The World Heritage site “Al Balad” in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia – the historic old town. While the hot summer period is generally considered unsuitable for tourism, there are actually many attractions that can only be enjoyed during this time. We’ll introduce the quiet charm of this ancient city that tourists can enjoy exclusively when locals avoid activities during the hot daytime hours.
Summer Daytime as Peak Season? Enjoying Al Balad with Reverse Thinking
Sparsely populated Al Balad during daytime
“Saudi Arabia’s summer is too hot for tourism” is the general consensus. Indeed, it’s a harsh environment where temperatures can reach nearly 45°C during the day. However, this very fact creates hidden advantages.
Local residents often spend the hot daytime hours, especially from 12 PM to 3 PM, indoors, and surprisingly few people walk the streets. This presents a valuable opportunity to enjoy what would normally be a crowded World Heritage area in an almost private setting.
“But isn’t it hot?” some might worry. Actually, while Saudi Arabia’s summer temperatures are high, humidity is extremely low, making the actual stress surprisingly manageable. From personal experience, it felt much more comfortable than Japan’s humid summer heat. With basic precautions like frequent hydration and taking breaks in shaded or air-conditioned areas, daytime exploration is perfectly enjoyable.
Additionally, Al Balad’s narrow alleys create building shadows easily, making shade surprisingly accessible. The momentary coolness of shade in the dry heat is a special experience.
Paradise for Photographers: Beauty of the Unpopulated Ancient City
Colorful yet subtly toned Rawashin create an artistic cityscape
One of Al Balad’s attractions is its unique architectural style. Traditional buildings made from coral rock and limestone, and decorated wooden balconies (Rawashin) are characteristic features. Normally, with heavy foot traffic, capturing these architectural beauties in photos is challenging.
However, during less crowded daytime hours, there’s room to set up tripods and carefully consider angles. The daytime lighting creates strong contrasts that beautifully express building textures and shadow gradations. For photography enthusiasts, this is an excellent opportunity to photograph historic buildings without people.
Moreover, in the quiet absence of people, you can observe architectural details and alley atmospheres usually unnoticed. This is a luxury never experienced during crowded times.
Developing World Heritage: The Changing Al Balad
Al Balad was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2014, but Saudi Arabia’s tourism development only began in earnest a few years ago. Currently, construction barriers are visible throughout the area, with restoration work on old buildings in progress.
While this might seem “disappointing due to construction,” it’s actually a valuable opportunity to witness historically valuable buildings being properly preserved and passed to future generations. Over the coming years, restoration work will progress, transforming it into an even more attractive tourist destination.
“This building wasn’t like this last time I visited” – feeling changes with each visit is one of Al Balad’s pleasures. Why not experience the special feeling of watching over a developing World Heritage site?
Enjoying Local Flavors: Sobia and Arabic Coffee
During Al Balad exploration, don’t forget to enjoy local flavors. Particularly recommended is the local fermented drink “Sobia.” This distinctive sour drink made from fermented oats and herbs is perfect for hydration on hot days. It’s a traditional beverage long beloved by Bedouins (nomads) and still loved by many Jeddah residents today.
Additionally, rooftop cafes overlooking Al Balad are scattered throughout. Enjoying Arabic coffee (Qahwa) and dates here is also delightful. These cafes, normally bustling with people, are relatively quiet during daytime, allowing leisurely enjoyment of the scenery. In cafes converted from historic buildings, moments spent cooling off in air-conditioned interiors or windy rooftops while gazing at Al Balad’s landscape through windows are exceptional. When tired from the heat, taking breaks at such cafes is recommended.
Savoring Al Balad’s Traditional Cuisine
As befits an old town with over a century of history, Al Balad has numerous historic establishments, including traditional restaurants serving Saudi cuisine “Bukhari.” Particularly recommended is the traditional butcher “Baissa Mandi Meat,” which serves goat neck meat with spicy seasonings. Tasting authentic Ras Mandi alongside locals is one of the valuable cultural experiences available in Al Balad.
Additionally, at Jeddah’s oldest bakery, you can taste traditional Arabian-style bread “Khubz.” This simple yet flavorful bread is fundamental to local food culture.
Evening to Night: Al Balad’s Ever-Changing Expression
Around 4 PM as the sun begins to set, Al Balad starts showing another face. Shops gradually open and locals venture into the streets. Women in abayas (black traditional dress) come shopping, and vitality returns to the alleys.
When the sky turns crimson, Al Balad displays its most beautiful appearance of the day. Evening sunlight streaming into alleys gives coral rock walls warm hues, creating an extremely mystical atmosphere. Photography enthusiasts shouldn’t miss this “golden hour.”
Men enjoying evening coffee on the street
At night, young people and older residents gather on rooftops and in alleys, enjoying the evening breeze while relaxing. The illuminated old town has completely different charm from daytime, with light leaking from windows decorated with traditional Islamic patterns creating an atmosphere like “Arabian Nights.”
Al Balad offers different attractions at each time period, never boring even with all-day stays. Enjoying the changing scenery from daytime silence to nighttime bustle is a major attraction.
Where to Stay: Al Balad’s Best Hotel
To fully enjoy Al Balad, staying within or near the area is highly recommended. Particularly recommended is Al Murooj Kareem Hotel. It’s an unmatched accommodation in Al Balad that balances convenient access with cost-performance.
Its major attraction is allowing full enjoyment of the old town atmosphere while ensuring necessary comfort, making early morning or late evening Al Balad exploration easily accessible. Particularly for experiencing Al Balad’s vibrant evening atmosphere, staying within the area is optimal.
Conclusion: Saudi Summer is Al Balad Exploration Season
While Saudi Arabia’s summer heat is indeed harsh, avoiding it and targeting only conventional tourist seasons might mean missing Al Balad’s hidden charms. The quiet daytime hours with few people are perfect for photography and offer chances to closely observe architectural details.
By enjoying a full day including the time changes from evening to night, you can fully appreciate Al Balad’s multifaceted attractions. As a developing World Heritage site undergoing daily changes, Al Balad may look different in a few years. That’s why seeing its current state has value.
While Al Balad is becoming a standard Saudi Arabia tourist spot, changing perspectives reveals many unknown charms still sleeping. If you’re planning summer Saudi travel, why not visit Al Balad from this perspective?
This article is based on information as of April 2025. Restoration work conditions and cafe operating conditions may change, so please verify the latest information before visiting.
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