How to Avoid Tourist Traps in Jeddah, Makkah al Mukarramah, Saudi Arabia
1. Al-Balad District
Historic district filled with souks and old houses, avoid overpriced shops by negotiating prices or finding local markets.
- Authentic Souvenirs: Find locally made items at lower prices in the non-touristy areas.
- Skilled Negotiation: Bargain for better prices when shopping in this district.
- Time Management: Visit during off-peak hours to avoid crowds and aggressive vendors.
2. Floating Mosque
Stunning seafront mosque with impressive architecture, best viewed from a distance rather than inside to avoid tourist traps and entry fees.
- Photography Spot: Capture stunning shots of the mosque from public areas.
- Avoid Entry Fees: Enjoy the view without paying for a guided tour or entrance fee.
- Respect Local Culture: Observe prayer times and dress code to show respect when visiting nearby areas.
3. King Fahd's Fountain
Largest fountain in the world, avoid restaurants near the fountain for overpriced food and drinks.
- Pack a Picnic: Bring your own snacks to enjoy by the fountain.
- Explore Surrounding Areas: Find cheaper food options in nearby neighborhoods.
- Timing is Key: Visit during off-peak times to avoid crowds and long lines.
4. Jeddah Corniche
Beautiful waterfront promenade with parks, restaurants, and views of the Red Sea. Avoid touristy restaurants by seeking out local eateries.
- Local Food Spots: Find affordable and delicious meals at family-owned cafes.
- Street Food Delights: Sample tasty snacks from street vendors at reasonable prices.
- Bargain Hunting: Negotiate for better deals on souvenirs and trinkets near the Corniche.
5. Museum of Islamic Art
Stunning museum showcasing Islamic art, avoid high entrance fees by visiting during free admission days or times.
- Free Admission Days: Plan your visit around free entry periods.
- Guided Tours: Opt for self-guided tours or join group tours to save money.
- Avoid Souvenir Shops: Buy souvenirs outside the museum at local markets.
6. Al-Tahliya Street
Bustling street with shops, cafes, and nightlife. Avoid overpriced eateries by seeking out hidden gems.
- Locals' Favorites: Discover popular spots among locals.
- Street Food Delights: Sample traditional dishes at street food stalls.
- Time of Day: Visit during the day to explore cafes and shops, and return for nightlife later.
7. Madain Saleh
Nabatean tombs located in Al-Ula, a must-visit site but beware of tourist traps near the entrance.
- Pack Your Own Food: Bring water and snacks for the day to avoid overpriced vendors.
- Guided Tours: Book a guided tour in advance to learn about the site's history without being overcharged.
- Transportation: Organize your transportation from Jeddah to Al-Ula beforehand for a smoother trip.
8. Sharbatly House Museum
Historic house museum showcasing traditional Jeddah architecture, avoid paying high admission fees by visiting during free entry hours.
- Free Entry Hours: Plan your visit during free entry periods.
- Guided Tours: Join group tours to learn about the museum's history without being overcharged.
- Avoid Souvenir Shops: Buy souvenirs outside the museum at local markets.
9. Al-Dur'iyah Aquarium
Modern aquarium located in Al-Shallal Theme Park, avoid tourist traps by visiting during off-peak hours or buying tickets online.
- Off-Peak Hours: Plan your visit during off-peak times to avoid crowds.
- Online Tickets: Purchase tickets online to save time and money.
- Explore Nearby Areas: Find cheaper food options in nearby neighborhoods after your visit.
10. Al-Rahma Mosque
Contemporary mosque with stunning architecture, best viewed from a distance to avoid tourist traps and entry fees.
- Photography Spot: Capture stunning shots of the mosque from public areas.
- Avoid Entry Fees: Enjoy the view without paying for a guided tour or entrance fee.
- Respect Local Culture: Observe prayer times and dress code when visiting nearby areas.
11. King Abdulaziz Historical Center
Museum showcasing Saudi Arabia's history, avoid tourist traps by visiting during free admission days or times.
- Free Admission Days: Plan your visit around free entry periods.
- Guided Tours: Opt for self-guided tours or join group tours to save money.
- Avoid Souvenir Shops: Buy souvenirs outside the museum at local markets.
12. Al-Khlij Al-Jadid District
Ancient district with traditional Jeddah houses and narrow alleyways. Avoid overpriced shops by negotiating prices or finding local markets.
- Authentic Souvenirs: Find locally made items at lower prices in the non-touristy areas.
- Skilled Negotiation: Bargain for better prices when shopping in this district.
- Time Management: Visit during off-peak hours to avoid crowds and aggressive vendors.
13. Al-Tahliya Beach
Beautiful beach with views of the Red Sea, avoid touristy restaurants by seeking out local eateries.
- Local Food Spots: Find affordable and delicious meals at family-owned cafes.
- Street Food Delights: Sample tasty snacks from street vendors at reasonable prices.
- Time of Day: Visit during the day to explore cafes and shops, and return for nightlife later.
14. Al-Shallal Theme Park
Family-friendly theme park with rides, shows, and shopping. Avoid tourist traps by visiting during off-peak hours or buying tickets online.
- Off-Peak Hours: Plan your visit during off-peak times to avoid crowds.
- Online Tickets: Purchase tickets online to save time and money.
- Explore Nearby Areas: Find cheaper food options in nearby neighborhoods after your visit.
15. Al-Shafi'i Grand Mosque
Stunning mosque with impressive architecture, best viewed from a distance rather than inside to avoid tourist traps and entry fees.
- Photography Spot: Capture stunning shots of the mosque from public areas.
- Avoid Entry Fees: Enjoy the view without paying for a guided tour or entrance fee.
- Respect Local Culture: Observe prayer times and dress code when visiting nearby areas.