Makkah

Overview

The Holy City of Makkah, which lies inland 73 km east of Jeddah, is the place where the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, was born - the place where God's message was first revealed to him and the city to which he returned after the migration to Madinah in 622 AD.

Makkah is the holiest city on earth to Muslims. Five times each day, the world's one billion Muslims, wherever they may be, turn to the Holy City of Makkah to pray. And at least once in their lives, all Muslims who are not prevented by personal circumstance perform the Hajj, the pilgrimage to Makkah. Thus each year the Holy City of Makkah is host to some two million hajjis (pilgrims) from all over the world.

The Holy Mosque in Makkah houses the Ka'aba, in the corner of which is set the Black Stone which marks the starting point for the seven circling of the Holy Mosque which every hajji must complete.

The HolyCity is served by the seaport and international airport of Jeddah.

Major Attractions

AL-Masjid Al Haram (Holy Mosque): In the holiest city of Islam lies the Masjid Al Haram with the Ka'aba (literally means the cube). The Ka'aba and the mosque have a rich history in its origin and its religious significance and specialist.

Ka'aba: The Ka'aba is a large cube-shaped structure made of granite, and is the holiest place in Islam. Muslims from around the world face themselves toward the Ka'aba during their daily prayers.

The Well of Zamzam: Zamzam Well, or just Zamzam is a well located within the Masjid al Haram in Makkah, 20 meters east of the Ka'aba millions of pilgrims visit the Well each year while performing the Hajj or Umrah pilgrimages, in order to drink its water.

Mina: The site of the symbolic stoning of the Devil.

Hill of Arafat: The site of Prophet Muhammad's last sermon.

Jabal Al Noor: While it's not part of the Hajj ritual, this is still an important site; since atop this mountain is the famous Hira grotto, where Muslims believe Muhammad first had the Quran revealed to him.  

Zaher Palace Museum:  the Museum offers a collection of antiquities and heritage, coins, stone inscriptions and writings, in addition to a set of old documents and teaching tools. The museum also contains a library and an auditorium.

Things To Do

Hike the Mountains of Makkah

Visit Ghar Hira, where the first verse of the Quran was revealed to the last of the prophets, Prophet Mohammed.

Shopping in the city is widely available. Bargaining is always an option when shopping locally

Visit Mina and the site of stoning the devil.

Events:
Hajj and Umrah are around the year.

Famous Meals:
Makkah is famous with its Hejazi cuisine and traditional meals like seraih, saliq rice, foul (beans), manto and yaghmosh.

What To Buy:
Zamzam water is available free of cost which is consumed in Makkah and brought home as a souvenir. Other souvenir like Prayer mats, hats, prayer beads and perfume.

Best Time to Visit:
The best time (months) of the year to visit Makkah is between November and January since summer temperatures are considered very hot although people visit Makkah around the year.

Travel Tips

Non-Muslims are not permitted to enter Makkah under Saudi law.