If it’s your first visit to Makkah, you might be surprised by all the different things on offer in the western Saudi metropolis – one of the world’s most visited. While religious tourism dominates here (it is, after all, the holiest city in Islam), Makkah presents an exciting blend of things to discover, from visiting ancient sites and natural havens to getting your culture on and shopping.
When should I go to Makkah?
Weather-wise, the best time to visit Makkah (also known as Mecca) is between November and February, when temperatures are pleasant and there’s not much rainfall. It’s wise to book early as it tends to be the busiest season. If you’re lucky, your trip might coincide with some of the exciting yearly events such as the Fawanees Festival, which happens during Ramadan and features live shows and entertainment zones, and Al Harah Al Makiyah Festival, renowned for its heritage and entertainment activities.
In 2024, the government restricted entry into Makkah during Hajj for crowd control and safety reasons. As a conscious traveller, it’s best to avoid travelling there during this period if you’re not partaking in the pilgrimage.
Where should I stay in Makkah?
Al Naseem, Al Shuhada and Al Zahir districts are great since they are all close to the Grand Mosque and have useful services and amenities like banks, government entities and travel agencies. Meanwhile, the Aziziyah district has an abundance of hotels, while Al Nuzha has a street full of shops and restaurants. For something more upscale in Makkah, think Gemmayzeh, King Fahd, Rashidiya or Al Rusaifa.
Top luxury hotels walking distance to the Grand Mosque include Raffles Makkah, Makkah Clock Royal Tower, A Fairmont Hotel, Swissôtel Al Maqam Makkah, and Jumeirah Jabal Omar Makkah, with the last three offering kids’ clubs. And, of course, there’s a slew of more affordable options if you’re visiting Mecca on a budget.
Is it easy to get to and around Makkah?
Makkah does not have its own airport, so visitors flying in have the choice of Jeddah’s King Abdulaziz International Airport, around 60 minutes away by car, or the further Prince Mohammad Bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madinah. Getting from Jeddah or Madinah to Makkah is possible via the Haramain High Speed Railway.
You will not be able to drive in Makkah neighbourhoods during the Hajj season and in the last ten days of Ramadan, but the good news is a lot of areas of interest are walkable. Taxis are widely available in the city but can be very expensive during Ramadan and Hajj. Public transport options include buses and a metro line.
Top things to do in Makkah
The Grand Mosque, the largest mosque in the world, and home to the Kaaba and its Black Stone, is an obvious choice. Other notable mosques include Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Baz Mosque, one of Makkah’s largest, Masjid Al Taneem, famous for being on the spot where Aisha bint Abu Bakr performed Umrah, and Masjid Al-Rajhi with its Mamluk-style architecture.
An alternative Islamic site is the village of Hudaybiyyah, where the Prophet Muhammad and the Quraysh of Makkah signed a treaty. Plus, there’s the Kiswa Factory of the Holy Kaaba, where a new black silk cover for the Kaaba – the kiswa – is made every year.
For archaeology enthusiasts we recommend Ain Zubaidah, with its dazzling geometric design. And for those looking for some cultural context, Makkah Museum, once a palace and an exceptional example of Islamic art and architecture, is home to pre-Islamic artefacts, while Hira Cultural District is a mix of culture, history and entertainment. Additionally, the Makkah Royal Clock Tower contains the world's largest clock faces and is part of the Abraj al-Bayt complex – the skyscraper complex includes a shopping mall. Makkah Mall is another popular shopping spot. Nature lovers might enjoy a trip to the Cave of Hira and Jabal Al Nour.
How much money will I need for Makkah?
With local food being relatively cheap and many low-budget hotel options near the Grand Mosque, Makkah is considered good value when it comes to budgeting. This is especially true if you go during off-peak seasons and book in advance. Just keep in mind prices for everything, including transport and accommodation, rise steeply during peak pilgrimage times due to high demand.
Frequently asked questions about Makkah
As the birthplace of the Prophet Muhammad and a central destination for Hajj and Umrah, Makkah is a holy sanctuary and non-Muslims are not allowed in the city to help preserve and protect the holy sites. Defying the ban could mean a fine and/or deportation.
For a few years, women have been allowed to perform Hajj or Umrah without a male accompanying them. They can travel with female relatives or friends, or in secure company. And women can feel safe in the knowledge security measures and anti-harassment laws are applied.
Acting respectfully, good manners and dressing appropriately, which means long, loose-fitting clothing and a head cover for women and avoiding shorts and tight trousers for men, are all expected while in this holy city. It’s also advisable to steer clear of public displays of affection and to ask for permission before taking a photo.
The Saudi government issues special visas for Hajj pilgrims, which can be obtained through specialised travel agencies. A great way to get this type of visa is through the Nusuk Hajj platform, which also takes care of flights, transportation, and accommodation. Umrah pilgrims can use the tourist eVisa, a one-year, multiple-entry visa that allows foreigners to spend up to 90 days in the country.
