Recently Viewed
Al-Balad Tour: Jeddah's Heritage Unveiled
5.0
44 Ratings
Jeddah
Discover the hidden gems of Jeddah’s historic district, Al-Balad. Explore ancient coral-stone houses turned museums, art galleries, and coffee shops on this private tour.
Discover the hidden gems of Jeddah’s historic district, Al-Balad. Explore ancient coral-stone houses turned museums, art galleries, and coffee shops on this private tour.
Duration:
4 hours
Cancellation:
24 hours
Highlights
- Bab Jadid - Among the most ancient gates of the historic town. The tour guide will greet you here.
- Al-Balad - Explore the historic homes and visit museums, art galleries, cafes, and the traditional markets of the town.
- Biet Nassif - Nassif House Museum is one of the most notable residences in the old town.
- Al Shafei Mosque - The…
- Bab Jadid - Among the most ancient gates of the historic town. The tour guide will greet you here.
- Al-Balad - Explore the historic homes and visit museums, art galleries, cafes, and the traditional markets of the town.
- Biet Nassif - Nassif House Museum is one of the most notable residences in the old town.
- Al Shafei Mosque - The oldest mosque in the historic town.
- Souq Al Alawi - A traditional market.
- Gabel Street Souq - One of Jeddah’s oldest markets.
- Zawiya 97 زاوية ٩٧ - Zawiya 97 is a placemaking initiative, crafted as a cultural hub and a starting point for crafts in Historic Jeddah.
- Jeddah Academy Of Fine Arts - Art gallery.
- Makkah Gate - A historic landmark in one of Jeddah’s oldest areas, witnessing the journey of millions of pilgrims to Makkah.
- Tariq Abdulhakim Center - Tariq Abdulhakim Center Museum.
What's Included
- Museum fees
- Tea and coffee
- Bottled water
- Snacks
- Museum fees
- Tea and coffee
- Bottled water
- Snacks
What's Not Included
- Private transportation
- Private transportation
Additional Information
Discover the heart of Jeddah in Al-Balad, the city’s most iconic archaeological and heritage district. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2014, Al-Balad offers a unique journey through time, where cultures have intertwined for centuries. On my tour, you’ll explore the stunning coral-stone architecture of historic houses, many of which have…
Discover the heart of Jeddah in Al-Balad, the city’s most iconic archaeological and heritage district. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2014, Al-Balad offers a unique journey through time, where cultures have intertwined for centuries. On my tour, you’ll explore the stunning coral-stone architecture of historic houses, many of which have been transformed into museums, art galleries, and charming coffee shops. But beyond the well-known landmarks, I’ll guide you to the hidden gems that only a local can reveal.
Experience the rich history and vibrant culture of Jeddah with a certified guide deeply connected to this remarkable city. My deep roots in the region, combined with my local expertise, allow me to bring the stories of Al-Balad to life. Join me for an unforgettable exploration of this timeless district, where the echoes of the past blend seamlessly with the energy of the present, uncovering the true essence of Jeddah.
- No lifts inside historical houses
Location
Bab Alfurdhah
الملك عبدالعزيز
I will meet you at Bab Alfurdhah gate, which is a huge stone-built gate.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
5.0
(44 Ratings)
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
Yang
Dec 7, 2024
Amazing tour with Ayat - Had a great time with Ayat! She is very friendly, very knowledgeable and adaptable. She was able to tailor the program for our interest. She gave us a lot of tips on the city, the culture and the food. We enjoyed the old town tour tremendously with her! And would highly recommend! One tip - would suggest one to walk by yourself first in early afternoon so can take nice pictures. By the time the tour start, it may get dark quite quickly.
Review provided by Viator
Jamesg
Nov 29, 2024
Great tour and guide - We went on the historical tour of Al Balad and it was very interesting and eye-opening. Ayat was our guide and she was great as she has good knowledge of the old town. Also, she was very patient with me in that I am collecting footage from multiple countries for a movie and she waited for me to get all the required video shots. We learned a lot on the tour. At the end of the tour, we wanted to go to a fish restaurant and Ayat walked us all the way there as we didn’t think that we could find it— she was very helpful right to the end.
Review provided by Viator
Paul
Nov 17, 2024
Highly recommend for both the tour and a fantastic guide - Ayat was the perfect guide for us. Her English was fantastic, very knowledgeable of the Al Balad area and history, and organized a range of experiences that provided a good sense of what the old town offers. It is evident that she is very interested in and passionate about the unique history, rich culture and amazing architecture of the area which makes it a joy and delight to be with her as she shared it with us. It is fantastic to see how much is being done to bring back this important and unique piece of Saudi culture and history. Well worth the time and no one better to show you around than Ayat!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Kitajimasae
Nov 11, 2024
If you want to see locals life in Jeddah , this is your to take. - I had a lovely and memorable time with Ayat . I spent 11 days in Saudi Arabia ,(Riyadh , Alula , Medina , Red Sea area and Jeddah .) I feel so lucky that I could spend the last day with her.
Until I came to Jeddah , I was a tourist , seeing only things for foreigners. But with Ayat , finally I could see life in ‘ Saudi Arabia’ which is interesting and beautiful.
She speaks perfect English. She is very sweet and soft. At the same time,She is very professional and experienced. Further more she is very flexible !
The tour itinerary was very interesting and if we want to deviate from it , she is there to adopt it.
Without her , i could not go to one restaurant where there was a long line of locals waiting .She remained until I got a table until late . I was really touched by the kindness.
I strongly suggest her tour !
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Damimopa
Nov 11, 2024
A must in Jeddah - Excellent tour guide! Ayat was knowledgeable, engaging and very helpful. Did a great job of introducing the old town and explaining social context of sites we saw. A definite must to a Jeddah visit. Thank you!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Migdalia_g
Nov 8, 2024
Best tour guide! - This tour was amazing! The first positive surprise was that our guide was a woman! She was smart, knowledgeable and really fun to spend time with. She showed us her beautiful city and was very accommodating to our last minute request to move the tour to later in the day. Which turned out to be much better because the weather was better and the city came alive. Thank you Ayat for making this day special. Don’t think about it twice. Book this tour ASAP!
Review provided by Viator
Rtwnomads
Oct 18, 2024
Al-Balad, Jeddah - The best way to see Al-Balad is with a local, and Ayat was a great guide. In addition to the history and the architecture, we particularly enjoyed the variety of coffee shops, each with its own unique character.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Elisev742
Sep 22, 2024
Best tour guide in Jeddah - The best tour guide to take you through Jeddah. She anticipates your needs and wishes and tailors the program to your liking. She holds extensive historical knowledge which makes it the best tour you can grant yourself. 10/10, would highly recommend to anyone (couples, friends or families).
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Grandtour22103443204
Jul 14, 2024
Unforgettable Tour! - I recently visited Jeddah and decided to take a tour of the Old District for the first time, despite having lived in the city before. I was absolutely mindblown by the experience! The tour was perfectly organized, offering an in-depth exploration of the area's rich history. We visited charming cafes and unique shops, each with its own story. Ayat's passion and knowledge truly brought the district to life. She went above and beyond to make our experience exceptional. This tour has given me a newfound appreciation for a city I thought I knew so well. Highly recommend!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Chris_m
May 26, 2024
Unforgettable Al Balad Tour with Ayat - Ayat, our wonderful female Saudi tour guide made our trip around Al Balad unforgettable. She was friendly, knowledgeable and so smiley she really made the tour fun and engaging. We saw all of the main sights and stopped for some amazing local, traditional drinks too (Saudi coffee and sugarcane). We also stopped at some local shops to see antiques, spices, dates and perfumes. It really was an amazing tour and nothing was too much trouble. She would take you anywhere you wanted to see (even if it was all the way over the other side of the souq 🙂). Best Al Balad tour. 5*
Review provided by Viator
More activities from this operator
