<strong>Al-Balad: </strong>The historic part of what grew into the city of Jeddah has long been the gateway to Mecca. Now, it's a UNESCO World Heritage site. Click through to learn more.
Al-Balad: The historic part of what grew into the city of Jeddah has long been the gateway to Mecca. Now, it's a UNESCO World Heritage site. Click through to learn more.
Lilit Marcus/CNN
<strong>Bait Alhodaif:</strong> These days, some cafes, shops and art galleries (like this one) have moved into the historic Al-Balad homes.
Bait Alhodaif: These days, some cafes, shops and art galleries (like this one) have moved into the historic Al-Balad homes.
Lilit Marcus/CNN
<strong>Al Shafi'i Mosque:</strong> The oldest mosque in Jeddah, this is one of Al-Balad's best known tourist attractions.
Al Shafi'i Mosque: The oldest mosque in Jeddah, this is one of Al-Balad's best known tourist attractions.
Rahul/Adobe Stock
<strong>Mecca Gate:</strong> Jeddah was the first point in Saudi Arabia for many religious pilgrims embarking on the hajj, making it an important center for trade.
Mecca Gate: Jeddah was the first point in Saudi Arabia for many religious pilgrims embarking on the hajj, making it an important center for trade.
Rahul/Adobe Stock
<strong>Rawasheen windows: </strong>These special wooden balconies and windows are one of the hallmark features of buildings in the area.
Rawasheen windows: These special wooden balconies and windows are one of the hallmark features of buildings in the area.
Lilit Marcus/CNN
<strong>Nassif House:</strong> Once the home of a noble family, this building is now a museum.
Nassif House: Once the home of a noble family, this building is now a museum.
David South/Alamy Stock Photo
<strong>City center:</strong> Al-Balad is still buzzing these days, but in different ways. In 2022, it hosted the MDLBEAST music festival.
City center: Al-Balad is still buzzing these days, but in different ways. In 2022, it hosted the MDLBEAST music festival.
Tim E White/The Image Bank Unreleased/Getty Images
<strong>Stop and shop:</strong> There are also stores that sell traditional goods like spices, rugs and oud.
Stop and shop: There are also stores that sell traditional goods like spices, rugs and oud.
Lilit Marcus/CNN
<strong>Colorful curiosities: </strong>Some rawasheen (plural of rowshan) have been repaired and painted in colors like blue and green.
Colorful curiosities: Some rawasheen (plural of rowshan) have been repaired and painted in colors like blue and green.
Lilit Marcus/CNN
<strong>Travel tip:</strong> The best times to visit are mornings and evenings, as many businesses close during the hottest parts of the day.
Travel tip: The best times to visit are mornings and evenings, as many businesses close during the hottest parts of the day.
Lilit Marcus/CNN