One of the two holiest cities in Saudi Arabia, Mecca is home to some of the most significant monuments, museums, and heritage sites in the country. There are many famous spots in a Muslim-only destination to experience much-needed serenity. There is a plethora of delightful things to do in Mecca, which is a step forward in knowing the cultural and historical significance of the place. Tourists can also enjoy the city's fun side by savouring the delicious flavours of traditional, theme park, and international dishes, and shopping for beautiful items as souvenirs in the vibrant markets.
Things to Do in Mecca: Explore the Marvels of the Holy City
There is a fair chance that if you are planning to visit Mecca, it is because you want to pay your respects at the Great Mosque of Mecca, Masjid-al-Haram. However, if you’re wondering what to do in Mecca apart from this, then this holy city is also home to many beautiful landmarks, museums, and natural wonders that must be explored by people. There are numerous things to do in Makkah that are fun for everyone visiting the city. You can learn about history in museums, see natural wonders, and take your children to amusement parks to enjoy the fun rides.
- Soak in the tranquil vibes of Masjid Al-Haram
- Visit the marvelous Elephant Rock
- Learn about the antique artefacts at the Museum of Human Heritage
- Go shopping at Makkah Mall
- Enjoy thrilling rides at Al Hukair Funland
- Discover the magic of Makkah Royal Clock Tower
- Savor the delicious food at Commander Café
1. Soak in the Tranquil Vibes of Masjid Al-Haram
The visit to Mecca won’t have any significance if your prime goal is to get the blessing of the Almighty at the sacred mosque of Al-Haram. It is one of the most important mosques in Mecca, where people perform the holy pilgrimage of Hajj or Umrah. The shrine, Kaaba, which is situated at the centre of the masjid, is considered the most sacred place in the entire world. Paying your respects in this holy land has to be one of the things to do in Mecca. You must sit and feel the tranquil vibes and positivity flowing in the air at this beautiful place of worship.
Top Attractions: Tranquil vibes, beautiful architecture, and blessings
2. Visit the Iconic Elephant Rock
If you like exploring the natural marvels of a city, then visiting the elephant rock is among the best things to do in Makkah, as it's one of the Maiden Saleh's most notable rocks, which is a highly recommended places to visit in Saudi Arabia. The marvelous rock formation standing tall in the midst of the desert just enhances the glory of the golden desert sands. What astonishes the tourists is its organic shape, which is like an elephant with a trunk that justifies its name. Tourists can also sit on the sunken sofas set up near the rock and adjust the lighting to their liking. There are coffee shops and eateries available near the rock to savor the delicious snacks.
Top Attractions: natural marvels, geology, and panoramic views
3. Learn About the Antique Artefacts at the Museum of Human Heritage
Founded by Majdoua bin Ahmed Al-Sharawi, this museum is one of the things to see in Mecca, as it plays a crucial role in unfolding significant historical incidents and tracing the evolution of the human race, right from prehistoric times. If you are a history buff or have a keen interest in knowing the development of the things and equipment, we now take for granted, then you must visit this beautiful museum. One of the things to do in Saudi Arabia is visiting this majestic museum, which is home to many musical instruments like the violin, weapons that were used during the olden days, and newspapers displaying many events of the past.
Top Attractions: Old artefacts, history, and heritage
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4. Go Shopping at Makkah Mall
A holiday is incomplete without buying some of the traditional items as gifts or souvenirs and some just for yourself. Shopping in Mecca is fun when you do it at the gorgeous Makkah Mall. The mall has some of the top clothing and footwear brands, along with several stalls selling traditional items that are amazing to gift to loved ones at home. Getting something special from the holy city of Saudi Arabia is one of the most amazing things to do in Mecca. And if you do not like to splurge, then you can stroll through the corridors, sip a cup of coffee at a cosy café, or savor the delicious dishes at the food court inside the mall.
Top Attractions: Traditional items, international brands, and amazing food court
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5. Enjoy thrilling rides at Al Hukair Funland
One of the fun things to do in Mecca is spend a day at Al Hukair Funland. It is an indoor amusement park that has a wide variety of different rides for children and adults. The park has ice skating for the family to try together and have fun when someone slips and falls. There are several ways for children under the age of 12 to enjoy themselves, including jumping on the trampolines till their bones hurt, playing air hockey, playing video and arcade games, and making new friends at the activity zones. Don’t forget to have a delicious meal at the restaurants on the premises.
Top Attractions: Fun rides, arcade games, and lip-smacking food
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6. Discover the Magic of Makkah's Royal Clock Tower
If manmade marvels amaze you, then one of the things to do in Mecca is visit this surprisingly beautiful clock tower. It is the closest hotel to Masjid Al Haram and has proven to be the best option for pilgrims visiting the holy city for Umrah or Hajj. Boasting a hotel with 76 floors, the tower is among the tallest buildings in the world. The clock at the tower has the largest face in the world, which is lit by about two million LEDs. People can also savor the delicious dishes at the tower during their stay or otherwise.
Top Attractions: View of the Masjid, tallest building, and beautiful clock
7. Savor the Delicious Food at Commander Cafe
Every tourist looks for a restaurant in a new destination with comfortable ambiance, yummy food, mind blowing beverages, and enough space to sit and relax. There are a wide range of outstanding restaurants in Mecca, however, one of the things to do in Makkah if you want to relax, sip a delicious cup of coffee, and have the taste of mouthwatering desserts, then you must visit Commander Café. The place has an incredible ambiance, trendy interiors, and eye-catching décor, and it is the perfect place to spend some time when you are overwhelmed after visiting the beautiful landmarks of the holy city.
Top Attractions: Comfortable ambiance, scenic view, and delicious desserts
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By now, you must have learned that after getting the blessings of the Almighty at Masjid Al Haram, you can indulge in a wide range of activities and explore the holy city. There are quite a few interesting things to do in Mecca that provide an opportunity for the tourist to learn more about the rich heritage, culture, and history of the holy city and about Islam. Also, the city is home to some of the most outstanding restaurants that serve delicious traditional dishes and a vibrant market where one can buy diverse items as souvenirs. And if you are planning to visit the city, take advantage of the Saudi Arabia tour packages to experience a serene and tranquil time.
Things to Do in Makkah - FAQs
There are many exciting activities that one must indulge in on their visit to Mecca.
- Soak in the tranquil vibes of Masjid Al-Haram
- Visit the marvelous Elephant Rock
- Go shopping at Makkah Mall
- Enjoy thrilling rides at Al Hukair Funland
- Discover the magic of Makkah Royal Clock Tower
- Savor the delicious dishes at Commander Café
The marvelous rock formation standing tall in the midst of the desert just enhances the glory of the golden desert sands. What astonishes the tourists is its organic shape, which is like an elephant with a trunk that justifies its name.
There are several amazing places to visit in Mecca that narrate the story of the city’s glorious past. These include Masjid al-Haram, the Abraj Al-Bait Tower, the City of Mina, the Kaaba, Jabal Al-Nour, the Makkah Museum, and Mount Arafat.
King Abdulaziz International Airport is the main airport to reach Mecca. There is a separate terminal for Hajj pilgrims, as well as additional terminals for tourists visiting the city.
If you only need to explore the city, then 3–4 days are more than enough to discover all the wonders. The city is home to many beautiful landmarks.
The months from November to February are considered the ideal time to plan a holiday in Mecca. The weather during these months is pleasant for tourists to explore the charms of the country and indulge in different activities.
Yes, the park has ice skating for the family to try together and have a fun time when someone slips and falls. There are several ways for children under the age of 12 to enjoy themselves, which include jumping on the trampolines till their every bone hurt, playing air hockey, playing video and arcade games, etc.
Here are some of the important tips that one must keep in mind while in Saudi Arabia.
- Keep your passport with you
- Respect the tradition and culture
- Dress appropriately
- Try the local cuisine
