Places to visit in Mecca
Places to Visit in Mecca
Tourist Places to Visit in Mecca
Great Mosque of Mecca - Masjid al-Haram, Kaaba, Jabal Al Nour, Abraj Al-Bait Tower, City of Mina, Makkah Museum, Mount Arafat, Jamaraat Bridge, Clock Tower Museum Mecca, Masjid Ayesha Miqat, Elephant Rock Mecca, and many more.If you are planning to go on a Hajj or Umrah pilgrimage or just wish to vacation in the holy city, you will find several places to visit in Mecca. The city of Mecca lies in a narrow valley at a height of 277 meters above sea level. Considered to be the holiest city in the world, a major part of the city is open to only Muslims who go there on pilgrimage to perform Umrah or Hajj. However, there are some parts of the city that are also open to those visiting the place only for a vacation or to pay homage to the holy sites.
Being mainly a place of pilgrimage, most of the Places to visit in Makkah are holy abodes such as mosques, and various caves where Prophet Mohammed has spent his time. The most famous attraction of the city is Masjid al-Haram, the biggest mosque in the world, and the focal point for every Muslim across the world with the Holy Kaaba, covered in black and gold cloth, located at the epicenter.
There are also other Mecca tourist attractions that are architectural delights such as the famous Abraj Al-Bait Tower, Clock Tower Museum, The Globe Roundabout, etc. Children visiting the city will surely want to spend an evening at Al Hokair Funland. Another place worth visiting is the GingerBread Village Rijal Almaa. You can also plan a visit to the Makkah Museum if you wish to know more about the city.
Here is the list of best places to visit in Mecca:
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.
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 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.
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 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 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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
Mecca FAQ's
Which are the best mosques to visit in Mecca?
- Masjid Al-Haram: The biggest Mosque in the world, Masjid Al Haram, has to be on your bucket list of Places to see in Mecca. Known to be the focal point for all Muslims, the Mosque houses the famous Kaaba. Other sacred sites located in its courtyard include the Zamzam holy well and the station of Abraham.
- Masjid Ayesha: Another important mosque that you can include in your list of places to visit in Mecca is Masjid Ayesha, which every Hajj and Umrah pilgrims visit to enter into the state of Ihram. Named after t the Prophet Muhammad’s wife Ayesha, the beautiful mosque will offer you a peaceful ambiance to enjoy.
- Nimra Mosque: One of the famous places to visit in Makkah is Nimra Mosque where Mohammed had delivered his Farewell Sermon. Hajj pilgrims visit this place on the ninth day of the Islamic month of Dhu al-Hijjah.
- Al Khayf Mosque: Visit one of the oldest mosques in Makkah which is located at the foot of a mountain in Mina, near the smallest jamara, one of three walls used for the ritual stoning of the devil. During their stay at Mina, haj pilgrims pray at this mosque.
Which are the best things to do in Mecca?
- Pray At Al-Haram: One of the Places to visit in Mecca is Al-Haram, the Holy Mosque, which houses the Kaaba. While visiting this holy place, you may opt to offer your prayers to this sacred site.
- Go on an Excursion: A popular excursion which you can embark on is to Ghar Al Thawr (Cave of the Bull) on mount Al Thawr. Feel thrilled as you climb on steep and rocky terrains and pass sculptured boulders on your way to this century-old cave.
- Hike Jabal Al-Nour: Go on a hike on this hill which is known as “The Mountain of Light” or “Hill of Illumination” to reach Hira, a cave. The prominence of this hill lies in this cave where Prophet Muhammad meditated for long and received his first revelation from God by the archangel Gabriel.
- Try Different Cuisines: You will get the taste of several international cuisines in this holy city with Muslim immigrates from around the world making this city their home. You can try some traditional Saudi dishes such as Kasbah and Rice Biryani. You may opt for some spicy street eats from Southeast Asia or try some authentic Pakistani cuisine such as lamb curry etc.
- Indulge in shopping: One of the Mecca tourist attractions is the ancient shopping destinations such as ancient street markets, souks, and Old City Bazaars. Feel excited shopping for beads, perfumes, and clothing at these places.
Which are the best places to stay in Mecca?
- Al Kiswah Towers Hotel: Enjoy your stay in the conveniently located Al Kiswah Tower Hotel located only 1 km away from Abraj Al Bait and 900 m from Masjid Al Haram. Enjoy amenities such as free parking and free wifi while staying in this hotel.
- Hilton Makkah Convention Hotel: Delight in the majestic view of the holy city of Makkah while staying at Hilton Makkah Convention Hotel. Have delicious cuisines at the hotel’s three different restaurants and buy souvenirs at its gift shop. If you are a fitness freak, you will love to continue your workout regime at the fitness center.
- Swissotel Al Maqam Makkah: Standing in the heart of the holy city is the Swissotel Al Maqam Makkah. Situated in the famous Abraj Al Bait complex, the hotel faces the holy Kaaba and has direct access to the holy mosque. Relish your stay in this hotel’s luxurious rooms and suites and enjoy a selection of oriental and international cuisines at its restaurant, Al Khairat restaurant, and unwind at the end of the day at Masharif tea lounge.
- Conrad Makkah: Get treated with world-class luxury during your stay at Conrad Makkah. Located just steps away from the Holy Mosque and Kaaba, this hotel will delight you with its spacious and modern rooms with separate dressing rooms and complimentary wifi. Savor international dishes and Arabic specialties at the all-day dining restaurant, Al Mearaj.
