Saudi Arabia
ASIA Edition
Jeddah Rooftop Cafes
The secret terraces where Saudi Arabia overlooks the Red Sea
When night falls in Jeddah, many of the best experiences occur not in large monuments or tourist sites, but on small terraces hidden on the Corniche, facing the Red Sea. Between warm lights, outdoor sofas and the sound of the sea, the city's rooftop cafes have become one of the favorite corners of the new Saudi generation.
The nights start late here. Groups of friends, families and travelers gather for hours drinking Arabic coffee, mint tea or shisha while the warm breeze from the Red Sea sweeps across the terraces. Far from the more traditional image that many people have of Saudi Arabia, Jeddah shows a much more modern, relaxed and cosmopolitan face.
The city has always been one of the most important ports on the Red Sea and for centuries served as an entry point for merchants and pilgrims traveling to Mecca. This historic mix of cultures turned Jeddah into one of the most open and creative cities in the country, something that can still be felt today, especially in its cafes, galleries and seaside spaces.
One of the most special moments comes after midnight, when the temperature drops, the lights of the Corniche reflect on the water and the terraces continue full of life until the early hours of the morning.
A perfect corner to discover a completely different Saudi Arabia than what most travelers imagine.