Places to Visit in Mecca
Mecca, also known as Makkah, is a city in the western region of Saudi Arabia and is revered as the birthplace of Prophet Muhammad. It is considered to be the holiest city in Islam. Mecca is also an important commercial and cultural centre in Saudi Arabia and is home to several universities and research institutions.
Things To See & Do
Al Kharrarah National Park
Stunning Desert Landscapes
Al Kharrarah National Park, situated near Riyadh, is a beautiful desert park known for its unique sand dunes and breathtaking landscapes.
3-4 hours
Suggested Time
Jabal Al Nour
Mountain of Light
Jabal Al Nour, also known as the "Mountain of Light" is a mountain located in the Hejaz region of Saudi Arabia. It is situated on the outskirts of the city of Mecca and is considered a significant Islamic site. Jabal Al Nour is most famous for being the location of the Cave of Hira, where the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is believed to have received the first revelations of the Quran from the angel Gabriel.
2 hours
Suggested Time
King Fahad s Fountain
A Symbol of the City Jeddah
King Fahd's Fountain, also known as Jeddah Fountain, is a fountain located in the city of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. It is one of the largest fountains in the world and is a popular tourist attraction in Jeddah.
The fountain was constructed in 1985 and was named after King Fahd, the former King of Saudi Arabia. The fountain is located in the Red Sea and shoots water up to a height of over 300 meters (1000 feet). This makes it one of the tallest fountains in the world, and it is often considered a symbol of the city of Jeddah.
1 hour
Suggested Time
Ghar Thowr
The Cave of Thowr
Ghar Thowr, also known as Cave of Thawr, is a cave located in the mountain of Thawr, near the city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia. It is an important historical site in Islamic history, as it is said that the Prophet Muhammad and his companion Abu Bakr sought refuge in the cave during their journey from Mecca to Medina, known as the Hijra.
2 hours
Suggested Time
Aisha Al Rajhi Mosque
A Modern Architectural Mosque
Aisha Al Rajhi Mosque is a mosque located in Riyadh, the capital city of Saudi Arabia. It was named after its founder, Aisha Al Rajhi, who is a philanthropist and a member of the Al Rajhi family, one of the wealthiest families in Saudi Arabia.
1-2 hours
Suggested Time
Masjid Al Khaif
The Historic Mosque of Mina
Masjid Al-Khaif, also known as the Mosque of the Tent, is a historic mosque located in Mina, near the city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia. It is one of the largest mosques in the world, with a capacity to accommodate over 50,000 worshippers at a time.
The mosque is of great religious significance to Muslims, as it is believed to have been built by Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) and his son Prophet Ismail (Ishmael) over 4000 years ago. The mosque was rebuilt several times throughout history, most recently in the 20th century.
1-2 hours
Suggested Time
Clock Tower Museum
The History of Clockmaking
The Clock Tower Museum, also known as the Makkah Clock Royal Tower Museum, is located in the city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia. The museum is situated inside the Makkah Clock Royal Tower, which is part of the Abraj Al Bait complex, one of the largest hotels in the world. The museum is dedicated to showcasing the history and technology of clockmaking, with a special emphasis on the world's largest clock face, which is located on the tower.
1-2 hours
Suggested Time
Exhibition of the Two Holy Mosques Architecture
Islamic Art and History
The Exhibition of the Two Holy Mosques Architecture is a museum located in the city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia. The museum is dedicated to showcasing the architecture and history of the two holy mosques, Al-Masjid Al-Haram in Mecca and Al-Masjid an-Nabawi in Medina. These two mosques are the holiest sites in Islam and are visited by millions of Muslims every year during the Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages.
1-2 hours
Suggested Time
Al Muallaa Cemetry
The Historical Cemetry
Al Muallaa Cemetery, also known as Jannat Al-Muallaa, is a sacred cemetery located in the city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia. It is one of the oldest and largest cemeteries in the region and is considered a significant site in Islamic history. The cemetery is situated at the foot of the Al-Masjid Al-Haram mosque and is the final resting place for many important figures in Islamic history, including the Prophet Muhammad's first wife, Khadija bint Khuwaylid, and his grandfather, Abdul Muttalib.
1 hour
Suggested Time
Mount Arafat
Mountain of Mercy
Mount Arafat is a granite hill located in the plain of Arafat, about 20 km east of Mecca. It is a significant site for Muslims, particularly during the annual Hajj pilgrimage, as it is believed to be the site where the Prophet Muhammad delivered his farewell sermon.
2 hours
Suggested Time
Maqaam-e-Ibrahim
A Meaningful Stop
Maqaam-e-Ibrahim is an important site located in the Masjid al-Haram in Mecca. It is a small structure that contains a stone on which Prophet Ibrahim is believed to have stood while he was building the Kaaba. According to Islamic tradition, the stone miraculously preserved the footprints of Prophet Ibrahim. Muslims believe that offering prayers at the site is a way to connect with the history of the faith and the legacy of the Prophet Ibrahim. The site serves as a reminder of the deep roots of the Islamic faith and the importance of Prophet Ibrahim's contributions to the religion.
2 hours
Suggested Time
Safa and Marwa
A Popular Folklore
Safa and Marwa are two small hills located in the Masjid al-Haram in Mecca. They are an important part of the Hajj and Umrah pilgrimage and are associated with the story of Prophet Ibrahim and his wife Hagar.
According to Islamic tradition, Prophet Ibrahim was commanded by God to leave his wife Hagar and their infant son Ismail in the barren desert of Mecca. After their provisions ran out, Hagar ran back and forth between the hills of Safa and Marwa in search of water for her son. Miraculously, a spring of water known as the Zamzam well appeared at the feet of her son, which provided them with sustenance.
1-2 hours
Suggested Time
Masjid Ayesha Miqat for Makkah
The Mosque of the Mother of Believers
Masjid Ayesha is one of the designated Miqats (places for putting on the Ihram) for pilgrims traveling to Mecca. The mosque is named after Ayesha, one of the wives of Prophet Muhammad, who is said to have stopped at this location to put on the Ihram before performing Umrah. It is located in the city of Tan'im, which is about 10 km from Mecca.
Miqat is the boundary beyond which pilgrims are required to wear the Ihram, which is the traditional clothing for Hajj and Umrah. Pilgrims who are traveling to Mecca from the direction of Medina must stop at Masjid Ayesha to perform the ritual of putting on the Ihram.
2 hours
Suggested Time
The Clock Towers
A Symbol of Growth
The Clock Towers in Mecca, also known as the Abraj Al Bait Towers, are a complex of seven skyscraper buildings located in close proximity to the Masjid al-Haram, which houses the Kaaba. They were completed in 2012 and are currently the third tallest buildings in the world. The Clock Towers consist of a central tower, known as the Makkah Royal Clock Tower, and six other towers that surround it. The Makkah Royal Clock Tower stands at a height of 601 meters and features the largest clock face in the world.
2 hours
Suggested Time
Kaaba
The Holiest Shrine in Islam
The Kaaba is a cuboid-shaped building located in the city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia. It is considered to be the holiest site in Islam, and Muslims from all over the world face towards it during their daily prayers. The Kaaba is believed to have been originally built by the prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) and his son Ismail (Ishmael), and it has since undergone several reconstructions throughout history.
1-2 hours
Suggested Time
Masjid al-Haram
The Great Mosque of Mecca
The Masjid al-Haram is the largest mosque in the world, with a capacity for more than two million worshippers. The mosque has undergone numerous expansions throughout history, and its current structure covers an area of more than 400,000 square meters.
2 hours
Suggested Time
Best Time To Visit Mecca
Must visit for a profound and spiritually awakening experience.
OCT-FEB
Peak Season
MAR-MAY
Moderate Season
JUN-SEP
Off-season
- What To Expect:During the Hajj season, the city of Mecca becomes extremely crowded as millions of pilgrims from around the world converge on the city. The streets and mosques are filled with people, and it can be challenging to navigate through the crowds. The heat can also be intense, with temperatures often exceeding 38°C during the day.
- Things You'll Love:Many pilgrims find the experience of the Hajj to be deeply meaningful and spiritually transformative. The atmosphere in Mecca during the peak season is one of intense devotion and unity.
FESTIVALS AND EVENTS
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Discover by Interest
Significant Places to Visit in Mecca for a Rich Spiritual and Historical Experience
Known as the birthplace of Islam, Mecca or Makkah, is a holy city located in western Saudi Arabia known for Hajj or Umrah. Along with the city's religious significance for the Muslim faith globally, it also has several natural formations and historic locales worth exploring. Take a look at some of the best places to visit in Mecca for 2 days or more.
Top Destinations to Visit in Mecca
A holy city open only to Muslims, Mecca has some amazing locations to explore.
- Al Kaaba:This holy structure with its famous black stone is in the heart of the city, also known as the house of Allah. One of the top places to visit in Mecca for couples, this spiritual abode is accessible during Hajj or Umrah.
- Masjid Al-Haram:This Masjid houses the entire Makkah city believed to have existed during the time of Prophet Mohammad. Explore sites like Hijr-e-Aswad, Maqam-e-Ibrahim and other mosques located inside.
- Jabal Al Nour:Explore this mesmerising Mountain of Light hiking up to 620 meters, believed to be the place of the Prophet's meditation.
- Mecca's Clock Tower:Popular as Abraj Al-Bait, this clock tower of Mecca is among the most magnificent structures, decorating the city's skyline and is great for photography and dining. It is one of the best places to visit in Mecca at night.
Apart from these popular locations, some other places to visit in Mecca with friends and family can be -
- Hira Cultural District
- City of Mina
- Mount Arafat
- Zamzam Well
Other Holy Places to Visit in Mecca
Check out some other holy places to cover among the best tourist places in Mecca.
- Masjid e Aisha:Visit the second largest mosque of Mecca for its importance in the city pilgrimage. The enormous mosque has a large worship hall.
- The Cave of Hira:Explore this ancient cave known for its importance of the Prophet receiving his first revelation here. You need to hike up to 2 hours to reach here.
- Jannat Al Mualla:This pious cemetery is known to be the burial site for the family members and ancestors of Prophet Mohammad and is visited for its spiritual significance.
- Masjid Jinn:The mosque is believed to be the site where Prophet Mohammad recited the Quran. Visit the place for its significance to Islam.
| Aisha Al Rajhi Mosque, The Clock Towers, Safa and Marwa, Kaaba, Exhibition of the Two Holy Mosques Architecture | |
| Country | |
| Best Time to Visit in Mecca | August to September |
| Things to Do in Mecca | Masjid Al Khaif, Maqaam-e-Ibrahim, Al Muallaa Cemetry, Mount Arafat, King Fahad s Fountain |
FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions about Mecca
What are the best places to visit in Mecca?
The most loved attractions in Mecca are Jabal Al Nour, King Fahad’s Fountain and Ghar Thowr.
How is the weather of Mecca in peak season?
The weather of Mecca in peak season is during the Hajj season, the city of Mecca becomes extremely crowded as millions of pilgrims from around the world converge on the city. The streets and mosques are filled with people, and it can be challenging to navigate through the crowds. The heat can also be intense, with temperatures often exceeding 38°C during the day. It means you can easily plan a trip to Mecca in the months of August and September to enjoy your trip to the fullest.
What are the things that you should not miss out on when you are in Mecca?
If you are a true traveller, you should definitely not miss out on Jabal Al Nour, King Fahad’s Fountain, and Ghar Thowr when you are in Mecca to make a funfilled vacay.