Mecca or Makkah is the most sacred places for Muslims all over the world. Mecca is the city which Muslims have to visit at least once in their life to perform the sacred Hajj pilgrimage.

Mecca, before and after

But, Mecca is also beautiful even if it’s not Hajj season and has plenty of tourist attractions and holy places to visit. Here is the list of the top things to do in Mecca.

List of the Top Things

1.Visit the Masjid al-Haram

Masjid al-Haram is the most sacred mosque in the entire world for the Muslim population. This grand mosque is so beautiful and sacred that every Muslim if he/she can afford it, should visit during the Hajj period. This sacred mosque is the biggest in the world and has the capacity of 900.000 worshipers and in the season of the Hajj, it has the capacity of 4.000.000 people.

Masjid Al Haram

The Saudi Government is doing everything in their power to accommodate all of the worshipers in this amazing city. The mosque is currently being extended by the Saudi Government and is going through the fourth extension that will last until 2020.

When the project is finished the mosque will be bigger, it will accommodate more pilgrims and it will be newly renovated. Inside of the Masjid al-Haram there is a place where you can get water from the famous ZamZam well that is right inside of this grand mosque.

2. Black Stone in Kaaba

This sacred stone situated in the Kaaba in the center of the Grand Mosque is revered by all worshipers of Islam. Nestled in the Kaaba while pilgrims are doing the sacred Hajj many are stopping and kissing it just as Muhammad did it as a tradition.

3. Sleep in one of the most expensive hotels in the world

For those who can afford to sleep in expensive hotels, you should sleep a couple of nights in Fairmont Makkah Clock Royal Tower hotel. It’s a building complex of seven skyscrapers and one of the most expensive building in the world that costs 15 billion dollars. It has a prime location and one of the best dining experiences, plus it has a mall for shopping.

4. Visit the Makkah Museum

One of the greatest museums in Mecca the Makkah Museum holds a collection of archaeological discoveries dating from pre-Islamic times. There is a hall on Islamic art that complements the Islamic calligraphy.

5. Museum of the Prophet

Visitors from all over the world should visit this magnificent museum that is dedicated to the life of the prophet Muhammad. There is a collection of the weaponry he used, furniture and utensils from his life. This museum is also dedicated to the study of the Quran and the Hadiths.

6. Al Hokair Funland

If you are with your kids visiting Mecca and if they want to visit an amusement park then head on to Al Hukari Funland. There are many rides where your kids can enjoy them a snack bar and a place for the adults to relax.

7. Eat at Al Defaya Restaurant

Situated on the 12th floor of the famous Al Marwa Reyhaan hotel, Al Defaya Restaurant is the place where you can enjoy a fantastic view of the Kaaba and eat food that will warm your heart. This place has a great staff and amazing food where you can enjoy some time with your family and all of the other tourists from around the world.

8. Jabal al-Nour

This mountain is one of the most important places for Muslims because it is where the prophet Muhammad spent some of his time meditating and he received his first revelation from God by the archangel Gabriel. There is a cave and people are visiting it because of the strong history with the prophet.

9. Shop at Makkah Mall

One of the greatest malls in Mecca and boasting a lot of shopping opportunities, Makkah Mall is a place where visitors can find almost everything they need. There are many shops, restaurants, and supermarkets to satisfy every tourist. If you want some leisure time to be sure to check it out.

10. Masjid e Taneem

A mosque that is 10 minutes from Mecca that is definitely a place worth visiting any time. This mosque has great facilities for baths, ablution and changing for all of the pilgrims and those who visit it to pray. This mosque is also important because it acts as a Miqat (a place where you should put your pilgrims’ garment) for those who are visiting Mecca for the Hajj.

Conclusion

Even if you are not visiting Mecca for the annual Hajj season and you are planning on visiting it off the peak season, this place should be on top of the priority for all Muslims around the world. Visiting this place even as an Umrah is a good thing to do at least once in your lifetime. But the next time you are visiting Mecca do it in the Hajj season and perform your Muslim obligation which is one of the Five Pillars of Islam.