I was flying back from Mumbai and decided to turn a long journey home into something better—a weekend stopover in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Many people questioned the choice, but Jeddah was everything I had hoped for: a city opening up to the world, friendly and welcoming to foreigners, with great food, warm hospitality, and easy access to the Red Sea. Even better, my friend Ahu flew in from Neom to meet me, turning a solo stopover into a shared adventure.

Friday: Arrival in Jeddah and First Impressions

After landing in Jeddah, I cleared the airport and waited for Ahu next to the giant aquarium inside the terminal, which immediately set the tone—calm, modern, and a little unexpected.

We checked into the Assila, a Luxury Collection Hotel, and were upgraded to a Panorama Suite. The room was expansive, with a full living area, beautiful natural light, and thoughtful design—exactly what you want after a long-haul flight. The service throughout the hotel was genuinely five-star: warm, attentive, and effortless.

The Assila is known for having one of the top-rated breakfasts in Jeddah, and it lives up to the reputation. Add in a rooftop pool and restaurant, and it is easily one of the best luxury hotel options in Jeddah for a weekend stay.

That evening, we headed out to explore the Jeddah Corniche. We walked along the waterfront, grabbed a casual bite, and watched the red glow of the sunset over the Red Sea. Families gathered on the sidewalk, sitting on rugs and picnicking while the call to prayer echoed from nearby mosques. It felt local, relaxed, and deeply atmospheric.

Later that night, we made our way to Al-Balad, Old Town Jeddah and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Wandering through the historic gates, markets, and narrow streets was one of the highlights of the weekend. It was Friday night, the streets were closed to cars, and the neighborhood was buzzing with energy. Cafés were full, families were out, and the historic coral-stone buildings glowed under the lights.

Saturday: Red Sea Diving in Jeddah

Saturday started early with a Red Sea diving and snorkeling trip with Al-Haddid Scuba. While the diving itself was not on par with world-class destinations, being out on the Red Sea is special in its own right. We met at the dive shop early in the morning, selected our gear, and headed out with a small group of six: the captain, Amr our divemaster, Sean, Bassel, Ahu, and me. The intimate group made the experience feel relaxed and personal.

We completed two dives and spent our surface interval snorkeling along the shallow reef, which was actually the highlight. There was abundant marine life in the shallows, and snorkeling around the reef between dives made my day. By the time we returned to shore, the sun and sea had completely wiped me out, and I fell into a deep afternoon nap back at the hotel.

That evening, Ahu flew out and I met Sean for dinner at Amer, a traditional yet upscale Lebanese restaurant. The meal was flavorful, generous, and exactly what we needed after a full day in the sun. We chatted over mezze, a perfect low-key Saturday night in Jeddah.

Sunday: teamLab, the Floating Mosque, and a Slow Goodbye

Sunday was intentionally slow. I enjoyed a leisurely breakfast at the Assila, lingering over tea, fresh juices, and the extensive spread that absolutely deserves its reputation. I then spent the late morning lounging by the rooftop pool, soaking up the last few hours of downtime.

After checking out, I stopped briefly at Oasis Mall, known for its gold market and a quick photo opportunity, before heading to teamLab Borderless Jeddah. With almost no crowds, the immersive digital art installations felt expansive and surreal.

I then crossed the city to visit Al Rahma Mosque, often called the Floating Mosque, located along the marina. Sitting above the water, it is one of the most visually striking landmarks in Jeddah and a peaceful place to pause before departure. I wrapped up the weekend with dinner at Niyyali, an upscale Lebanese restaurant in the Shangri-La, for a delicious final meal.

Is Jeddah Worth a Stopover?

Absolutely. Jeddah works incredibly well as a weekend stopover destination, especially if you are already transiting through the Middle East or traveling between Asia, Europe, or the United States. The city is easy to navigate by car (Uber), feels open and welcoming, and offers a compelling mix of Red Sea access, historic neighborhoods like Al-Balad, modern art experiences, and excellent luxury hotels.

Saudi Arabia is clearly investing in tourism, hospitality, and culture, and Jeddah feels like one of the most accessible entry points to experience that shift firsthand. If you have 48–72 hours and want something different, a Jeddah stopover is absolutely worth your time. It left me curious to return and explore more of Saudi Arabia.