Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Fish Market
MARKET
(west of Al-Kournaish Rd; 5am-9pm)
The colourful and frenetic fish market in Al-Balad
has at least 50 species of fish on display ranging from hammerhead sharks to grouper, par-
rot fish and squid. Don't miss the daily sale of the morning's catch (from 5am to 9am)
when the action really gets going. Note that as the market's situated close to the coast
guard and port, photos are not permitted.
Old Jeddah (Al-Balad)
Souq al-Alawi
SOUQ
( 8am-1pm & 5-9pm Sat-Wed)
This souq runs off Al-Dahab St and is the most extensive in the
Kingdom. The market stalls cut into the heart of the old city and buzz with the activity of
traders and pilgrims. The atmosphere is especially cosmopolitan during the hajj season.
Be here at sunset when the call to prayer fills the lanes - this is Arabia at its best.
Old Coral Houses
NOTABLE BUILDINGS
Jeddah's old coral houses are in a sorry state. Unique among the sea of dilapidation is the
which belonged to one of Jeddah's most powerful trading families. It's set back from Souq
al-Alawi. Look out for the wide ramps installed by King Abdul Aziz in place of staircases
so that camel-mounted messengers could ride all the way to the upper terrace in order to
deliver messages.
Shorbatly House
OFFLINE MAP
GOOGLE MAP
(Maydan al-Bayal)
also boasts some lovely
mashrabiyya
(balconies with perforated screens to allow the air to circulate and inhabit-
ants to look out without being seen). Though once restored during the 1980s, it has since
been allowed to deteriorate. It is officially closed to visitors, but the staff at Naseef House
may be able to arrange access.
Corniche
Do as Saudi Arabians do and take a walk along the 35km-long
corniche
(Al-Kournaish Rd)
. On
a warm night you'll get a real sense of Jeddah - students sit stooped over books, while
families share picnics and men gather to gossip and cut commercial deals.
Look out for the famous sculptures that line the wide pedestrian areas for 30km north
from the port. Among the highlights are four bronzes by British sculptor Henry Moore, as
