Bab Makkah
Jeddah's historic Bab Makkah, a vibrant gateway to traditional markets, offering a lively evening experience with authentic food and shopping.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Market buzz and street food
Bab Makkah
Best Time
Market buzz and street food
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Jeddah's historic Bab Makkah, a vibrant gateway to traditional markets, offering a lively evening experience with authentic food and shopping.
"A perfect blend of old-world charm and urban energy!"
🎯 Evening is Prime Time
The market truly comes alive after sunset with food stalls and a lively atmosphere.
🛍️ Explore Spice & Honey
Discover traditional honey shops and vibrant spice stalls for unique finds.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Traditional Market Stalls
Around Bab Makkah
Experience a vibrant street market with carts selling produce, spices, and local delicacies. A true taste of Jeddah's commerce.
Historic Gate Architecture
Bab Makkah entrance
Marvel at the architectural brilliance of this ancient gate, showcasing Turkish influences and historical significance.
Authentic Saudi Cuisine
Local restaurants near Bab Makkah
Savor traditional dishes like kibdah and bukhari rice in the heart of Jeddah's historic district.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Evening Buzz
Navigating the Market
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Evening is Prime Time
The market truly comes alive after sunset with food stalls and a lively atmosphere.
🛍️ Explore Spice & Honey
Discover traditional honey shops and vibrant spice stalls for unique finds.
💰 Budget-Friendly Finds
Look for affordable abayas and perfumes, especially in the evening market. +1
🚶♀️ Wander the Narrow Streets
Embrace the historic charm by exploring the bustling lanes and interacting with vendors.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Evening is Prime Time
The market truly comes alive after sunset with food stalls and a lively atmosphere.
🛍️ Explore Spice & Honey
Discover traditional honey shops and vibrant spice stalls for unique finds.
💰 Budget-Friendly Finds
Look for affordable abayas and perfumes, especially in the evening market. +1
🚶♀️ Wander the Narrow Streets
Embrace the historic charm by exploring the bustling lanes and interacting with vendors.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Bab Makkah is celebrated as a vibrant historical landmark and a gateway to Jeddah's traditional markets. Visitors love the lively evening atmosphere, the diverse array of goods, and the authentic Saudi cuisine available. While the historical significance is appreciated, some find the area can be crowded and parking challenging.
"Bab Makkah in Jeddah is a historical landmark, renowned for its traditional charm and vibrant markets. Originally a gate to the city, it now stands as a gateway to one of Jeddah’s most famous open-air markets. The area is bustling with activity, especially in the evenings, when small wooden carts and stalls fill the street, offering everything from produce to meat and local delicacies. Visitors often enjoy the lively atmosphere, where they can interact with friendly vendors and explore the narrow streets lined with traditional shops. It’s also a great place for authentic Saudi cuisine, with local restaurants serving dishes like kibdah and bukhari rice.
Many visitors appreciate the mix of cultural heritage and modernity, with the area offering both old-world charm and the convenience of contemporary shopping. The market is especially lively during Ramadan, with crowds coming to shop and pray, creating a unique cultural experience. Reviews highlight the area’s vibrant energy, but some mention the crowds and the challenge of finding parking.
If you’re in Jeddah, Bab Makkah offers a fantastic glimpse into the city’s history while providing an exciting shopping and dining experience."
Vijay devara
"Nothing to see, just a gate and I couldn’t find any information about it. However it could be a could starting point for exploring the sound around"
Mouloud
"BAB MAKKAH
The Makkah Gate in Jeddah is one of the oldest gates remaining in the country. The history of Jeddah traces back to the origin of the gate. The Makkah Gate is also known as the Bab Ashlam and the Sham Gate. It is one of the main entrances for the Hajj pilgrims. Of the numerous sightseeing in Jeddah, the Makkah Gate is one of the most prominent. Jeddah sightseeing will never be completed without visiting the fabulous Makkah Gate.
During 100 AD Jeddah was fortified by limestone coral walls. During the 16th century, people constructed 6 watchtowers and gates. The people constructed them to defend against the Portuguese attack. Of the 6 gates, Bab Makkah was the eastern gate and Bab Al Magharibah the western one.
The gate Bab Sharif was south facing. The other gates Bab Al Bunt, Bab Sharaf, and Bab Al Madinah were north facing. The Makkah Gate in Jeddah is one of the three reconstructed gates. The Makkah Gate in Jeddah is located in the Downtown of Jeddah. Numerous pilgrims frequently come to the city of Jeddah and also go from the city of Jeddah.
The Makkah Gate at Jeddah provides the getaway to this wide gamut of pilgrims. Near the gate, the locals offer fine hospitality to the pilgrims and tourists. The caravanserais are present there to make life easier for the visitors. The architectural brilliance of the gate is worth going through. The Turkish influence is largely evident in the construction of Makkah Gate at Jeddah. During the evening the brightly lit Makkah Gate makes for awesome sightseeing."
Raziuddin Farooqi
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Bab Makkah is located in downtown Jeddah. While it's a historical landmark, navigating the surrounding areas might require a taxi or ride-sharing service, as public transport options can be limited. Some visitors suggest it's a good starting point for exploring the sound around it, implying walkability within the immediate vicinity once you arrive.
Parking can be a challenge in the busy downtown area around Bab Makkah, especially during peak hours and evenings. It's advisable to be prepared for potential difficulties in finding a spot or to consider using ride-sharing services. [^Reviews]
Yes, the area around Bab Makkah is best explored on foot to truly experience the bustling market and historic atmosphere. The gate itself is a starting point for exploring the surrounding traditional shops and stalls.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Bab Makkah is a historical landmark and an entrance to a public market, so there is no admission fee to enter the area or the gate itself. [^Reviews]
The gate itself is always accessible as a landmark. However, the surrounding market stalls and shops typically operate in the evenings, becoming most vibrant after sunset. [^Reviews]
Bab Makkah can get very crowded, especially in the evenings and during the holy month of Ramadan when many people come to shop and pray. [^Reviews]
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can find a wide variety of goods, including fresh produce, spices, nuts, traditional honey, perfumes, and abayas. It's a great place for authentic Saudi souvenirs and local delicacies. 
Bab Makkah is a historic gate that serves as an entrance to a vibrant traditional market. Visitors can admire the gate's architecture, explore the bustling stalls, and soak in the lively atmosphere. [^Reviews]
Yes, Bab Makkah offers many opportunities for photography, especially in the evening when the market is lit up and full of activity. Capture the vibrant stalls, the historic gate, and the local life.
Bab Makkah, also known as Bab Ashlam or Sham Gate, is one of Jeddah's oldest gates, historically serving as a main entrance for Hajj pilgrims. It was constructed in the 16th century for defense and has been reconstructed over time, showcasing Turkish architectural influence. [^Reviews]
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
You can enjoy authentic Saudi cuisine, including popular dishes like kibdah (liver stew) and bukhari rice, from local restaurants and street food vendors in the area. [^Reviews]
Yes, the area around Bab Makkah is known for its local eateries and street food stalls offering traditional Saudi dishes. It's a great spot to experience local flavors. [^Reviews]
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the vibrant market stalls, the historic gate illuminated at night, and the lively interactions between vendors and shoppers for memorable photos.
The evenings offer the most dynamic and photogenic scenes, with the market in full swing and the gate beautifully lit.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While there aren't specific child-focused attractions, the sheer vibrancy of the market, the variety of goods on display, and the chance to try new foods can be an adventure in itself. It's a chance for families to create memorable experiences together, exploring a piece of Jeddah's living history.
💰 Budget Travelers
Street food and local eateries around Bab Makkah provide delicious and inexpensive meal options. You can savor traditional Saudi dishes like kibdah and bukhari rice for a fraction of the cost of a formal restaurant. Exploring the market itself is free, making it an excellent way to soak in the local atmosphere and culture on a budget. [^Reviews]
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Historical Significance of Bab Makkah
Today, while the original defensive purpose is long gone, Bab Makkah retains its role as a gateway – not to Mecca, but to the heart of Jeddah's traditional commerce and daily life. It stands as a prominent landmark, reminding visitors of the city's deep historical roots and its enduring importance as a hub for trade and pilgrimage. [^Reviews]
For travelers interested in history, understanding Bab Makkah's past provides a richer context for the vibrant market that thrives around it today. It's a place where history and modern life converge, offering a unique glimpse into Saudi Arabian heritage.
Experiencing the Bab Makkah Market
This market is a fantastic place to engage with local vendors, many of whom are passionate about their products and happy to share insights. It’s also a prime spot for sampling authentic Saudi cuisine. Look out for popular dishes like kibdah (a flavorful liver stew) and bukhari rice, often prepared fresh on the spot. The lively atmosphere makes it an ideal setting for an evening stroll and a culinary adventure. [^Reviews]
Visitors often highlight the energetic ambiance and the opportunity to find unique items at reasonable prices, making it a must-visit for those seeking an authentic Jeddah experience. Be prepared for crowds, especially during peak times, as this vibrant market is a beloved spot for locals and tourists alike. [^Reviews]
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit