Jeddah: Best Cities to Visit for Muslim Travelers

بِسْمِ ٱللَّٰهِ ٱلرَّحْمَٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ

Why Muslim Families Should Visit Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

If you're a Muslim family traveler looking for a destination that blends Islamic heritage, modern comfort, affordable travel, and family fun, Jeddah should be high on your list. Known as the "Bride of the Red Sea," Jeddah is Saudi Arabia’s second-largest city and a vital cultural hub that connects past and present Islamic worlds. Although best know for being the city of port for Hajj and Umrah, there is much for a family to enjoy here so we recommend spending sometime here if you can.

From its grand mosques and rich Islamic history to its vibrant food scene and shopping for modest clothing, Jeddah offers everything a halal-conscious family could want. Add in family-friendly recreation and a relatively affordable cost of living for tourists, and you’ve got a travel experience that’s both spiritually enriching and fun for the kids. For the digital nomads, this city has a solid infrastructure of electricity and internet speed so you shouldn't have any issues, but always check with your accommodation to be sure.

Islamic History of Jeddah: Gateway for Pilgrims to Makkah

Jeddah’s history stretches back over 2,500 years, originally serving as a fishing village before evolving into a thriving port. Its significance truly skyrocketed when Caliph Uthman ibn Affan (RA) designated Jeddah as the official port of entry for Hajj pilgrims in the 7th century. Since then, Jeddah has welcomed millions of Muslims traveling to the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah.

Walking through Jeddah’s historic Al-Balad district, you’ll feel the echoes of Islamic trade, architecture, and scholarship that have shaped the city. The Ottoman-era buildings, coral stone houses, and ancient mosques tell stories of a city rooted deeply in Islam and open to the wider Muslim world.

Top Mosques in Jeddah for Muslim Travelers

Jeddah is home to some of the most architecturally and spiritually remarkable mosques in Saudi Arabia. Aside from the few famous one mentioned here every community mosque is worth visiting as they are very well kept and beautifully decorated. Here are a few highlights for Muslim families seeking meaningful prayer experiences:

Al-Rahma Mosque (The Floating Mosque)

• Located on the Red Sea coast, this iconic mosque appears to float on the water during high tide.

• Ideal for families—especially around Maghrib, when the sunset over the sea creates a serene spiritual ambiance.

• Features include air-conditioned prayer halls, a women’s section, and beautiful Islamic art and calligraphy.

King Saud Mosque

• The largest mosque in Jeddah, accommodating over 5,000 worshippers.

• Features Mamluk-style architecture, spacious prayer areas, and a peaceful garden—perfect for reflective walks with older children.

Best Halal Food in Jeddah for Muslim Families

When it comes to food, Jeddah is a halal food wonderland. The city’s diverse population means you’ll find everything from traditional Hijazi dishes to international halal options—perfect for picky eaters and adventurous foodies alike. There are many standards when it comes to halal so make sure to research and ask questions so that you know your preference is met. Please reach out to us directly if you want any specific advise based on our standards. See the 'learn more about Saudi Arabia' link at the bottom of this post to see our Top 5.

Traditional Saudi Dishes to Try

• Kabsa/Mandi – Spiced rice with lamb or chicken, great for sharing family-style.

• Seafood - fresh fried or grilled fish serviced with rice and various sauces

• Saleeg – Creamy rice with roasted chicken, a comforting option for kids.

• Mutabbaq – Stuffed savory pancake often sold at street stalls.

• Yemeni Chai - These are all over and have varieties of Arab tea and coffee along with snacks.

International Halal Options in Jeddah

• Pakistani cuisine: The large population from these countries make these common and affordable.

• Middle Eastern grills: These are also common as well with various grilled meats and sides.

• Desserts: Your kids will love the variety of kunafa, baklava, and Saudi-style ice cream

Where to Buy Modest Islamic Clothing in Jeddah

Shopping for Islamic clothing is both practical and delightful in Jeddah. The city features a variety of malls and traditional souqs that cater to all family members:

Best Places for Modest Fashion in Jeddah

• Souq Al Alawi in Al-Balad: A traditional market perfect for buying abayas, hijabs, thobes, and prayer garments at negotiable prices.

• Mall of Arabia and Red Sea Mall: These modern shopping centers offer high-end and mid-range modest fashion brands, often with family lounges and prayer rooms.

• Local boutiques in neighborhoods like Al-Andalus and Al-Safa offer custom tailoring for abayas and children’s Eid outfits. Aside from these places you will find these places in every community and much more affordable, especially when it comes to custom made kurtas.

Whether you’re looking for functional everyday wear or something stylish for Eid or Umrah, Jeddah has you covered with quality and variety.

Jeddah’s Muslim Demographics and Cultural Diversity

Jeddah is one of Saudi Arabia’s most cosmopolitan cities, home to over 4 million residents, including locals and expatriates from Egypt, Pakistan, Indonesia, Sudan, Yemen, and other Muslim-majority countries.

This diversity makes it especially welcoming to Muslim families from abroad, offering a wide range of languages, foods, and cultural experiences within an Islamic framework. Most locals speak Arabic, but English is widely understood, especially in tourist areas, malls, and hotels. Make sure you learn a few basic statements in Arabic and have a translate app ready as you will need it, especially when you go to lesser known areas.

Best Things to Do in Jeddah with Kids

Muslim family travelers will find plenty of child-friendly recreation in Jeddah, ranging from nature to modern entertainment—all within a halal-friendly environment.

Jeddah Corniche (Waterfront)

• A beautifully developed seaside promenade with playgrounds, bike paths, cafes, and shaded seating areas.

• Ideal for picnics, especially after visiting Al-Rahma Mosque nearby.

Well of al-Tuflah

• Located in the historic town of Asfan, is a significant site in the region's history, particularly in relation to the our beloved Prophet(Peace be upon him) travels between Medina and Mecca. The full history of this will be mentioned in an upcoming post so stay tuned.

Historic Al-Balad District

• Explore ancient alleys, Ottoman architecture, and historic mosques while teaching your children about Islamic trade and heritage.

• Great shopping, food, and clothing places all around this area so make sure to make a day of it.

Cost of Visiting Jeddah: Hotels, Food, Transport for Muslim Families

Compared to other cities in the Gulf region, Jeddah is quite affordable, especially for Muslim families who want to experience Islamic culture without breaking the bank.

Estimated Costs for Tourists:

• Accommodation: Family-friendly hotels or furnished apartments can range from $50–$120 per night, depending on location and season.

• Food: Meals at local restaurants can cost as little as $3–$7 per person, while fine dining may be around $15–$25 per person.

• Transport: Uber and Careem are widely available. Taxis are affordable, and many places are walkable.

• Attractions: Most are free to enter. Theme parks and aquariums usually charge $5–$15 per person.

Traveling during off-peak seasons (outside of Hajj and Ramadan) will also help you get better deals on flights and accommodations.

Practical Travel Tips for Muslim Families in Jeddah

• Best Time to Visit: November to March offers pleasant weather ideal for exploring outdoors.

• Prayer Facilities: Nearly every mall, attraction, and public space has well-maintained prayer areas.

• Language Apps: Use basic Arabic phrases or a translator app for easier interactions.

• Night Culture: Saudi Arabia has a culture of staying up late so you find many places busy at night

Why Jeddah is One of the Best Muslim-Friendly Cities for Families

Jeddah stands out as a city that embraces the spirit of Islam while welcoming the modern Muslim traveler. Whether you’re praying in a mosque that seems to float on water, enjoying halal kabsa by the sea, or watching your kids laugh in an aquarium, Jeddah offers a complete halal travel experience for families.

With its affordability, spiritual significance, rich culture, and family-friendly attractions, Jeddah is more than a stopover to Makkah—it’s a destination worth exploring.

Learn more about Saudi Arabia here

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** Disclaimer: We are compensated for some of the links provided in this article if you purchase something, but we only recommend what we have used and found successful or we have done some research to find. This blog should not be used as financial advice and we are not travel agents, we are just letting you know our opinions from real life experience. May Allah bless you and your family on your travels!