Discover Makkah
Hotels, halal food, prayer spaces, things to do, and itineraries in Makkah.
Live suggestions could not load. Press Search to view results.
Must-see attractions in Makkah
From headline landmarks and heritage icons to parks, waterfronts, and major museums, discover 10 standout sights to build into your time in the city.
One of the oldest cities in the region and home to the most holy of all Muslim sites (Christian and Jewish too for some), Makkah receives over 3.5 million people alone during the Hajj season, and well over 15 million people throughout the year. This clearly keeps up with English definition for “Mecca” meaning: A place that attracts many visitors. The city is in the middle of a desert so summer temperatures can often soar into the fifties. Winter temperatures drop to 15 degree Celsius.
Explore Makkah
Muslim travel planner
Plan a Muslim-friendly trip in Makkah
Halal restaurants in Makkah
Makkah’s food scene is part of the city experience. Choose from 10 restaurants and food districts with location notes and planning tips.
makkahAl Naim
Located in the Movenpick Hotel across from the Haram Court, Al Naim is an eclectically decorated ala carté restaurant. Able to cater to large crowds, it still manages to give individual tables the space they need in the hustle and bustle of the city.
makkahAl Rehab Restaurant
Situated in the Dar Al Tawhid Intercontinental Hotel, this Middle Eastern themed restaurant gives the diner a slice of Middle East on top of ceramic plates. Carrying a distinct Moroccan theme, the dinner experience is often likened to that provided to royalty.
makkahAL RASHEED
This restaurant is located in the Grand Mercure hotel. Offering a variety of international and oriental cuisine, it also boasts a designated non smokers area. Serves breakfast through to dinner. Opens 07:00, lights out at 23:00.
makkahRidan
Ridan provides platters of traditional Saudi food. You will find the local favourites of Mandi, Fermouzah and Muttabak done the right way here.
makkahIskander & Kabab
Makkah receives a large number of Turks. Add this to the fact that the Turks ruled this part of the world for over a five centuries, one comes across a Turkish eatery quite often. This restaurant, far from the madding crowd serves authentic Turkish delights.
makkahAsia Far East Restaurant
If you hail from the Far Eastern regions of China, Malaysia, Indonesia, Maldives, getting the food that you are used to is a little tedious. And even if you do find places that offer noodles and fish, they probably would not taste the way they should. This is as good as it gets for Far Eastern cuisine in Makkah.
Makkah masjids and Muslim travel
Landmark masjids and prayer-aware notes for visitors planning salah, family movement, and halal-friendly days.
Ka'aba, Hajr-e-Aswad, Hatim and the Maqaam-e-Ibrahim
Thought to be initially built by the angels, then by Adam (AS). Destroyed in the flood of Noah, it was rebuilt by Abraham (AS) on the orders of Allah. It became a symbol of power in the times before the Prophet Muhammad (SAW). It was believed who so ever had control of the Ka'aba would have the right to rule over the other tribes in Makkah. The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) solved this by having the various tribes to pledge equality in ownership of the Ka'aba by letting them hold on to a square piece of cloth and placing the sacred black stone in the middle and then affixing the stone into south east corner of the Ka'aba. Kissing this stone commences the Taw'waf. This is also believed to wash off the sins of a person. The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) too rebuilt the Ka'aba. Collecting money for repairs, the money fell short to complete the original design and the area just outside facing north was cordoned off with a low wall indicating a space that was designated to be part of the Ka'aba – this is called the Hatim. The Ka'aba, the Maqam-e-Ibrahim (place where Abraham (AS) stood while building the Ka'aba, the well of Zam Zam and the hills of Safa and Marwa are located in the Masjid-al-Haram, the holy mosque. Also, feel free to roam around the multiple levels of the Masjid-Al-Haram. It’s a marvel of modern architecture and the best marbled building in the world.
Masjid-e-Jinn
According to tradition, this is a Mosque situated on the Al Haram street, where once the Holy Prophet (SAW) was reciting the Holy Qura'an. A group of Jinn passing by heard the recitation and stopped to hear more.
Masjid-e-Nimrah
Located in the plain of Arafat, this Masjid is the place where the prayers of Hajj, (the combined Zuhur and Asr prayers), are said on 9th Zil Hajj. This Masjid opens only once a year especially for the Hajj prayers. It is a sight to behold. It takes 30 minutes by car to reach from the city centre.
Masjid-e-Aisha
This is a mosque located on the outskirts of Makkah. It serves as a Meeqat, or point where one can make the intention for Umrah. The mosque is named after the Prophet Muhammad’s (SAW) wife, Aisha (RA), who while accompanying the companions on the first Hajj prayed at this spot to make intention for Umrah. SAPTCO buses run to and fro from this architecturally scenic mosque charging SAR 2. Private coasters also run charging between SAR 2 and SAR 5 per person.
Where to stay in Makkah
Choose where to stay by trip style, from landmark luxury and family bases to central, airport, and neighborhood-led stays.
makkahDar Al Tawhid Intercontinental Makkah
This seven star hotel boasts breathtaking views of the Ka'aba from its upper floors. Its main entrance facing the Ka'aba opens on to the marbled floors of the Masjid-al-Haram, facing the King Fahd Gate. Internet connection in every room, and don't worry if you forgot to bring your laptop, you can get one at the hotel for a small fee. A complete business centre is also available.
makkahThe Hilton Makkah
This ominous v shaped hotel towers above the Masjid-al-Haram. Having a multitude of residency options from the twin deluxe rooms to the King Deluxe Plus rooms. Kitchenettes are in some of the rooms but business centres are available to keep you in touch with the world. The five star treatment gets redefined at this hotel. Choose from a variety of Art-deco-city views, to Ka'aba and Haram views. In your spare time go through the 450 + shops in the lower floors.
makkahMovenpick Hotel & Residence Hajar Tower Makkah.
Gleaming views of the Ka'aba and the Masjid-al-Haram over the King Abdul Aziz Gate, the Movenpick Tower is part of the esteemed Al Hajr towers. These posh hotels cater to only the best of the best. Within the towers, you will find three floors of shopping with some of the top brands in the world. A food court, and a unique restaurant with an old ship placed on the sixth floor. The rooms come with 24 hour room service, wireless internet, a kitchenette, iron, safe and cable television.
makkahMercure Grand Umm Al Qurah Mecca
Down the road from Masjid-al-Haraam, this five star hotel is situated in the thick of the commercial centre of Makkah. With all modern conveniences accommodated in the hotel, it allows one to focus all their energies on the religious duties. Wireless high speed internet in the rooms will be your connection to the outside world.
makkahAl Safwah Royale Orchid
Situated exactly opposite the King Abdul Aziz gate, Ka'aba and Haram views offered from this hotel are exquisite. With restaurants which offer amazing food with a weekly sea food night, and views of the Ka'aba, the spiritual experience is enhanced in style. A multi floor shopping centre at base will keep you busy in your spare time.
History and today in Makkah
Read the city today, its history, residents, culture, and character before planning your route.
Visa Information
Visa for Makkah is issued to Muslims only. The most common visa is the Hajj, or pilgrimage visa which is issued for a 40 day period .
City Information
When to go
If going for Hajj pilgrimage, check the Lunar calendar. For Umra, the best times are during the holy month of Ramadan and during the winter. During Ramadan there are huge crowds, particularly during the last ten days of Ramadan but the atmosphere is overwhelming.
DiscoverCity Information
Fast Facts
-Location: Middle East -Dialling code: +966 -Emergency numbers:
DiscoverCity Information
Saudi Arabia's currency
Saudi Riyal (SAR.) and Halalas (Hls.), with 100 Halalas equalling a Riyal
DiscoverCity Information
Annual Temperature
..........a- January; Max: 30.2 °C: Min: 16 °C ..........b- February; Max: 31.9 °C: Min: 17 °C ..........c- March
DiscoverCity Information
Makkah Residents
The people are a mix of Arabs and South Asians. People from Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines can be found in great abundance. The most common nationality you probably will be in everyday contact with will be the Bengalis and then the Arabs. Arabs hold on to key supervisor positions while the immigrants comprise the worker force of the city.
DiscoverCity Information
Makkah today
One of the oldest cities in the region and home to the most holy of all Muslim sites (Christian and Jewish too for some), Makkah receives over 3.5 million people alone during the Hajj season, and well over 15 million people throughout the year. This clearly keeps up with English definition for “Mecca” meaning: A place that attracts many visitors. The city is in the middle of a desert so summer temperatures can often soar into the fifties. Winter temperatures drop to 15 degree Celsius.
DiscoverCity Information
Makkah History
The history of Makkah dates all the way to the time of Prophet Abraham, when he left the suckling Ishmael along with his mother, Hajra under a tree on the hillock. Years later, Abraham returned and, on God’s orders, built the Ka'aba. The city steadily grew into an important trading city in the region, largely because of the holy spring of Zam Zam offering water to thirsty travellers in passing caravans. In 560 AD Prophet Muhammad (SAW) was born to one of the powerful tribes inhabiting the city. In 600 AD, Islam was revealed at the Jabal-e-Noor (Cave of Hira) to Muhammad (SAW). Consequently, the powerful pagan tribes in Makkah cast Muhammad (SAW) out in 622 AD, only to see him return eight years later with such a might that Muhammad (SAW) gained victory without having to face any resistance whatsoever. Over the centuries the Arabs kept control over the land despite the seat of power of the Muslim world shifting, first to Damascus then to Baghdad and then to Constantinople (Istanbul, Turkey) during the Ottoman Empire. A fort was built around Ka'aba to protect it. However, following the defeat of the Muslims after World War I, and the subsequent end of Khilafat Mecca was handed over to the new Arab rulers, the Saud family with certain conditions and pledges evoked from the new rulers regarding the destruction of holy sites.
DiscoverUseful information
Shopping in Makkah
Explore 14 shopping stops, from malls, markets, and book bazaars to fashion streets and souvenir finds.
makkahProMod
Trendy label for women. Yes, women dress conservatively in Saudi Arabia, but no one can peek under their thick black abayah's. This gives everyone an idea to what Saudi women wear under the black over coat outters.
makkahMilano
The best shoes that come from Italy. Bearing the name of the fashion capitol of Italy and arguably the world, this footwear line for men and women is not only the best in quality, but also in style.
makkahGazzaz
Selective range of the best accessories ranging from perfumes to hand bags and top of the line cosmetics
makkahAl Abraj Al Bait Towers & Shopping Mall
With the activities in Makkah being centred around the Haraam, all the markets are too. The Al Abraj Towers, which has the
makkahALDO ACCESSORIES
Accessories for women: belts, rings, brooches, bracelets and many other items, can be found here.
Signature sights in Makkah
A curated pick of the city's standout sights, led by the strongest editorial recommendations.
Festivals and events in Makkah
Plan around 7 festival seasons, public events, Ramadan/Eid periods, book fairs, art cycles, and winter food activity.
makkahEid-Milad-un-Nabi
Celebrating the birth of the Prophet Muhammad
makkahJinadriyah
Celebrating the Arabic culture. Two weeks of sports like
makkahRamadan
The holy month of Ramadan is when Muslims fast from dawn to dusk. This is also a popular time for Muslims from the world over to come for Umra. Dates are subject to sighting of the moon.
makkahEid-ul-Fitr
Celebrated after the month of Ramadan ends when the new moon of the next month is sighted. This is a two to three day festival celebrated by spreading sweets and meeting loved ones. Based on lunar calendar.
makkahUnification of the Kingdom
Not entirely a festival. Treated more so as an unofficial Holiday.
Makkah tours and experiences
Heritage walks, food crawls, coastal trips, museum circuits, family days, and guided ideas for an easier day out.
makkahSaad Al Samallaghi Co. Ltd
Run a variety of tours which include trips to 1. City, Desert and Land Tours/Excursions 2. Museum and Historical Site Visits
makkahNajd Group
Najd Group provides hotels and complete packages for Hajj and Umrah travellers and offers city tours to its guests. Their office is ideally located at 150 metres north of the hills of Marwa. A travel desk also operates in its lobby.
The Irhal city file
Makkah travel guide sections
Focused sections for articles, directories, maps, and trip planning.
