travel off the beaten track to the site of the 800-feet-deep Al Wahba crater, dramatically carved into the Hafer Kishb plateau. With a pearlescent lake at its basalt centre glittering with sodium phosphate crystals, this lunar landscape is a surreal result of volcanic eruptions and groundwater flow, though it was once thought to be the celestial scar of a meteorite.
A dreamy ivory structure that looks to be floating on sapphire waves during high tide, this architectural marvel is a poem for the eyes with its airy minaret, pure arches, and stained-glass fittings that all contribute to the deep sense of serenity that imbues it. For an exquisite play of natural light within and without this seafront haven, sunset is the perfect time to visit.
If you're in the mood for some adrenaline-packed stunts in the vast desertscape that cradles the city, you can quench your thirst for adventure by racing 4WDs across the dramatic ocean of sand or sandboard across mountainous dunes at exhilarating speeds. For more gentle tastes, consider rhythmic camel rides and camping out under the stars in the vastness of the desert night after a dinner of authentic flavours and Bedouin hospitality.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
