by Alexandra Mansilla
Jeddah Only Locals Know: From Unique Thrift Shop To Sunset Under the Dome
13 Jul 2025
Remember Kholoud Abdulwassie? She is a Jeddah tour guide who was born and raised here, with a family that has lived in the city for generations, so she really does know Jeddah like no one else. She is the one who has already shared incredible stories about her hometown with us (including tales of cat buffets and the people who care for the city’s street cats). We were so captivated by her stories, we just had to talk to her again, because her knowledge of Jeddah honestly seems endless.
This time, we asked Kholoud to share the places that are truly close to her heart. She picked out six special spots — from a hidden thrift shop to a beautiful mosque — and told us the stories behind them, including a few not everyone knows.
Jeddah Fountain
This is one of those places that everyone in the city can see, but hardly anyone actually knows much about. That is what makes it so special — and a little bit magical. I am talking about the King Fahd Fountain, though a lot of people just call it the Jeddah Fountain. It has been here since the 1980s and actually holds the world record as the tallest fountain anywhere. The water shoots up to 312 meters, with a speed of 350 kilometres per hour.
What is really cool is the shape — it is modelled after the traditional incense burner we use to welcome guests into our homes. So the fountain itself feels like it is welcoming everyone to Jeddah. The best time to see it is at sunset; it usually starts up around 6 pm and runs until about 4 am.
Photo: Kholoud Abdulwassie
You can spot the fountain all year long. One of the best viewpoints is from Palestine Road, and the whole South Corniche area around it is filled with incredible art sculptures. The gardens there are beautiful, too, perfect for catching the sunset with a drink in hand. It is really a great spot to visit, especially in the evening.
Island Mosque
One place I love is a beautiful historic mosque called the Island Mosque. It was built in 1985 by the very talented architect Abdel Wahid Al-Wakeel, an Egyptian architect. The area around the mosque is really lovely, especially if you want to take in the waterfront.
The mosque is in Tawheed Square, which is a fantastic area to walk around and spend some time. Originally, the mosque was actually on an island — you used to have to cross a little bridge to reach it. After the area was renovated and the waterfront improved, it became connected to the land, but it still keeps its old name, the Island Mosque. It is a special place, and definitely worth a visit.
Mawakeb Alajer
Technically, it is a second-hand store — but it is not your typical thrift shop. Mawakeb Alajer accepts just about anything you can imagine: clothes, electronics, household items, even luxury pieces. When donations come in, the team sorts through everything — some things go directly to people in need, while others are put out on the shop floor. All the money from sales goes to support a local orphanage. So you are not just finding something unique for yourself — you are helping others at the same time.
Honestly, it is a bit of a treasure trove. You will find things here you won’t see anywhere else, and sometimes you will even come across rare books. It is a place that means a lot to me personally — I really love it.
In our culture and religion, helping each other is a big part of who we are. If someone is in need, people always step up. That is what makes this place so special: when they get donations, they know exactly where some things are needed most, and the rest supports the wider community. It is a beautiful example of people coming together to help each other out.
Al Tayebat International City
Al Tayebat International City, also known as Tayebat Museum, is actually a waqf (endowment), and it used to be the private home of a collector, Abd al-Raouf Khalil, who gathered treasures from all over the world. Eventually, his collection grew into one of the most impressive museums in Jeddah.
Photo: Kholoud Abdulwassie
What makes this place truly iconic is the building itself — it is designed in the style of Al-Balad, the historic old town of Jeddah, with all the architectural details you would expect, like the classic Roshan windows and neighbourhood layouts. Inside, the museum spans four floors and over 400 rooms, each dedicated to something different. There are galleries about cultures from around the world, sections devoted to Islamic history, and an entire floor that showcases Saudi Arabia’s cities, their unique natural environments, traditional homes, clothing, and tools. It is a deep dive into history and culture — a real feast for anyone curious about the region.
Photo: Kholoud Abdulwassie
Tickets are very affordable, and if you are coming with a big group, they often offer discounts. You could easily spend two or three hours there and still not see everything, but even just catching the highlights is a rich experience. It is one of Jeddah’s real hidden gems.
There is also a café attached to the museum, serving snacks and traditional drinks. The atmosphere is special — you get a taste of what daily life used to be like, surrounded by old objects and artefacts from the original house. It is a lovely place to relax and soak in a bit of the past.
Layla's Gourmet
A restaurant right in the heart of the Al-Andalus district. It is not the easiest place to find — mostly just locals know about it and how to get there. The interiors are beautiful, with each room having its own personality and style. My favourite area is a space under a gorgeous dome where sunlight streams in — it is really something special.
Photo: Kholoud Abdulwassie
The food is international, but honestly, the setting is what makes it memorable. You can linger as long as you want, take great photos, and just enjoy the atmosphere. My advice: go before sunset to catch the sunlight under the dome. I have been a few times at night, too, and that is a whole different thing — sometimes they even have live music. Both are great, but if you can, go for lunch and soak up that sunlight.
Al-Khaskiah market
Al-Khaskiah market is right in the heart of Jeddah’s old town — Al-Balad, the historic district. This market is packed with all kinds of shops. Most of them sell wholesale, but you can also find places willing to sell smaller quantities, like half a dozen items or even single pieces.
You will find just about everything here: souvenirs, gifts, perfumes, home goods — honestly, anything you can think of. The area is big, and it is easy to walk around. It is not like a typical mall; instead, it winds through the old streets, so you get the atmosphere of the historic city while you shop. When you need a break, you can always pop into a local café and relax for a while.
If you are planning a party and need decorations, looking for gifts for friends, or just want to pick up some fun finds — bags, sunglasses, you name it — you will find it here. The shops themselves are all different sizes, from tiny stalls to bigger stores, and there is something for everyone: kids, adults, even grandparents.
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