Private Tour
Jeddah discover old Jeddah Albalad
Overview
Available languages
3 hours
Mobile ticket
Discover with us one of the most fun experiences in old Jeddah. Before naming it as the royal seaport for Makkah in 657 AD, the Al-Balad site, “Historic Jeddah”, was built on beautiful coastal land. The area has a fascinating history.
It was founded in the seventh century and was once the beating heart of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Balad can literally be translated as "The Town. We will Explore the old town and try some traditional dishes and go shopping in the bazaar.
Additional Info
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
Bottled water
Local Guide
Lunch
Meeting and Pickup
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
What To Expect
Bab Jadid
Start your tour to visit Jeddah’s historical downtown area (Al-Balad) which is the historical area well known as the “Old Town”, where many of the oldest families used to live and work. It boasts of old buildings, a traditional souk and many restaurants, where visitors get to walk amid the old streets and experience the traditional landscape of the old town. When you are in historical Jeddah we will take you back to the old era of Saudi Arabia, all your senses will be in action. You will hear and learn amazing stories about Jeddah and ride and walk through secret doors, Enjoy a wonderful walking Al-Balad.
Al-Balad
You will see the old houses and will visit museums, art galleries, cafes and the old markets of the town. This history tour of Old Town will take you along all the less known must-see local spots: Beit Nassif, Makkah gate for a photo stop, Historical Jeddah north gate stop for a photo, other historical houses provide a rare opportunity for you to experience the blend of traditional architecture with modernity Old Market hidden gems, Old Jeddah hidden galleries and Local Jeddah food shops only for locals no tourists know about it
Options
Jeddah discover old Jeddah Albalad
Pickup included
Reviews
11 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
I had a wonderful time. My tour guide was very knowledgeable, patient and kind. Highly b recommend this tour
Ruby R,
Sep 24, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00This is ancient history on the old town. It is a UNESCO heritage site now and is under renovation as most of it is falling sort
Excellent tour
Yada W,
Aug 13, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Muhammad was an excellent guide—very knowledgeable and polite. He took me to see the highest fountain just in time. I asked many questions about Islam and Jeddah, and he answered all of them patiently and willingly. Highly recommended, especially for women traveling alone—he made me feel completely safe and comfortable. Apologies if I gave you a sore throat with all my questions :)
Amazing Al Balad 🤩
lovetoexplore333,
Mar 15, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Had a a wonderful 3 hours walking tour of Al Balad with Muhammad. Such a beautiful, peaceful and wocoming place. Muhammad is a true gentleman with excellent English. He has profound knowledge of the city, culture and history and many insights that were fascinating to listen to. A wonderful time. We started off as strangers, and we finished … as friends. I recommend hugely and wish Muhammad every success. He deserves it.
Visit to old jeddah
906jayneg,
Feb 1, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Mohammed was very a very informative guide and passionate about Jeddah and its traditions. He was one of a very few guides willing to take a single person.
Highly recommend
LindseyBrooke N,
Dec 31, 2024
- Review from Viator
5.00Muhammad was amazing. He made the tour customizable (by changing times when needed), interesting for the children, and gave us a great snapshot of Islam and the importance of Jeddah. He also recommended a great restaurant and helped us order.
Very polite.
Jannes S,
Dec 11, 2024
- Review from Viator
5.00Very polite and helpful person. Know very much about the impressive beauty of Jeddah. Thank you so much.
Authentic tour in the old town of Jeddah
Nicolas W,
Nov 25, 2024
- Review from Viator
5.00The tour was the absolute best! We had originally booked the tour for Friday at 1:30 pm. Muhammad contacted us the day before and suggested to do the tour in the afternoon (because all the shops and markets are closed on Friday till afternoon) - we moved the starting time to 2:30 pm. And we did not regret it! Muhammad was very knowledgeable about the area and could answer all the questions. He was super kind and also helped us taking some great photos and got some refreshments for us in between! Everything went super smooth. We can highly recommend him as a tour guide and as a person - we left the tour having a new friend!
Great Tour
Samantha L,
Aug 19, 2024
- Review from Viator
5.00Muhammad communicated with us prior to the tour & picked us up promptly from hotel. He is knowledgeable and friendly. We learned a lot about Al Balad and its historical buildings. He also was thoughtful to provide us with snacks and drinks. We were looked after well and enjoyed the tour very much. Highly recommend him for your stay in Jeddah.
Al Balad Cultural Tour
Stephen A,
May 28, 2024
- Review from Viator
5.00Houses, museums, shops, and culture. This tour was well worth the price and Muhammad was a wonderful tour guide.
Best guide and tour of old jeddah
Nicolas H,
Apr 14, 2024
- Review from Viator
5.00We were happily surprised by the beauty of the old Jeddahs’ architecture and restoration work that is being done. Our guide was one of the best we’ve had on this trip, profesional, kind, and knowledgeable about the history. I recommend him for anyone visiting Jeddah.
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