( City) Life Is Good
The Joy of Daily Life in Jeddah
There’ s a charm to Jeddah that’ s hard to pin down at first. The historic streets of Al-Balad. The ultra-modern yacht club and marina. The plethora of trendy cafes and marvelous mosques. Eventually, the realization washes over you like a gentle wave from the Red Sea: This is a metropolis that’ s always been teeming with life.
You can’ t fake this kind of flourishing: Culture begets culture, like rings on a tree. Through the ages, Jeddah has prospered as the gateway for pilgrimages to Mecca and Medina, as a major commercial hub on the Red Sea dating back to the ancient Incense Route and today, as the modern face of Saudi Arabia. Like any great city, there’ s a thrill to simply being a part of it— and there’ s no shortage of places to be.
Beach Day Your Way
Sprawled out along the scenic coastline is an assortment of trendy beach clubs, each boasting their own private beaches; while many function as stand-alone resorts, you can often buy a day pass. There’ s a beach club for every amazing beach day you could imagine: Boho the Beach gives chic Bohemian castaway vibes, Bhadur is best for escaping the bustle of the city with your family and Silver Sands is perfect for those who immediately think water sports when they hear“ beach day.”
Cool Café Hangouts
Oftentimes, the best way to experience the city is to just get out and about in it—“ When in Rome,” as the saying goes. Historical Nights Café is the perfect spot to lounge among the bustling of the city; this urban oasis serves stellar coffee and divine desserts and boasts a rooftop offering up stunning views. Those looking to try authentic almond coffee should seek out Diyab Café, the oldest of its kind in Historic Jeddah. Serious coffee connoisseurs will want to visit any of Caffeine Lab’ s three locations, while those looking to mimic the locals in little treat selections will certainly want to try Sculpture Café.
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