Mecca - Discovering Saudi Arabia

Travelling to Mecca

In this page you can find every information for a holiday in Mecca, a pretty good destination in Saudi Arabia (all info about the whole country here).
We will answer the most important questions: what to visit, when to go, how to get to Mecca and what means of transport to use to get around. We will describe typical foods, the costs for tourists and where to find accomodation. We will list also the places to see around Mecca, and we will also talk about safety and how each type of traveler can enjoy a trip here.
So, if you are travelling through Saudi Arabia, here's everything to know about Mecca for a perfect holiday.

General info for a trip to Mecca

Mecca is a city located in the western province of Saudi Arabia. It is considered the holiest city in Islam and is the birthplace of Prophet Muhammad. Every year, millions of Muslims from around the world travel to Mecca to perform the Hajj, one of the five pillars of Islam. The city houses the sacred mosque, Masjid al-Haram, which has the Kaaba, the most sacred site in Islam. Non-Muslims are not allowed to enter the city center of Mecca, with the exception of business visitors and people with special permissions from the Saudi government.

What to visit in Mecca

1. Great Mosque (Masjid al-Haram) - One of the most revered sites in the Islamic religion, the Great Mosque is home to the Kaaba, which Muslims face during their daily prayers. It is the largest mosque in the world and can accommodate over 4 million worshippers during the annual Hajj pilgrimage.
2. Mount Arafat - A hill located about 20 km east of Mecca, Mount Arafat is where the prophet Muhammad delivered his final sermon during his last pilgrimage in 632 AD. It is also the site where pilgrims gather on the day of Arafat, which is considered to be the most important day in the Hajj pilgrimage.
3. Cave of Hira - Located about 3 km from Mecca, the Cave of Hira is where the prophet Muhammad received his first revelation from Allah through the angel Gabriel. It is a popular site for Muslims who come to reflect on the beginning of Islam.
4. Jabal al-Nour - A mountain located about 5 km from Mecca, Jabal al-Nour is known for the Cave of Hira where the Prophet Muhammad received his first revelation. It is a popular site for pilgrims who come to reflect and climb the mountain to reach the cave.
5. Zamzam Well - A well located inside the Great Mosque, the Zamzam Well is believed to have been miraculously created by God for the Prophet Ishmael and his mother Hajar, who were left in the desert by Abraham. The water from the well is considered to be sacred and is consumed by pilgrims during the Hajj pilgrimage.
6. Makkah Museum - Located near the Great Mosque, the Makkah Museum offers a wealth of information about the history of Mecca and Islam. The museum has over 1,000 exhibits, including artifacts and manuscripts related to the Prophet Muhammad and the Islamic faith.
7. The Clock Tower - The Clock Tower, also known as Abraj Al Bait, is a tower measuring 601 meters tall and is one of the world's tallest buildings. It is located adjacent to the Great Mosque and serves as a landmark for pilgrims.
8. Safa and Marwa - Two small hills located inside the Great Mosque, Safa and Marwa are the locations where Hajar ran between seven times in search of water for her son Ishmael. Today, pilgrims reenact her footsteps and run between the two hills as part of the Hajj pilgrimage. These are some of the most popular tourist attractions in Mecca that are worth visiting.

You can find more information in this page dedicated to the top 10 attractions to visit in Mecca.

When to go on holiday to Mecca

The best time to visit Mecca is during the Winter season, which is from October to March. The temperatures during this season are mild, ranging from 15°C to 25°C, and the humidity is low. This makes it comfortable for pilgrims to perform Hajj or Umrah without feeling too hot and uncomfortable. However, it is important to note that during the Hajj season (which takes place in the Islamic month of Dhu al-Hijjah), the city tends to be extremely crowded and accommodation can be difficult to find. If you plan on performing Hajj, it is advisable to book your trip well in advance.

You can book here visit and activities to do during your holiday!

How to get to Mecca

Mecca is located in Saudi Arabia and is one of the most important pilgrimage sites for Muslims around the world. Here are the different options to get there: 1. By air: Jeddah International airport is the closest airport to Mecca. It is about 50 km away from the city center. You can take a taxi, a shuttle bus or a private car from the airport to Mecca.
2. By road: Mecca is well connected by roads to other major cities in Saudi Arabia. You can take a bus or drive a car from the nearest city to Mecca.
3. By train: The Haramain High-Speed Railway operates between the cities of Mecca and Medina with stops in Jeddah and King Abdullah Economic City. The train provides a comfortable and affordable option for travelers to Mecca.
However, it is important to note that only Muslims are allowed to enter the holy city of Mecca. Non-Muslims are not allowed to visit Mecca or enter the city limits.
To find the most convenient flights, compare (and book if you like!) the best offers here on Skyscanner.
To hire a car to visit Mecca, I recommend to check this: COMPARE HERE ALL OFFERS FOR CAR RENTAL

Typical foods in Mecca

Sure, here are some typical foods from Mecca, Saudi Arabia: 1. Kabsa - a well-known dish in Saudi Arabia, it consists of spiced rice, vegetables, and meat (usually chicken, lamb, or beef) served on a platter. It is often garnished with nuts, raisins, and fried onions.
2. Matazeez - a type of pancake made from flour, water, and salt. It is usually served with honey, butter, or jam.
3. Arab coffee - also known as "qahwa", it is a strong and bitter coffee made from green coffee beans.
4. Shawarma - it is a popular Middle Eastern sandwich made with marinated meat (chicken, lamb, or beef) cooked on a spit and wrapped in a pita bread with vegetables, tahini sauce, and pickles.
5. Haneeth - a slow-cooked lamb or goat, usually served with rice and Arabic bread.
6. Saleeg - a creamy rice dish made with chicken or lamb, milk, and spices. It is often served with a side dish of spicy tomato sauce.
7. Thareed - a dish made with layers of bread (similar to tortillas), meat, and vegetables, all cooked in a flavorful broth. It is often served during Ramadan.
These are just a few examples of the many delicious dishes from Mecca that you can try during your trip.
You can find general info about typical foods in Saudi Arabia here.

Is Mecca an expensive destination for tourists?

Mecca can be an expensive destination for tourists. As it is a holy city and a pilgrimage destination for millions of Muslims every year, the prices for accommodation, transportation, and food can be relatively high. Additionally, the city has limited options for accommodation, and during peak season, the prices can be higher than usual. However, there are ways to save money, such as staying in affordable hotels or hostels outside the city center and choosing local restaurants instead of high-end restaurants. It's also important to note that during the annual pilgrimage known as Hajj, prices tend to be at their highest.

Where to find accomodation in Mecca

The best areas to find accommodation when visiting Mecca, Saudi Arabia are close to the Masjid al-Haram or the Grand Mosque. The neighborhoods that are nearby and offer a variety of lodging options include the following: 1. Al Aziziyah 2. Al Misfalah 3. Al Shubaikah 4. Al Hajlah 5. Al Faisaliyyah. Each of these areas has different types of hotels, ranging from budget-friendly to luxury options, and they offer easy access to the Grand Mosque, which is the main attraction in Mecca.
You can check hotel prices at Mecca here:
Booking.com

Is Mecca a safe destination for tourists?

Mecca is primarily known for being a holy city and welcoming millions of Muslim pilgrims every year. As a result, it is generally a very safe place for tourists, with high security measures in place. However, there are some rules and regulations that non-Muslim tourists must be aware of, such as dress codes, limitations on entry into certain religious sites, and restrictions on alcohol consumption. Additionally, it is important to be respectful of local customs and traditions when visiting Mecca. Overall, if visitors are respectful and mindful of the rules and regulations, Mecca can be a safe place to visit.
You can find general info about safety for tourists in Saudi Arabia here. Always check updated government info about travelers's safety on the ufficial Foreign Affairs website of your government, before visiting Mecca.

What type of travelers will enjoy Mecca the most?

As Mecca is a holy city for Muslims and the birthplace of Prophet Muhammad, it is primarily a religious destination for pilgrims. Therefore, most travelers to Mecca are Muslims who come to perform their Hajj or Umrah pilgrimage.
However, Mecca also welcomes non-Muslims who are interested in exploring the history and Islamic culture of the city. As a result, Mecca is a family-friendly destination where children can learn about different cultures and traditions.
While there are plenty of activities to enjoy in Mecca, it is not a place for young people looking for fun or couples seeking a romantic getaway. It is important to note that Mecca follows strict religious customs and cultural practices, which may limit the availability of nightlife and entertainment options.

How to get around Mecca

The most common form of transportation in Mecca is taxis. However, there is also a bus system available, operated by the Saudi Arabian Public Transport Company (SAPTCO). Private car rentals and private drivers are also an option, but they are usually more expensive. In addition, during the Hajj pilgrimage season, transportation options may be limited due to the large number of visitors.

What to see around Mecca

Sure, here are some great places you can visit in a day trip from Mecca: 1. Jeddah: Located just a few miles from Mecca, Jeddah is a major commercial city and the second largest in Saudi Arabia. Known for its beautiful beaches, traditional architecture, and bustling souks, Jeddah is a must-visit destination.
2. Taif: This is a scenic city known for its cooler climate, stunning mountain vistas, and natural beauty. It's also home to many orchards and is famous for its roses.
3. Al Ula: Located in the northwest region of Saudi Arabia, Al Ula is a historic town that's home to a number of ancient archaeological sites, including the famous Madain Saleh.
4. Abha: Nestled in the mountains of the southwestern region of Saudi Arabia, Abha is a peaceful city known for its lush greenery, cool climate, and stunning natural landscapes.
5. Yanbu: A coastal city located on the Red Sea, Yanbu is known for its pristine beaches, crystal clear waters, and rich marine life. It's a great spot for diving and snorkeling.
6. Al Bahah: If you love hiking and natural beauty, then Al Bahah is a great day trip destination. The city is surrounded by mountains and offers some incredible hiking trails and scenic drives.
For every travel information about Saudi Arabia you can click here.

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