Al-Balad, also known as Historic Jeddah or Old Town Jeddah, is the old quarter of the city of Jeddah in Makkah Province, Saudi Arabia. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it is one of the places in the city where the older character of Jeddah is easiest to see on foot.
What you will see
The district is known for its traditional Hijazi architecture, built largely from coral stone. Many of the buildings are distinguished by their wooden balconies, called rawasheen, which project over the streets. These carved screens were designed to let air move through the houses while giving the people inside privacy, and they remain the feature most visitors notice first.
Why it matters
The area reflects centuries of Islamic culture and the trading heritage of the Red Sea coast. Jeddah's position as a port shaped the streets, the houses and the markets here, so a walk through Al-Balad is also a way of understanding how the city grew around commerce and the travellers who passed through it.
Planning your visit
- Location: Al-Balad, Jeddah 22233, Saudi Arabia
- Contact: +966 12 651 1111
- Best suited to: unhurried walking, photography and anyone interested in historic architecture and Red Sea trade
Because the district is compact and built around narrow streets, it is best explored on foot, with time set aside to look up at the balconies and the coral stone facades. Visitors interested in the wider history of the Red Sea coast will find the district a useful starting point.