Riyadh vs Jeddah
Riyadh and Jeddah are two major cities in Saudi Arabia with distinct differences in culture, lifestyle, and economy. Both cities have their unique charm and offer a different experience to residents and visitors alike.
Riyadh is the capital city of Saudi Arabia and the political center of the country. The city has a more conservative culture and is a business hub whilst Jeddah is more relaxed. If you want to learn more about Riyadh please see the Star-CaT Riyadh guide.
Jeddah, is known as the logistic hub of Saudi Arabia. The city is situated on the Red Sea coast and has a more liberal and cosmopolitan culture. It has a thriving art and culture scene, with many museums, galleries, and exhibitions. If you want to learn more about Jeddah please see the Star-CaT Jeddah guide.
One of the most significant differences between the two cities is their architecture. Riyadh has more modern and sleek buildings, while Jeddah is known for its traditional architecture and historic buildings. Jeddah's old town, Al Balad, is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is famous for its narrow alleyways, old houses, and traditional souqs (markets).
One of the top attractions in Jeddah is the Corniche, a long waterfront promenade that stretches for over 30 kilometers. The Corniche is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike, and you'll find restaurants, cafes, and parks along the way. The Jeddah Corniche is also home to some of the city's most iconic landmarks, such as the King Fahd Fountain, which is the tallest fountain in the world.
In 2021 Jeddah hosted the Inaugural Formula 1 event, which is also known as the fastest street circuit on the calendar. After the race, there were several concerts with Justin Bieber playing, amongst others.
The concerts had a very similar feel to a concert in Europe just minus the alcohol.
Riyadh on the other hand is the financial hub of Saudi Arabia and has a large number of businesses and international companies. This is only growing in numbers with the drive to have regional HQs of companies in Riyadh which are operating in Saudi Arabia. The city is home to the Saudi Stock Exchange and many of the kingdom's major banks and financial institutions.
Riyadh also boasts several landmarks such as the Kingdom Centre, which is one of the tallest buildings in Saudi Arabia and has a unique design. It houses the Four Season hotel as well as a shopping mall. If you feel brave enough you can go up to the Sky Bridge and see Riyadh from above.
Going to Saudi Arabia? We have created a great Ebook with everything you need to know before going.
That is not to say that there is no entertainment in Riyadh. Several restaurant chains have moved there and you can find any cuisine from Italian to traditional Saudi restaurants all over the city.
From October until March there is an attraction called Riyadh Boulevard which combines entertainment, food, concerts and so much more for people to do. It has something for everyone from children’s activities to fountains with music. You will even find Riyadh Times Square. You can find more information in our Boulevard World Blog Post.
Another great attraction just outside of Riyadh is the stunning view from the Edge of the World (there are actually two). We highly recommend enjoying the sunset from this breath-taking viewpoint. For a sneak peek you can find the blog posts about both locations here and here.
Riyadh traffic can become quite congested and heavy during rush hour, so I for one cannot wait until the Metro arrives within the next few months. It will certainly help getting around faster. For now you can also use Uber and an app called Careem. You can find additional helpful apps for your visit in our topical blog post.
So in conclusion, both cities have their pros and cons, and the choice between them depends on personal preferences and priorities. Riyadh is a more economic city with a strong focus on business, while Jeddah is a more liberal and cosmopolitan city with a thriving art and culture scene.