Our Tour guide was Sulaiman Alahmadi. He has been in contact with us since the beginning of the tour order. Our hotel was not among the recording locations but he came to the hotel for us. He was a professional tour guide. My English is a little weak. He used an Arabic- Hungarian app. and the machine translation was surprisingly absolutely perfect. We experienced the Arab culture, historical events, special dishes, costums etc. He is a friendly direct personality. We had an unforgottable experience. Thank you. B.J.

Jeddah is not a beautiful harbor city. But its gem is the old town Al Balad which is in the process of being carefully restored. Sadly our guide was neither knowledgable nor allowed to enter Al Balad although he was booked through a big Saudi travel agency. A must when on your way to fascinating Al Ula !

A very interesting district. It's currently a major renovation/refresh, understandably because a lot of the houses are old and need some love, but that does make it a bit tricky to get around -- lots of unexpected dead ends. But the history is really distinctive. An important question going forward will be how well they preserve the historic character of the district. I particularly recommend Historical Nights cafe in the center of the district for a great rooftop view in a historic home!

The old town of Jeddah get's restored house by house. Old small streets, many if not most are pedestrian. Go out and explore, market streets with all sorts of shops, restaurant and coffee shops. Friendly locals everywhere - Enjoy yourself.

Exploring Balad in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, was an extraordinary experience filled with historical wonders. The ancient sites and architecture transported me back in time, offering a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of the region. However, it's worth noting that much of the area is currently undergoing renovation, which may affect the overall experience. Despite this, the charm and significance of the historical places shone through, making it a memorable visit. I would recommend Balad to anyone eager to immerse themselves in the captivating history of Saudi Arabia, while also appreciating its ongoing efforts to preserve and restore its cultural treasures.

This area is currently under renovation but don't let this put you off going as there are some great old buildings to see and so many little alleyways and lanes to walk around and explore. Best time is late afternoon and evening when everything opens and the area is very safe at night as security is very visible. Can easily spend a couple of hours wandering around here and nearby areas.