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The traditional coral houses of Old Jeddah may be a little time-worn, but there is ample charm in the architecture and history contained in these ancient dwellings. The best preserved among them, Nasseef House, can be found near Souq Al Alawi. Once owned by one of the most powerful trading families in Jeddah, the house even has its own camel ramps for messengers, installed by King Abdul Aziz.

Take a trip to Jeddah and discover the souqs of Old Town, some of the city's most popular attractions. At the heart of the city, Souq Al Alawi, the most extensive of all the city’s markets, is always buzzing. Traders ply their wares of brightly coloured clothing, rugs, spices and more against the backdrop of the evening call to prayer at sunset. A day spent exploring Al Balad is the perfect way to absorb the sensory diversity of Old Jeddah.

Take a stroll along the 35km-long Jeddah Corniche, where families can be seen sharing picnics among ornate sculptures, while enjoying spectacular views of the Red Sea.

Scuba diving here is comparable to Egypt's Red Sea coast, and although diving enthusiasts travel to Jeddah throughout the year, it is still considerably less crowded than dive spots in Egypt. There are many exotic sites to explore, with visibility commonly reaching 40m. Take a group tour with Desert Sea Divers on its custom-built diving boats and explore some wreck sites.

With temperatures reaching the mid-40s during the summer months, you may find yourself cooling off at Sail Island waterpark or enjoying the rides, ice-skating rink and games arcade at Al-Shallal Theme Park on the corniche.

Eating out is a popular pastime here in Jeddah and international cuisine is easy to find. However, for a more regional experience, try shawarma. This recipe of thinly sliced chicken or beef cooked on a vertical spit is often served with sauce, garlic and vegetables in pita bread. Also make time for falafel (chickpea fritters) and hummus, a delicious dip made with olive oil and chickpeas.

For Middle Eastern dishes from further afield, head for the Al Hamra area, where restaurants serve Lebanese, Turkish and Syrian food. Shisha cafés can be found across the city; this is where Jeddah’s residents go to socialise and enjoy an aromatic pipe, coffee and sometimes food.

When you travel to Jeddah you'll find many malls filled with designer boutiques and chain stores, but there are also local shops selling handicrafts and souvenirs. The Mall of Arabia, reputedly Saudi Arabia's largest shopping centre, is the perfect place for some retail therapy, and the Red Sea Mall is also popular with nationals and visitors alike.

For designer labels, head for El Khayyat Centre on Tahlia Street, and if you are looking for gold jewellery, Jeddah International Mall is the place to be. Another famous mall is Stars Avenue, which is known for its luxury products and international brands.