Saudi Arabia, the cradle of Islam, is home to two of the most significant cities in the Muslim world: Makkah and Madinah. Both destinations draw millions of pilgrims each year to perform Hajj and Umrah, journeys that hold deep religious meaning to the faithful and observant.
Makkah, home to the Kaaba and the sacred Masjid al-Haram, is considered the holiest city in Islam, while Medina (known locally as Madinah) houses the revered Al Masjid an-Nabawi, mosque of the Prophet Muhammad. Those curious may ask: why are Mecca and Medina so important to Islam? With this ultimate guide to the holy cities, we’ll steer you on when to visit, where to stay and what to expect – whether it’s your first pilgrimage or a cherished return.
Makkah
Every year, millions of Muslims flock to Mecca (known locally as Makkah) to perform the sacred pilgrimage of Hajj, which is one of the five pillars of Islam, and to undertake the smaller pilgrimage of Umrah. The city’s significance is unparalleled: the birthplace of the Prophet Muhammad and a primary hub for Islamic worship. Carrying deep-rooted religious importance, Mecca remains an essential destination for those seeking spiritual connection in visiting Saudi’s holiest cities.
Why is Makkah such a holy place?
Mecca is considered the holiest place in Islam for two primary reasons: first, as it is the birthplace of the Prophet Muhammad and second, as it is the site of the Kaaba, the most sacred structure in Islam and the focal point of global Islamic prayer. As one of Saudi Arabia's holiest cities, Mecca is the epicentre of Islamic worship, where the devout gather to connect with Allah in the most palpably hallowed of settings.
What pilgrimage happens in Makkah?
The two most important pilgrimages in Islam are Hajj and Umrah, and both entail visiting Makkah. Hajj, performed annually and starting on the 4th of June in 2025, is a mandatory pilgrimage for Muslims who meet certain conditions around maturity, financial standing and physical health. Performing Hajj is one of the Five Pillars of Islam. It takes place during the Islamic month of Dhu al-Hijjah and includes several rituals at sites around Mecca. Umrah, though not obligatory, can be undertaken at any time of the year and includes similar practices.
Where are the best places to stay in Makkah?
When visiting Mecca, pilgrims and travellers alike often seek proximity to the Al Masjid al-Haram and the Kaaba. For a more luxurious stay during your pilgrimage, opt for somewhere iconic and at the heart of activity, like the looming Makkah Clock Royal Tower operated by Fairmont – if you’re seeking vistas over the holy city, nowhere else compares. For something a little less ostentatious but every bit as glamorous, the Address Jabal Omar is something of a hidden gem.
Who is allowed to visit Makkah?
In accordance with Islamic law, only Muslims are permitted to visit Mecca, the holiest of Saudi’s cities. This is because the city is home to Islam’s most revered sites – non-Muslims are not allowed to enter the area, as it is considered a space for worship and pilgrimage. Muslims travel to Mecca to fulfil one of Islam’s key obligations, in performing Hajj or Umrah, and as such, its sanctity makes it a destination of unquantifiable spiritual importance to the Muslim world.
When is the best time to visit Makkah?
The best time to visit Mecca largely depends on the purpose of your visit. For those planning to perform Hajj, the pilgrimage takes place annually during the Islamic month of Dhu al-Hijjah. However, Umrah can be performed year-round, with peak seasons occurring during Ramadan and the winter months, when the weather is cooler. For experience alone, the best time to visit Mecca is during the off-peak months, avoiding the intense crowds of Hajj and ensuring a more peaceful stay.
Top sights in Makkah
Beyond the primary attractions to Mecca, the Kaaba and the Al Masjid al-Haram, other must-see sights include the Jabal al-Nour where the Cave of Hira – the site of the Prophet’s first revelation – is located, and the Zamzam Well, which has sated thirsty pilgrims for millennia.
Madinah
Medina (also known as Madinah) stands as one of the holiest cities in Islam, revered for its abiding historical and religious significance. As the site of the Prophet Muhammad's migration and the location of the Prophet’s Mosque, it attracts millions of Muslims each year.
Medina’s spiritual atmosphere is unmatched – from its holy landmarks to its bustling marketplaces, the city combines deep religious heritage with the warmth of Arabian culture, making it an essential destination for any pilgrim.
Why is Madinah such a holy place?
Medina holds considerable importance in Islam as one of Saudi Arabia’s holiest cities. It is where the Prophet Muhammad took refuge after leaving Makkah and where his final resting place, the Prophet's Mosque, stands today. This revered mosque attracts millions of pilgrims annually, as it is one of the holiest sites in Islam, second only to Mecca.
What pilgrimage happens in Madinah?
While Medina itself does not host a formal pilgrimage like Hajj or Umrah in Mecca, it holds immense significance for those undertaking the journey. Pilgrims who come to Mecca for Hajj often visit Medina to pray at the Prophet’s Mosque, where the Prophet Muhammad is buried. This visit is not mandatory but is often encouraged for its spiritual rewards, making Medina a key part of the overall pilgrimage experience.
What are the best places to stay in Madinah?
There are plenty of fantastic places you can stay in Medina, depending on your tastes, budget and what you’d like to be closest to. Hotels near the Prophet’s Mosque are ideal for a convenient stay, such as the luxurious Anwar Al Madinah Movenpick, or the regal Oberoi Madina. For a more affordable yet enduringly comfortable stay, the Sofitel Shahd Al Madinah ticks every box you could be looking for.
Who is allowed to visit Madinah?
Although it’s one of Islam’s holiest cities, Medina is now open, as of 2023, to non-Muslims – though certain sacred areas are still off limits. For example, non-Muslims are not permitted to enter The Prophet’s Mosque. Pilgrimage visas are granted to Muslims only, ensuring they can visit the key religious sites. Access to certain historical locations in Medina may also require specific permits for visitors, so be sure to check in advance before visiting.
When is the best time to visit Madinah?
The best time to visit Medina is during the cooler months, from October to March, when temperatures are more comfortable for travel and outdoor activities. Many pilgrims visit Medina during Ramadan, Umrah and Hajj, which are particularly special times for prayer and reflection. However, these periods can be crowded, so it's important to plan ahead. If you're seeking a quieter time, avoid peak pilgrimage seasons. Keep in mind that the summer months of June to September can be extremely hot, with temperatures exceeding 40°C (104°F).
Top sights in Madinah
Medina is home to some of the most revered sites in Islam. The Prophet's Mosque (Al-Masjid an-Nabawi) is the central landmark, a must-see for pilgrims and visitors, with its stunning green dome – the Rawdah – and its air of spiritual calm. Nearby, the Quba Mosque, the first mosque built in Islam, is a place of reflection and tranquility. Don’t miss the Qiblatain Mosque, known for its unique history tied to the change in prayer direction.
