24-Hour Itinerary in Makkah

Start your spiritual journey with this detailed guide to the top Things to do in Makkah, iconic Makkah attractions, and sacred landmarks for an unforgettable one-day experience.

Makkah, also called Makkah al Mukarramah, is situated in the Hejaz region of Saudi Arabia and is the most sacred city in the world. It is home to the Kaaba and Masjid Al Haram, which is the largest mosque in the world. Besides this, the city is also known for several other sacred and historical attractions like the Cave of Hira, Arafat Mountain, Zamzam Well, Mina, museums like the Makkah Museum and Clock Tower Museum, famous attractions like the Abraj Al Bait Complex, and local markets like Souq Al Khalil, drawing a wide range of pilgrims and visitors every year. Moreover, the food scene of Makkah is also famous and combines rich Middle Eastern flavors with tastes from all over the world.

With so much to offer, it is always hard to plan a 24-hour itinerary in the city. But don’t worry, we have got you covered. Below is the ultimate one-day guide to the city, including religious Makkah attractions, famous landmarks, dining places, and more. Keep reading and make your trip memorable!

Start your day in Makkah by praying Fajr at the magnificent Masjid Al Haram. The environment during this time is serene and peaceful, and the sight of the Kaaba and the gentle sounds of prayers make the start of your day consoling. Spend some time in prayer and introspection and feel energized and prepared for the day.

After prayer, visit the Al Ruwad Restaurant in Makkah Swissotel that serves a delicious breakfast buffet every day from 6:30 AM to 10:30 AM. It combines traditional Middle Eastern and Saudi cuisine with popular foreign specialties and offers breads, pastries, eggs, grilled meats, and rice dishes, all with a modern Swiss flair. Other options, including drinks, dessert, and dietary requirements such as gluten-free dishes, are also available on the buffet.

After breakfast, visit the Makkah Museum, which is one of the best things to do in Makkah for anybody interested in Islamic history and heritage. The museum is situated in the Al Zaher Palace and features more than 100,000 artifacts that highlight Arabic art and culture, including calligraphy, ancient Quranic manuscripts, archaeological artifacts, and sculptures. Visitors can explore its seven spacious halls, see religious films, and take in the displays on the history of Makkah and the rise of Islam. The Makkah Museum’s building features an Islamic architectural design and several ponds and lush gardens contributing to its peaceful environment. Moreover, it also has prayer spaces, a gift shop, a library, and a café. It is 15 to 20 minutes from Masjid Al Haram by car and offers a great educational experience.

In the mid-morning, visit Jabal Al Noor, also known as Jabal Hira, situated around 4 kilometers northeast of the Grand Mosque. This mountain is well known for the Cave of Hira, where Angel Jibril gave the first revelation of the Quran to the Holy Prophet (SAWW). The trek to the cave features 1,750 steps and takes about one to three hours, depending on your pace. Once you are at the top, you can admire the beautiful views of Makkah and the Kaaba. The mountain holds great historical and religious importance for Muslims and features a dark and rocky shape, which makes it stand out. This excursion combines history, devotion, and challenge, making Jabal Al Noor a great place to visit.

After Jabal Al Noor, visit Jabal Al Thawr, which is situated 5 kilometers south of the Grand Mosque. This 754-meter-tall mountain is well known for the Cave of Thawr, where Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA) and the Holy Prophet (PBUH) sought safety during their journey to Medina. They spent three nights hiding here while the Quraysh were looking for them. The cave has two openings and is 3.5 meters long and wide, and it takes about 1.5 to 2 hours to reach. Nowadays, it serves as a representation of faith in Allah and is visited by numerous tourists looking for introspection.

After exploring the Makkah Museum, return to your hotel to relax and offer Zuhr prayer, spend some time unwinding, and then get ready for the next phase of the day.

For lunch, visit the Al Baik restaurant in Makkah, which is well known for its broast chicken and garlic sauce. The restaurant has several branches across Makkah, including one near the Haram, and provides pilgrims, families, and tourists with a lighthearted and relaxed atmosphere. The menu features options like burgers, sandwiches, fish fillets, salads, chicken nuggets, and a range of sauces. Other side dishes, including coleslaw, hummus, and corn, as well as desserts like maamoul and strawberry ice cream, are also available on the menu. 

Once you are done with lunch, visit the King Abdul Aziz Complex for Kiswa, which is famous for creating Kiswa, the black silk fabric covering of the Kaaba embroidered with Quranic passages using gold-plated thread. This complex is situated in the Umm Al Joud neighborhoods and employs more than 200 talented craftspeople who work in the areas of embroidery, weaving, assembly, and painting. Visitors can see the creation process and understand the workmanship that goes into this sacred custom. The King Abdul Aziz Complex was founded in 1927 and has since undergone many renovations. Online reservations for both individual and group visits to the complex are available on the official website of the General Presidency for the Two Holy Mosques.

Return to Masjid Al Haram to pray Asr and Maghrib. Take some time reflecting on your morning and afternoon experiences, and then proceed toward the evening activities.

Visit the Gurkan Şef Steakhouse in Makkah to have a delicious dining experience. This restaurant is situated on Ibrahim Al Jufaili Road and is known for its succulent and premium steaks. The Turkish eatery serves a range of meats such as döner kebabs, ribeyes, tomahawk chops, steak frites, and dry-aged and wet-aged veal, catering to all types of meat lovers. The restaurant features a warm, sophisticated, and comfortable environment with private seating, making it perfect for family and friends. The menu also features non-meat choices like salads and pasta for vegetarians and vegans. The renowned Turkish chef Gurkan Şef uses excellent ingredients and guarantees a delightful eating experience for visitors in Makkah.

Visit the Clock Tower Museum in the evening, which is situated on the top four floors of the Abraj Al Bait in Makkah and is run by the Misk Foundation. The museum combines science and religion and shows the evolution of the Hijri calendar, calculation of prayer times, and observing crescents through a wide range of displays. It is also home to several exhibitions based on the tower’s construction, historical timekeeping, astronomy, and the motion of planets and stars, as well as several science experiments. Moreover, the museum also offers beautiful views of the Grand Mosque and the Kaaba, making your visit a memorable one.

Plan your 34-hour Makkah itinerary with a comfortable stay at Taj Park Hotel.