Activities 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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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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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?
- 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.
- 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.
- 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?
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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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