Al-Balad after dark

Al-Balad gives your Formula E trip a different side of Jeddah: heritage houses, busy market streets and cafés tucked into the old town. Come as daylight fades, when the cooler evening makes an unhurried walk more appealing. Allow two to three hours for the lanes, a little shopping and a coffee stop.

Look up as you walk. Wooden rawashin project from the façades of the old merchant houses, above narrow streets and small squares. Historic Jeddah grew through Red Sea trade and the movement of pilgrims towards Makkah; its architecture and souks are part of that story. Nassif House makes a memorable starting landmark, even when you only admire it from outside.

From Nassif House square, browse Souq Al Alawi, then continue through the Qabil market streets. Incense, spices and textiles make browsing as much a part of the evening as the buildings themselves. Take your time in the side lanes and leave room in your bag for a small souvenir. This is a flexible stroll rather than a timed tour: follow open pedestrian routes and turn back where restoration work closes a lane.

Finish with coffee or tea at a local café. Diab Coffee is an option for a traditional stop; a café you come across along the way works just as well. Add a casual dinner if your group wants a longer evening. The walking route is free, with an allowance of ≈ SAR 80 per person for refreshments and a meal. Shopping and transport are separate.

For race visitors, Al-Balad works best on an arrival evening or a free night before the circuit programme becomes busy. It lies south of the Corniche racing area, so give it a dedicated trip rather than squeezing it between sessions. Wear comfortable shoes for uneven paving, carry water and choose a pickup point on an accessible road when you leave.