AL-Balad is the old market or souq in the center of historic Jeddah. You can reach it by public transport, but better by taxi or car.
Note: You can download either Google Maps or Apple Maps and navigate through the buttons below. You can also directly order a taxi through App. Learn more in this Guide.
A Living Heritage of History and Trade
History and Cultural Significance
Have you ever wondered how a marketplace can tell the story of a city? Al-Balad (“The Town”) in Jeddah does exactly that. Established in the 7th century AD, this district grew as a major port for Indian Ocean trade routes and a gateway for pilgrims traveling to Mecca.
In 647 CE, during the era of Caliph Othman, Jeddah was officially designated as the seaport for Makkah. Through these roles, Al-Balad became a thriving multicultural hub where merchants from Arabia, Africa, and Asia mingled. The market has long been the beating heart of Jeddah’s economy – a place where spices, textiles, and goods from distant lands were exchanged, fueling the region’s prosperity. Walking through Al-Balad today feels like stepping into a living museum of Jeddah’s past. Its coral-stone buildings with distinctive wooden balconies (rawasheen) showcase a blend of Red Sea architecture and influences brought by traders over centuries. This unique heritage earned Historic Al-Balad recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2014. In a city racing towards modernity, Al-Balad Market stands as a proud custodian of local culture and traditions, reflecting the Hijazi way of life in its very layout and atmosphere.
Market Layout and Offerings
Al-Balad’s marketplace is a maze of narrow alleys and open-air souks, each turn revealing new sights and scents. The most famous is Souk Al-Alawi, one of Jeddah’s oldest markets, brimming with virtually everything from authentic handicrafts and traditional outfits to rugs, carpets, and spices. One section of the market, the Qabel Street trail, is known for specialty shops selling electronics, perfumes, spices, dates, honey, and household items.
Strolling these lanes, you’ll also come across the Gold Street (Souk Al-Dahab) shining with jewelry shops, and the Souk Al-Attarin radiating the aroma of incense and herbs. Historic landmarks are woven into the market’s fabric: the Bab Makkah (Makkah Gate) stands as an iconic entrance that once welcomed pilgrims and traders.
Within the district you can visit the Nassif House, a beautifully restored 19th-century merchant’s home now turned museum and cultural center. Its architecture – like many buildings here – features coral stone walls and ornate wooden lattices, a testament to Jeddah’s rich past. Whether you’re admiring the ancient Al-Shafei Mosque with its elegant minaret or the humble courtyards tucked between shops, the layout of Al-Balad feels organic. It evolved to serve the community’s needs – clustering sellers of similar goods in the same alley, and providing public squares where merchants and customers historically gathered. Every corner of Al-Balad Market offers a visual treat, from colorful textile displays to stacks of spice sacks, all beneath the charming old Hijazi architecture.
Local Vendors and Popular Products
Al-Balad Market isn’t just a tourist spot – it’s a living commercial district where Jeddawis have shopped for generations. Many vendors are local families who have run their stalls or shops for decades. For example, the tradition of selling balila (a boiled chickpea snack) has been passed down by vendors in the market – one famous seller, Matouk Al Sharif, has been serving this beloved dish for over 25 years, especially during Ramadan nights. As you wander, you’ll encounter spice traders with mounds of cumin, cardamom, and saffron; perfume merchants offering the rich scent of oud and sandalwood; and tailors displaying elegant abayas and embroidered thobes. The market’s must-buy items include fragrant spices, traditional Arabian coffee pots (dallah), handmade copperware, and vibrant textiles. Don’t miss the stalls selling fresh dates and local honey, which make for delicious souvenirs.
You’ll also find gold jewelry shops tucked in alleyways – bargaining for 21-carat gold bangles is almost a rite of passage here. Many shops in Al-Balad have stories behind them. It’s not uncommon to chat with an owner who proudly tells you their shop was started by their grandfather. This sense of continuity gives Al-Balad its soul. Even as modern malls have sprung up in Jeddah, locals still come to these historic souks for specialty items like incense, prayer beads, or a handmade wicker basket. The personal touch and authenticity of the vendors – from the spice lady who lets you inhale the aroma of each blend to the baker offering a sample of fresh flatbread – are what make shopping in Al-Balad so special. Here, commerce isn’t impersonal; it’s woven into the social and cultural fabric of the community.
4. Best Times to Visit and Tourist Tips
Timing your visit can make all the difference. The best time to explore Al-Balad is either early in the morning or late afternoon. Midday can be extremely hot (especially in summer), and many shops close briefly during the noontime heat or for prayer breaks. In the late afternoon and into the evening, the area springs to life: as the sun’s glare softens, shopkeepers roll up their shutters, the call to prayer echoes through the streets, and the market buzzes with activity. If you visit during winter (November to February), you’ll enjoy cooler, more comfortable temperatures. During the holy month of Ramadan, Al-Balad takes on a particularly festive atmosphere after sunset – the crowds swell with families out to break their fast and enjoy treats like balila or kunafa. Likewise, around the Hajj season, you might find the market teeming with pilgrims from around the world, adding to the cosmopolitan crowds. It’s an exciting time to visit, though expect it to be busier than usual.
Here are some tips to make the most of your visit:
- Beat the Heat: Plan to visit in the early morning or after 4 PM to avoid the intense midday sun. Jeddah’s climate is hot and humid, so carry a bottle of water, wear sunscreen, and perhaps bring a small umbrella for shade.
- Dress and Respect: Al-Balad is a traditional area, so dress modestly (shoulders and knees covered) and be mindful of local customs. You’ll feel more welcome, and you’ll also be respecting the community’s values.
- Footwear: Wear comfortable shoes. The streets are cobbled and uneven in places, and you’ll likely be doing a lot of walking as you zigzag through alleys and into historic houses.
- Cash is King: Many small vendors only take cash. There are few ATMs in the old town, so bring enough Saudi riyals with you for shopping and snacks. This will save you from searching for a cash machine in the middle of your shopping spree.
- Bargaining: Don’t be shy to haggle – bargaining is expected in Al-Balad’s souks. Start by offering around half of the initial price and negotiate with a friendly smile. It’s part of the experience, and vendors usually enjoy a good-natured bargain.
- Local Snacks: Try street food for an authentic taste. How about a cup of fresh hibiscus drink or a scoop of steaming balila with spices and lemon? These treats are both delicious and part of the local tradition. Just ensure the food stall looks clean, and enjoy!
- Explore Hidden Gems: Some of Al-Balad’s treasures are off the main paths. Duck into a restored old home turned café, like the Magad Café in a historic Matbouli family house, where you can sip Arabic coffee surrounded by antique décor. Also, peek into any open courtyards – you might find art galleries or boutique shops hidden inside. Taking a guided tour can be helpful to discover such spots and hear the stories behind them.
- Peak Times: If you prefer a calmer experience, avoid Thursday and Friday evenings, which are the weekend in Saudi Arabia and hence the most crowded. Weekday mornings are typically quiet, giving you space to appreciate the architecture and take photos comfortably (remember to ask permission if photographing locals).
Al-Balad Market welcomes you with an atmosphere that is both inviting and informative. Every doorway and shopfront has a tale to tell – of merchants who sailed the Red Sea, of families who kept traditions alive, and of a city that grew around this bustling center of trade and culture. So, why not put on your walking shoes and step into this historic maze? You won’t just be shopping; you’ll be time-traveling through Jeddah’s heritage, one alley at a time. Enjoy the journey!
