Makkah is one of the holiest cities in Islam where millions of Muslims from around the globe visit every year. Makkah is the home of the Holy Kaaba, the spiritual heart of every pilgrim. If you are traveling on sacred Umrah or as a tourist for the immensely rich city history, you will be mesmerized by the presence of the historical landmarks and the modern courts in Makkah. It’s a place within which every corner has a story and experience is steeped in depth.
If you are planning your trip to this famous city, one of the first things you might be wondering how to reach. You can choose whether you want to go for Umrah by Bus for a scenic and budget friendly option or Umrah by Air to fly directly to King Abdulaziz International Airport, Makkah and it is available in many ways to suit your needs. To whomever you are, whatever you travel like, you just do not know the spiritual and cultural treasures of Makkah are waiting for you. In this regard, let’s look into the top 10 must go places that will ultimately render your stay to Makkah unforgettable.
It is impossible to visit Makkah without entering Masjid al-Haram, the world’s largest mosque and the centre of every Muslim’s pilgrimage. The Kaaba is the cube-shaped structure that Muslims face when making their prayers in this sacred space. Everywhere all over the world people come to do Tawaf, which is the walking around of the Kaaba in a ritualistic gesture of devotion. The prayers hum constantly, and the atmosphere is serene, which adds up to a feeling of peace and connection. This magnificent mosque is so grand and spiritual that even non-Muslim visitors are attracted to it and it is an unforgettable experience for all.
The most revered structure in Islam is the Kaaba which is located at the center of Masjid al-Haram. It is the symbolic centre of the Islamic world and Muslims pray towards it wherever they are. It is also of great religious significance as it is the place where Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) and his son Isma’il (Ishmael) built the original structure. During Hajj and Umrah, pilgrims from all over the globe gather here to walk around it in the act of Tawaf in search of spiritual purification and closeness to Allah. Any visitor is awe-struck by the sight of the Kaaba.
About 20 kilometers from Makkah, Mount Arafat is a central site of Hajj where pilgrims congregate for one of the day of prayer on the Day of Arafat. Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) final sermon was delivered to the faithful on this sacred mountain during his last pilgrimage. The day is spent here by pilgrims in deep prayer and reflection, seeking forgiveness and the divine mercy. This site is an important one, as it is the end of one’s pilgrimage and a time of spiritual renewal. The mountain also has a powerful connection to Islamic history even outside Hajj season.
During Hajj, Mina is a place of great importance as it is called the “City of Tents.” This area is situated a few kilometers away from Makkah and during the season of pilgrimage millions of pilgrims come and stay in tents and perform several rituals. Most famous for the Jamarat Bridge, the symbolic stoning of the devil, whereby Mina reenacts Prophet Ibrahim’s (PBUH) rejection of Satan’s temptations, Mina is very famous. Although primarily linked to Hajj, Mina’s historical importance also makes it an important visit to gain insight into the rituals of the pilgrimage and the bond that Muslims have with their faith.
The Cave of Hira is where Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) received his first revelation from Allah through Angel Jibril (Gabriel) while he was perched on Jabal al-Noor (Mountain of Light). The cave became an extremely important site for Muslims because this was the moment the Islamic faith began. The hike up to the cave is steep, but it is a spiritual journey that many pilgrims take to be at the spot where the momentous event that altered the course of history took place. Visitors from the summit can also take in the beautiful desert around them, and the place is both a place of spiritual reflection as well as a natural beauty.
Among the most sacred and historical landmarks in Makkah is the Zamzam Well, inside Masjid al-Haram. The well was supposed to have been miraculously supplied by Allah to Hagar and her son Isma’il (Ishmael) when they were abandoned in the desert. This blessed water is drunk by pilgrims visiting Makkah, believing that it is divinely enriched with grace. Well itself is a part of Islamic tradition for centuries, and its water is pure and healing. It is a reminder of faith, history and divine blessings for those visiting Makkah who visit the Zamzam Well.
The Abraj Al-Bait Towers are a modern marvel in Makkah that stands in contrast to the city’s historic landmarks. These are the famous Makkah Clock Tower, one of the tallest buildings in the world, and houses luxury hotels, shopping malls and other amenities. At the top there is an observation deck which gives a panoramic view of Makkah and the Grand Mosque, from where one can view the city from a bird’s eye view. For those who wish to see modern architecture without being too far away from Makkah’s religious heart, Abraj Al-Bait is an excellent place to visit.
Masjid al-Jinn is a mosque situated outside the city of Makkah with an exceptional historical significance. This is the place where a group of jinn (supernatural beings) used to gather to listen to the Quran being recited by Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). The Quran references this moment and the mosque is an important site in Islamic tradition. Not as famous as some other Makkah landmarks, Masjid al-Jinn is an interesting stop for those who want to learn more about Islamic history and belief, as it gives an insight into Islamic folklore and the unseen world of the jinn.
For those who want to know about the rich history of Makkah and Islam, the Makkah Museum is the best place to visit. The museum is located near the Grand Mosque and features an interesting collection of artifacts that illustrate how this city has evolved historically and how it is important in Islam. The shows include ancient Islamic manuscripts and coins as well as those that narrate the story of Makkah’s role in the evolution of the Muslim faith. For tourists and pilgrims alike, the museum is a great place to learn a deeper context to the importance of the landmarks and rituals they are witnessing in Makkah.
Although in Medina, Al-Masjid an-Nabawi is an important place for those who come to Makkah for Hajj or Umrah. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) himself established this mosque that is the second holiest in Islam after Masjid al-Haram and the final resting place of the Prophet. The green dome of the mosque is famous as the tomb of the Prophet. If pilgrims are visiting Medina as part of their pilgrimage, they should not miss the chance to pray and reflect at this sacred site, where they can come to understand the final moments of the Prophet’s life and the early history of Islam.
Makkah is a city like no other with sacred sites that are of great importance to Muslims and a rich history which attracts tourists from all over the world. Here we find the grandeur of the Grand Mosque and the Kaaba, Mount Arafat and the Cave of Hira all to be of great spiritual importance. Whether you are observing Umrah or in a sense enjoying Makkah’s cultural and religious heritage, this is a journey that goes beyond roaming around and sightseeing; this is a journey into reflection, devotion and a connection to the past. Faith and history come together in the city and every visit is memorable.
There are several convenient options for reaching Makkah if you are planning your journey. Umrah by Air and Umrah by Bus are both easily chosen as it is a scenic and affordable option or fly to reach this holy city quickly. How you travel is of little matter, Makkah’s sacred landmarks and spiritual air will offer an unforgettable experience for everyone. And so, pack your bags, set your intentions and prepare yourself to visit the top 10 must visit places in Makkah!
Umrah Package by Bus | Umrah Package by Air | Luxury Umrah Package | Economy Umrah Package | Customized Umrah Package
Mohamed Al Tenaiji Travels offers expert travel and Umrah services worldwide. We strive to provide a seamless and unforgettable journey for our clients.
