What to See and Do in Makkah at Night

Pack your spiritual curiosity and step into the heart of the holy city!

When the sun peacefully dips below the horizon, Makkah transforms into a luminous landscape of spiritual bliss, serenity, and magic. Set in the Hijazi region of Saudi Arabia, Makkah reels in millions of Muslim pilgrims every year, specifically during Umrah and HajjKnown as the birthplace of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) and home to the Kaaba at the heart of Masjid al-Haram, Makkah transforms as the scorching heat softens into a golden, peaceful calm. The streets come alive with whispered prayers, gentle footsteps, and the melodic recitation of the Qur’an. So, are you ready to immerse yourself in Makkah at night? Keep reading, your nocturnal escapade through the holy city begins here!

In the center of Makkah, Masjid al-Haram, popularly known as the Grand Mosque, is listed among Islam’s holiest places and the religious hub for Muslims from all corners of the globe. More than just a physical place of worship, the Grand Mosque is a place where unity, commitment, and the highest expression of the Islamic faith blend well together. At its center is the Kaaba, where believers converge, perform Tawaf by circling it seven times. The Grand Mosque is an awe-inspiring architectural wonder that stands out with its size and majestic appearance. Visiting the Masjid at night makes it a refreshing, soulful experience under the dark canvas of the sky.

Take a tour of the famous Kiswah Factory, where once a year, the Kiswah's upper cloth, which is the cloth covering the Kaaba, is handcrafted. You will be taken aback as you witness master artisans weave gold threads and hand-embroider. The tour continues to the historic Al Hudaibiya, the site of the historic Treaty of Hudaibiya, a peace agreement for the early Muslims' convenience made in 628 CE between the Makkah Quraish tribe and Prophet Mohammad (PBUH).

Masjid Al-Taneem, or Masjid Aisha, is the second-largest mosque in Makkah after Masjid al-Haram, with enough space for 50,000 worshippers at one time. The mosque’s historic significance and religious value are even greater for locals of Makkah, as it is the chosen location for entering into Ihram to perform Umrah. It is named in honor of Aisha bint Abu Bakr, the wife of Prophet Muhammad, who put on Ihram at this location.  The mosque features bathing areas, ablution facilities, and changing rooms for pilgrims and local worshippers alike. Moreover, it is open 24/7, all year round.

Set along the King Abdullah Road in the Al Jamiah district lies Makkah Mall, standing proudly as the city’s leisure and premier destination, and just 7 to 8 km away from Masjid-Al-Haram. Home to 255 retail outlets, this mall features global brands like H&M, Nike, Sephora, and Zara, with a few stores that sell major Islamic essentials, Zamzam water bottles, Qurans, and prayer rugs. Open until midnight, escaping to this mall for some retail therapy is one of the best things to do in Makkah after Isha prayer.

In the shadows of the Jabal Al-Nour, next to the sacred Cave of Hira, lies Hira Cultural District. Home to the Revelation Gallery and the Museum of the Holy Quran, this place is where one can stroll through prophetic revelations and look through rare manuscripts of the Quran that demonstrate the deep impact of it on the world via modern technological media. Explore further and you’ll come across the Saudi Coffee Museum, where regional brewing styles and tasting experiences celebrate this aspect of Saudi culture. The Cultural Library features an impressive wealth of books, references, and interactive installations regarding Makkah, Madinah, and the biography of the Prophet. The district also has a peaceful Hira Garden where you can sit, or stay in the luxury of Hira Cabins, with a private suite, and stunning views of Jabal Al-Nour at night.    

The Abraj Al-Bait, commonly known as the Clock Towers Complex, is a striking seven-skyscraper hotel complex located just steps away from Al-Masjid al-Haram in Makkah. At the heart of the complex stands the iconic Clock Tower, which dominates the city's skyline—especially at night. It is the fifth-tallest freestanding structure in the world, and its clock face—the largest in the world at 43 meters wide—shines with over 2 million LED lights, visible from as far as 25 kilometers away.

Planning Your Stay Near Abraj Tower?

Book your hotel from our carefully curated list below and enjoy comfort, convenience, and stunning views—just steps from the heart of Makkah.

• Makkah Clock Royal Tower A Fairmont Hotel(0.01 km away)
• Swissotel Al Maqam Makkah(0.02 km away)
• Al Safwah Hotel First Tower 1(0.06 km away)
• Al Marwa Rayhaan By Rotana - Makkah(0.08 km away)
• Al Safwa Hotel Tower 1 -فندق الصفوة البرج الأول(0.08 km away)
• Raffles Makkah Palace(0.09 km away)