The Best Souqs in Jeddah
Jeddah is a stunning coastal city in Saudi Arabia, known for its vibrant souqs, also known as traditional markets, that offer a unique shopping experience. Here are some of the best traditional markets in Jeddah.
Old Town Market
The Old Town Market is one of the oldest and most famous markets in Jeddah, also known as "Al-Balad" or "The Historical Town". This market is renowned for its traditional architecture and narrow, cobblestone streets. Here, you can find a variety of shops and street vendors offering traditional goods such as Saudi clothing and handicrafts. Visiting this market offers a chance to explore Saudi heritage and learn about its cultural nuances.
Souq Al-Alawi
Al-Alawi Market is one of the oldest and most lively traditional markets in Jeddah. It attracts visitors with its diversity of products and variety of vendors and shops. This market offers a wide range of items, including trendy clothing, accessories, and traditional foods. The vibrant atmosphere and bright colors make it an enjoyable place for shopping and exploring local culture.
Qabel Trail
Qabel Market is a fantastic destination for wholesale shopping enthusiasts. It is famous for offering wholesale goods including clothing, shoes, and electronics. If you are looking for opportunities to buy merchandise at competitive prices, Qabel Market is the perfect choice.
Bab Sharif
Bab Sharif Market is part of the historic Bab Sharif area in Jeddah. It features a large courtyard and traditional architecture that reflects Saudi history. The market contains a variety of shops and vendors offering different products such as clothing and handicrafts. If you are looking to shop and learn about local history in Jeddah, Bab Sharif Market is an excellent destination.
Al-Bakharieh
Al-Bakharieh Market is one of the oldest traditional markets in the Kingdom and is known for offering a variety of traditional goods such as jewelry, clothing, and carpets. It is distinguished by its traditional cultural atmosphere and ambience that reflect the local identity. In addition to shopping, visitors can enjoy learning about local culture and traditions.
Bedouin Market
Located in the heart of downtown Jeddah, in the historical Al-Balad area, Bedouin Market offers a variety of unexpected items, especially traditional gifts for pilgrims, a diverse range of prayer beads, fabrics, watches, carpets, and prayer mats, along with shops selling antique items. The market enjoys competitive prices and excellent quality, making it one of the most spectacular traditional shopping spots in the city. On the other side, the area is surrounded by beautiful old houses that date back decades, and visiting them provides a memorable and enjoyable experience. The place also includes a large, old-style mosque, along with some popular restaurants and cafes where you can sit and enjoy the traditional atmosphere.
Al-Nada Market
Al-Nada Market is considered one of the most important and largest markets in Jeddah, with a history stretching back over 150 years. It hosts about 500 commercial outlets, including the oldest shops for selling gold coins, jewelry, and currency exchange, and serves as a central hub for the residents of Jeddah. The market is proud to offer popular traditional foods and seafood. It operates all week long, with varying shop hours within it. The market also provides many services, including the sale of fabrics, books, and leather products, and is a significant center for wholesale shopping.
Souq Bab Makkah
Souq Bab Makkah in Jeddah is one of the city’s prominent tourist attractions, known for its rich history and central location. The market features many local shops offering a variety of products at reasonable prices. Popular restaurants and cafes within the market serve delicious foods and beverages. The market operates daily from morning till night. Surrounding Bab Makkah are other traditional markets and areas such as Al-Badu, Qabel, Al-Alawi, Al-Nada, and Al-Khaskiya, making it a significant center for shopping and heritage in Jeddah. Bab Mecca is also a passageway for pilgrims on their way to Mecca, adding great significance as a tourist landmark. It is located in the heart of Old Jeddah and was built in 1509 for defensive purposes.
Al-Khaskiah
Al-Khaskiah in Jeddah stands as a testament to Hijazi heritage, characterized by its buildings and shops that are over 200 years old, its winding alleys, and narrow streets that preserve the details of the past. It serves as a primary resource for Jeddah’s markets, blending tradition and modernity by providing wholesale shops and goods at low prices. It is also an important tourist destination in historic Jeddah. The name " Al-Khaskiah" comes from the Turkish word "Khaskiya," and the market was established during the reign of Muhammad Ali Pasha in 1813. Located near the sea, it became a hub for trade and economic activity in the city. The market is distinguished by its distribution of shops and cafes according to the classes of residents and their professions, providing all the necessities for the residents of Old Jeddah, whether locally manufactured or imported.
Al-Shatea Market
Enjoy your visit to Al-Shatea Market in Jeddah, which stands out with its central location in Al-Zahra district, easy accessibility, and organized outdoor spaces for shops and restaurants. The market is distinguished by its variety of abaya stores and design shops, in addition to providing resting areas and a diverse range of stores that meet your needs from household necessities, gifts, makeup, and perfumes.
Al-Marjan Market
Al-Marjan Market in Al-Safa district is one of the prominent traditional markets in Jeddah, formerly known as the "Syrian Market" due to the presence of Syrian goods, which were imported along with traders from Syria. Al-Marjan Market features a diverse assortment of products, whether local or imported, at medium to low prices that cater to visitors' preferences. The market is designated for selling clothes and abayas, home utensils, and personal care products like incense, oud, and perfumes. Additionally, the market provides a safe play area for children within its perimeter.
Al-Bawadi Market
Al-Bawadi Traditional Market in the Al-Bawadi district is a distinguished destination for purchasing wholesale goods or acquiring items that reflect the local flair. The market is famous for providing handcrafted goods, traditional clothing, and heritage items that significantly attract visitors. Additionally, the market includes a variety of gold and jewelry shops that are renowned locally for their modern designs. It also offers various family and home necessities, making it an ideal destination for those looking for a unique shopping experience.
Al-Sawarikh Market
Al-Sawarikh Market, also known locally as "The Rocket Market," is the largest traditional market in the western region of Jeddah. Covering an area of over 9 square kilometers, it is an ideal destination for traders and investors due to the variety of products offered at low prices. The market includes shops varying from furniture and electronic devices to consumer products, in addition to places selling used goods.
These markets provide a delightful shopping experience and an opportunity to explore Saudi heritage and enjoy cultural diversity. If you're planning a visit to Jeddah, don't miss out on the special offers on WINGIE and explore these famous markets to bring home unique pieces that reflect the beauty and diversity of the city.
