Jeddah's role as Saudi Arabia's historic window to the world shapes much of what's worth doing here. Here are ten things to build a visit around. Al-Balad, the UNESCO-listed historic district, holds coral-stone merchant houses with elaborately carved wooden balconies found almost nowhere else in this form — visit in the evening for both comfort and atmosphere. The Jeddah Corniche, a long Red Sea waterfront promenade, combines public art, beaches, and the King Fahd Fountain, best seen illuminated after dark. Red Sea diving and snorkelling trips reach coral reefs considerably less crowded than Egypt's more famous Red Sea dive sites, a genuine draw for certified divers. The King Fahd Fountain, the world's tallest fountain, anchors the Corniche after dark and is one of the most photographed sights in the city. Al-Balad's traditional souks, within the historic district, offer spices, textiles, and crafts in a setting considerably less polished and more functional than tourist-oriented markets elsewhere. A traditional Saudi coffee experience, increasingly offered as a standalone cultural activity, gives genuine insight into local hospitality customs. The Jeddah Tower (under long-term construction toward becoming one of the world's tallest buildings) and the surrounding modern districts show the city's rapid contemporary development alongside Al-Balad's history. A fishing trip along the Red Sea coast, offered by several local operators, gives a different way to experience the waterfront beyond beaches and the Corniche. Floating Mosque (Al Rahma Mosque), built directly over the Red Sea on stilts, is a striking architectural sight worth a stop along the Corniche. Finally, simply wandering Al-Balad's narrow lanes without a fixed plan, especially after dark, often turns up smaller craft workshops and details a guided tour might rush past. Dress modestly throughout the city, and remember Saudi Arabia is dry nationwide — no alcohol is available anywhere, including hotels.