Whatever brings you to Saudi Arabia, it’s unlikely to be for a vibrant nightlife. The kingdom is not known for late-night entertainment, and after work many visitors limit themselves to hotel facilities.
Leisure choices are generally limited in the more conservative cities, but Jeddah is different. This major Red Sea port has long been Arabia’s window to the world, serving as an international trade hub and the main staging point for pilgrims traveling to Mecca, about 40 miles inland. Jeddah is the most open and cosmopolitan city in Saudi Arabia.
That said, don’t expect bars—alcohol is illegal. Dress conservatively: women should cover their arms, legs and hair; men should wear long pants. Saudi Arabia is among the world’s most conservative countries, and same-sex relationships are illegal, so LGBT travelers must be especially cautious. Social norms differ from many other places: it’s common to see Saudi men holding hands or greeting each other with kisses, while public displays of affection between opposite-sex couples are prohibited. Also note that only married couples can legally share a hotel room.
Daily life is punctuated by the five daily prayer times. After the sunset prayer—typically around 6 p.m.—locals and visitors alike head to the Corniche, the 20-mile-long waterfront promenade that runs along Jeddah’s coast.
The Corniche is one of the most relaxed public spaces in Saudi Arabia and a great spot to enjoy the sea breeze after a hot day. Street vendors offer snacks and drinks, and the promenade features one of the world’s largest collections of outdoor sculpture. More than 400 works are on display, including pieces by Henry Moore, Alexander Calder and Joan Miró.
For dramatic sightlines, King Fahd’s Fountain is unrivaled: its jet shoots water more than 1,000 feet into the air and, as night falls, some 500 spotlights illuminate the plume for an impressive display.
If any part of Jeddah still evokes The Arabian Nights, it’s the historic Al-Balad district. The neighborhood comes alive in the evening, when cooler temperatures and glowing shop lights make the souks particularly inviting. One of the most interesting markets to explore is Souq al-Alawi.
Tahlia Street is the city’s most prestigious thoroughfare, home to upscale boutiques and cafés. At night it becomes a showcase for young Saudis with expensive cars—if Jeddah has a nocturnal soundtrack, it’s often the rumble of Lamborghinis and Ferraris.