Al Balad is a treasure trove of hidden gems just waiting to be discovered. You can weave through the maze-like streets of this super Saudi UNESCO World Heritage site and it seems like every corner reveals a new surprise.
The famous Al Balad attractions draw locals as much as they do tourists and visitors. Because its atmosphere is unique. Part of the joy is discovering new things to see in Al Balad – or things that are at least new to you.
If you’re looking for where to begin, we’re here to help you out. Whether you’re after some casual bites for breakfast in Jeddah or would rather take a slice of history, there’s plenty to check out. Happy discovering.
Unmissable Al Balad attractions
Al Saidy Bakery
Break bread like Jeddah residents have for hundreds of years. Al Saidy has been serving traditional Saudi bread and baked items for the last 200 years.
Breads include authentic, log-shaped savoury rusks dotted with sesame seeds called shaboura, and shreek, a doughnut-shaped milk bread that is a regional specialty. Don’t forget the classic Saudi pita bread, kubz.
Watching as they remove freshly baked breads by hand from the brick oven is one of the oldest things to see in Al Balad. The bakery is located near the iconic Nassif House Museum so you can stop over for some bread served with fresh hummus and moutabbal after a tour. The Al Balad bakery is open from 7am to 9pm.
Open daily 7am-9pm. Shahin, Al Balad, visitalbalad.com.
Al Shadwi Restaurant
Looking for some hearty mandi? Stop by the Al Shadwi Restaurant and prepare to dig into the eatery’s sheep head mandi. Yes, sheep’s head. The head is first cooked in an underground pit over live coals with a special local spice mix, often called hawaij (it actually just means “mixed”).
The popular regional dish is then served over short-grain rice. This mandi is considered an Al Balad delicacy. Try it yourself between 11.30am to 11pm daily. And if you don’t fancy the sheep’s head, stop by anyway, because this is one of the must-see Al Balad attractions.
Open daily 11.30am-11pm. Bab Al Makkah Souq, Al Balad, visitalbalad.com.
Bab Al Makkah Souq
The sprawling open-air market of Bab Al Makkah sells everything from daily household items to cosmetics like henna and perfume to various food items including nuts and spices. It is an ideal spot for some casual browsing or for picking up souvenirs after a day of exploring.
The souq has been here for hundreds of years and you’ll see some goods that have been on sale here for its entire existence. It’s like a walk through Jeddah’s history and one of the best attractions in Al Balad.
The market is located near the Makkah Gate, one of the seven gates you’ll discover in the Al Balad neighbourhood. One of the must-visit Al Balad attractions? Absolutely.
Open daily 9am-2pm, 4pm-11pm. Al Balad, visitalbalad.com.
Forn Al Sheikh
If you’re craving carbs, you can follow the smell of baking bread straight to Forn Al Sheikh. The venue opened over 50 years ago and is as much a thriving business as it is one of the must-see Al Balad attractions.
The cosy spot continues to serve excellent handmade bread just like it did in the 1970s. The bakery is open from 6am to midnight. This is one of the Al Balad attractions where you can get familiar with Jeddah’s regional dishes.
Look out for enriched samoli bread and flat and savoury shami bread.
Open daily 6am-modnight. Al Dhahab, Al Balad, visitalbalad.com.
Foul Fattah
If you are in Al Balad during Jeddah breakfast time, head down to Foul Fattah and dig into one of the region’s favourite morning items, foul. The hearty dish is made from cooked fava beans, lemon juice, crushed garlic and cumin.
For hungry eyes, one of the most welcome things to see in Al Balad is when it’s served up to you alongside fresh veggies and warm pita bread. It’s morning fuel, but also delicious at any time.
Open daily 5am-11am, 1pm-1am. Al Dhahab, Al Balad, visitalbalad.com.
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Jeddah Our Days of Bliss Bookstore
Book lovers, this one is for you. The Jeddah Our Days of Bliss Bookstore is brimming with literary bliss. Casting your eyes along the titles on the book spines is one of the more revealing things to see in Al Balad if you want to get to know local culture.
There are rows upon rows of Arabic authors and publications that have captured the interesting history, literary figures and social customs of Al Balad. This is how to shop local.
Open Sun-Thu 9am-noon, 4pm-10pm; Mon and Fri 4pm-10pm. Al Dhahab, Al Balad, visitalbalad.com.
Sobia Bar
Made with barley, brown bread, cinnamon, sugar and cardamom, Sobia is a drink that is a cornerstone of Hijazi cuisine. The sip is extremely popular among residents and comes in different colours, sometimes with different flavours.
One of the best attractions in Al Balad, Sobia Bar offers white and red versions. The latter typically has strawberries, although in some places they just use food colouring. Sobia is served cold and is particularly popular around the time of Ramadan. The cool spot is located down a street just beyond Biet Nassif.
Stop in for a drink from 10am on most mornings, save Friday. Alternatively, go over in the evening to cool down after a day of exploring. When it comes to Al Balad attractions, this is a must-visit.
Open Sat-Thu 10am-11pm, Fri 3pm-11pm. Barhat Amru Ibn Hila, Al Balad, @sobia.bar.
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