Places / Asia / Saudi Arabia
Mecca
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At a glance
- Country
- Saudi Arabia
- Region
- Makkah Province
- Population
- 2.4 million
- Best time to go
- November to February
- Main airport
- None — nearest is Jeddah King Abdulaziz International (JED)
- Coordinates
- 21.39°N, 39.86°E
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Overview
Mecca is the holiest city in Islam, the birthplace of the Prophet Muhammad and the direction towards which Muslims around the world pray. Millions come each year for Hajj and Umrah. Entry to the city is restricted to Muslims.
The city revolves around the Great Mosque and the Kaaba at its centre, now surrounded by giant hotel towers. Plan carefully, check the current permit and visa rules, and leave time for reflection as well as ritual.
Things to see
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Photo: Saudipics.com, CC BY-SA 4.0 Masjid al-Haram
The Great Mosque, the largest in the world, with vast marble courtyards that fill with worshippers at every prayer.
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Photo: Richard Mortel, CC BY 2.0 The Kaaba
The black-draped cube at the heart of the mosque, circled by pilgrims performing tawaf day and night.
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Photo: User Nazli, Public domain Jabal al-Nour
The mountain of light, where the cave of Hira marks the place of the first revelation. The climb is steep.
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Photo: Al Jazeera English, CC BY-SA 2.0 Mount Arafat
The granite hill east of the city where pilgrims stand in prayer on the most important day of Hajj.
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Photo: King Eliot, CC BY-SA 4.0 Abraj Al Bait
The giant clock tower complex overlooking the mosque, with a museum on astronomy and timekeeping.
Things to do
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Photo: Muhammad Mahdi Karim ; edited by jjron, GFDL 1.2 Perform Umrah
The lesser pilgrimage can be made at any time of year. Allow several hours, and go at night to avoid the heat.
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Photo: Abdul Razzaq Phulpot…, CC BY-SA 3.0 Visit Jabal Thawr
The mountain whose cave sheltered the Prophet during the migration to Medina, south of the city.
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Photo: Glory20, CC BY-SA 4.0 Take the train to Medina
The Haramain high-speed railway connects Mecca with Medina, home to the Prophet's Mosque.
Find tours
Where to stay
Around the Haram
Towers next to the mosque, for walking to prayers, at the highest cost.
Hotels in Around the HaramAziziyah
Further out on the road to Mina, quieter and better value, with shuttle buses.
Hotels in AziziyahJeddah
For travellers combining Umrah with the coast, about an hour away by train or road.
Hotels in Jeddah
Getting around
The area around the mosque is best on foot. Taxis, ride-hailing apps and buses link the outer districts, though traffic is heavy at peak times.
From Jeddah's airport, the Haramain high-speed train or a taxi reaches Mecca in about an hour.
When to go
The cooler months from November to February are the most comfortable for Umrah. Hajj dates follow the Islamic lunar calendar and move about 11 days earlier each year. Ramadan, especially its last ten nights, is extremely busy.
Plan your trip to Mecca
Guide last checked October 2026. Opening times and prices change, so check before you go.