Discovering Jeddah...
Personal Travel Guide

Exploring Jeddah Through Local Eyes

Three years of wandering the streets, tasting the flavors, and discovering hidden corners of Saudi Arabia's most vibrant coastal city.

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Marcus Chen exploring Jeddah streets Photo: Personal archive

Welcome to My Jeddah Journey

I arrived in Jeddah in late 2021, expecting a brief work assignment. What I found instead was a city that grabbed me and refused to let go. The moment I stepped into Al-Balad's labyrinthine alleys for the first time, watching the afternoon light filter through those iconic wooden balconies, I knew this place had stories I needed to tell.

This isn't a polished travel brochure. You won't find generic hotel recommendations or scripted itineraries here. What you will find are the places I actually go back to, the spots where I've had genuine conversations with locals, and the views that still make me stop mid-step even after three years.

Jeddah is changing fast. The Vision 2030 projects are transforming the skyline weekly. But beneath all that development, the soul of this ancient port city remains intact, tucked away in coral-stone buildings, floating in the aroma of fresh kunafa, echoing in the call to prayer that still punctuates every day.

Marcus Chen Travel Writer & Photographer | Based in Jeddah since 2021

My Top Three Picks

After countless wanderings, these are the places that keep pulling me back. Each one offers something irreplaceable about the Jeddah experience.

Sunset view of Jeddah Corniche waterfront promenade along the Red Sea 02
Waterfront

Jeddah Corniche

Thirty kilometers of Red Sea coastline where the city breathes. My evening ritual starts here, watching fishing boats return against the sunset.

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King Fahd's Fountain shooting water high into the night sky in Jeddah 03
Landmark

King Fahd's Fountain

The world's tallest fountain shooting seawater 312 meters skyward. Trust me on this: see it at night. The illuminated spray against the stars is unforgettable.

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Planning Your Jeddah Trip?

I'm always happy to share more detailed recommendations. Whether you're here for business, pilgrimage, or pure adventure, I've probably figured out the shortcuts.

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