Jeddah

Jeddah is Saudi Arabia's main Red Sea port and the traditional gateway for pilgrims heading to Mecca. Al-Balad, the old town, is a UNESCO-listed district of coral stone buildings with carved wooden Roshan balconies, some dating back centuries. The narrow streets are worth walking through, especially in the late afternoon when the light catches the old stonework. Outside the old quarter, the corniche runs for kilometres along the waterfront. The city has changed rapidly in recent years. Glass towers, new restaurants, and public art installations sit alongside the older districts. The seafood along the corniche is fresh and well-prepared. Dress codes are conservative: women should cover shoulders and knees at minimum, and some sites may require an abaya. The currency is Saudi Riyal. Taxis and ride-hailing apps like Uber work throughout the city.