Most visitors to Jeddah head straight for the Corniche or the malls that line the waterfront. But just a few streets inland lies a world that feels centuries away — Al-Balad, the city’s old quarter. Among narrow lanes, coral-stone buildings, and wooden balconies that seem to lean toward one another, this district tells the story of Jeddah before oil, before glass towers and highways.

History of Al-Balad

Al-Balad, which means “The Town,” was founded in the 7th century as a trading port on the Red Sea. It became the gateway to Makkah for pilgrims arriving by sea, and merchants from across Arabia, Africa, and India once filled its streets with the sounds of bargaining and the scent of spices.

The coral limestone houses, with their latticed rawasheen windows, kept homes cool in the coastal heat. Many were built by wealthy traders who imported wood from India and carved it into intricate balconies. Some of these homes, like Nassif House and Sharbatly House, still stand today — restored as museums that preserve the spirit of old Jeddah.

Even as the city modernized, Al-Balad remained the heart of daily life. Behind its weathered doors and shaded courtyards, generations of families lived, worked, and prayed within sight of the sea.

What Not to Miss

Old Souk Market Street
The photo above captures one of Al-Balad’s market streets, where carpets hang above the walkway like canopies. You can walk for minutes with no sound but footsteps and the quiet murmur of shopkeepers chatting across the lane. Brass lamps, oud, fabrics, and spices fill the stalls, and sometimes a seller offers you tea just to share a moment, not to make a sale.

Nassif House Museum
Nassif House once belonged to one of Jeddah’s merchant families. Inside, wooden stairs creak under your feet, and light filters through carved shutters that look toward the sea. The air smells faintly of wood and dust, and you can almost imagine the voices that once filled the rooms.

Al-Shafei Mosque
Hidden behind a small wooden gate, Al-Shafei doesn’t announce itself. The walls are pale, built from coral stone worn smooth by time. Inside, the air feels still. You hear footsteps on the old floorboards and a faint echo of recitation that seems to hang in the space long after it ends.

Evening in Al-Balad
By sunset, the market slows. A few vendors sit outside their shops, sipping tea from glass cups. The sound of the call to prayer travels unevenly through the alleys — carried by wind, caught by walls. Somewhere nearby, a bakery opens its door, and the smell of dough briefly mixes with the salt from the sea. Nothing feels staged here; it’s just another evening that looks much like the ones before it.

Where to Eat

Mat’am Al-Mazra’a
A short walk from the souk, this restaurant serves traditional Saudi dishes like kabsa and saleeg. Try the local dates and mint tea afterward.

The House of Jeddah
Located in a restored coral-stone building, this café blends heritage and comfort — a quiet spot to rest and cool down after exploring the narrow lanes.

Staying Connected While You Explore

Exploring Al-Balad feels like stepping back in time, but staying connected helps you uncover its layers. With the Saudi Arabia JetSet eSIM, you can:

• Follow walking routes through the historic souks and restored houses

• Learn the stories behind landmarks like Nassif House

• Find local cafés and museums tucked inside old courtyards

• Share your favorite photos of colorful carpets and wooden balconies instantly

Stay connected as you wander through Jeddah’s timeless quarter — a place where the past still lingers in every stone and echo.