Jeddah's landmarks by private car

Historic Jeddah: Al Balad

UNESCO inscribed Historic Jeddah, the Gate to Makkah, on its World Heritage List in 2014. The district keeps a construction style once common on both coasts of the Red Sea: imposing tower houses with large wooden roshan window screens, built in the late nineteenth century by the city's mercantile elites, alongside lower coral-stone houses, mosques and souks.

Nassif House

One of Historic Jeddah's landmark houses, once home to a merchant family. It connects the architecture of the district with the families who shaped its life. Check current entry arrangements before visiting.

Bab Makkah and the old souks

Bab Makkah is the main eastern gate of the old city wall, facing the road to Makkah, and pilgrims, merchants and caravans passed through it. UNESCO describes traditional souks running east-west from the sea towards Makkah Gate, a layout that still shows how trade and pilgrimage organized the city.

Jeddah Waterfront

Visit Saudi lists Jeddah Waterfront among the city's destinations, bringing the visit back to the coast. When arranging transport along the waterfront, specify the meeting point with your driver.

Before you set out

Check entry arrangements and opening times on each destination's official channels on the day itself, and agree with the trip operator on the sites you want, their order and how long to stop at each.

Official sources

• UNESCO World Heritage Centre: Historic Jeddah, the Gate to Makkah
• Visit Saudi: Jeddah Waterfront

Information reviewed: 29 October 2026.

Related guides

• Makkah's landmarks by private car
• Madinah's landmarks by private car
• From Jeddah airport to Makkah hotels: an arrival guide for Umrah visitors

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Jeddah