For generations, Jeddah has been, and continues to be, a gateway into Saudi Arabia. A city on the Red Sea, shaped by the people who have passed through and settled here through trade, pilgrimage and wider travel, it has a character all of its own.

For many, Jeddah is still where a journey within the Kingdom begins, and we encourage you to stay a little longer.

Go to the fish market early. Walk through the winding streets and markets of Al Balad. Take a coffee overlooking Artist Square. Look at the ancient buildings, quite literally steeped in history. Eat extraordinarily well. And make time to walk beside the Red Sea along the Corniche.

And then there is Formula One. When the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix comes to Jeddah, the Corniche becomes the setting for one of the fastest street circuits in Formula One, raced at night beside the Red Sea. It is quite another side of the city.

Jeddah is vibrant, multicultural and wonderfully easy to spend time in