In Saudi Arabia, there are an endless number of things to do. You could spend months here and yet not see everything there is to see. In addition, the cities are extremely different from one another. You will observe many distinct aspects of the culture in each one, as well as meet individuals from all over the world. It's a country with such a varied population.
Jeddah
This is Saudi Arabia's most advanced city. It's where the desert meets the sea, resulting in unique energy. That is until you come across a Starbucks. There's also a McDonald's. And then there was the Cheesecake Factory, which was a big bummer.
Al Balad: The Old City of Jeddah, also known as Al-Balad or Historic Jeddah, is a must-see. It was founded in the seventh century and in 2014 was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It's a great area to wander about and get a sense of the local culture. There is lots to do and the architecture is magnificent. You may browse the numerous food markets, admire the beautiful mosques, have a cup of coffee in a nice café, shop for antiques or souvenirs, shisha, or simply strike up a conversation with a local. Try going twice, once during the day and once at night, if you have the time.
Silver Sands Beach: The residents swim at Silver Sands Beach, which is one of several private beach resorts. A number of them are invitation-only or need you to be a member. This is a place where anybody can go. If you can meet a local who can assist you in getting in, we strongly advise you to do so. Unfortunately, many public beaches in Saudi do not allow women to swim, so these are your best options for a beach day where you can relax, lie out in your bikini, and even go snorkeling. Reservations are needed in advance, and prices range from 150 to 200 riyals ($40-$55). If you do make it to Indigo, get the pia colada as soon as possible.
The Corniche: The Corniche is where you should be. It's a long boardwalk along the Red Sea that's ideal for grabbing some food, setting out a blanket and armrest, and enjoying a quiet picnic while watching the sunset. This is something that all of the residents do, especially when the weather is cold in the winter. After that, get an espresso, stroll the beachfront and pier, and snap an Instagram photo with the well-known, vivid blue Jeddah Sign. This is also where you'll find King Fahd's Fountain, the world's highest fountain. It should be noted that it is only activated after sunset. The Floating Mosque is also on the Corniche, however, it's a little further north.