Gabil Street., Jiddah

Al Balad is home to the main traditional souks in Jeddah – Gabel St leads east off the one way system and the treasures of the Gold Souk can be found off to the left. Gold is sold by weight (check the price daily in the newspaper for more bargaining power) and a small charge is added for workmanship. A must-see, even if not intending to buy.

What to buy: There are quite a few shopping malls leading off the souk with pharmacies, homeware stores, shoe shops, clothing shops (ESPRIT, Sisley, U2 etc).
You can buy watches, sunglasses, perfume, make up etc for less here, than at the bigger shopping centres such as Hera'a and Jeddah International.

What to pay: bargain for the best price possible