Skip to content
Masjid al-Haram

Islamic Heritage / Saudi Arabia / Makkah Region

Makkah (Mecca)

A sacred city in Islam.

Photo: King Eliot / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0 (source)

Makkah (Mecca) is the holiest city in Islam and the destination of the Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages. It is a sacred city, and visitors come to worship.

Masjid al-Haram and the Kaaba

Masjid al-Haram, the Grand Mosque, surrounds the Kaaba, towards which Muslims face in prayer.

Hajj and Umrah

Hajj and Umrah are Islamic pilgrimages to Makkah. The Hajj & Umrah Guide gives an overview and links to the official platforms.

Ziyarat and historical Islamic sites

Ziyarat means visiting historical and religious sites. Around Makkah these include Jabal al-Nour and Mount Arafat.

Accommodation and travel guidance

Arrange travel and accommodation only through licensed operators and official channels, and check current entry rules before you plan. This site does not list hotels or prices.

Non-Muslims are not allowed to travel to Mecca. Hajj and Umrah visas and permits are handled through Saudi Arabia’s official Nusuk platform, and the rules change, so check current requirements before you plan.

Best time to visit
Famous for

View full page