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Things to Do in Mecca

What to do in Mecca

Visit the Masjid Al-Haram Mosque, Explore Makkah Royal Clock Tower, Exhibition of the Two Holy Mosques, Take a tour of the Cave of Thawr, Have fun at Al Hokair Funland, Explore Al Wahba Crater, Offer prayers at Mount Arafat, and many more.

Heading out on a trip to indulge yourself in some of the most sought-after things to do in Mecca will not only give you an experience of a lifetime but also give you a chance to infuse the rich culture and heritage. You can take excursion trips to the popular landmarks as well as offer prayers at the holy mosques seeking goodwill for your loved ones. Mecca is also famous for its beautiful souvenir stores as well as lively restaurants giving you a chance to shop until you drop and taste a wide range of authentic cuisines.

During your visit to Mecca, you have a lot of activities to indulge yourself in, starting from visiting the grand Masjid Al-Haram-Mosque which happens to be the sacred place for all Muslims, watching the creation of the Kiswa which not only appears to be something great but also takes a lot of effort to create. While you can choose to explore the massive Makkah Royal Clock Tower and get surprised by its magnificent stance, you can also take a tour of the Cave of Thawr to learn more about the heritage.

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Kaaba

The Kaaba is one of Saudi Arabia's most beautiful and revered sites, and it is also known as the House of Allah since it is the first Qibla for Muslims. Muslims from all over the world visit the Kaaba during the Hajj pilgrimage because it houses a black stone that Muslims believe was once white but has since turned black after absorbing the sins of millions of pilgrims who have visited it over the years.

Jabal Al Nour

Also known as the Mountain of Light, it is the place where the Prophet is said to have meditated to receive the first revelations. It is an important religious and pilgrimage site for many muslims across the world. The mountain is roughly 620 meters and one can take up a strenuous hike to visit the peak. The unique aspect of this mountain is that it looks as if two mountains are on top of each other and the top of the mountain is a mountainous desert.

Abraj Al-Bait Tower

Abraj Al-Bait is a giant skyscraper, standing elegantly in the central area of Mecca, Saudi Arabia. The mega tall building is well known as Makkah Royal Clock and also informally called Mecca Clock Tower. The Clock Tower with a tremendous height of 601 meters (1972 feet) is recognized as the world's third tallest building after Burj Khalifa and Shanghai Tower. Nothing is more enchanting than looking up at the majestic Abraj Al-Bait Tower at night.

City of Mina

Located in the low-lying Jamarat valley in the region of Makkah, Mina happens to be the city of tents in Saudi Arabia. World’s largest tent city hosts almost 100000 tents for the increasing mass of pilgrims set out from Mecca after their seven rounds ritual at Mecca, Safa, and Murah. Explore the fascinating tent city and experience the stoning of the Devil, a ritual performed by the Hajj pilgrims on the last day of the Hajj.

Makkah Museum

Makkah Museum is the historic center of Muslim pilgrimage that welcomes thousands of pilgrims for thousands of years. The historic Museum houses rare artifacts, fascinating collections, and displays that showcase the culture and heritage of the holy city. Take a tour around the seven main halls highlighting the Islamic civilization and explore the exhibition containing treasures and relics from the era of the Prophet Muhammad’s companions.

Mount Arafat

Mount Arafat is a granodiorite hill with a splendid height of approximately 70 m(230 ft) located about 20 km southeast of Mecca. The highest point of the mountain sits at an elevation of 454 meters above ground level and is known as the “mountain of mercy”. According to Islamic tradition, the hill is the place where the Prophet Muhammad stood with a Farewell Sermon to the Muslims who chaperoned him on the Hajj, which is also known as the Khutbat al-Wada.

Jabal Thawr Mecca

Located in the main spot of Mecca to the south of the district of MisfalahMount Thawr, Jabal Thawr Makkah is a famous holy site in Mecca, Saudi Arabia visited by many pilgrims and tourists all across the globe. The location is a mountain occupying a cave where Prophet Muhammad and his companion Abu Bakr hid for three days and three nights before escaping to Medina.

Jamaraat Bridge

Jamarat Bridge is a pedestrian bridge sited in the city of Mina just east of Mecca. The bridge is one of the holy places which is populated annually by Muslim pilgrims to perform Islamic Hajj. During the ritual named “Stoning of the Devil,” you’ll witness pilgrims striking the Big Jamarah or Al-Jamrah al-Aqaba with seven pebbles. The stoning of the Jamarat represents the spiritual significance of man’s self.

Clock Tower Museum Mecca

Clock Tower Museum Mecca is the museum located at the most peak point in Makkah, occupying the top four floors of the Abraj Al-Bait clock tower. The Mecca Clock Tower Museum is a unique location possessing the most different motifs and quirky features. Wander around the four different floors, each of them containing exciting things to see.

Masjid Ayesha Miqat For Makkah

While in Mecca, don’t miss having a special tour of the most popular destination for pilgrims, especially for locals who are urged to begin their Hajj or Umrah journeys. Since Muhammad’s wife Ayesha had put her Ilham from this place,  the mosque is also known as Masjid-e-Ayesha. You should go to the Masjid-e-Ayesha and indulge in the beautiful mosque with a peaceful and tranquil environment.

Al Hukair Funland Mecca

Hop on the indoor amusement park named Al Hokair Funland Mecca and get indulge in the park filled with a potent mix of lights, sounds, and children rides. Being one of the top entertainment hubs in Makkah, this amusement park is home to a large number of exciting games, ice skating halls segregated between internal and outer squares.

Elephant Rock Mecca

Set in the golden desert sands, The Elephant Rock is one of the most significant rocks in Maiden Saleh which is a highly recommended attraction to pay a visit if you’re at Maiden Saleh. You should definitely visit the giant beauty of the rock formation that stood elegantly in the middle of the desert. The name itself justifies its structures which are naturally formed like an elephant with a ground-bound trunk adjoining other hundreds of rock monoliths.

Globe Roundabout

Globe Roundabout is a 1.7-mile route located near Jeddah, Makkah Region, Saudi Arabia which has the best walking trails scattered across the city. While visiting the eye-catching globe, you’ll also pass through other awesome breathing sights along the way to the last traffic circle. Have a great time witnessing the colossal glass and steel monument, Globe Roundabout surrounded by the traffic circle and a pleasing atmosphere.

Bicycle Square (Midan Addarajah)

Pay a visit to a monumental Bicycle square(Midan Addarajah) one of Jeddah’s many spacious and artistic roundabouts, a popular attraction due to its enormous bicycle structure. Click photos of the massive art piece of the bicycle and admire its art created by Spanish artist Julio LaFuente. At night the sculpture has a different charm as it is illuminated by glittering lights.

Great Mosque of Mecca - Masjid al-Haram

The Great Mosque of Mecca surrounds the Kaaba and is a site of main pilgrimage amongst the Islamic world and houses some important structural elements of religious importance such as the Black Stone, the Zamzam well, Maqam Ibrahim and the hills of Safa and Marwa. This mosque also holds the title of being the largest mosque in the world as well as the title of being the eighth largest building in the world.

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Mecca Things To Do FAQs

What are the best things to do in Mecca?

1. Visit the Masjid Al-Haram Mosque: Masjid al-Haram, commonly known as Mecca's Grand Mosque, is a mosque that surrounds the Kaaba in Mecca, Saudi Arabia's Mecca Province. It is a pilgrimage location in the Hajj, which every Muslim should perform at least once in their lives if they are able to, and it is also the main phase of the Umrah, a minor pilgrimage that can be performed at any time of year.

The Kaaba was the first structure erected on Earth for humans to worship Allah, and Muslims regard it as the world's holiest and most sacred site. The Black Stone, the Zamzam Well, Maqam Ibrahim, and the hills of Safa and Marwa are among the notable and significant sites within the Great Mosque. Visiting this grand mosque is one of the best things to do in Mecca.
  • Location: Al Haram, Mecca 24231, Saudi Arabia
2. Watch The Creation Of Kaaba Kiswa At The Al Kiswa Factory: Watching the creation of Kaaba Kiswa at the famous Al Kiswa Factory is one of the top things to do in Mecca. As per the tradition, the Kiswa is changed every single year during the occasion of Hajj once the pilgrims leave for Mount Arafat in preparation for the next morning's Eid Al-Adha worshippers. It takes a lot of effort to create the Kiswa as it needs to be designed, dyed, woven, printed, and embroidered by a diverse group of artists.

The outside black silk curtain and the inside green silk lining are meticulously crafted with great accuracy to make the final thing just stand out. During your trip to Mecca, you should make sure that you spend a considerable amount of time witnessing this.
  • Location: CQM4+VPR, Al Hamra Umm Al Jud, Mecca 24321, Saudi Arabia
  • Timing: 9 am to noon on Saturdays, Mondays, and Wednesdays.
3. Explore Makkah Royal Clock Tower (Also Known As Makkah Clock Tower) In Abraj Al Bait Hotel Complex: During your visit to Mecca, you must make sure that you visit the famous Makkah Royal Clock Tower. The 120-story Makkah Royal Clock Tower Hotel is located in Makkah, Saudi Arabia. It is the world's highest hotel as well as the tallest clock tower.

The clock, which soars 43 meters above the hotel tower on either side, is the world's biggest clock face. Around two million LED lights illuminate the clock faces. Apart from enjoying this architectural marvel, you can also spend some fun-filled time chilling out at notable restaurants with your loved ones. Exploring this marvel is surely one of the top things to do in Mecca and you should not miss out on visiting it
  • Location: King Abd Al Aziz, Endowment, Ajyad Street, Mecca 24231, Saudi Arabia
4. Exhibition of the Two Holy Mosques: The relics from the two sacred mosques, Al Masjid Al Haram in Mecca and the Prophet's Mosque in Medina, are on display in this little museum. Pillars, marble emblems, and historical photographs are among them. Some of the objects date back to the Abbasid period in the 13th century.

The show is organized into seven sections and features artifacts from Abdullah ibn Zubair's reign. The magnificent teak wooden stairs on wheels that the Ottomans used to reach the Kaaba in the 1820s, as well as a historic pair of the Kaaba's outstanding huge gilt metal doors, are two notable artifacts.
  • Location: Old Makkah Jeddah Rd, Al Hamra Umm Al Jud, Mecca 24321, Saudi Arabia
5. Take a tour of the Cave of Thawr: Taking a tour of the Cave of Thawr would not only give you an adventure experience but will also give you a chance to uncover the past heritage of the place. On this little peak, the Prophet stayed for three days with his Quraysh tribe member Abu Bakr.

As the lads took refuge in the cave, an acacia tree grew swiftly in front of it, as is customary in Islamic culture. Visitors should use caution when visiting Thor's Cave since there are very steep, unprotected drops from the openings, and the surfaces can be slippery, so visitors should take it slowly and pack enough food and water.

6. Jabal Al Nour: Jabal Al Nour is known for its Hira cave, where the Prophet Mohamed received the first of his many revelations. It is also known as the "Mountain of Light" or "Hill of Illumination." This rocky summit is visible from a great distance because of its massive height.

Jabal Al Nour is a famous pilgrimage destination because of its historical significance as well as the sweeping views of Makkah and the Holy Mosque from its summit. The climb can take anywhere from 45 minutes to 3 hours, depending on your physical abilities. So pack plenty of water and a torch if you're climbing in the dark.
  • Location: Mountain near Mecca in the Hejaz region of Saudi Arabia.
7. Have fun at Al Hokair Funland: Al Hokair Funland One of Makkah's most famous tourist attractions, this amusement park has ice skating rinks as well as a range of fun activities dotted across the park's outer squares and internal spaces.

For adults, there are trampolines, arcades, air hockey, and activity zones, as well as a snack bar and rest space. If you're looking for some excitement while in Makkah, go to Al Hokair Funland. There are also a number of restaurants where you may enjoy a great supper. Visit this place with your loved ones and spend time having fun.
  • Location: al-Hamra, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
8. Explore Shopping Options At Makkah Mall: The shopping mall is great for those looking for upmarket shopping, eating, and a family-friendly setting. It is Makkah's most extensive shopping center, with a wide range of shopping brands, supermarkets, and eateries, offering customers an ultimate and unique shopping experience.

It's likely Makkah's only beautiful shopping mall! You should also go there if you want to buy international brands. There is also a large food court with Arabic and international cuisine, as well as coffee shops.
  • Location: Makkah Mall, King Abdullah Rd, Al Jamiah, Makkah
9. Explore Al Wahba Crater: For those who come to climb it, the lunar-like landscape provides a near-otherworldly experience, complete with breathtaking vistas of the desert from the crater's rim. But, as beautiful as the vistas from above are, the real enchantment arrives when you descend into the crater's center.

It's a massive 2km diameter volcano crater with beautiful surrounding topography and vistas, making it a wonderful hiking track. The sunset vista is well worth seeing. Hence, this spot is one of the top things to do in Mecca.
  • Location:160 miles away from Ta'if, on the western edge of the Harrat Kishb basalt plateau in the Hejazi region of Saudi Arabia
10. Revisit Islamic History At The Makkah Museum: Visit the Al-Zaher Palace Museum in Makkah to travel back in time to Saudi Arabia's history. The museum, which is located in Makkah's Al-Zahir neighborhood, houses an extraordinary collection of Islamic artifacts that tell fascinating stories about Makkah's history and culture.

The museum, which is housed within the Al Zahar Palace, is divided into various display halls that span two floors and include archaeological exhibits, Islamic paintings, calligraphy artwork, and ethnographic displays from Saudi Arabia's past.
  • Location: Al Madinah Al Munawarah Rd, Az Zahir
  • Timing: 8:30 am to 12:30 pm and from 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm, except Thursdays and Fridays
11. Safa to Marwa: Safa to Marwa is the site of a symbolic pilgrimage that must be performed by all Muslims conducting Hajj or Umrah, one of Islam's five pillars. The hills, which are situated within the grounds of a revered mosque and draw thousands of visitors each year, are thought to be the place where Ibrahim's wife, Hajar, searched for water for their young boy. Hence, it's an important landmark to visit.
  • Location: Harat Al Bab and Ash Shamiyyah ,Makkah 7499, Saudi Arabia
12. Offer prayers at Mount Arafat: The hill is where the Prophet Muhammad stood and presented the Khutbat al-Wada', or Farewell Sermon, to his Sahabah who had joined him on the Hajj at the end of his life. The mountain is particularly significant during the Hajj, with the 9th day of the Islamic month of Dhu al-Hijjah, also termed as the Day of 'Arafah’ after the mountain, being the day when Hajj pilgrims depart Mina for Arafat; this day is regarded as the most important day of the Hajj.

In the valley, the khutbah is read and the Zuhr and Asr prayers are prayed concurrently. The pilgrims spend the entire day on the summit, pleading with Allah to forgive their transgressions.
  • Location: Near Mecca City, Mecca Province
13. Soak in the spiritual ambiance of Masjid Taneem: Visit Masjid Taneem in Mecca, where pilgrims go through a cleansing routine and put on a formal dress before visiting the world's holiest mosque. Muslims who reside in Mecca yet want to make the "Umrah" pilgrimage to the holy site commonly visit the mosque.

In addition to conducting the pilgrimage rite, you can visit this mosque for regular prayer or simply to absorb the spiritual environment.
  • Location: At Taniem, Mecca, Saudi Arabia
14. Excursion to Elephant Rock Mecca: Elephant Rock, which stands 52 meters tall and is located 11 kilometers northeast of Al-Ula. The natural formation, which resembles an elephant with a ground-bound trunk, is surrounded by hundreds of granite monoliths.

Elephant Rock is 52 meters tall and 'stands' on a bed of golden sand, formed by nature from soft red sandstone and set among a stunning vista of monoliths. Masha Allah is the name given to a weathered tower of stones that resembles a mushroom.
  • Location: 11km northeast of the province, AlUla 43521, Saudi Arabia

Which are famous mosques to visit near Mecca?

  1. Ar-Rayah Mosque: On your way to Jannat Al-Ma'la, you will undoubtedly pass by Ar-Rayah Mosque. This mosque is also known as Masjid Kucing or Cat Mosque among South East Asian pilgrims, albeit no more information on this name can be unearthed or justified to this day.
  2. Bai’ah Ar-Ridhwan Mosque: This mosque is in the municipality of Shumaisi, around 24 kilometers from Masjid AlHaram and about 2 kilometers from Makkah's border. The companions pledged their allegiance to Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. in this historic mosque. Bai'ah Ar-Ridhwan was the name given to this allegiance later on.
  3. Sayyidah Aishah Mosque: This mosque is not only a venue to perform miqat, but it is also recognized as the symbolic entrance to Makkah. Masjid Tan'im is the other name for this mosque. If you prefer to perform additional acts of Umrah outside of your tour group's pre-arranged Umrah sessions, this is the mosque or miqat location where you should place your intentions to perform your Umrah.

What is the best time to visit Mecca?

The best time to visit Mecca is between November and March, based on a variety of factors such as weather, flight and accommodation costs, high tourism seasons, and more.

What is Mecca famous for?

Mecca is widely known as the spiritual center of Islam because it was where the Prophet Mohammed was born and where he is supposed to have gotten his first revelations. As a result, it is Islam's holiest place and is revered by Muslims around the world.

How many days are enough for Mecca?

Around five to six days would be sufficient for visiting Mecca because the religious pilgrimage is a five-day tour of nearby holy sites in Saudi Arabia that all Muslims who are financially able must perform at least once in their lives.

How to reach Mecca from Medina?

The distance between Mecca and Medina is around 453 kilometers, and it takes about 5 hours to travel by rail. You can use the Saudi Railways Company (SAR), which runs a train five times a day from Madinah to Makkah.

Which are the best places for dining in Mecca?

  1. Albaik - Albaik is a well-known Mecca restaurant where you must dine if you want to sample some delectable cuisine. Albaik specializes in roasted and fried chicken with a wide range of sauces. It is the largest restaurant chain in Saudi Arabia.
  2. Al Yasmine - This buffet restaurant in Pullman Zamzam Makkah features Arabic, Asian, and Western food for everyday lunch and supper. In a modern setting, taste a variety of delectable flavors from an extensive menu.
  3. The Tea Garden - On the ground floor of Pullman Zamzam Makkah, this exquisite lobby lounge serves a selection of light meals, delectable pastries, and refreshing beverages.
  4. Al Dira - Dine-in Makkah's first 5-star Saudi restaurant, Fairmont Makkah Clock Royal Tower, for an amazing culinary experience that includes a stunning buffet and beautiful furnishings.

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