Mecca Travel Guide — Things to Do, Food & Hotels
Saudi Arabian city and capital of the Makkah province
About Mecca
The pilgrimage to Mecca, known as theHajj, is obligatory for all Muslims provided they are physically and financially capable. Over three million Muslims visit the city during the month of Dhu'l-Hijjah yearly. Visits outside this month are known as minor pilgrimages or Umrah, which are not compulsory but are strongly encouraged. The Umrah can be performed in less than a few hours whereas the Hajj is more time-consuming, and involves more rituals. The Umrah isnot intendedto be a substitute for the Hajj; however, both are demonstrations of submission to Allah (God). Mecca is generally considered "the fountainhead and cradle of Islam". Muslims believe that the history of Mecca goes back to Abraham (Ibrahim) who built the Kaaba with the help of his eldest son Ishmael around 2000 BCE. In 570 CE
Top Attractions in Mecca
Explore the best things to see and do in Mecca:
- ★Al-Haramain Museum
- ★Al-Safa and Al-Marwah
- ★Al Sakkaf Palace
- ★Al-Zaher Palace Museum
- ★Cave of Hira
- ★Cave Thawr
- ★Clock Tower Museum
- ★Hill of Arafat
Where to Eat in Mecca
Must-try local food and restaurants:
- 🍴Al Qasr
- 🍴Al-Rehab Restaurant
- 🍴Al-Tayebat Restaurant
- 🍴Faisalabad Restaurant
- 🍴Five Guys
- 🍴Gurkan Şef Steakhouse
Where to Stay in Mecca
- 🏨Abraj Al Bait
- 🏨Four Points by Sheraton Makkah Al Naseem
- 🏨Hilton Makkah Convention Hotel
- 🏨Intercontinental Dar al Tawhid Makkah
- 🏨Park Inn by Radisson Makkah Aziziyah
- 🏨Pullman Zamzam Makkah
Mecca Travel Guide Sections
Our comprehensive guide covers 14 sections including: