As of last month, travelling to Saudi Arabia got a little bit easier. In a bid to diversify its economy, the ultra-conservative nation is looking to wipe its slate clean—and opening up its borders to foreign visitors may be one of its biggest moves yet.
Foreign visitors can apply for an electronic visa, though access is still restricted to those attending events held in the Kingdom—take Ad Diryah’s E-Prix weekend as example.
Nonetheless, for those who manage to score a visa—a trip to Jeddah is a must. With a burgeoning art scene rival to Dubai’s, the city is certainly worth the trip. In between your strolls through its buzzing art galleries or lunching on fresh fish in one of Al Qalzam’s huts, make sure you grab a freshly brewed cup of coffee at one of the city’s best cafes.
Medd
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Naturally, in the midst of any budding creative scene is a local coffee shop everyone loves to hang at. For Jeddah, Medd is the creative youth’s café of choice. From its coffees and cakes to its interior design, a visit to this lively café is a must.
meddcoffee.com
Brew 92
For bigger groups looking to chat over a cup of coffee, Brew 92 is the place to go. The café is quite cosy, and always comes with a great ambiance. And don’t worry, from espressos to cold brews—their coffee selection certainly won’t disappoint.
@brew92cafe
Alert Coffee
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If you’re a coffee connoisseur and looking to get a taste of what the city has to offer, a visit to Alert Coffee is a must. With a wide variety of specialty coffees on their menu, Alert is quite unique in its Jeddah setting.
alertcoffeehouse.com
Cup and Couch
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Whether you’re visiting for a few days or in Jeddah for an extended stay, Cup and Couch is the place to go if you’re looking for a cosy spot to chill. The café is typically quiet on weekdays, making it the perfect place to get some work done in a beautifully decorated environment.
@cupandcouch
Café Magad
Located at the heart of Al Balad, Café Magad is perfect for anyone looking for a taste of history. Designed to replicate the feel of old Saudi Arabian homes, the space takes you back in time. If you’re looking to learn more on the city’s heritage, you’ll definitely love the library stacked with books for you to read over a cup of coffee.