What are the best things to do in Makkah?
Top picks in Makkah include Holy Quran Museum, Al-Zaher Palace Museum, The Two Holy Mosques Architecture Exhibition, Clock Tower Museum. See the full list and itinerary on this Makkah travel guide.
Photo: Saudipics.com · CC BY-SA 4.0
Why visit Makkah
Travel guide for Makkah, Saudi Arabia — practical tips, places to visit, and planning help.
Makkah is a stop in Saudi Arabia, not a country-in-a-weekend. Plan about 2 days. If time is short, prioritise Holy Quran Museum, Al-Zaher Palace Museum, The Two Holy Mosques Architecture Exhibition instead of racing the whole list. Mid-range ground costs are about 80–180 USD per person per day, excluding international flights. Best time: November–March for cooler, drier conditions. Rankings, stay length and cost bands on this page come from Global Itinerary’s trip-planning models.
Best time
November–March for cooler, drier conditions
Weather
Varies from tropical to temperate depending on the season
Experiences
Things to do in Makkah
1
Holy Quran Museum
2
Al-Zaher Palace Museum
3
The Two Holy Mosques Architecture Exhibition
4
Clock Tower Museum
5
Hussainiya Park
6
King Abdullah Garden
Budget travel
Free things to do in Makkah
The Two Holy Mosques Architecture Exhibition
Hussainiya Park
King Abdullah Garden
Mostly free or pay-what-you-like — always double-check opening times and any seasonal fees before you go.
Plan your trip
Makkah itinerary (2 days)
- 1
Day 1
Icons & landmarks
- Visit Holy Quran Museum
- Visit Al-Zaher Palace Museum
- Visit The Two Holy Mosques Architecture Exhibition
- Eat at Five Guys
- 2
Day 2
Culture & neighborhoods
- Visit Clock Tower Museum
- Visit Hussainiya Park
- Visit King Abdullah Garden
- Eat at Faisalabad Restaurant
Budget
Makkah trip cost
Budget
USD 35–60
per person / day
Mid-range
USD 80–180
per person / day
Luxury
USD 205–340+
per person / day
Typical on-the-ground spend in Makkah, Saudi Arabia. Hostel/guesthouse + local meals ≈ budget; comfortable hotels + mix of dining ≈ mid-range; luxury hotels and fine dining ≈ luxury. Figures exclude international flights.
Trip budget estimator
Typical mid-range for Makkah
Estimated total (USD)
$2,565
≈ $1,283 per person · $366 per day group total
Ground costs ≈ $130/person/day (lodging + food + transport + activities)
Defaults match Makkah mid-range ground costs (budget 35–60 · mid 80–180 · luxury 205–340+ USD/day). Edit freely — flights vary by origin.
Where to eat
Local favourites
Five Guys
A branch of the Five Guys fast food chain.
Faisalabad Restaurant
Pakistani restaurant.
Relish Joy of Taste
Lebanese restaurant.
Al Qasr
Features a wide variety cuisines: Arab, Indian, Moroccan, and Western.
- $$
The Oasis
Serves a wide range of cuisines.
Al-Rehab Restaurant
An Islamic-themed restaurant that offers a great view of Masjid Al-Haram.
Where to stay
Tourist favourites & top-rated
Raffles Makkah Palace
Hilton Makkah Convention Hotel
Offers majestic views and is close to Masjid Al-Haram.
Park Inn by Radisson Makkah Aziziyah
Four Points by Sheraton Makkah Al Naseem
Abraj Al Bait
This 601 m megatall building has become a modern symbol of Mecca. It is the third tallest building in the world and incorporates the world's
Nightlife
- Zamzam Cafe
Museums & culture
- Holy Quran Museum
- Al-Zaher Palace Museum
- The Two Holy Mosques Architecture Exhibition
- Clock Tower Museum
In pictures
Makkah gallery
Photos: Saudipics.com, Richard Mortel from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Al Jazeera English, Wal N., Seeley International — via Wikimedia Commons
Good to know
Makkah travel FAQs
When is the best time to visit Makkah?
November–March for cooler, drier conditions.
How many days do I need in Makkah?
Plan at least 2 days in Makkah for the highlights on our suggested itinerary; add more time for day trips.
Where should I stay in Makkah?
Popular stays in Makkah include Raffles Makkah Palace, Hilton Makkah Convention Hotel, Park Inn by Radisson Makkah Aziziyah. Book central areas if you want to walk to major sights.
How much does a trip to Makkah cost?
On the ground in Makkah (excluding international flights), budget travellers often spend about 35–60 per person per day, mid-range about 80–180, and luxury about 205–340+ (USD). Typical on-the-ground spend in Makkah, Saudi Arabia. Hostel/guesthouse + local meals ≈ budget; comfortable hotels + mix of dining ≈ mid-range; luxury hotels and fine dining ≈ luxury.
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