Corniche

Top choice in Jeddah


Once a smelly, unpleasant stretch of coastline, the corniche in northern Jeddah has been transformed into a pleasant walkway and leisure space. There are artificial swimming bays, lush green landscaping, children's parks, outdoor gyms, piers, a host of fast-food places and cafes, and a great new walkway that begins near the Hilton and continues over traffic and right through to the northern end. Jeddah folk flock here, especially on weekend evenings, when the atmosphere is delightful.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Jeddah attractions

1. Al Rahma Mosque

2.76 MILES

This mosque in the north of Jeddah sits on stilts and seemingly floats on the Red Sea. Visitors come to wander in the open courtyard and enjoy the cooling…

3. Little India

9.15 MILES

There is a distinct air of the subcontinent in this square mile just off the King Fahd Rd. Clothes shops sell saris, grocers stock fresh curry leaves and…

4. Fish Market

9.28 MILES

The colourful and frenetic fish market – west of the corniche – has at least 50 species of sea creature on display, ranging from hammerhead sharks to…

5. Beit Al Balad

9.62 MILES

Built in the early 20th century as the British legation’s headquarters in Jeddah and serving in that role from about 1915 to the mid-1930s, Beit Al Balad…

6. North City Gate

9.66 MILES

This recreated historic gate marks the northern entrance to Al Balad, and is surrounded by some of the most beautiful historic houses, including the…

7. Sharbatly House

9.68 MILES

Built in 1930, this historic structure boasts some lovely Hejazi mashrabiyya (wooden lattice balconies). It's the former home of the wealthy Sharbatly…

8. Hanafi Mosque Minaret

9.75 MILES

This beautiful snow-white minaret is all that remains of the historic mosque named after one of the four great imams of Sunni theology, Abu Hanifah. It's…