About
Mecca, known in Arabic as Makkah, is a city in Makkah Province in western Saudi Arabia, in the Hejaz region. It is the holiest city in Islam and the birthplace of the Prophet Muhammad, and every year it draws millions of pilgrims who come for the Hajj and the Umrah.
What to expect
Mecca is first and foremost a place of worship, and a visit here is shaped by that purpose. Access to the holy sites at the heart of the city is generally reserved for Muslims, so non-Muslim visitors should check current entry rules before planning a trip. The city's rhythm follows prayer, and the atmosphere is one of devotion rather than sightseeing.
Who it suits
- Muslims making the Hajj or Umrah, the two pilgrimages that bring people here in large numbers.
- Travellers interested in the religious and cultural life of Islam and its origins.
- Visitors who want to understand how a city of great spiritual importance handles very large crowds.
Planning your visit
Because the city receives such large numbers of pilgrims, travel, accommodation and movement around the holy sites can be busy, especially during the pilgrimage seasons. Allow time for crowds and check official guidance before you go. Visitors who come for the faith and its history will find Mecca a deeply meaningful destination, and it is worth arriving with a clear sense of the purpose of the visit.
