Best things to do in Mecca

Find out more about those top places in Mecca

Things to do in Mecca - Saudi Arabia

Explore Mecca: The Holiest City in the World

Welcome to Mecca, often hailed as “the holiest place” on Earth! For over a billion Muslims, this city is the spiritual heart of Islam, the birthplace of Prophet Muhammad, and the site where he received his first revelation of the Quran. But before you start packing your bags, here's something important to note: Mecca is off-limits to non-Muslims, so this travel guide is mainly for those who are planning their pilgrimage or simply fascinated by this city’s historic significance.

Located in the Hejaz region of Saudi Arabia, Mecca has a permanent population of about 2 million, but come Hajj season, that number swells to several million people, all converging for this mandatory religious pilgrimage. It’s a bustling, vibrant city that draws people from every corner of the globe. In this post, we’ll take you on a virtual journey through the top attractions, places to visit, and things to do in Mecca (all linked to its rich religious history, of course). So buckle up—this travel guide is full of fascinating sites and a little bit of humor, because who says spirituality can’t have a dash of fun?

1. The Great Mosque of Mecca (Masjid al-Haram)

No visit to Mecca is complete without a trip to Masjid al-Haram, the largest mosque in the world. Home to the famous Kaaba, the cube-shaped structure that every Muslim faces during prayer, this mosque is the heart of the Hajj pilgrimage. With over 2 million worshippers during peak Hajj times, this mosque is not just a religious site but a marvel of Islamic architecture.

Here’s a fun fact: during Hajj, the tawaf (the act of walking around the Kaaba) can feel like a spiritual marathon. Don’t forget to take in the mesmerizing call to prayer that echoes throughout the mosque—it’s not just a sound; it’s an experience!

2. Jabal an-Nour: The Mountain of Light

If you’re feeling a bit adventurous, Jabal an-Nour (Mountain of Light) is a great place to take a hike. This sacred mountain is where Prophet Muhammad is said to have received his first revelation from the Angel Gabriel in the Cave of Hira. Hiking to the top is a spiritual journey in itself—if the stunning views of Mecca aren’t enough to leave you breathless, the climb just might!

Be prepared, though—this hike is no stroll in the park. With 1,200 steps leading up to the cave, it’s a good idea to wear comfortable shoes (no sandals allowed, trust us, you’ll need the support). And once you reach the top, you’ll feel like you’ve conquered the spiritual and physical peaks of Mecca. It’s one of those things to do that will truly leave you feeling connected to the city’s deep-rooted history.

3. The Hajj Pilgrimage: A Bucket-List Religious Experience

For Muslims, the Hajj pilgrimage is the ultimate spiritual journey. Each year, millions of Muslims from around the world come together to follow in the footsteps of Prophet Muhammad. The pilgrimage includes multiple rituals such as the tawaf (circling the Kaaba), the safa and marwah walking ritual, and the symbolic stoning of the devil at Jamarat. If you’re planning on making the pilgrimage, consider this your bucket list travel goal—it’s an experience that’s as profound as it is physically demanding.

Not able to make the trip yet? No worries, the spiritual significance of Mecca’s landmarks can still be appreciated through pictures, documentaries, and virtual tours. Plus, there’s always next year!

4. Abraj Al-Bait Towers: The Clock Tower Complex

Looking for something a bit more modern to marvel at? Head over to the Abraj Al-Bait Towers, home to one of the largest clock faces in the world. Towering over the city, this iconic structure has a clock that can be seen from miles around—perfect for those who tend to get lost in prayer (or shopping). The towers are part of a larger complex, which includes luxury hotels, malls, and even a museum. While it might not have the spiritual weight of the Great Mosque, it certainly adds a contemporary flair to Mecca’s skyline.

5. The Well of Zamzam: Hydrating for Centuries

Zamzam water is considered one of the holiest waters in Islam, and it’s available to drink for all visitors. The Well of Zamzam is believed to have sprung up when Prophet Ibrahim’s son, Ismail, was left thirsty in the desert. According to legend, the water gushed forth to quench their thirst. Now, millions of pilgrims drink from it each year—part of the Hajj rituals and a must-see on your sightseeing list.

If you're in Mecca, take a moment to visit the well, fill up a bottle, and hydrate. You’ll be taking part in a tradition that has been followed for centuries!

6. Shopping in Mecca: Souks and Markets

While Mecca is synonymous with spirituality, it’s also a shopping paradise for those who like a bit of retail therapy. Whether you're hunting for Islamic souvenirs, prayer beads, or just want to grab a bargain, Mecca’s souks (markets) have it all. From saffron to gold jewelry, the bustling streets are lined with shops where you can find everything from sacred items to modern-day trinkets.

Make sure to try a bit of Saudi Arabian street food while you’re at it—whether it's the famous shawarma or the delightful dates, your tastebuds are in for a treat.

Conclusion: Mecca’s Sacred Charm and Spiritual Energy

Mecca is a city unlike any other—sacred, bustling, and filled with history. Whether you’re visiting for the Hajj pilgrimage, exploring its top attractions, or soaking in the spiritual energy, this holiest of cities offers unparalleled experiences. For Muslims, a visit to Mecca is a journey of faith, while for others, it’s a chance to witness the cultural and spiritual heartbeat of one of the world’s most fascinating destinations.

So, if you’re planning your next trip to Mecca, make sure to keep these must-see places in mind. Whether you’re heading there for religious reasons or just out of curiosity, this travel guide will give you a glimpse into why Mecca is so much more than just a place to visit—it’s a place to experience, to reflect, and to be awed. Happy travels!

Great Mosque of Mecca

The Great Mosque of Mecca officially known as the Al-Masjid Al-haram, is the most sacred mosque to Muslims. The mosque has a capacity of 1.5 million people and is the largest mosque in the world. It is filled with many structures of great interest like the Kaaba, the Black Stone, the Station of Abraham and ZamZam Well.
Makkah Mall

This ultra-modern shopping center is the number one stop for buying and selling in Mecca, it features brands from all over the world. Designed to suit the customer it has different sections to appeal to the desires of visitors, there are jewelry sections, books sections, souvenirs sections among others.
Al Wahbah Crater

The Al Wahbah is a volcanic crater in Mecca about 820 ft (249.94 m) deep and 2 km wide. Located a few Kilometers away from Taif, the Al Wahbah Crater is not one of the Mecca’s most popular tourist sites but it presents something different for visitors to explore. Going to the bottom of the crater and back to its top takes approximately 2 hours.
Jabal an-Nour

The Jabal an-Nour which translates to “Hill of the Illumination” or “Mountain of Light” is a sacred mountain located in the Hejazi region near Mecca. It also has a cave called the Cave of Hira that is very revered by Muslims because it was said that the great Prophet Muhammad spent much time in the cave meditating. The mountain is over 2,106 ft (641.91 m) height and it usually requires some hours to get to its peak. It is one of the most visited destinations in Mecca and its said to be the location where Prophet Muhammad received the first revelation of the Quran on the Night of Power.
Al Kiswah Factory

The Al Kiswah factory produces “Kiswah” which is used to cover the Kaaba, it embroidered and stitched together to form the popular Islamic wear. The factory located on the old Jeddah road opened in 1977 and it generates a large part of the city’s wealth. Visitors can tour round the factory and see the manufacturing process.