8 Things to Do in Makkah

Let’s Step Back in Time And Immerse In Family-Friendly Flabbergasting Attractions In Makkah With This Guide!

Makkah, known as the birthplace of the Prophet Muhammad SAW and the place where the sacred Kaaba lies, is a city deeply steeped in historical and spiritual significance. Located in a narrow valley in the west of Saudi Arabia, Makkah pulls in millions of visitors and pilgrims every year to perform Hajj or Umrah rituals. From strolling through the exhibits at Clock Tower Museum and exploring tranquil caves to marveling at the architecture of Masjid Al Haram, things to do in Makkah cater to everyone in this city.

So, we have rounded up a list of the best 8 things to do in Makkah so you can skip those tiring extra efforts and enjoy them wholeheartedly. Ready to go? Let’s get in! 

The Grand Mosque, Masjid Al-Haram, holds significant importance in Islam located in Makkah, Saudi Arabia. It is home to the Kaaba, which is the focal point of Islamic worship, drawing in millions of Muslims from around the globe for Hajj and Umrah pilgrimage. It is not just a mosque but a symbol of belief, oneness, and devotion. Its grandeur and vast size, as well as its intricacy of design, illustrate its beauty in architecture, centered around the Kaaba, which is at the heart where pilgrims rotate around it seven times known as Tawaf.   

Often referred to as the Mountain of Light, Jabal Al Nour is where Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) used to meditate and received the first revelations. The mountain is 620 meters and one has to take a strenuous hike to reach the peak. What makes this mountain more unique is its resemblance to the two mountains stacked upon each other while at its peak, it’s a rugged desert-like terrain. Moreover, you can also enjoy a challenging hike to reach the Cave of Hira, and yes! You will also be rewarded with breathtaking mountain views from the summit.

Abraj Al-Bait is an enormous skyscraper found in the very center of Makkah, Saudi Arabia, famous as the Makkah Royal Clock Tower or simply the Makkah Clock Tower. This gigantic structure soars to a height of 601 meters (1,972 feet), making it the 3rd tallest building in the world, following the Burj Khalifa and Shanghai Tower. Moreover, you will be left awe-struck as you gaze over this iconic multi-towered skyscraper complex set next to The Grand Mosque and as you explore its 1.5 million sq.m of space, home to various shopping areas, residential apartments, and hotels.

Al Hukair Funland Mecca

The 1.7-mile route, known as Globe Roundabout is in Jeddah near Makkah, Saudi Arabia, offering some of the best walking trails in the area. Designed by Spanish architect Julio Lafuente, this awe-inspiring glass-and-steel landmark stands prominently in a vibrant traffic circle near the beach. It's one of the must-visit spots in Makkah, where you can marvel at its grandeur and enjoy the panoramic atmosphere surrounding this iconic monument.

Masjid Aisha or Taneem Mosque is located a very short distance from the Kaaba in Makkah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and plays a great role in the pilgrimage of Hajj and Umrah. This mosque serves as a designated place where a female pilgrim wears Ihram to signify the beginning of her pilgrimage journey. Generally, male pilgrims wear ihrams at other locations within Makkah. The mosque is age-old and of simple design with an open courtyard and prayer halls.

The Makkah Regional Museum-cited-as the name suggests open to visitors who want to indulge in the historical and heroic narration of Islamic heritage and history in the whole of Makkah and beyond. The museum showcases artifacts, manuscripts, and other archaeological finds that illustrate the transition of Makkah through time from the pre-Islamic period to the present. Visitors will get to learn about the life of Prophet Ibrahim and also about the construction of the Kaaba and eventually the emergence of Makkah as the center of pilgrimage.

The Makkah Clock Tower Museum has an Islamic heritage combined with modernity as it is located in the Abraj Al Bait Towers that lie close to Masjid al-Haram. Being part of one of the tallest buildings in the world, it boasts massive clock faces that can be seen from even miles away. The interior showcases Makkah's history, its expansion into RoNa's Masjid al-Haram, and the development of the complex of Abraj Al Bait.

Last but not least, with renowned Makkah places to visit, a dive into the history and heritage of Islam is a must. From adoring the beauty of Masjid-Al-Haram to enjoying family-friendly attractions like Globe Roundabout and Al Hokair Funland, Makkah has everything to make the most of your time.