Mecca

1. Masjid al-Haram: The most important place which you will visit in Mecca is  Masjid Al Haram, the biggest mosque in the world, and the focal point for every Muslim across the world. The main focus of this Mosque is the Holy Kaaba (referred to as al-Kabah al-Musharrafah), covered in black and gold cloth, located at the epicenter, which Muslims circumnavigate while performing Tawaf.

Other places to visit include the Zamzam well with its holy water, and the station of Abraham.  Watch the faithful group of pilgrims go to the site to pray and recite from the Qur'an.

Location: Al Masjid Al Haram Rd, Al Haram, Mecca

2. Masjid Ayesha Miqat For Makkah: Another important place to visit in Mecca is Masjid e Aisha, also known as Taneem Mosque which was named Masjid e Aisha after the wife of Prophet Muhammad, Aisha. This is a famous destination for Hajj and Umrah pilgrims being the place where pilgrims start their journey to Umrah by entering into the state of Ihram (the intention of performing the Umrah).

The place is well-equipped with bathing facilities and washrooms for the pilgrims to use and there are vendors outside the Mosque sending Ihram clothes and other essential items that the pilgrims might need.

Location:  At Taniem, Mecca 24223, Saudi Arabia

3. Mount Arafat: A significant place in Mecca which Hajj pilgrims visit on the 9th day of the Islamic month of Dhu al-Hijjah is Mount Arafat, also known by its Arabic name, Jabal ar-Ramah, meaning 'Mountain of Mercy’.

This granodiorite hill is the place where the Prophet Muhammad stood and delivered the Khutbat al-Wada, also known as the Farewell Sermon, to his Companions (known as Sahabah) who had accompanied him for the Hajj towards the end of his life. Climb up the mountain to reach the pillar on the top signifying the place where Adam and Eve are believed to have been reunited on the Earth after they fell from heaven.

Location: Near Mecca City, Makkah Province, the Hejaz Saudi Arabia

4. Hira: Another place of importance is the Hira cave on Jabal Al-Nour mountain in Makkah. Jabal Al-Nour, meaning “Mountain of the Light'', holds mammoth significance for all Muslims for being the place where the Prophet Muhammad spent a great deal of time meditating in the cave Hira and received his first Qur’anic revelation.

This 14th-century historical landmark is characterized by its steep rocky slope and is 640 meters high and. Climb aboard a strenuous hike path up 1750 steps on the steep and rocky mountain for two hours to reach the cave, Hira.

Location: Hijaz Mountains, Mecca

5. Makkah Museum: If you are keen to know more about Mecca’s past and present, you must pay a visit to the Makkah Museum that was formerly known as the  Al Zahir Palace. Visit the museum to view a collection of images and exhibits featuring Makkah’s heritage and reflecting the teachings of the Quran and the Sunnah of the Prophet. You will find images of Saudi Arabia’s important archaeological discoveries along with exhibits on pre-Islamic history while strolling across the place.

An exciting exhibit in this museum is one that traces the origins of Islamic calligraphy with references to Arabic fonts and samples of inscriptions that have been discovered in archaeological digs. Few other interesting places include the hall on Islamic art complements the calligraphy displays and another depicting human life in prehistoric times.

Location:  Al Madinah Al Munawarah Rd,Az Zahir

6. Clock Tower Museum Mecca: Visit an interesting place, Clock Tower Museum, situated behind the clock in the Mecca Clocktower and occupying the top four floors of the clock tower. The place has been designed to take its visitors on a tour of the vast universe. Go to the first floor to observe the Makkah Clock, the most accurate in the world in giving time.

Climb up to the second floor to know about how a man in old ages was keen to know the time. Wander to the second floor to learn about the sun, moon, and earth. Finally, reach the fourth floor to understand the space and stars before walking into the balcony to enjoy a panoramic view of the Grand Mosque and its surroundings.

Location: Clock Tower Museum, King Abd Al Aziz, Mecca 24231, Saudi Arabia

7. Elephant Rock Mecca: Feel amazed looking at the Elephant Rock, also known as Jabal Al-Fil, located in the valley of imagination and the most well-known geomorphological wonder of Al Ula. Carved by nature from the soft red sandstone, it is a magnificent natural monolithic sandstone arch that has been set amongst a gorgeous landscape of rocky monoliths.

The 52m high arch standing on the bed of golden sand will amaze you with its shape resembling an elephant with a ground-bound trunk and what looks like an eye. Visit the place during day or night to take a look at the structure in different shades of light.

Location: Highway 70, AlUla 43521 Saudi Arabia

8. Globe Roundabout: Feel captivated looking at the goliath globe at Globe Roundabout, a titanic glass-and-steel landmark in Jeddah. The beautiful structure has been outlined by Spanish draftsman Julio Lafuente and looms over its surrounding traffic circle near the beach.

It is a part of the innumerable landmark roundabouts and squares which are scattered all over the city, with a considerable number of them highlighting the work by the same artist. Watch the giant globe rotate and illuminate during the evening radiant in the turquoise light against the inky blue sky.

Location: Al Mohmmediah, Jeddah 23618, Mecca Province

9. Bicycle Square: Feel enthralled looking at the enormous bicycle sculpture, also known as the Midan Addarajah, located at the Bicycle Square. One of the artistic roundabouts spread across Jeddah, the 15m (50 ft) tall bicycle dominates its surroundings and stands out as a wonderful city landmark.

This landmark is the work of the same Spanish artist Julio LaFuente, who has designed several other well-known roundabouts in the city. Visit the Bicycle Square at night to admire the gigantic art piece emblazoned by glittering lights at night.

Location:  Al Steen Al Faisaliyyah, Jeddah Saudi Arabia

10. Prophet’s Mosque: Another significant mosque in Mecca is the Prophet’s Mosque, which is said to have been built by the Prophet himself in AD 622. The mosque not only encompasses his final resting place beneath the iconic green dome built by the Ottomans but also covers the place where his house once stood.

Visit the two-tiered structured rectangular mosque with 27 domes having integrated architectural styles and an open-air courtyard. Look out for the coveted rawdah area close to the Prophet's tomb, regarded by Muslims as one of the gardens of heaven and also the bedazzling marble minbar (pulpit) decorated in gold, dating from the late 15th century.

Location:  Al Haram, Medina 42311

1. Have fun at Al Hokair Funland: Spend some fun time with your family members at Al Hokair Funland mecca, an indoor amusement park. The exciting park is well-known for having a heady mixture of sounds, lights and rides for children. Children under the age of 12 enjoy jumping on the trampolines, playing air hockey, spending time with electronic machines in the arcades and having fun in the activity zones.

There is also an open ice-skating rink for all the family members to enjoy skating together. Those who would like to grab a bite can go to the Snack bars, or restaurants and enjoy some delicious snacks.  Adults can relax in the cafes while their children enjoy various games. 

Location: Al Madinah Al Munawarah Rd , Ash Shuhada

2. Hike up Jabal Al Nour: If you wish to visit the Hira Cave, you will have to take a hike up the 640m-tall Jabal Al Nour mountain. The tiny Hira cave owes its significance for being the location where the archangel Gabriel gave the Prophet his first revelation.

Climb aboard a strenuous hike path up 1750 steps on the steep and rocky mountain for two hours to reach the cave, Hira. Be sure to carry plenty of water and food along as the temperature may reach as high as 45°C during your hike. 

Location: Hijaz Mountains, Mecca

3. Climb up to reach the Cave of Thor: Another landmark of Mecca that can be reached by climbing is the Cave of Thor, located on the 761m high Jabal Thawr Makkah mountain. This is the place where Prophet Muhammad and his longstanding friend and confidante, Abu Bakr took refuge from their enemies, the Quraysh tribe as they sought to migrate to Medina.

It is said that Allah had protected them in the cave by a web woven across its opening by a spider sent by him. You will need to climb up the steep mountain to reach the mountain’s summit after 30 minutes of climb. Be rewarded with a panoramic view of the surrounding areas as you reach the top. Peek inside the holy cave while at the top.

Location: Al-Hijrah, Mecca 24241, Saudi Arabia

4. Shop at Makkah Mall: Enjoy a shopping expedition at the Makkah mall,  a high-end shopping and dining center in Mecca. Feel excited as you find the mall to be full of branded stores that are loaded with modern wear. Let the children spend some fun time on the soft playground as you get engaged in a shopping spree.

Once you are done with the shopping visit one of the restaurants to taste some delicious food items and relax after hours of roaming around the place.

Location: Makkah Mall, King Abdullah Rd, Al Jamiah, Mecca 24246, Saudi Arabia

5. Experience Food Tradition in Mecca: You will find the Food Tradition in Mecca to be slightly different from many other countries. To start with, in large get-togethers, men and women sit separately during meal time. With many nationalities, especially those from Africa and Asia, residing in the city, Mecca will offer you a variety of tastes from these countries.

You will find most dishes to be containing rice, wheat, vegetables, meat with spices adding special flavors to them. Some of the favorite dishes that you can taste include Shawarma, Sambousek (fried stuffed pastry), and Al-Mandi (barbecued lamb). Special drinks of Mecca include Arabian Coffee and Soubiya (a drink of grain mixed with sugar, milk, and cinnamon).

6. Visit Al Masjid Al Haram: For most visitors traveling to Mecca, the focal point of this visit is Al Masjid Al Haram, the holiest structure for Muslims, and the heart of the Islamic pilgrimages (hajj and umrah).Feel awe-struck as you visit the biggest mosque in the world which houses the Holy Kaaba, covered in black and gold cloth, at its epicenter.

Pay your respect to the prophet by circumnavigating the Kaaba during a Tawaf. While visiting this place, also look out for the Black Stone, set in Kaaba’s eastern corner and the curved area known as the Hatem or Hijr Ishmael.

Location: Al Masjid Al Haram Rd, Al Haram, Mecca

7. Pray at Jabal Rahmah: On the 9th day of the hajj, ever pilgrim performing hajj leaves Mina for Jabal Rahmah (Mount Arafat), also known as the Mountain of Mercy. This granite hill is the place is well-known for being the site where the Prophet delivered his famous last sermon shortly before his death.

Climb up the mountain to reach the pillar on the top signifying the place where Adam and Eve are believed to have been reunited on the Earth after they fell from heaven.

Location:  Near Mecca City, Makkah Province, the Hejaz Saudi Arabia

8. Perform Ritual on Jamarat Bridge: Mina, the place where most Hajj pilgrims stay in Mecca, has  Jamarat Bridge, a pedestrian bridge that plays an important role in the pilgrimage. Stroll across the bridge, which was originally constructed in 1963, and expanded several times since.

Stand on the bridge during the stoning of the devil ritual of the Hajj and throw stones at the three jamarat pillars, extending up through three openings in the bridge, from either the ground level or from the bridge. The bridge got its name “Jamarat”, which is the plural of Jamrah, the Arabic term for each of the pillars involved in the stoning ritual. The literal meaning of Jamrah is a small piece of stone or a pebble.

Location: Mina, Mecca, Makkah, Saudi Arabia

9. Explore Abraj Al-Bait Tower: Abraj Al-Bait Tower, also known as the Makkah Royal Clock Tower is another place that you must visit in Mecca. Abraj Al-Bait is one of the world’s tallest buildings with its central tower (including its spire) rising to a height of 1,972 feet. Feel amazed as you look at this multi towered skyscraper complex, located adjacent to the Great Mosque.

Spend some time in its approximately 16 million square feet of floor space housing hotels, shopping complexes and also residential apartments in its seven towers. Visit most prominent architectural feature of this complex, the clock in the central tower which is 141 feet in diameter.

Location: Malawi, Al Haram, Makkah 24231, Saudi Arabia

10. Take A Trip to Rijal Almaa: Take a trip to the heritage village Rijal Almaa, located in the Asir Region, Rijal Almaa, meaning “The Brightest Men '' which is soon to be included in the UNESCO World list. Also well known as the GingerBread Village of Saudi Arabia, the village has a fairy tale look with similar houses of the color of gingerbread standing next to each other.

Visit the village to take a look at the 60 palaces made of natural stone, clay and wood, and consisting of several floors. Explore the fort converted into a heritage museum to learn more about the regional heritage of this place.