FlyZafy
Sign in
Makkah

Makkah, Saudi Arabia

Makkah

Islam's holiest city, home to Masjid al-Haram and the Kaaba, the direction of prayer for Muslims everywhere. Millions come each year for Umrah and Hajj. Makkah is open to Muslims only.

Favourite places

Historical places

Local food

  • Saleeg

    Makkah, Saudi Arabia

    A comforting Hejazi dish from the Taif, Makkah and Jeddah region: short-grain white rice slow-cooked in milk and broth until creamy, served with roast chicken and a drizzle of ghee.

  • Mutabbaq

    Makkah, Saudi Arabia

    Thin, crispy folded pastry filled with minced meat, egg and leek (or a sweet banana and cheese version), cooked on a hot griddle. A favourite Hejazi street snack, especially in the evening and in Ramadan.

  • Zamzam water

    Makkah, Saudi Arabia

    Not a dish but the drink every pilgrim remembers: water from the well of Zamzam inside Masjid al-Haram, available in coolers throughout the mosque. Pilgrims drink it standing, facing the Qibla, and many take it home.

Where to eat

  • Food courts around the Haram

    Abraj Al Bait (Clock Towers) and the hotels around Masjid al-Haram

    The malls and hotels facing the mosque have large food courts with Saudi, South Asian, Turkish and international food, open long hours for pilgrims.

    Open in Google Maps (opens in a new tab)

  • Local Hejazi bakeries and restaurants

    Aziziyah, Ajyad and the neighbourhoods around the Haram

    Small bakeries sell hot tamees bread and ful for breakfast, and neighbourhood restaurants serve saleeg, mandi, kabsa and grills — often better value than the food courts.

    Open in Google Maps (opens in a new tab)

Where to stay

  • Around the Haram (Abraj Al Bait and Ajyad)

    Makkah, Saudi Arabia

    Hotels facing or a few minutes from Masjid al-Haram, including the Clock Tower complex. The most convenient for praying in the mosque, and the most in demand in Ramadan and Hajj.

    Open in Google Maps (opens in a new tab)

  • Aziziyah

    Makkah, Saudi Arabia

    A residential district between the Haram and Mina, popular with Hajj and Umrah groups. Quieter and better value, with shuttle buses or taxis to the mosque.

    Open in Google Maps (opens in a new tab)

Culture

Makkah's life revolves around the Haram and the five daily prayers. Pilgrims from every corner of the Muslim world fill its streets, speaking dozens of languages, and the city's Hejazi families have welcomed and served them for generations.

The rhythm of the year follows the Islamic calendar: the crowded nights of Ramadan, the days of Hajj in Dhul Hijjah and the Eid celebrations. Courtesy, patience and helping fellow pilgrims are part of the spirit of the city.

History

Makkah lies in a dry valley of the Hejaz mountains. In Islamic tradition, the Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) and his son Ismail raised the foundations of the Kaaba here, and the well of Zamzam sprang for Hajar and Ismail. Makkah became a centre of pilgrimage and of caravan trade across Arabia.

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was born in Makkah around 570 CE, and here, in the Cave of Hira on Jabal al-Nour, he received the first revelation of the Quran. After years of persecution he migrated to Madinah in 622 (the Hijrah), and returned in 630, when the Kaaba was cleared of idols and dedicated to the worship of the One God.

Over the centuries caliphs, sultans and kings enlarged and restored the Sacred Mosque. Since the 20th century, successive Saudi expansions have greatly increased its size, together with new roads, tunnels and the Haramain High-Speed Railway, to receive millions of pilgrims each year.

Tour plans

Umrah and Makkah in four days

4 days, 3 nights

  1. Step 1: Day 1 — Arrival and Umrah

    Arrive from Jeddah in ihram, check in, then perform Umrah: tawaf around the Kaaba, prayer behind Maqam Ibrahim, Zamzam, sa’i between Safa and Marwah, and cutting or shaving the hair.

  2. Step 2: Day 2 — Prayers in the Haram

    Pray in Masjid al-Haram and rest between prayers; early-morning or late-night tawaf is often calmer.

  3. Step 3: Day 3 — Jabal al-Nour and Hira Cultural District

    Early morning at the foot of Jabal al-Nour, the Hira Cultural District exhibitions, and (for the fit) the climb towards Cave Hira.

  4. Step 4: Day 4 — Museums and farewell

    Visit the Kiswa complex or the Clock Tower Museum if a visit can be arranged, then a farewell tawaf before leaving Makkah.

Map

Open in Google Maps (opens in a new tab)

Travel information

Best time to visit

For Umrah, any time of year; winter months (November–February) are cooler. Ramadan, especially its last ten nights, and the Hajj season are the busiest.

How to get there

Entry: Makkah is open to Muslims only. Umrah needs a permit through the Nusuk app, and Hajj an official Hajj permit or package.

By air: Makkah has no commercial airport. Pilgrims fly to King Abdulaziz International Airport, Jeddah (JED) — about 80–100 km away — with its dedicated Hajj Terminal in season, or to Madinah (MED) and travel on.

By train: the Haramain High-Speed Railway connects Makkah (station in Al-Rusaifah) with Jeddah airport, Jeddah city and Madinah. Buses and taxis link the station to the Haram.

By road: the Jeddah–Makkah expressway takes about an hour; Hajj and Umrah groups usually travel by organised coach.

Getting around

  • On foot: the area around Masjid al-Haram is best walked; distances inside the mosque are large.
  • Makkah buses and hotel shuttles link outer districts with the Haram.
  • Taxis and ride-hailing apps are widely used; roads close near the Haram at peak times.
  • During Hajj, the Al Mashaaer Al Mugaddassah metro runs between Mina, Muzdalifah and Arafat for pilgrims.

Travel tips

  • Muslims only: non-Muslims are not permitted to enter Makkah. Road checkpoints mark the boundary of the Haram area, and signs direct non-Muslim traffic around the city.
  • Permits: Umrah needs a permit booked in the official Nusuk app, and Hajj is performed only with an official Hajj permit or package from your country. Check the current visa and permit rules before you travel.
  • Ihram: pilgrims enter the state of ihram at or before their miqat; those flying to Jeddah for Umrah usually do so before or during the flight.
  • Crowds: prayer times, Fridays, Ramadan and Hajj are extremely busy; keep your group's meeting point and hotel name with you.
  • Heat: carry water (Zamzam is available in the mosque), use an umbrella in the sun and rest in the hottest hours.
  • Dress: modest clothing; women wear loose clothing covering the body and hair.

All destinations